Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1934-08-10


be off, in case he has apopleXy." Old
Ben's big car slid up the drive, and the
ancient tough got out-not so spring.
lily as he once had done. Seymour
made no attempt to leave.
Thought l told you you'd be kick
ed outw snarled Ben.
"You told the captain Of the Orient
that, Mr.. Rckett." Old Ben's face
went purple. He hated to have his
schemes crossed by anyone and that
an underling should thwart him was
gall and NORWOOD. Further, the
name of the lost Orient was red
rag to bull. When he allowed him
self to see reason he knew himself
responsible for that considerable loss.
"I'm telling the captain Of what
ever it is the same thing!" he ragged.
"With your arteries the way they
are you ought to be more careful, Mr..
Rickett," said Seymour smoothly. For
answer to that Old Ben swung his
cane. and it was a heavy one. He
struck Seymour across the face; a
blow that sent him reeling back. Then,
since he had his pride, he rebounded.
"No, Jack, no." walled Dawn. "Its
Dad!'
For once in his indomitable life Ben
Rickett was scared Of the twin devils
he'd seen take fire in Seymour's eyes.
But he had to be consistent; his stub
borness demanded that.
"Come on, then, if you feel that
way" he said.
"All right, Dawn, don't worry!"
said Seymour, wiping blood away
from raking cut. He put her aside
for she had instinctively interposed
between the two. He said to Old Ben
IF | wanted to I'd tie knot in your
neck, Mr.. Rickett, and you know l
could. That's what I'd do to Old Ben.
But to Dawn's father l won't do that
only I'll break you in another way.
| don't know how but I'll do it," Old
Ben fumed. 1t wasn't often he felt
inferior, but just now he suffered an
unpleasant twinge of that complex.
Out of this" he said, cor I'll set
the dogs on you'll" Seymour turned to
Dawn, took her hands, lifted them to
his shoulders, put his arms around
bar and Kissed har SLOWLY
I'm coming with you," Dawn sob
bed. "Im never going to stay with
that sort Of coward again! You
ought to be ashamed of YOURSELF"
she flashed at her father. Old Ben
was ashamed Of himself, but he was
not of the calibcr that admits it.
"He had his warnings" he growl-
ed.
you've had yours" answered Sey-
mour, almost laughing at himself for
his boastfulness. He let Dawn go and
moved away.
"Wait, JACKIE she called; "I'm COM
ing" But half way down the drive
he halted.
mot yet" he urged. He repeated
his arguments, at which she laughed
feminine scorn.
1T might be all right now, but I've
to go to sea again. I'm not savage
at him. If anyone tried to take any
thing away from me that l liked a
lot I'd go tearing mad"
Lets get married now and I'll
wheedle him around after, Jack dar-
ling" she cajoled. "And, oh, your
poor face"
you've got to let me get at this
my own way" he assured her firm
ly. Zone day you might blame me,
and then something'll die between us
and that would never do"
"You think I'd be happy here with
the man who did that to you? Must
| go on my knees-and stockings the
price they are!- to ask you to take
me?"
In the end he persuaded her, but
she conceived another plan.
She lingeringly kissed Seymour
again, there at the gate in full view
of any who passed, because she was
proud of him. He went away, for
getting his hurt flesh and vanity
dreaming incredible, impossible dreams
Dawn stroled back to the house. Ole
Ben was not yet simmered down to
peace.
Il told you what it would come to!'
he ragged at her standing slim and
straight before him. There were nc
dimples on her flower face now. Hel
lips were white, even.
you ought to be ashamed of your
self" she told him witheringly. "What