The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1933-11-06
CHAPTER THIRTY-FoUR

CHAPTER THIRTY -FOUR
DOES father had been afraid
ID that the surprise he had in store
for his soma yachting party In
GLIDING fifteen young friends hastily
gathered together by Barbara
might prove unwelcome.
Mr.. Weston was quite sure BOZ
would have preferred to make the
trip without these companions but
he was sure also that companion
ship was exactly what Bob needed
Hence, like a god physician, he went
ahead with the cure for the malady
regardless of its bitter taste.
If Bob were displeased at find
ing the group Of guests waiting at
the yacht basin there was no evil
dence of it in his face. He greet
ed them cordially, smiling at Bar
baras enthusiastic, Wasn't Mr.
Weston a perfect dear to think OF
this lovely trip?"
But the days and nights at sea
passed and Mr. Weston saw moth
cate that the romance between Bob
and Barbara was progressing.
During the afternoons, when the
luxurious yacht was cutting the
blue waters like a shining, clean
blade. Mr. Weston sat on deck,
reading, but always conscious Of the
young people about him.
Bob was proving himself the ideal
host. Outwardly he entered into
games of deck tennis, Switchboard
and bridge.
Barbara was never far away. Her
arm was tucked companionably
through his as they walked the deck.
Or she would be leaning close to
him as they bent over the rail,
watching the flying fish that
stabbed the shimmering waters, the
porpoise rising suddenly and the
gulls, wheeling in the silver spray.
To Mr.. Weston it seemed strange
that Bob could be so blind to the
girls charms. She was young,
beautiful and spirited. And OBJ
viously she was devoted to Bob.
They passed by Mr.. Weston's deck
chair, Barbara clinging to Bob'S
arm as the deck swayed under the
roll of the rough sea. She was
wearing a iaunty white sports frock
a little white cap set sailor-taShlon
on one side of her head. She turned
to the older man, raised one hand
in salute and called, Bob is helping
me get my sea legsF
Later. Mr.. Weston saw tn e m
again, a little withdrawn from the
others and deep in conversation. He
smiled with satisfaction. 1t would
not be long now before the shadow
would lift from Bob'S eyes.
But when his son was offguaro
his eyes still we're unsmiling and
there was bitterness in the tight sci
of his mouth.
I'm an impatient old man." Mr.
Weston thought unhappily. Young
people take disappointments to
heart more than we oldsters, who
have forgotten our romantic pangs
can realize"
ID ARBARA, trailing apout III
ID flmy lace dress. was looking
particularly lovely that night.
Mr.. Weston glanced about for his
son but did not see him. He sat
down again in his deck chair. The
music. coming from radio stirred
him pleasantly. A low moon was
casting a soft glow on the dark
waters. A night indeed for romance
Bob had slipped away from the
others for a visit with Captain Eric
The old seaman, whose face hao
been bitten by the singing spray
of years. had commanded many
hardy vessels. from clipper ships to
ocean greyhounds. He had retired
from active life when Bob's father
offered him the easy, luxurious post
on the "windward.'
In the past Bob often had tested
the conversational powers of Cap
tain Eric, eager for his stories Of
the old boss haulers and tackle
men, of MINDLESS days at sea wher
sailing vessels we're bound in leth-
argy under the tropic suns. and Of
fierce combats with waves noun
tain high, testing the stuff of which
the gallant barks were made.
But tonight Bob was not in 6
mood for stories. He seemed con-
tent to lie relaxed in his chair
with Captain Eric not far away
putting on his pipe.
Funny what lot of trouble one
little rib has caused the men folk,
Captain Eric said suddenly, anc
saw Bob jump.
When the young man made nj
reply the captain said gruffly