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


The change IA tho weather had no,
escaped Pierce Phillips notice. and
before going 90 bed he stepped out
OF hts tent 90 study the sky.
A holsterous wind had reused Lake
iindcrnlan. and out % the inky
blackness came the sound OF itu
anger. As Pierce groped his way UP
20 the nearest skiff hs was startled
by receiving sharp challenge In the
Countess Courteous voice.
who Il thatg- she cried
ITS ], Pierce. no answered
quickly. He discovered the woman
finally. and. approaching closer. he
saw that she WAS sitting on a pile OF
freight. her heels drawn up beneath
her and her arms elasped around her
knees. Il came down to make sure
everything was snug. But what are
you doing hsreg'
She looked down into his upturnsd
face and her white teeth showed In
smile, Il came for the same puY,
pose, Now I'm waiting for the storm
TO break. You can make out the
clouds when your eye, grow iceus
toned"
Its too windy. You'n catch cold.
no declared.
You're a good friend. Pierce. I
don't know what I'd do without YOU"
Phillips surprise robbed him mo-
mentarily Of speech.
'I'm-glad," no said. finally, y
wish were more / wish"
What she queFied. when he
hesitated.
II wish you couldn't do without
me. IL was out. he realized IN
panic that his whole secret was hers.
lie was surprised 20 feel her fingers
tighten briefly before her hand was
withdrawn.
The Countess Courtsau was not
offended. Had Il not been for that
pressure upon his shoulder Phillips
would have believed that his words
bad gone unheard. for she entirely
ignored them.
Night Wind Storm" she said.
In queer meditatiys tone. They
stir the blood. don't they
He shook his head.
Lucky for you; il would be a mans
undolng. Tell me. what am II What
DO you make OF meT While the
young man fcl, for an answer she
ran on: I'D like 20 know. What sort
OF woman do you consider me7 How
have impressed you? Speak plainly
no sentiment. You're clean
minded. unsophlsticated boy. I'm
curious to hear"
Il can't speak like a boy" he said.
grayely. but with more than hint
OF resentment in his tone. "gor-i'm
not boy Not any longer"
oh yes. sou are! You're fresh
and wholesome and honorable and
we'll. only boys are that. What do
l seem. to your
You're a chameleon. There's no.
body In the world quito like you.
Why. at this minute you're different
even to yourself. You-tako my
| breath"
do you consider mo harsh. mas
| cuilne-7"
"oh nor
I'm glad OF that. I'm not. really
I've had a hard experience and ms
eyes were opened early. | know pov.
erty, disappointment. misery. every.
thing unpleasant. but I'm smart and
know how 10 get ahead. I've never
stood still I've learned how 10 fight.
/ too, for I've had to mako my own
way. Why. Pierce. you're the one
man who ever did me an unselfish
favor or a real, disinteres,ed courtesy.
Do you wonder that / want 10 know
what kind Of u creature you consider
me?"
| Perhaps I am not altogether un.
selfish he told her. sullenly.
1T is hard work fighting men,
and women. too-and I'm awfully
tired. Tired inside, you understand.
One gets tired fighting aionc-always
alone. One has dreams of-weii.
dreams. It's pity they never come
| true"
what arc some OF them?" he in
CURED
Tho woman, sim under tho spell
Of her hour. made az IL to answer:
then she stirred and raised her head.
This isn't safe night TO talk about
them. l think / shall go to bed"
She extended her hand to Phillips.
but Instead Of taking It he reached
forth and lifted her bodily down out
Of the wind. She gasped as she felt
hts strong hands under her arms; for
a moment her face brushed his and