Evening star., 1926-12-18
BY K. y. RATH.
fcopyrioA.. 1896. By G. Homdrd wsesJ

Twice again he entered the lists
| with the pale-faced and deceptive
young man. Trask's embarrassment
had slipped from him now. He was
N a mood of grimness, one that is
eminently proper when there is a
prize at stake. Both cleared the bar
at five feet ten. 1t was placed at six
leet.
Trask's rival touched it at the first
Try; it quivered for an instant and fell
the deck. He tried again, with the
anne result. Once more he essayed
he height. and as before, the bar
vent Gathering to the deck. He
danced defiantly at Trask, challeng-
ng him to achieve what he had failed.
Trask grinned. The thing was easy
1ow; he felt it in his bones. He did
he six feet with half an inch to
pare, and his ears were deafened by
paean OF applause.
splendid! Wonderful"' a voice ex-
aimed, and his own hand was ex-
Itedly grasped by two smaller ones
That was enough for Trask. He
:arcely remembered to acknowledge
perfunctory congratulations of the
nth with the pale face.
1T was an adventure." exclaimed
dney Sands joyously. II never had
ou positively must meet the sold er
fortune. Come, he's right over
ere"
He submitted readily to her leading.
ceiling that even the adventurous
aptain Ferris no longer had him hull
'own on the horizon. when it came to
n t ters of achievement. They
fushed their way through the crowd
0 place where a lonely figure was
standing, as though aloofness from
me sport of the afternoon suited his
mood.
Captain Ferriss,''
The gay voice of Miss Sands caused
the man at the rail to look up.
Il want you to meet Mr.. Trask.
who is probably the greatest jumper
n the whole world"
Following which introduction, VIII.
lam Ham lton Trask and his nurse
stood staring at each other.
For several seconds neither spoke.
The little lady from the weather shop
'enSed something odd. 1t was as if
one OF her fathers intricate barom-
eters had abruptly slumped through
he bottom of the glass.
She laid an anxious arm on Tras
arm, and despite his preoccupation,
he could feel it trembling a little.
You--KeelerH' he exclaimed.
Mr.. Trumbull-sirr'
Sidney Sands uttered a queer little
cry and glanced quickly from one of
her Knights to the other
"Keeler?" she murmured 'Trum.
bull? Why-I-"
Having thus spoken, she disap.
peared in panic.stricken flight.
Trask was still staring at tbe cor.
ner of the deckhouse around which
she had vanished when Keeler
touched his arm. lightly but firmly.
NO place to talk here, sir" he said
urgently.
But how"
I'm show you, SIR
Irask followed the lead of his
nurse. There was nothing uncertain
or furtive in the course of Keller
He walked briskly along the deck
ms patient at his heels. Straight for
the barrier which had proved so diff.
ncuit for Trask went Keller The
uecKnano turned at the sound Of foot.
steps.
AS he did so, Keeler raised his
hand in what seemed to be a care,ess
signal. He also pointed over his
shoulder with his thumb. The deck
hand glanced swiftly about him. then
nodded and resumed his pacing.
through.
Inat's more than I can get away
WITH grumbled Trask as they as
cended the stairway to the first cabin
deck. Where do you get your pull?''
Not pull, sir; just friendship"
murmured Keeler Ever since the
day I let him stay"
The nurse suddenly checked him
self and the remainder of the sen.
tence was unspoken.
Keeler and his patient sat in their
hrst cabin suite, studying each other
narrowly. 1t was Trask who broke
the silence
Capt. Ferriss, 1 believer" he mur.
INJURED ironically.
Keeler shifted his feet and made a
gesture.
The gallant soldier of fortune, who
has fought his way from Borneo to
Saskatchewan" added the patient.
Please, Mr.. Trumbu1l!''
You can cut out the 'Trumbull,'
keeler. l guess that's off now"