The Washington times., 1913-07-07

I through a mutiny whose blood rust
ed her decks. Without mates, and
alone save for a big Cantonese Sc
| rang, he had done this thing and
then come silently ashore to nurse
his wounds.
Presently Whitridge stood at the
head of the line. A man who looked
i'll and who told the booking clerk
that he hadn't seen "the home coun-
try" in twenty years. gave way to
him.
Now. sir, your pleasure. said the
"Oh," answered whitridge as If
bringing. his thoughts from a great
distance: II wish to book on the Cam
she's pretty fun, SIR" said the
/, clerk. with a doubtful shake of the
head and turning away to get state
A momentary hush fell on the
crowd. --..
Cad" exclaimed the young Eng
lishman standing beside Whitaker.
Turning. Whitridge followed the mans
glance toward the agency entrance. .
A woman with her hair Of the color OF
gold that had been washed in sea
water. was coming in out of the SUM-
| shine Of the radiant March morning.
A picture-hat Of rough bronze straw
accentuated the wealth and beauty OF
her wonderful crown. A long, loose tan
a shade taller than she really was, but
her erect. healthy carriage threw the
garment about her In folds which SOFT
ened it's fashionable moderness.
She paused for a second, a tildt Of in
| quiry to her vivid head, and then moved
swiftly to the deck where Whitridge
was standing.
IT have a letter. I wish to see the
to the clerk in a low. well-bred voice.
Looking up. the clerk gave start of
surprise. recovered himself quickly, and
indicated a door to the left: She opened
1t and passed inside. followed by
woman In black. evidently a maid. The
clerks eyes trailed after her with some
thing Of awe In them. There was hard
ly a glance in the room which was not
turned in the same direction.
"out East here we see nothing but lit
tie. dark women" the clerk began apoi-
Ever see Bourne-Jones' Spring.
timer" interrupted the Englishman
eagerly. Whitridge nodded. cad! Isn't
she like it?" Another nod answered
him.
Now, SIR" interrupted the clerk,
spreading out a diagram, the Cam
bodia calls at Honolulu, you-
I wish to book through to San Fran
cisco-an outside room. If possible
'Luck's with you, sir. The last one"
and he indicated with a pencil-point
Whitridge nodded his acceptance, and
at that moment the office door at the
left opened quickly. A middle-aged
emerged. preceding the 'Springtime"
woman.
Burr, Reserve an outside room on
the Cambodia at once" he called to
the clerk booking Whitridge.
Too late, sir, I've Just sold the last
one to this gentleman.
Whitridge turned.
A shadow of keen disappointment
passed over the face of the golden
haired woman.
"Oh. Is there nothing You can do?"
she asked. looking at the manager ap-
pealingly. He glanced at Whitridge.
You don't know the terror feel
the horror I have OF being put inside"
she went on. There was note OF
genuine distress In her voice.
There is another ship In eight days"
answered the manager.
But it is imperative that / sail on
this one"
IF you will permit me-" interrupted
Whitridge. barring his head. Il will
resign my room to you"
"Oh. but that would not be fair.
You are very kind. but II must pay
for my lateness." She met his gaze
with an honest. uncompromisiny di-
rectness in her blue eyes. YOU"
Really II doesn't matter where T am
put" and a note Of sadness in his voice
brought an expression OF interest on her
brow.
For a part of second their glances
held, and then Whitridge turned TO the
clerk: This lady will take my room
He spoke with finality which .vi-
IDENTIFY was strange to ner.
She frowned slightly and started as II
to protest again.
You should accept. Miss Granville"
said the manager anxiously and I'm a
way that indicated his desire to please
a person of some Importance.
She paused uncertainty as her lips
framed a NO" but meeting Whit
ridges gaze again, she gave a nod of
decision.
Il will accept You are rendering
me service greater than you know"
she said gratefully. and there was a
brilliance as Of tears In her eyes. Il
thank you-Very much"
The manager, beaming with delight.
thanked Whitridge, too. and led her
back to his private office At the
threshold she paused and turned to