The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-11-01
EDening Story
The Belated Ship.
BY A. ". PEACH.

d a. W. Ia<ASLA-
my ship is coming I'M Ny ship is
coming in!''
Ted Ravel looked up from his book
at the bright-haired, blue-eyed girl
who came almost dancing into the
lounging room of the boarding house
which was more like a real home to
all the young people there. As he
looked he felt the old Tightening OF
his heart that greeted her appear
ance, for he loved her with all the
steadfastness of his nature, while
Ted, don't look at me with that
doglike look." she said suddenly.
You are n good old scout, and you
know that 1 know it: and 1t bothers
me when you look that
He laughed. ''I'l try to look hu-
man, then, Bright Eyes; but what is
this ship you are talking about?"
MY ship of dreams, stupid. of
course!" Then. taking him for granted,
as she always had in a gay and COM
radely fashion, she went on to tell
him that she had Just received a note
from an old friend of her youth who
was coming to see her. He was my
first love" she said tenderIy.
But he won't be your last. shall
Ted said with a smile but with mean
ing.
who knows?'' she answered, half
waving him kiss as she went lightly
and happily out of the room.
Ted brooded a moment after the
immortal manner of puzzled man.
Now, what in thunder makes Beryl
take me SO for granted?
But what is a chap to do about it
Try caveman tactics? hardly; they're
not in my line. But 1 don't intend
that this belated sailor will run away
with her, even if he does, come. on q
belated ship of dreams!" he unused
to himself.
He almost lost his courage that
evening. however. when at 3. little
party where Beryl, winsome and win
ming in her sudden happiness, intro
duced her old friend and lover. Verne
Acton. Acton was tall and handsome
in dark way, and beside Beryrs
golden charm, he made a striking pic
ture as the two stood together.
1t was poor balm for Ted's hurt to
have Beryl introduce him as "a real
PAL" HelplessIy, Ted saw the dis
lance between Beryl and himself
widen as the evening went on-a long
waste of the gray waters of longing
spread between them, over which her
AS for Acton himself, it was plain to
Ted that he on his part was fascinated
by the CHEEKY brightness of the girl he
had known in early youth.
Acton monopolized her that week,
and Ted saw the way that-things were
going. 1t was his custom to linger
about the fireplace in the lounging
room late, and she, coming in late
after some evening with Acton, would
stop to chat with him, leaving him
when she went still hungrier for her
gold and silver self. Then came the
evening that marked the end.
He knew from the moment she en-
tered the door what had happened
the deep rose flush in her cheeks. the
soft hight in her eyes told the tale;
and he steeled himself for the news.
Ted, you have always been so good
to me. be happy with mel" she said
gently. 81 am engaged to Verne
While the castles of his own dreams
went to smash around his ears, he
said quietly, 81 am happy with you
and for you; and hope you WILDE
all the years"
She looked at him euriously, sud
den mist in her eyes, and swiftly went
out.
The next day, she came to him hur-
riedly in distress. Tied, Il damned
my engagement ring in my chiffonier
twisted the prongs. Verne is kind
of funny about such things-said he
paid a big price for it; won't voc
hustle out and have it fixed for me p
'I sure Will" he said quickly. and
out he went, hurrying up the avenue
to the store where a friend worked,
WHO took the ring and went to his
desk. Elk it up right, Fritz" Ted
called. It's Beryrs ring"
Fritz came back a minute of two
later. He was short-spoken. you've
Beryl under your nose. Grab her
yourself; kiss her"
''She isn't that kind, and besides
Fritz lifted his eyebrows. Besides,
that chap is a piker. That ring, my
boy, is just a. fine brand of glass;!
It's a fakei"
The two men stared at each other.
Fritz's curt voice broke the stare. "Go
to her and tell her the truth; that will
put the skids under that chap. L did
not like him from the start-too
handsome. too smooth,''
Ted looked at the ring in his hand.
II couldn't tell her; besides. are
you sure this is not a real diamond 2"
Fritz snorted. Ito composition
twenty-five dollars WORTH Go to her
and tell her.
Ted shook his head. ct suppose I
ought to- but + can't do iti'
Fritz turned shortly away and Ted