The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-10-10

ing. He not only forgot his fears but reprcac ched himself for his low esti- mate of her character in supposing that she would allow herself or permit him to cross the line of danger. Her solici- tude for Bivens seemed deep and genu- inc.
 Bivens' joy at meeting Stuart was pathetic, and moved him deeply. He was surprised to find him so strong, apparently, in body and yet so broken in spirit.
 The little shrunken hand clung to his friends.
 You know. I felt the thing creeping on me for the past two years, but couldn't let up. That's why l tried so hard to put some of the load on your shoulders. At least you can help me to get we'll. To the devil with the doc tors, I'm tired. too, of all the syco- plants, liars and fools who hang around I didn't mind 'em when I was well. But they get on my nerves now. The doctors kept dinning into my ears that I've got to rest and play, and finally one old duffer over in France put an idea into my head that brought me back home to see you He told me to get on a small boat with. a single nurse and congenial friend, get away from land cut every telephone and telegraph line, get no mail, and shoot ducks all winter, and he'd guarantee I'd be a new man next spring. I've sent for you to accept the invitation you gave me to shoot ducks with you down in Virginia
 What invitation ?'' Stuart asked in surprise
 sWhy, the one you used to reproach me for not accepting. Will you go with me now?''
 Stuart shook his head
 ''T can't go.' he said slowly. N
 Bivens hadn't said Nan must go on that trip, but in flash of warning in tuition he knew it. The danger of such situation on yacht would be real and only fool would rush into it.
 Cant go? Why?" the fnancier asked in tones of genuine distress.
 i've important legal business There's no use in my going. I can tell you exactly where to go. the guides to get and the kind of boats you'll need. You'll get along better without me-
 II won't go without you,'' the f1nan- cfer said peevishly. <.You know the place, you know all about the birds, you can teach me the ins and outs of LAO OuSIAcAS dASI l CdH lEuSI yOu l know that you won't try to worm out of me any information my enemies would like to know. I appeal to the boy I used to know at college, the fel- low who fought for me one day''
 Stuart hesitated and looked at Man. who had stood aotionIess while Biv- ems spoke
 Well, if that's the way you put it, I'll take vacation and go with you for month'
 Bivens seized his hand and pressed it gratefully.
 Best medicine I've had in weeks
 Nan walked slowly across the room looked into his eyes and said, with emotion:
 Thank you, Jim.
 In five days the party had completed all preparations and Bivens big steamer. the Buccaneer, slipped quiet " through the Narrows and headed for the Virginia coast towing a trim little schooner built for cruising in the Shoal wa ters of the south
 They had scarcely put to sea when Stuart began to curse himself for being led into such a situation.
 Bivens had insisted with amateurish enthusiasm that they begin the cruise on the little schooner-with her limit ed crew and close quarters-at once, and use the Buccaneer as her tender. The moment they struck the swell outside Sandy Hook the fnancier went to bed and the doctor never left his side until the trip ended.
 Nan was in magnificent spirits, her cheeks flushed and her eyes sparkled with the joy of a child Stuart watched her with growing wonder at her eternal south.
 The night was one of extra ordinary si}ringlike air though 1t was the 18th of December. A gentle breeze was blowing from the south and the full moon flooded the smooth sea with soft silvery radiance Nan insisted that Stuart sit on deck with her. There was no help for 1t. Bivens would allow no one except the doctor in his room, and so Stuart resigned himself to the beauty of the glorious scene.
 "Jifn,'' she said, softly. ''I don't like your attitude, and I think we'd better fight it out here and now in the beginning of this trip. It's useless to deny it. You hesitated to come on deck with me in the moonlight this evening. Your assumption of such chilling virtue is insulting. I wish an apOlO2y ana a pTOIn1Se never 10 uO SD again.
 Have I really made you feel this?'' he asked contritely.
 You have and feel it keenly. Let's come to an understanding. You and both live in glass houses set on 8, very high hill. No matter what may be the secrets Of my heart. I'm not fool, and you cat3 trust my good sense"
 Stuart pressed her hand and said gently:
 I'm wfully sorry if I've made such an ass of myself that vo11 hare receiv-