The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-06-03
THE EVENING STORY
Castaways.
(By Philip Kean.)


on that July morning two young peo-
pie asked Captain Green to take them
over to the island.
"I've got to row some barges up
the river tomorrow" the captain said,
"but I amt got nothn', on today
The little tug boat plowed through
water that was as smooth as mir
ror. Captain Green. at the wheel.
threw occasional remarks at his young
passengers.
There amt much to see on the
island" he observed. but everybody
seems to want to go there"
Its the historical interest Helen
Brewster told him. Somebody said
MES. a Spanish vessel sailed through
the bay and up the river and buried
| treasure on this very island. And it's
| there yet
The captain laughed ST guess ev-
cry inch of that island has been dug
/ up and nobodY amt ever found any
| gold
"welI. it's fun to see the place and
| dream of what we might do if we
should find it,
| gIoomily. you are always thinking
! of what we would do if we had money,
| Helen"
She flushed. That's unkind." Her
voice WAS low SO that the captain did
not catch her words.
Are you going to stay?" he asked
as they neared the shore. 'Some folks
like to eat lunch and have me come
back for them.
| 1--WE didn't bring any lunch.'' Kirk
stated.
You will find an old lady up there
in little house." the captain told
them. "She keeps milk and ginger
| bread and things
With this promise for future re-
freshment, his passengers decided to
stay over. What time will you come
for us?" Kirk asked us they landed.
and much putting and blowing. the lit
tie boat was off.
The island was a place of pines
and rocks and loneliness. They hunt
ed for the little house and found the
4 old woman gone. A note stuck in the
old fashioned knocker told them that
| she would not be back until dark.
And there goes our lunch Helen
| complained.
| would it be stealing ?" Kirk ques-
| toned "if we broke in ard took what
we wanted and left the money on the
| table? %
wen starve If we don't" was Hell
| ems answer.
The door was unlocked. and in the
little kitchen they found eggs and
|
"If you build a fire II. make you
| an ON elet.' said the girl
| After satisfying our appetites," said
Kirk, well go to seek our fortune"
eff we could find the eold.'' Helen
said what a wonderful thing it would
be- Think what could do with it,
Kirk"
Again her lover looked gloomy. 1.-THE
gold of this omelet suffices for me, -
he said. with you as nv wife I
should be contented to live the simple
life, Helen. 1t would be love in cot
tage. but it would be love-
"Of course" Her eyes flashed.
you always take me so seriously,
Kirk"
His voice was very low as he an
swered her. Il can never forget that
you gave up the prospect for riches
when you consented to marry me,
| Helen
ct gave up nothing"
But you love beautiful thiugs-I
am afraid that my poverty will bring
you unhappiness.
It was an old argument out of which
had come many disagreenents. And
now it degenerated into a quarrel. She
accused him of distressing her, he re-
taliated that it was not distrust. but
lack of confidence in his ability to
make her happy.
A quarrel is never a pleasant thing.
but it reaches the climax of the I'M
pleasant when two persons are in a
place where they cannot get away
| from each other. and where there is
no one to relieve the strain of the sit
uation. The captain had said that he
could not get back until evening
| Kirk suggested colby that they go
down to the beach and watch for the
boat Helen agreed, and they went,
knowing well their watch would ex-
tend through the whole afternoon.
The bay was ruffIed by waves that
were tipped with white caps. Along
the horizon was a dull bank Of
clouds
Helen shivered. 81 wish the cap
Itain would come" she said.
eff you are cold, you may have my
coat Kinks voice was cold.
Helen refused. but presently as the
storm increased. suggested that they
go back to the house. The sky was
dark with the gathering clouds. the
pines bent and moaned and the birds
swooped in for shelter.
Within the little house the air was
in the fireplace and Helen. warmed by
the glow. offered overtures of peace.
How silly we are to get angry over
a little thing"
But Kirk could not shake off the de-
preston that burdened him. You are
too fine and exquisite for anything
that I can give you
| The compliment did not please her.
,"You think am just pussy cat girl,
imade for a warm hearthstone.' she
accused him.
Once more they stormed at each
other. while another storm ragged
without
At o'clock they were in the midst
. of a tempest which drove the waves