New Britain herald., 1924-11-20

Corrisan came to the flrst-classs deck, slipping something into his pocket, and disappeared into the l cool recesses of the corridor in search of clean Handkerchief. Irene Matheson met him at the door of her cabin. The tune that he had been whistling broke off abruptly at sight of her. His face as- sumed that mask-like expression 1t had worn throughout the trip. Mrs. Matheson hesitated.
 1 "Mr. Corrigan," she said, the ! words forming themselves with an effort "Hullo." He started as If some thing had struck him, as if the sound of a woman's voice jared on his nerves.
 "Oh - just wanted to say - ! to thank you for what you did. think 1t was absolutely splendid He crlmsoned beneath his tan.
 "Oh. - That" He relaxed some what and faced her squarely. i've been so wrapped up In myself, you know, that l forgot for the moment you were here. Women haven't treated nc too kindly in this world; i I suppose I've been out In the wilds too long; I've lost polish = and women-folk haven't a lot Of use for the unfinished article. BF, there are some things can't stand land that was one of 'em."
 T know" said Mrs, Matheson sympathetically Perhaps Some women are exacting, but there are times. Mir. Corrigan. when they look round for 8. man; times when there are wrongs that only a real man can right l wanted you to hit that man"
 Corrigan gasped.
 You wahted me tc?' he stam mered. i've forgotten lot of things in these weary years, Mrs. Matheson; but I sort of remembered when I was halfway through with it, that I was guilty of breach of etiquette; l felt l was doing some thing that isn't done. mean, I suppose l ought to have checked my primitive impulses until you had retired 10 your cabin"
 Irene Matheson flushed. Cnwili- ingly, she found herself comparing this man with the husband she vas going back to,
 The primitive woman in me called aloud for all that was prlmi- tive in man" she said simply, and found it. I'm infinitely grateful to you, MT. Corrlgan." She held out a slim hand and Corrigan. stepping forward impetuously, took 1t in his brown paw.
 Are you going ashore?" he in quired, letting his blue eyes rest for moment on hers.
 If you will take me" she re piled, looking down.
 lie efound her ten minutes later, talking 10 the brown girl on the orc-dcck. AS he approached them, he saw that a paper paraso had appeared from somewhere, and the scarcely perceptible breeze which blew from the shore brought to him the unmistakabe scent of Eau d. Cologne.
 They crossed the gangwoy to- gether on to the somewhat rickety landing -tssge. He called back to a stopping figure on the ships deck: How long We got here?"
 'Twenty-four hours at least. sir, was the reply.
 Thanks"
 They had got beyond a group of | prosperous Chinese omrchants whel inc first mate looked up. He shook . his first after them and SworC venomouslv. Presently he aimed s . kick at a native hand. md chuckl,d hoarsely to himself. He surveyed an enormous watch with q rusicd , nickel case and a cracked dial ol , which the sun and moon played ar important part. He stuffed it back , in his pocket and looked anXiously ? up at the bridge. The skipper Wal cnFaged in earnest conversation , with the Chinese super-cargo.
 tTo Re Continued)