Evening star., 1924-05-25


ing swiftly, but there was no sounG
of machinery, engines.
Groaning, he succeeded in swinging
himself out of the berth and stag
gered TO one of the portfolios. He
pushed the curtain aside and peered
out, his eyes blinking at the dazzling
sunshine. Then he collapsed on the
floor. He was on a calling vessel.
He dragged himself 10 his feet
after a time with a dull desire for
comfort-the pillows were unusually
soft. even for a liner-he fell asleep.
When he awoke he was aware that
some one was in the room-standing
beside him-holding an ice bag Or
his head. He turned his head Slight
ly and glanced up. Marjory wa
looking down at him anxiously.
Are you feeling better" shr
asked.
Her voice sounded very soft and
sweet-an abrupt clipped voice would
have tortured his nerves. MarjoritE
was a wonder in some ways
His brain flashed, fully awake H
pushed aside her hand and sat up,
clutching the curtain.
What's this mean" he cried
furiously. What am l doing on this
sailing vessel? Ny word. I've been
shanghaied."
Nonsense. Lie down and I'll tel
you all about it,
She forced him back gently and
replaced the ice bag firmly on hi>
head. You Lave been very ILL she
said in the smooth, practical tones
of a nurse. You broke down, had
a collapse. and the doctor said the
best thing was TO get you on a sail
ing vessel at once. | only agreed
when / heard that a DR.. Merle was
to sail on the same ship for a rest.
All you really have to do is to lie
here quietly until you are able 10
get on deck. and then just sit there
and drink in the salt air and sun
shine. The captain was good enough
to let you have his ca bin, by the
way
When was | taken ill.," asked
Morgan sharply. Il don't remember
u thing about it
of course not. You came in
frightfully late that night, looking
ill and suddenly collapsed
Funny l don't remember it. Have
curious idea something happened
in the park.
Il don't think you were in con-
her VII
you came in. You did have a lump
on the back of your head as if you
had fallen. 1t was lucky l happened
to be awake, or you would have lain
in the hall till morning.
"Well-I suppose so--but it's devil
ish queer. Sure somebody didn'
knock me on the head in the park"
That's what it felt like. all right"
"Oh. l hope not! You were not
robbed. You must have suddenly
lost consciousness and fallen"
How long have ! been uncon
scious?'
"Oh, nearly a week. DR.. Merle has
given you morphine to dull the pain
in your head and let you sleep"
feels like-I don't know what it feels
like-nor the rest of me, either. I'D
like a drink.2
Marjory filled a glass with water
and he drank it eagerly. Then he
fell back with a groan.
"A sailing vessel. I'll probably he
sick as a dog"
mo doubt. That is one reason
the doctor gave YOU so much NOR
phine. Later, he says, being sick will
do you a lot of good"
Good" he growled. 'I'll hate my
self and everybody else on EARTH
It's not romantic, but it's some
times as good for the mind as the
body. Now, lie still" She shook the
ice bag and replaced it or,s his head.
Where are we bound for?"
Australia"
Australia" He was almost able
to shout. why, that means-on 4
sailing vessel
Three months. You'll be helping
the captain run the ship by tina
time
less on board?'
"Of course not. What object in
going to sea for rest and take ii
wireless along? Uncle Rick picked
out this ship for that very reason.
He knows the captain, too. He was
wonderful-so helpful, He managed
everything
Morgan still had glimmering sus-
picion, but, after all, what did it
matter? He was rather glad of the
prospect, on the whole. Now fate
had taken the matter in hand. For
three months he would be power
less-and rest-rest-rest- And
Marjory had always been the sort
who was there when you wanted
her
He fell asleep.
Marjory sat down and took his