The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1914-02-05

49, with growing 1Innauence Tor
his active duties to begin. CuriOusly
enough. this feeling was somehow con-
nected with the thought of Edith her
self, Why this should be SO he did not
trouble to inquire. They had become
the best OF good friends. he told him
self. a contamination for which he had
devoutly wished. yet for some indeti-
nabIe reason he was dissatisfied.
He decided that be needed exercise
and determined to take Il tramp
through the country. but Oh the even
ing efore the day he had set for his
excursion his plans We're upset by
note from Mrs. Cortlandt. which the
clerk handed him. 1t ran:
Dear kirk-Stephen has arranged
outing for all three of US. and we are
counting on you for tomorrow. 1t will be-
a really truly picnic. with all the delight
full dscomforts of such affairs. You are
not to know where we are going until we
call for you at 8. Faithfully and mysteri-
ously yours. EDITH CORTLANDT.
The recipient of this kind invitation
| tossed it aside. with IL gesture of impa-
| tience. For the moment he expert
enced kind of bOyiSh resentment at
| having his intentions thwarted that
seemed out of proportion to the cause,
| But the emotion soon passed.
The next morning Edith appeared
| upon the hotel porch. She was alone.
where's Mr.. Cortlandt?" be in
quired.
| ''Oh. some men arrived last night
| from Bocas del Toro and telephoned
that they must see him today on
matter of Importance. l shall have to
make up to you for his absence if l
am able"
Where is to be the scene of Our
revel?''
"Taboga." she said. with eyes spar
king. you've never been there, but
it's perfectly gorgeous. Please call
coach. our boat is waiting. and don't
sit on the lunch
Kirk obeyed. and they went clatter
| ing down the deserted brick street.
Edith leaned back. with sigh.
I'm so glad to get away from that
hotel for a day. If you only knew it.
Kirk. you've capsized the political cal
| culations of the Panama Conservative
party"
II didn't know had ever even rock
ed the boat"
1T runs back to your affair with
Ramon
Really. did that effect it?''
Rather. At any rate it gave an ex-
cuse for setting things in motion
There had been some doubt about the
matter for long time, and | was only
too glad to exert my influence in the
right direction. but-this is picnic to
an enchanted island. and here we are
talking politics. We mustn't be so Sc
rious. School is out. and it's vacation.
| want to romp and play and get my
face dirty"
The landing was thronged and at
sight of the newcomers loiterers gath
cred from all sides-a pirate throng.
shouting a dozen dialects and forcing
Kirk to battle Justify for his lug
gage Stepping into a skiff. they were
rowed to a launch. and a few moments
later were gliding swiftly around the
long rock rib that guards the harbor.
II copper hued bandit at the wheel. a
Nubian giant at the engine and an evil
yellow faced desperate sprawlin2
upon the forward deck.
Even before they had come to anchor
at TabOga island a dozen boatmen
were racing for them and crying for
their patronage. At the waters edge
they saw IL tiny village nestled close
against the mountains. its tiled roofs
rust red and grown to moss. its walls
faded by wind and weather to delicate
mauveS and dove coIors and greens
impossible TO describe,
The launch. when it came to rest
seemed suspended in air. and heneatt
it lay an enhancing sea garden. Once
the engine had stopped its clatter 4
sleepy. peaceful silence settled over
, the harbor. unbroken by wheel oI
whistle for in Taboca no one works
and there are no vehicles
What a wonderful place" exclaim
ed the young man fervently. WHY
it's like dream-it can't be real.
: Then. as the boatmen renewed Their
begging. Il wonder which barge gen
: tleman I'd better hire"
Take the little boy. please" Edith
, called to an urchin who was manfull!
struggling with pair of oars twice hi:
, own length. whereupon the older boat
+ men began to shove off with many
! scowls.
Our choice has offended these genia
he=Ai.." Kirk oha0rvad AS hA hAlnn'