The Challis messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1912-current, 1923-06-27
Wanted:
Capable Mate
By II. LOUIS RAYBOLD
t9 by Mcclure Newspaper syndieate.)

little sitting room for several tense
moments, when Carolinda, with lit
tie catch In her voice, broke it sud-
denly.
Il can't help it, George. I'm not sure
of my own mind. silly as that may
seem. Perhaps l do love you enough
20 marry you, but until I'm sure that
I'd 60 anywhere in the world with YOU
why"
81 see" said George grimly "And
I don't know that | blame you. I'm
certainly not worth taking much of
chance on. But there's one thing
won't do, and that is, hang around
these parts while you make up your
mind. will throw up my job and go
to Florida for the winter. That Is, [
will If certain scheme pans out"
FLORIDA" Carolinda gasped in gen.
uIne surprise. Centerville folks didn't
20 casually to Florida.
FLORIDA" repeated George grimly.
"Read this and you will understand"
From his vest pocket he drew forth a
folded bit of newsprint, fiattened it
out, and passed it to Carolinda, who
peruscd it amaZedly.
wanted, capable mate to spend the
winter cruising in Florida waters
Man fond OF adventure preferred.
Only three in party-captain and cap
tain's mother. Apply Marion Calder,
captain, Beachcomber, Middle Wharf"
There's a woman for you," said
George easily. leaning back in his
chair. "Not afraid to advertise for a
masculine companion. Perfectly all
right as far as the conventions are
concerned, as she's taking her mother
along"
Carolinda opened her mouth. then
closed it again without permitting to
escape whatever she was on the poiLt
Of saying.
perhaps you've noticed the Beach
comber anchored off the yacht club?"
asked George.
''Why-yes. have" admitted Caro-
linda. Then, she's a beautiful craft"
she added. "And-and | wish you
luck"
George swallowed and regarded her
thoughtfully. Gosh Carol certainly
didn't love him particle when she
could dismiss him so coolly to a winter
aboard that snug little boat with an
other girl, however well chaperoned. |
Then he rose.
THANK YOU" he said gravely. II
expect to apply Immediately. and don't |
expect to see me right away if l sue
coed in landing the thing. I'll be so
darn busy packing"
"Of course, George" returned Caro-
linda serenely. II quite understand
She allowed him to press her hand. |
waited until his footsteps ceased to !
echo along the walk, then sank medi-
tatively back into her chair. Sudden
ly she giggled.
Captain Marion Calder!" she said.
Poor George
The scene shifts, bit abruptly, to
the afterdeck of the Beachcomber the
following day. Beneath the gay striped
awning sat a portly middle-aged wom-
an, knitting placidly. and beside her
white-hanneled individual whose eyes
were bent on an approaching rowboat
manned by young man whom Caro-
linda would have called George.
AS the dinghy swung alongside the
ladder. the person in white
fannels arose and held out an assist
ing and welcome hand.
"How-er-how do you do?" said
George, bit winded from the pull
from the shore. I'D like to talk with
Captain Marion Calder"
Exactly" beamed the other. My
self"
"You" Georges eyes were positive
ly protuberant. Then he succumbed
to the inevitable. How stupid he had
been not to consider such Il possibility,
to take for granted that name both
masculine and feminine should be the
latter in this particular instance And,
after all, the difference in gender,
while it spoiled the opportunity OF
making Caroinda jealous. need not al
'ect his winter plans.
Half an hour later he had signed on
IS first mate of the Beachcomber. A
'ull hour after that, he had telephoned ..
he information to Il mildly interested .
AS he hung up the recelv-
,r, he reflected with grin that some
low he had omitted to mention his lit
lie error regarding Captain Calder. i.
Followed busy days of preparation.
George flew about in very furry OF =.
ast-minute affairs which he made an
xcuse for not seeing Carolinda. Per .
aps, deep in his heart. he realized
hat one little hint of reluctance on =
er part to have him go, and all the a
harms of Florida could lure in vain. !,
yot until the very day set for his de- u
arturo did Carolinda herself exhibit
nv interest in his dongs.
Noon of that day. messenger boy
ppeared bearing very good-iookins
raveling bag and note. 5
Dear George" ran the note. please "
ccept this little gift from me at part a.
IT, perhaps forever. But do not open II
ntil definitely adrift on your great L
dventure. Carolnda." D