Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-12-20

~ APT. BLODGETT was a short
man of incredible girth and
width, dimensions resulting
~ in a contour that was &C
centuated, rather than dis
tinguished, by his uniform. He never
looked at anybody; he always glared.
Now he was glaring at the man in
the wheel chair, as though about to
spring upon him. Trask returned the
scrutiny with composure, and then
devoted himself to an inventory of the
other occupants of the room.
Aunt Mehetabel was there, out.glar-
ing the captain. Trask felt that If
anything happened to Capt. Blodgett
Aunt Mehetabel would, as matter OF
course, take command of the ship.
The goddess was there, too. She
met his glance for only a fleeting in
slant, then looked away, her forehead
furrowed into little lines of pain and
| perplexity. Mrs. Kent was also pres
ent, but she was wholly negative
addition to the company.
The fifth person that Trask observed
was one whose presence was sur.
prise and a shock. 1t was none other
smiled, yet there was plain amazement
In her eyes as she studied the wheel
chair and the somber form of Keller
standing behind it.
| Capt. Blodgett was seated behind his
| table, against which his thick body
| was tightly damned. His elbows were
planted aggressively, his attitude was
suggestive Of a human Gibraltar.
"Well. what about it, sir?"
His stare signified that he expected
an answer from the man in the wheel
chair.
What about WHAT" countered
Trask cautiously
IAN this devilment that's been re.
ported, sir! 1t concerns you, it seems"
You'll have to tell me something
about 1t first, I'm afraid
Capt. Blodgett snorted and turned
to Aunt MehetabeE.
Repeat what you told me, madam, s.
he commanded.
Aunt Mehetabel eyed her victim
balefully and proceeded orally with
the indictment.
This man." she said, pointing,
"who says his name is Trumbull and
who is a passenger in this cabin, is
supposed to be an invalid. He says he
cannot walk. On one occasion my
niece saw him Jump out of his chair.
On another occasion you stopped your
ship for an hour because they found
his deck chair empty. This very after.
noon / saw this man, who says he has
been shot in the legs, jumping over a
bar as high as his head down in the
second cabin. / asked some questions
and was told by somebody his name
Is Trask.
"As for this person with him." she
added her accusing finger now pointed
at Keller, at don't know who he is,
cient for anybody"
cused.
did you hear THAR" he demanded.
"I heard" affirmed Trask pleas
antly.
"Well. what have you got to say?''
What's the charge against me, may
I ask?"
"Blazes!'' Numbered Capt. Blodgett,
his face growing steadily redder.
Charges enough! Breaking the rules
Of this ship with regard to visiting be,
tween cabins! Causing a panic aboard
| or trying to, by fake attempt at sui
| eide! Travelling aboard my ship under
two names. Acting in a suspicious
manner generally, Causing disturb.
ances, annoying other passengers, be.
| having in an improper manner and sc
| forth and so forth"
IF it's as bad as all that. I've got
nothing to say" said Trask, smiling
Capt. Blodgett gulped. glared and
| banged "a fist upon the table.
What's your name?" he demanded
I'm on your passenger list as
Trumbull. Isn't that sufficient"
Can you waikiki
81 could once"
Can you walk now7 Get up and
kWnlk. sirr'
Il respectfully decline"