The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-03-10
(Continued.)

He remembered when they last met, Ronald had been the life and soul pf a party of young aristocrats at the house of one of the leaders of So- ciety; and Vane had been struck, as most persons were, by Ronald's splen- did form, handsome face, and deb onair manner. At that time he had seemed to be the glass of fashion, as Hazirt puts it. the exposure of all eyes, a very favourite of fortune. And now, here he was, haunting the East London Docks in search of employ ment, But vane was, as has been said, in many senses of the word, a man of the world, and experienced enough to know that nothing is so fickle as Fortune, nothing so f1eeting as prosperity, and nothing so certain as the unexpected.
 That sounds strange, coming from you" he said; "but it's a strange world. It's up to-day and down to- rnorrow-and, perhaps up again the day after. I myself have had my vicissitudes; and I've known what it is to walk the streets of London with one-and-ninepence in my pocket and to be quite ignorant of how to make it up to two shillings.'
 '.Yes; it's a rum world" remarked Ronald cheerfully, and with a phil osophy befitting the assertion.
 Let me see," said vane, after they had smoked in silence for a moment or two. Didn't you accompany Der rick on that trip of his to South Ann erica? I have an idea that you did" That's so."
 And you had a pretty rough time, if I remember" said Vane. Ship wrecked, or something like it, weren't you"
 "Yes." assented Ronald; ''but we pulled through. Derrick was a good sailorman."
 -Hm. yes" unused vane. '1 re- member that's exactly what he said of you-''
 He was silent for a minute or two, putting quickly at his pipe,and glanc- ing now and again at Ronald with quick, but by no means furtive, eyes. He seemed to be turning over some thing in his mind, to be hesitating. as if he was asking himself if he should or should not take some risk. At last he said, in a lower voice than that in which he had hitherto spoken, and with a sudden gravity:
 Look here, Desborough - I beg your pardon, Carew-that yacht of mine, the Hawk. is going on a cruise. It's not a long one; at least'-he paused, and seemed to consider his words-''it may be a long one; we may be some time on it. I've got q captain. a man I've had with me for years, and a crew I can depend on I'm going to sail with them; and should be glad if you would accom- pany me-
 Do you mean as a guest?" Ronald asked, colouring slightly. Because, if so, I'm afraid I shall have to refuse I'm down on my luck just now; and 
 T want to earn my own living. have certificate; can ship as mate if you'll take me-"
 NO; that wouldn't work" said Vane slowly. For one thing, shouldn't like you to occupy subor- dinate position; for another-well you don't look like an ordinary mata; you look just what you are. The captain would be awkwardly placed and the men would be made curious by having a gentleman amongst them I've no doubt you could undertake the duties we'll enough, my dear fel. low; but your appearance is agains you"
 Ronald's countenance fell; but Vans put out his hand and touched hi! companions arm reassuringly, and yet with a gesture of doubt and ap peal
 Come with me as my guest, as we'll. as ny partner" he said in a stil lower voice. his sharp eyes dartins about the bar. This is not altogether a pleasure trip; I mean that-Pve go a little object in view. I can't tel you what it is; so you mustn't asi me. but, if you'll trust me and joir me in this-venture, I shall be glad to have you"
 I'm with you,'' said Ronald a once; for here was another adventure But suddenly his laugh was check cd for he remembered Smithers. "Oh, by the way" he said, I'm afraid I shai have to make a condition which yol won't accept. I have a man witt me-a man who has done me a grea service. and whose welfare I am, ss to speak, responsible for. I can take a berth unless I get one fo him at the same tine-in fact, we'r, in the same boat, and can't be sep arated."
 Vane regarded him with a surpris, which was reasonable.
 What sort of a mana gentle man?" he asked.
 ~One of Nature's,'' replied RonaIt simply. "A good fellow and piucky one"
 .Reliable?" asked Vane.