Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-04-21
CHAPTER III.
The Hut in the Palms: Night.

He had taken but a few steps. and
those dizzily. when the strangers voice
called after him, clear and commanding.
wait a Bit" The man In white stood
looking down from the doorway, with an
altered countenance. We're all fools, if
it comes to that. I mean to say, If
you'd lived here by your lonesome. like
ME. till you felt ready to beat your dog
given you a start. A man with your face
and build is no beachcomber. of course,
and I beg pardon. You gave me some
thing like a jump, you know. and your
story was a bit Of shocker. Wasn't it.
now. to be fair?''
David stood there in doubt. sulking.
II don't see anything in my story. he
retorted. Ito shock any man with an open
mind. or''-he paused: then could not help
adding-"or a clear conscience.
His rival in the doorway laughed-a
pleasant. easy laugh, which was good to
hear, and which gave his face look of
captivating mischief.
Dear chap" he cried, Il haven't either,
upon my word! My minds perfect nest
of suspicious, as yours would be If
He broke off and laughed again. And
conscience-mine's about as clear as mud.
Come back here! 1 like the way you
took this
But David, not to be cast OFF and whis-
tied back so easily. turned to go. On the
fiat path his feet stumbled. as II among
hummOckS; his eyes We're dry and leaden
in their sockets. and round him the slim
trunks Swayed and blurred.
Easy now." coaxed a friendly voice.
Pins a little wobbly? Hold hard"' David
could not tell whether he had fallen or
on the Englishman's shoulder heavily,
and somehow without conjunction.
STEADY bit! Only a step or two"
What followed David never could recall.
not get off the bed for a long time, that
the glass Of whisky was tepid and potent.
and that his host, limping painfully about
on SCARED and notified feet, was scold-
ing himself In a queer soliloquy.
He remembered waking once, to see
through window the brightness of
tropic day. the high palm tops dazzling in
silver spikes. as he rolled over into the in
finite luxury Of sleep.
1t was evening when he came to HIM
low with hunger. a candle burned in a
little sconce Of bamboo, and on a chair.
close by, lay a cinglet, suit of white
and canvas pumps. coated with fresh
pipeclay. He put them on with the graft
tude of castaway redeemed.
In the next room, beside the lamp, his
host sat opening tina strangely mental
task, 1T seemed, for q man with the face
OF young emperor.
"HalIo!" he said. cheerfully, and bent
his shining head over the obstinate metal.
How are you? Feeling peckish?"
Through dinner he had little to say. but
sat watching: with quick smile when
ever David spoke, grave face between
times, and always an air of studying his
guest. A curry of timed meat was fol-
lowed by gula with fresh cocoanut milk
this, by more whisky and tepid water,
and then a handful OF Mrs. Middleton S
cheroots. AS soon as the blue wreaths Of
Burmah tobacco were cOiling round the
eyed each other across the little table,
like friends.
II see." drawled the stranger. you're
wondering. What, now?'
David smiled.
Not for me to ask" he replied. But
odd-no servant and that gun lying Just
where / can't see it,
His host laughed. the same engaging
laugh, which robbed his face Of all pride
and all suspicion.
"a good eye you have there, old chap"
he stopped, fished up the carbine from
under foot and stood it against the wall.
Habit" that's all. 1t wasn't meant for
you, l assure you. There it is-plain sight
and equidistant, Ell? Shows 1 trust you?''
II didn't mean that" said David. Here
sit, wearing your clothes. eating your
food, smoking your tobacco. You might
carry cannon In your lap. But you in
vited the question:
The other nodded. His handsome face
fell serious again as he continued, very
slowly:
Il had a servant once. but the poor
devil got frightened off-ran clear across
the island at one go. l dare say, with his
pigtail straight out behind him: I dom
mind saying
The speaker paused. frowned slightly
then looked David square in the eye. 1.-THE
fact is, I'm in a funk, rather. If they
only knew. they could bag me whenever
they liked
He leaned across. caught up the stubby
Mannlicher, and. posing it. athwart be-
tween them, smiled oddly.
Il told you I trusted you. Here goes!"
He ran the side bolt back and forth rap