The Oakes times. [volume] (Oakes, N.D.) 1906-current, 1912-06-20


filter, Yet even these were rivaled
by some Of the dresses made on board
by ingenious feminine fingers
But splendid beyond all the others
was the costume of the Arab chief
He determined to seek out Iris for
the first dance. but before his end of
the procession had completed the sec
ond turn OF the deck the band had
struck up and he perceived that the
pretty water carrier was already the
partner OF the prince. He found
chair next to her sister, who declared
herself too old to dress up or TO dance,
ana sat Lnere rUlher moodlly watching
the brilliant scene.
After all it was not much fun to
dance on the floor which at every roll
Of the ship changed its angles and
least OF all with a girl who seemed to
have forgotten the fact of his exist
ence. In two days she would get Off
at Colombo and this special friend
skip which had been SO delightful,
might as well end tonight as few
nights Iater--yct, as d matter of form,
he would ask her for a second waltz.
But the interval ended, the second
waltz began and Iris had not returned
to her chaperon.
The prince promised to show her
the southern cross, which will appear
tonight for the first time" said her
sister. 1T was rather a long lesson
in astronomy" she remarked little
rebuknsly, when Iris made her APP
Eearance at the end Of the second in
terval.
Iris looked radiant, and he put his
pride in his pocket and determined to
beg for the third dance, but before he
could rise from his chair the first Of
flcer had come up to claim her. He
watched her furtively, determined she
should not have the qualification of
knowing that he was even aware of
her presence.
How Iris enjoys herself!" said her
sister. And you-are not dancing to-
nisht?"
Not tonight" he said. 81 am weary
and snail turn in early"
Nevertheless, he remained watch,
| ing the dance, and each time that Iris
returned to sit down a partner appear
ed as if by magic to take her away
All the evening they had not eX
changed word.
He turned to her sister. when the
ball is over we will have claret Guy
and sandwiches here" he suggested.
| II Y,
The evening, which might have beer
SO delightful, had been wasted; he
had been badly treated he had beer
deliberately sighted; but what he fell
most, he said TO himself, was the dis
covery that Iris was like every othe
girl; that if she had not hirted will
the prince and the first officer, with al
the officers and all the eligible men OF
board, it was because she had beer
having fun at his expense He lash
ed himself into fury.
The band had already begun to put
away their instruments. Deck hands
We're taking down the Chinese lanterns
and still Iris did not appear
A storm Of jealousy swept over him
at all events should not be found
sitting there waiting till she SHOULD
gruciously return. He got up has
tily, pleading a headache, and went be
low.
1t was the first time since the voy
age started that he had not said "gooC
night" to Iris.
After 20 minutes he was conscious
of suffering unbearably. He went or
deck again, hoping to see her; the
lights were turned out; the deck de
serted.
The next morning he was on deck
soon after six. There was, of course
no. chance that she would be visible
before nine; but the mere fact OF be
ing up and dressed seemed to bring
her nearer to him.
His own anxiety now was to see hel
to explain everything. to apologize. te
beg her forgiveness.
He was amazed to see Iris advanc
Ing toward him. 1t was still very
early; sailors were washing down the
decks, one or two men in pajamas
else before their bath.
Their eyes met while they were Still
some distance apart and, moved by the
same instinct, both turned
1t was inevitable, however, that they
should meet on the other side of thu
deck Iris greeted him almost timidly
The radiance of the previous evening
had vanished, there was tenderness IL
h r eyes. gentleness in her voice.
II could not Sleep" she said. Z"
rose early to see Minekoi"
He noticed for the first time thu
beautiful coral island, the cleaning
white beach and the waving line o
cocoanut palms that seemed floating
OH the blue.
ut is dangerous place." he said
Three or four ships have some
times been wrecked there at the sam,
time"
we at least have run no risks,
she said
About last night" he began, an,
stopped.
She gave him a radiant smile.
IF i deserved it you punished :le,'
he said. And you looked so beauti
full"
Last night we were masquerading.
she said.
81 fpve decided, like you, to spend
fortnight at Colombo"
1T Is decision we must celebrate
she said, "by having breakfast togeth
er. My sister will not be up for hours
And we can go on with our converse