The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-02-11
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was clean and not overcrowded.
 The people on board, mostly Anglo Indians holding official positions, were perhaps little unsociable, and preserved for the most part tat re- served demeanor usual amongst trav- elers who have had the ship to them selves throughout the voyage towards fntruders who have embarked at the last port of call. Nevertheless, MT. Cray, who had been asked to take a vacant place at the captains table, found no lack of society. There was a compatriot of his own, a -1anu- facturer of reapers, who had just paid ar extended and profitable visit to the east, and who was always ready to talk business or to recount his do- ings in some of the more adventurous cities; also a young invalided officer from the Indian army, with his deli- cate sister, an interesting but ather pathetic couple, who had seemed grateful for MT. Cray's cheerful con- versation. There was also middle aged lady. returning from her trav- els, who boasted that she had been in every country of the world-a stalwart and determined-looking per sonage, who usually wore masculine clothes, and who had looked from the first with eyes of distinct favor upon Mir. Cray's obvious opulence. This lady, in fact-Mrs. Richard Green by name-threatened to be the only drawback to an exceedingly pleasant five days. Already MT. Cray was taking note of her advances with a vague uneasiness.
 You seem to me, MT. Cray" she said. dragging her chair over to his side on the evening after his arrival. ''to be a man who is in need of sym pathy."
 MT. Cray looked at her furtively. She wore a gray felt hat, perfectly unadorned damned down over her head; her tweed skirt barely reached halfway between her knees a:.d her sturdy ankles. Her eyes, perhaps her best feature, were dark and bril- liant. Her cheekbones were a little high, her jawbone bespoke determi- nation. She was not a woman to be trifled with.
 We all need that" MT. Cray as scented weakly. T guess l get on pretty~ well, though
 T suppose you think you do." Mrs. Green rejoined reprovingly. You men never know when you're well off and you never know when you're bduAJ plls Ou re d pour SOIt Ol Ci lures, anyhow, to go wandering about the world by yourselves"
 I'm not always alone," MT. Cray protested.
 And who is your travelling com panion when you are not?" she de- manded.
 Sometimes my wife,
 Mrs. Green glared at him fero- ciously.
 50 you are a married man?"
 'I am," MT. Cray admitteed, feel ing, for the first time for many years. comfortably resigned to the fact.
 Where's your wife. them" his neighbor demanded.
 "ln Indiana, U. S. A." MT. Cray re- piled She prefers to remain there" | Mrs. Green seemed somewhat nolli- fled. Indiana, U. s. A, was long way off.
 And meanwhile you go g;sdding about with any hussy who happens to smile at you?" she asked sternly. i T don't think that's quite fair" MT. Cray protested. Young ladies are very pleasant companions some times, but"
 "I saw that yellow headed mink making googly eyes at you at dinner last night" Mrs. Green declared. Just the sort of baggage you men find attractive. I suppose"
 T don't even know whom you mean" MT. Cray expostulated.
 Calls herself colonefs wife"' Mrs. Green scoffed.
 MT. Cray brought up his reserves.
 What about your husband?" he inquired.
 Dead the uncompromising ago. Sine an I have lead a lonely life."
 You mus: have done some won- derful travelling" Nr. Cray ob- served.
 q have indeed" she admitted. 'T have been into countries where no woman has ever before set foot. I have shown the world what courage can do. Although l have travelled alone and unprotected, no man has ever dared to molest me-"
 You must be very brave," MT. Cray ventured.
 The man who raised his hand against me would be braver still" she asserted
 q can well believe it." he agreed ,fervently.
 At the same time" she continued, after a moments pause, during which Mir. Cray had been taking mo- tice of her square toed masculine shoes and her thick worsted stock ings, 1T am free to admit that the time has come when I am a little