Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-07-24


was the use ot1taying out when it wasn't
any fun?
No percentage, he told himself, and put
ing up the boat, he sauntered back dis
consolately to the island cabin. Apparently
luncheon had been served and the cook had
disappeared, likewise Miriam, so Tommy
stretched out disconsolately for a nap in
the hammock. But even sleep declined to
afford him restful solace; So out of sorts,
he lighted his pipe and sauntered off for
stroll.
The afternoon was beautiful and the sea
as still as a pond, but he wasn't enthused
over nature when he finally sat down, hav-
ing searched quite unintentionally every
possible spot where Miriam might have
gone But suddenly all moroseness disap-
peared from his mood, as he saw a brightly
painted canoe glide around the bend in the
narrow strip of water which separated the
island from the State of Maine.
Removing his pipe from his mouth,
Tommy Strengthened his tie and scrambled
to his feet. Resentng this intrusion of
his privacy, he FASTENED down to the beach
to intercept the bark that even then was
grating against his private sand. Il say
he warned. You can't, l mean you
mustn't land" And he gazed into the
brownest eyes that had ever regarded him.
Mustn't what, old thing" inquired
sylphlike creature in bathing suit of
black, which made her arms and shoulders
seem like chiseled marble. Are you mar
red or just hermit: What's the big idea?"
There really isn't any Tommy an
severed lamely, wondering whether Miriam
observed him from affair." "But you see it
wouldn't be proper for you to step ashore"
ooh. wouldn't it, she countered with
a mellfuous laugh which disconnected him.
care you Robinson Crusoe, or maybe Mr..
Bluebeard? Do let me see dear Friday, or
have peep at your harem y
My dear young woman Tommy tried
to be severely reproving Il assure you
that you wrong me- but there are potent
reasons why it would be better if you would
go away"
She narrowed her eyes entrancingly and
smiled at him through lashes that yelled
their dancing mirth. Then fexing her arms
with a tired little sigh, she asked for a
cigarette. He lit it for her with a trem-
bling hand. and thrilled at the touch of her
cool one as he seated himself on the side
Of her fragile craft.
'Since your island is so dangerous" she
proposed to him, you'd better act as
chauffeur. and I'll tell you where to paddle
I've an island of my own. you know, and
perhaps you'd like to see it. For since
we're neighbors, it's only polite for you
to return my call
That suited Tommy down to the bottom
of the sea, and. showing off the canoe, he
set it moving swiftly Once they passed
around the curve the rocks would serve
as screen. and then he meant to learn
more about this wonder-srl.
Covertly he glanced at the long, artistic
fingers with which the girl daintily fecked
the ash from her cigarette and to his
relief observed that it bore no platinum
band Not that be feared the wrath of
any rate husband, but because he would
have hated to think of her being bound to
some neglectful brute.
VET. although her eyes were eloquent. as
her lips might well be. too, she had very
little to say as Tommy piled the canoe and
finally made it fast to a tiny moss-grown
wharf on a stable island invisible from
his own But as they went up winding
path. at her invitation he realized that this
island was like some fairy vision, and his
heart grew heavy at the thought of the
money it represented. There were formal
gardens and flowers in profusion every
where sunken pools and fountains, bridges
and pergolas and set in charming grove
of pines. on the highest point of land, was
glorious dwelling built on the lines of an
ancient Spanish mission.
Swinging into the patio like 1.-THE young
panther. the girl threw herself luxuriously
on cushioned wicker divan. and with a
wave of her hand indicated chair. Almost
as if by magic a Japanese in cool. crisp
white padded in with silver tray laden
with tall iced glasses, and an appetzing
array Of cakes aud sandwiches. Then, with
out word, he promptly effaced himself.
well. here's to Robinson Crusoe!' The
girl held up her glass and Tommy arose
with bow.
This really ought to be drunk to you,
but I don't know your name,' he stated
inquiringly.
Wouldn't it spoil things if you did,"
she gave him sidelong glance Suppose
you call me Carmen, and let it go at that
But mind your pints and quarts-for | may
be dangerous. You know that song that
Carmen sings-If love thee, beware, = Not
that I'm suggesting any such tragedy"
I" oh, death, where is thy sting?'
Tommy murmured grinningly, just a little
relieved that the masquerade she proposed
would eliminate the need of further ex-
plantations concerning the inhabitants Of
his personal domain What wonderful ma
teral for super-feature film - he observed
sarcastically. Robinson Crueoe and Car
men combined with hot-dog scene in the
little old Plaza del Toros, wherein the. faith
full Friday CALAMITY sings the bull -
For moment the girls great dark eyes
regarded him humorously. Then she burst
out laughing and reached for a cigarette
"All right" she announced in agreement
with his facetious mood. Suppose we
he ecenario Iatar IN wall ra-