The Lakeland evening telegram., 1913-12-24
@5lTIME
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By CHARLES EDM0NDS WALK
Author Of "Ths Silver Blade"
"The Paternoster Ruby" stc.
(cegyrish, iol2 by A. c. AeCluu I ca

you're thinking OF swimming 1t, dont t
try" he added. Orders are that no
body's to leave the boat without Mr..
Wizards consent.
Il know 1t cursed WE'LL" he snarled.
But I'd show you what his or any
body else's orders amount to If /
could swim"
Whereupon he slouched back to his
former attitude, completely ignoring
Toms presence, who merely re-
marked: Good thing you cant then,"
and continued on his way.
The three other men-all husky
young chaps-were civil enough and
respectful Of his authority. He spoke
to them only briefly and in a general
way.
He sought out his first officer, who.
save for his one failing, was not only
a flrst-class navigator, but decidedly
a companionable fellow. OF an excel
lent and wealthy family. his idea Of
making amends for the wretched epi-
sode that had occasioned his disgrace.
was to foster and encourage its cause
in secret. Phil Mercer's life was a
tragedy, for he had a heart-broken
mother and two sisters who sorrowed
for him nightly.
There was very little to be done
now save observe the regular routine
Of changing watches and keeping ev-
erything on board in shipshape order,
so time hung heavily upon the skip
per's hands when the Girl was not
visible. While he talked with Mercer
he gave the latter only a divided at
tention, for he was alert and watchful
to note the first sign that she was once
more stirring on deck.
But presently he said: by the way,
Phil, looks like the order that no ones
to go ashore or come aboard is more
than -er-"
"Perfunctory?" the first mate sup
piled.
"Yes. But didn't mean just that
either. 1t looks as though we'd have
to be strict in enforcing it. Well
have to keep our eyes open-bear it
in mind"
Mercer favored him with question
ing stare. Tom explained:
There's at least one chap aboard
who wants to get on dry land power.
fully bad"
big, husky, sandy-haired fellow.
isn't he? Thought so. Sulky brute" !"
you've noticed him then. His
names Calls. He can't swim, 80 you
only have to keep tab on the boats
as far as he's concerned. Picked on
q likely man yet for second oflcer?"
"Winnard will do"
20. K. Break him in."
They talked in desultory way un-
til the steward announced luncheon.
Once seated at table, and immedi-
ately he was given an illustration Of
the general fickleness Of feminine ma
ture. Smilingly, halftimidly, Della.
the name by which the Girl had ask
ed Tom to address her, came forward,
and Tom sprang to his feet, brushing
aside Hewitt, who was holding a
chair for her, and performing the Of
flee himself.
Il was waiting for you," she told
him brightly.
Instantly Tom scared from the
depths of his gloom up to another alb
surdly vain pinnacle of joy.
Were you?" he cried ecstatically
Nov | call that oully! Where are
the other ladies?"
This question, owing to the queer
ness OF everything connected with
Willard and his secret enterprise, he
doubted the proprioty of asking; but
it might be that they we're unfamiliar
with customs on anipboard, and here
was an opportunity to make them feel
at case. The girl, however, did not
seem to thiUa it Mllapcrt; as she
replied promptly, if rteerrclly:
"They ale indisposod. We are to
lunch tete-a,tete--et qi'cn ditcs vous?"
"'Ile only WAY / can understand
Frenel,' ssid ne, is when ii is on
paper, aud not thea Without leNi.
con. You're not Frcnch"
She ilushcd at hr ia,Intness.
mo, bu. I've lived rlcst Of my lra
in Paris. meant, Il Yea object TO
the alrai, cement Yea iaight call in