New Britain herald., 1923-09-01

better one7 or course you'd have "a
get a big. comfortable launch"
Take you'll should say ] will take
yon-and your mother. too" he was
eyclaiming with the utmost en-
thusiasm and delight. ''I.enore, II
Will be regular party--a Joy ride
such as we never took before"
~.
Ned planned 10 rise early. but sleep
was heavy upon him when he tried
to waken. II was after ten when he
Lad finished breakfast and was ready
to begin active preparations for the
excursion. His first work, OF course,
was to see about hiring a launch. =
Ten minutes ride took him to the
office of his friend, Rex Nard. vice
president OF a great marine outfitting
establishment. and five minutes con-
versation with this gentleman told
him all he wanted to know. Yes. as
1t happened. Nard knew OF corking
craft that was at that moment In
reed of charterer. possibly just the
thing that Cornet wanted.
This particular craft was built for
a scientific expedition sent out by one
Of the great museums, Nard en-
planned. ut isn't just hsherman's
scow. She has nifty galley and
snug little dining saloon, and two
foxy little staterooms for extra toney
passengers. Quite an up-stage little
boat. Comfortable as any yacht you
ever saw
How about cargo space"
II don't know exactly-.but t was
big enough for several tons of walrus
and musk OK skeletons, SO 1t ought to
s lit you"
What do You think I could get her
for?"
II don't Think know was
talking to her owner yesterday noon.
You can get her for ninety days for
Ave thousand dolars-seventy-f1v per
for a shorter time. That includes the
services OF four men, licensed pilot,
first and second engineer, and a niger
cook; and gas and oil for the motor
Ned stood up, his black eyes spark
ling with citation, and put on his hat.
Where do I find herr"
. uni up ZIG rAHutoClis a. tiiAo ~
dress" Nard wrote an instant on
strip of paper. 'rhe name Of the
craft is the Charon."
Ned drove to the designated ad-
dress, found the owner of the craft,
and executed a charter after ten min
utes Of remuneration. Knutsen was
a big, good -natured man with a good
ly share Of Morse blood that had
paled his eyes and hair. Together
they drew up the list Of supplies.
aof course, we might put in some
Of dis stuff at norden ports" knutsen
told him in the unmistakable accent
of the Morse You'd save money,
though, by getting it here
"All except one item---last but not
least" Ned assured him. i've got
to stop, at Vancouver"
Canadian territory. eh--?'
canadian whiskey. Six cases of
Imperial quarts. Wen be gone a
long time, and a sailor needs his
grog.".
There was really very little else for
Ned to do. The silk gowns and
wraps that were to be his principal
article of trade would not be received
for few days at least; and seemingly !
he had arranged for everything. He
started leisurely back toward his
ILther's office.
But yes, there was one thing more.
His father had said that his staff must
include fitter--7a woman who could
ply the needle and make minor altera-
ions in the gowns,
He knew where he. could procure
some one to do the fitting. Had not
3ess Gilbert, when he had left her at
he door the previous evening, told
lim that she knew all manner of
ieedlecraft? Her well-modeled, ath-
etic, though slender form could en-
lure such hardships as the work in
olved; and she had the temperament
xactly needed: adventurous. uncom-
courageous. He turned at
nee out Madison where Bess lived.
She was at work at that hour, a
ray, sweet faced woman told him.
ut he was given directions where he
night find her. Ten minutes later ]
lie was talking to the young lady her. I
elf. 1