The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1914-03-03


him very favorably at the start.
The sound of a bugle which Kirk
interpreted as an invitation to break
fast, reminded him that he was fam
ished. and he lost no time in going be-
low. Upon his appearance the stew
ard made it plain to him in some
subtle manner that the occupant of
suit A needed nothing beyond the
mere possession of those magnificent
quarters to insure the most considerate
treatment. Kirk was placed at the
captains table. where his hunger was
soon appeased. and his outlook grew
more cheerful with the complete res
toration of bodily comfort.
Getting your sea legs. Mr.. Locker"
inquired the man at his right.
MY name is Anthony
II beg your pardon! The passenger
list said
That was a mistake"
MY name is Stein. May l ask
W iClC WI dlC DOulu III
81 think the place is Panama"
Going to work on the canal?"
"What canal? Oh of course. Now
remember hearing something about
Panama canal Is that where it isT'
That's the place Stein replied
dryly.
"Oh, I've heard it mentioned"
well, you won't hear anything else
mentioned down here. Its the one
and only subject of conversation. No
body thinks or talks or dreams about
anything except the canal. Everybody
works Oh it or else works for some
body who does. See this fellow com
ing down the stairs?" Anthony be-
held a slender, bald headed man of
youthful appearance. That is Ste
phen Cortlandt. You've heard of the
COrtlandts?"
Sure. One of them pitched for the
Cubs
Il mean the Cortlandts of Washing
ton. They're swell people. society
folks and all that He broke off to
bow effusively to the late conner, who
seated himself opposite. Then he in
troduced Kirk.
Mr.. Cortlandt impressed Anthony as
cold blooded. highly schooled person.
absolutely devoid Of sentiment He
seemed by no means effeminate, yet he
was one of those immaculate beings
upon whom one can scarcely imagine
a speck of dust or bead of perspira-
ton.
by the way, we're getting up pool
on the ships rum" Stein told his new
acquaintance would you like to
join"
eyes. indeed. I'm for anything in
the line Of chance"
Every well. III see you in the smok-
ing room later 1t will cost you only
S."
Kirk suddenly recalled his financial
condition and FASTENED to say, a trihe
lamely:
Come to think about it. believe I'll
stay out. never gamble" CHANGING
to glance up at the moment he found
Mr.. COrtlandt's eyes fixed upon him
with a peculiarly amused look and
few minutes later he followed Mr..
Stein to the deck above.
Once in his own stateroom search
showed Kirk that even his watch was
gone and that his only asset. evidently
overlooked by the hilarious Higgins
and his co-partner in crime. was a
modest three stone finger ring. He had
neither baggage nor money. He was
regarding his ring speculatively when
the purser knocked. then entered at his
call.
I've just heard that there's a mis-
take about your ticket" the newcomer
began. 1t is made out to Mr. Jeffer-
son Locke but the doctor says you
insist your name is something else"
That's right. My name is Anthony"
Then how did get this ticketT
I'm sure don't know"
Have you any baggage?"
II don't know"
What is your destination?
Il don't know. You'll pardon my
limited vocabulary?"
But l don't understand"
Neither do /. But | must have some
luggage. | need clean shirt and col.
lar"
"lf you are not Mr.. Locke the ticket
is no good"
| "Hurrah. Put me off,
You don't understandable ticket is
good. but
Pardon the personal nature of the
Observation-Disclosures size shirt do you
wear?"
Seventeen"
Saved! Let me have about six, will
you?"
Certainly not" returned the other.
Il need all | have I'll have a look
for your baggage, Mr-Anthony. and
I'll see the captain about this ticket
also. I'll look you up later"