, 1913-07-03
A Romance of
The South Seas

knowledge of the almost universal
(beche de mer English. and half a
dozen of his fellows wrangled to ex-
plain.
'There are only two or three more"
Joan said TO Sheldon, land then we're
done. But you haven't told me that
you are not angry"
Sheldon looked into her clear eyes as
she favored him with a direct, I'M
troubled gaze that threatened. he knew
from experience. to turn teasingly de-
FAINT on an instant's notice. And as
he looked at her, 1t came to him that
he had new half anticipated the glad
ness her return would bring to him.
81 was angry" he said deliberately.
81 am still angry. very angry"-he
noted the CLINT of defiance in her eyes
and thrilled-"but I forgave, and 1
now forgive all over again. Though I
still insist
: "1That I should have a guardian"
she Interrupted. But that day will
never come. Thank goodness, Pm Of
ness in my own right. And, speaking
of business. how do you like my force
full American methodist
'Mr. Raft. from what l hear, doesn't
take kindly to them" he temporized.
land you've certainly set the dry
bones rafting for many "A day. But
what | want to 20 is, II other
American women are as successful in
business ventures?
| ~ al -,N- Ill I,.-I. ~ .I-. t..l.t
ed modestly. though her eyes lighted
with sudden pleasure, and he knew
her boys vanity had been touched by
bis trifie of tempered praise.
Luck be blowedr' broke out the
long mate, Sparrowhawk. his face
shining with admiration. at was hard
work, that's what 1t was. We earned
our pay. She worked us till we drop
| ped, n we We're down with fever
half the time. So was she, for that
matter, only she wouldn't stay down.
and she wouldn't let us stay down
My word, she's a lave driver. An
the Lord lumme, the way she made
love to old Kina-Kina!'
III was older than Telepasse and
dirtier," she assured Sheldon, "and I
am sure much wickeder. Now / ruust
run and wash up Did the Sydney or
ders arriveT'
yours are in your quarters" Shell
don said. Hurry, for breakfast is
waiting. Let me have your hat and
belt. Do, please, allow me. There's
only one hook for them, and i know
where it is"
She gave him a quick scrutiny that
was almost womanlike, then sighed
with relief as she unbuckled the heavy
belt and passed it to him.
81 doubt If i ever want to see an
other revolver" she complained. THAT
n has worn a hole in me, Pm sure.
l never dreamed 1 could get so weary
Of one"
Sheldon watched her to the foot of
the steps, where she turned and called
back:
my, 1 can't tell you how good it is
to be home againr
"And Burnett said, Well, I'll be
ID! / beg your pardon, Miss Lack.
land, but you have wantonly broken
the recruiting laws and you know it, -
Captain Munster narrated as they sat
e their whisky, waiting for Joan to
come back. And says she to him,
Mr.. Burnett, can you show me any
law against taking the passengers off
a vessel that's on a reef?' What could
Burnett do? He passed the whole
hundred and fifty, though the Emily
vas only licensed for forty and the
Flibberty Gibbet for thirty-fve."
But / don't understand" Sheldon
said.
This Is the way she worked 1t.
When the Martha was 1oated we had
to beach her right away at the head
of the bay, and whilst repairs were
going on, n new rudder being made.
sails bent. gear recovered from the
niggers, and so forth, Miss Lakeland
borrows Sparrowhawk to u the Flib-
berty along with Curtis, lends me
Brahms to take Sparrowhawk's place
and starts both craft Off recruiting.
My word, the niggers came easy. 1t
was virgin ground. Since the Scot
fish Chiefs no r%ecruiter had ever even
tried to work the coast. When we
filed up we came back to e how the
Martha was progressing"
and thinking we was going home
with u recruits" sBprrowhawk slip
ped In. Lord lumme, that Miss Lack
land amt never satisfied. I'm take
'em on the Martha says she, and you
can go back aud fill up again."
but / told her 1t couldn't be DONE"
Munster went II. II told her the
Martha hadn't a license for recruiting.
oh she said, it can't be done. eh2
and she stood and thought a few min
utes."
And I'd seen her think before"
cried Sparrowhawk, land i knew at
wunst hat the thing was as good as
donap