The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1925-10-29

CHAPTER VIII, Oontmucdl
Tho boat building had proceeded
with such dispatch, thanks largely TO
Phillips. that tho time Tor departure
was close az hand, and inasmuch as
there stu remained a reasonable
margin Of safety. the Countess hesan
10 feel the first certainty Of success,
Feeling. this afternoon, strong
desire 20 see with her own eyes Just
what progress her rivals were max.
inE. she called Pierce away from hts
work and took him with her around
the shore OF tho lake,
"our last boat will be IN the water
tomorrow" no told her kirby can't
hold US up now. n he tries"
Il don't know" sho said. doubt
fully Tie Is as short handed as wu
are / can't understand why he has
left Us alone so long
Neither father nor daughter was
in evidence when the visitors arrived
AZ their destination. but Danny Royal
was experimenting the final work
upon a stout seow the seams Of which
ware being calked and dAuhed with
TAR. M,et and sweeps were being
iigged. Royal himself was painting
n name on the stern,
At sight OF the Countess tho ex.
horSeman dropped his brush and
thrust his hands aloet, exclaiming;
Don't shoot, ma'Rms His grin was
friendly, there was no rancor Ia his
voice. How you gcttin' along down
~ your house," he inquired.
'Nery we'll" tho Countess told
him.
wen set loaded tomorrow said
Pierce.
same here, Royal advised. Better
come 10 the launching AIT she a
beare" lie gaxed fondly az the bluff
bowed. ungainly barge. I'm goln' to
bust bottle OF wine ou her nose
when she vets her feet First rainy
weather hack VIC ever had in the
family. Her names Roulc,ta.
When they were out OF hearing the
Countess Courteau repeated; Il dou't
understand Il. They could have
gained a week"
I'VE could. too. II we'd built one
scow instead Of those small boats, !"
Pierce declared.
kirby is used TO taking chances;
he can risk all his eggs In one basket
II he wants TO. but--uot /. A mo
ment later the speaker paused TO
stare Ut a curious sight. on the
beach ahead OF her stood a brand
new rowboat ready for launching.
Near il was assembled an outfit OF
gear and provisions. divided into two
equal piles. Two old men, armed
each with hand,saw. were silently
At work upon the sktff They were
saving 1t In two. exactly In the mid
lie, and they did not look up until
the Countess greeted them.
"Heilo! Changing the model Of
your boat?n she inquired.
The partners slaughtered them
selves stifny and removed their caps.
yep said Quirk. avoiding hts
partners eyes.
''Changing her model" Mr.. Linton
agreed. with a hangdog expression
..But--why7 what for7''
We've split" Mr. ouirk explained.
Then he heaved sigh. TITS made q
new man OF me already"
The Countess stepped between the
two men. crying. impatiently:
Don't be silly. You're worn out
and irritable, both Of you, and you're
acting like perfect idiots. You'll
have everybody laughing at you"
Jerry diverted his fury to this In.
ternedgary. rs that so?'' he Knocked
well. let 'cm laugh; it'll do EN-
good. You're a nice woman. but this
ain't ladies' day at our club and We
don't need no outside advice on how
to run our party"
A similar epithet was upon his
former partners tongue. Linton was
saying to himself: odd Jerry's enjoy