The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1925-12-11
CHAPTER 1
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idly angling off the end Of the private
dock, place where he had no bust
ness to be, when pleasure yacht
z slipped- down the river and came to
anchor In midstream nearly abreast
of him. At first Dick was no more
than mildly interested. for he knew
the screen of spiles would effectually
conceal him from view on the water
front; but a moment later he began
leaning forward, forgetting his fishing
pole and the glowing pipe in his hand,
so eager was he to read the name on
the stern.
"The Pelican!" he muttered, frown-
ing. tits the old Beacon. I'm sure
Of that! I'd recognize her anywhere
Then came pleasant and unpleasant
memories to occupy his thoughts. His
fishing tackle was neglected, and
when a fish nibbled at the bait he
made no responsive jerk.
Cutler got the yacht In the final
breakup. suppose" he unused.
That's why she's renamed"
Before the financial crash came
that ruined his father, Dick had only
to signify desire to take a cruise
in the Beacon and. it was at his serv-
ice. Now the yacht was Steve Cut
ier's. the man who had profted by his
fathers downfall.
I He stopped in his musings to watch
small boat being lowered over the
side of the yacht. When it came
plunging through the water under the
powerful oars Of two sailors, Dick
gathered up his line.
This must be Cutters private
dock" he grinned. Rotten luck to be
caught fishing on It, B1t''-refective-
n ly .:he wouldn't recognize me never
@eaking acquaintance with him.
Il wait"
were only two passengers
Ie boat-a medium-size man, with
hair and gray eyes, and nose
lined to hook little at the end.
d girl In her early twenties, with
ylIf hair and blue eyes. Dick studied
them closely from his hiding place.
IF that's Steve Cutler" he unused
thoughtfully, 'he's younger than dad
was by twenty years. Thought he was
Older
He turned his attention from the
man to the girl.
Cutler wasn't married." he resumed
after a pause. Therefore, she"-
meaning the girl in the boat-"can't
be his daughter. A guest, maybe"
The sailors warped the small boat
alongside the float, and the first to
come ashore was the one who held
the center of the stage The easy,
graceful way in which she jumped to
the float, little recklessly, it seemed
Hntaa distance won Dicks admiration;
Ter companion, who had leaned
ard to forestall her action, ap-
red annoyed and distressed.
sYou. should be more careful. Miss
ice." he protested. landing clumsily.
lease don't be so reckless"
For reply the girl laughed merriiy.
oh, fudge! I'm old enough to look
hitter myself There's uncle waving
Ito me-
She Haunted strip of gauzy lace
In the air In response to something
! white fiuttering over the rail of the
yacht
Meanwhile, the sailors had been
dismissed and were rowing Justify
back to the parent craft. The girl
q continued watching until the small
boat was hauled out of the water and
y swung to the dayits of the yacht.
II wish uncle had come with us, !"
she observed; then, speaking half
petulantly. II don't see why"
A sudden gust of wind tore at her
lace scarf. and in her effort to recover
1t she jerked both hands upward.
Something light and glitte-ing flew in
the air and landed with splash In
the water. A little exclamation of
-dismay escaped her lips.
'Oh, my hand bag!" she cried. "It's
in the river, Mr.. Blake! Please get 1t
It's full of my papers and cards
ph, what shall dor
She ram to the edge of the float as
Il to plunge In after the bag, but a
restraining hand detained her.
'I'll signal for the boat to come
back and pick 1t up. Miss Alice" re-
plied Mr.. Blake calmly. "Don't dc
anything rash noww
but it's sinking. and the tides
carrying it away. oh, can't you get II
for me?"
I'm poor swimmer. Miss Alice.
be apologized weakly, "and the tide Is
Wrong. I'll have the boat back in a
minutes.