Evening star., 1933-03-30
LUXURY LINER
BY Gina Klaus
(coPYRIoHT, 1888, BY GINA KAUs)

nuge Strlng OF brilliant coral. She wore
coral earrings. and with her fat fingers
all kinds Of colored stones leaped swiftly
across the keys OF the machine. Why
does not some one tell her that she is
making herself look ridiculous, Thomas
thought, almost angrily
The door OF the adjoining room opened
and two men came out. One of them
was Bartlett. the great statesman, the
Other-Obviously Stephanson--Was cour-
teously showing the way.
Bartlett went over to the typist whom
he addressed as Miss Fielding, and asked
several questions. Twice she said Yes"
without SO much as ceasing her clatter
for even q second and without lifting
her eyes from the keys. The short,
stout man kept his cigar in his mouth.
In this cabin they obviously did not
make as much fuss over Mr.. Bartlett
as they did in the world outside.
Sorry, Doctor" said Stephanson to
Thomas. Il hope I haven't kept you
waiting too long"
Stephanson spoke rather slowly. but
with hardly trace Of foreign accent.
His voice was unusually soft and gentle
"a voice rare among business men.
Thomas followed him through the
second reception room into the bed
room.
What is the trouble?" he asked when
Stephanson had closed the door.
Sugar" sighed Stephanson. "Dia.
betes mellitus. I shall be compelled to
throw myself upon your mercies twice q
day. 1nsul injection 10 minutes before
every meal. 1 can't manage to stick
the needle into myself. Obviously I
like myself too we'll"
He smiled deprecatingly. as II apollo
gizing for his illness and his lack Of
lie t1a ~,
shining set OF equine teeth between
full. deep-red lips, was in harmony
with his voice. AS recently as 10 years
ago he might have been a very hand
some man. He still retained his odd,
obllquely set, glowing eyes. as we'll as
the gracious general manner of hand
some man. He had the extravagant
charm OF man who is convinced that
he can win every ones love, and who by
habit Is always making love to some
one
of course, have my own supply Of
lnsulin.' Stephanson continued. point
ing to fairly good-siZed leather box
on the table. Also whatever else is
needed chemicals and instruments Only
/ haven't my doctor with me as
usually do when I am obliged to travel.
He simply could not manage to get
away this time, when at the last min
ute I decided to sail. You cannot
imagine how happy I am to find SO ex-
cellent substitute for him
Thomas, Of course. knew that he had
given his patient no reason for any
special confidence IN him. Yet the ex-
cesSive politeness OF this man who had
engaged all the luxury cabins on B
deck impressed him.
He put number OF professional
-
eight. Except for the diabetes, per-
fectly well? Stephanson's father, at 30,
smokes his five cigars a day and drinks
his two bottles of wine. Diabetes since
when? Oh! For the past five years.
"Insulin was discovered at the criti-
cal time for me. Without 1t I'd prob
ably be dead by now
Stephanson spoke jokingly. but at
heart he was not joking. He really felt
himself a favorite of the gods. and if
the gods had been unable to prevent his
being stricken with disease. they imme-
diately saw to it that there was a rem
edy to save him.
Generally" Thomas suggested, at
would be better II you did not travel so
much. Or, at least, II you would allow
yourself a certain amount of rest on
your journeys. But here you have set
up floating cfice. and have begun to
work even before the Columbia has got
outside the harbor That isn't right;
you should not do that"
Stephanson had meanwhile undressed.
He disclosed a surprisingly well-con-
ditioned body.
"Peace' said Stephanson Peace
that is just what is denied me. have
always dreamed of retiring from all bus
iness at 40. and settling down on the
Il IN, ha u-or1i yfitN
the most beautiful woman in the world.
Instead Of that-in the very center Of
witch's caldron."
Thomas went on talking as was his
custom when dealing with stubborn
men Of action.
Perhaps you imagine that you can
not get out of this caldron. II I were
In your place. I would give up all my
businesseS-I am convinced you would
have enough left to retire at ease and
take care Of your health and live SIM
ply for your pleasure.
He thrust the needle into the vial,
and was just about to insert it when
he noticed an amused almost mocking
smile on Stephanson's face.
Tell me- Doctor have you any idea
what the Columbia is worth?"
Thomas shook his head in surprise.
Stephanson was still smiling.
Il will tell you. She is insured for
upwards to $4,000, 900 gold marks. That
is a tidy sum. isn't It? Well. I own
six ships OF the Columbia's value, and
besides a couple dozen of units of older.
construction, used for coastal and
freight service. Furthermore. l own
but it will bore you! In short. / am
one,of the richest men in the world"
(To Be Continued Tomorrow