Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1911-09-28
By CLARISSA MACklE

T.
r. citation, 1911. Z
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When Alice Lovett had come out of
the east, where she had been for a
years visit, Percie Card succumbed at
once to her loneliness and charm. 1t
was by no means his first love affair.
but 1t was without doubt his most seri-
Gus one.
The beautiful Miss Lovett, however.
looked with indifference upon the
young millionaire-upon his extreme
slenderness his narrow face with its
close placed eyes, sleek hair and rose
bud mouth, like girls. She disliked
his overdeferential manner, the touch
Of his white spatulate finger tips and,
above all, his effeminacy. Mentally
she wore n picture of a tall, brown
faced man. with strong hands, keen
blue eyes and shock of chestnut hair.
There was also the memory of brief,
blissful betrothal a quarrel and the
long ache after the parting. He, the
artist, had sailed for unknown seas
with sketch book and pencil, while she
had fled home to California as being
farthest from the scene of her heart
disaster.
1t was at the suggestion Of his So
cial sponsor, Mrs. Arlington, that Per-
Gle Card planned a cruise on the Har-
leuuin. 1t required heroic resolve to
do this, but the opportunity offered by
long, delightful days on the Pacific
with Alice Lovett, followed by dream
full, moonlit, tropical nights, was not
to be denied, and so it was that one
fine September morning the long black
hull of the Harlequin slipped through
the Golden Gate and disappeared into
the enchanted west.
"Can you do it?" asked Card for the
third time.
Captain Alveiro scowled. II must
think" he said sullenly. II must plan
it all out and consider 1t. There is a
risk"
BAH scoffe,l Card. IF you're
afraid, say so! l thought you fellows
were fire eaters. When it comes right
down to turning off a job-well, say,
you've got a kindergarten beaten to
standstill.'
"Ah, you think so? The captains
slim brown fingers caressed an ugly
looking knife produced from his tight
" girted waist Just the same, sir,
I'll take my time and think about it.
Card shifted uneasily in his seat.
"All right, take your time, old sport,
he said. with sickly grin. And as
for you, Cotton, keep your mouth shut
-saveyY He glared savagely at the
old seaman.
Cotton observed Il respectful silence.
and Alveiro, who had sheathed his
knife, turned his somber face to the
young millionaire GIVE yourself no
uneasiness. Mr.. Card. 1t will happen
as you wish-about tomorrow even
ing or very early the following day"
His voice dropped to kissing whis-
per- and the payment Of the money
i may be assured OF that. STRIP
"Sure thing" nodded Card careless
ly, land IL you make pretty job of
it I'll make it twenty-five hundred"
All that night and the next day the
Harlequin labored in the teeth Of a
gale. At nightfall Percie Card report
ed that the men were exhausted,
propeller shaft was broken and that
the yacht was drifting helplessly at
the mercy of the storm. There was
spare shaft aboard, but under present
conditions no repairs could be made.
He made this announcement to the
in 10 Of
the women had retired.
"Then there is danger?' said Man
nering coolly.
Card laughed nervously. "Of course"
he said abruptly. "If the wind
changes Alveiro says We'll come out
all right"
Alice Lovett slept little that night
She as well as the rest Of the women
was good sailor but the pitching and
lurching Of the yacht prevented repose
Of body. while her mind was painfully
I active in its FESTIVE unhappiness. That
day she had refused Percie Cards Of
fer Of marriage for the third time. and
his open resentment was unpleasant.
She sank into doze. to be awakened
by an insistent rapping at her door.
Some one was speaking hoarsely.
miss Lovett. get up and dress at once!
We are In great danger! Hurry'
There were hoarse shouts from the
boat that had been lowered, and Alice
found herself hurried over the side
and passed from one strong arm to
another until she was seated in the
pitching dory. There was little de-
lay while the boat rose and sank on
the great rollers. Another boat was
being lowered.
Once she raised her voice and called,
Mrs. Arlington. are you safer but
the words died out on the gale. She
reached out a hand and felt nothing
save the rough flannel shirt of sea-
man. Her friends were probably fol
lowing in another boat.
Before she could think further the
roar of the breakers drowned even her
Al. g.. f,tt -, 4