The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1914-03-04

any woman. Il don't IKE EN-. IL
rather play football"
you lack stimulus. If you should
meet the right woman Then. see
ing the amusement in his face: BE
lieve me, know what l am talking
about. know what woman can do.
Your life has been too easy and placid.
You need some disturbing element to
make it ferment.'
The Santa Cruz was now rapidly
drawing out of the cold northern winter
and into "A tropic warmth. The nights
were perfect. the days divine. The
passengers responded as if to magic
draft, and Kirk acknowledged to re-
luctant enjoyment of the change and
found himself less eager to 60 back.
Mrs. Cortlandt joined him as usual
on deck after dinner, and they did a
mile around the promenade. chatting
idly Of many things. The evening was
too glorious to permit of early retiring,
and late hour found them leaning
over the rail. side by side. while An
thony bewailed the fact that he knew
nothing of the country just beyond the
dark horizon ahead Of them. They
talked about the canal
ut is big task. Mr.. Anthony, and
the mere digging of the ditch Is the
smallest part. There is great deal
more to be done. You see. as men at
tain culture. they require more than
mere food and drink and bedding. and
in the same way. as nations attain to
greatness, they require more than mere
territory-they reach out and absorb
power and prestige. Our decision to
build the Panama canal is like the
landing Of another Columbus; the con-
quest is to follow After that will
come-who knows what? Perhaps
more wars, more pillage, more injus-
tice just as in the old days Of Central
and South America"
you talk like a man." Anthony said
admiringly. Il had no idea you looked
at things in such a big way"
Mrs. Cortlandt hesitated slightly as
she changed the subject. II heard you
tell the purser the other day about
your financial troubles, and it &C.
cured to me that Mr. Cortlandt might
assist YOU"
Thanks, awfully," Kirk FASTENED to
say, feeling himself flush uncomfort-
ably. But | sha'n't need anything.
The old gentleman will wire me what
ever l ask for. Does-Mr. Cortlandt
know how l am fixed?"
mo"
please don't tell him. lin little
bit ashamed of myself"
Mr.. Cortlandt was awaiting his wife
and rose courteously as she entered
their suit.
did you send Annette for me" she
inquired.
Eyes. l thought you had forgotten
the hour. We rise at g."
my DEAR" she returned coolly, II
was quite aware of the time was
talking to Mr.. Anthony"
by the way, some Of the passengers
are remarking about your friendship
for him"
Mrs. Cortlandt shrugged. II expect.
ed that. Does il interest your"
The man favored her with bis wintry
smile. Not at all"
III he should need assistance while
in Panama l should be obliged II you
would accommodate him."
Don't you think that is going a bit
too far? You know I don't fancy
him."
Mrs. Cortlandt frowned slightly.
I'VE won't discuss it." she said. II as
sured him he was at liberty to call on
US for anything. and naturally that
ends the matter"
Naturally" he agreed. but his COL
orless cheeks flushed duly.
When Kirk came on deck early the
following morning he found the Santa
Cruz nosing her way into Colon har-
Dor. A lend fog obscured bis view
somewhat, but through 1t he beheld a
low. irregular line of mountains in the
background and close at hand a town.
The ship came to anchor abreast Of q
point upon which he deserted a squat
little spider legged lighthouse and long
rows of frame dwellings half hidden
behind slender palm trees. Beyond
were warehouses and docks and the
tunnels Of many ships. On either side
of the bay was dense tropical will
derness. will you go over to Pana-
ma city or will you stay In Colon?"
asked Cortlandt.
Il think I'll remain on the shin.
Then she can't get away without me-"
Kirk answered. But when he explain.
ed his desire to the purser that worthy
replied:
I'm sorry, but you'll have to ar.
range that with the agent. We make
a charge. you know, just like hotel,
I'm going to cable my old man for
money"
Inc officer shook his head with final.
iy Nothing doing. Mr.. Locke. If
you want to stay aboard you'll have 70
pay in advance. don't intend TO he
stuck for your BILL"
All right. then. | shall throw nv.
self unOn thp marcr of s.,o.