The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-11-20

was bieached white, and as she picked it up she discovered grate- fully that 1t was dry. There was little chance that Pays0n would find it. but at least, Julia decfd-' ed, 1t was worth try.
 Holding the little silver pencil tightly she printed in black capi- tals on the wood: WOODFORD HAS DECIDED TO LEAVE FOR THE CITY. WISH I COULD THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR TROUBLE. J. c.
 Then she set the white wood near the marks on the sand, but out of reach of the tide; and with another and last look at the is- land beyond, she started reluc- tantly back along the path.
 Halfway to the other side of the island she met Woodford. He was red from exertion, and obviously relieved when he saw her.
 Didn't you know we were leaving?" he said petulantly. "Why run away without telling some of us?"
 I'm sorry. I thought you weren't going before an hour"
 "Everybody's aboard and ready" Woodford told her.
 Puzzled, Julia followed him down the path. She had never seen him like this and she was moved to ask how Nesbitt was getting along.
 Hell be all right. It wasn't serious"
 Then why, Julia wondered all Woodford's seriousness? Perhaps he was only piqued because his vacation jaunt had broken into troublesome fragments. But she could have asked him no more ques- tions even if she'd wanted, for he rushed on down the path quite as if the Wood Lymph might leave without its owner. In @ moment she saw Captain Bakely waiting in the stern of the power boat. Cintra Lee was the only one in sight aboard the yacht except the members of the crew. When the tender reached the larger craft Woodford and Bakely went at once to the wheel house, and Julia sauntered aft to where Cin- tra sat smoking cigarette.
 T was a little surprised when saw you in the boat with Wood- ford" the dancer said.
 "Why?" Julia sat in the deck chair beside Cintra, felt the sud- den vibration of the engines as the Wood Lymph got under way.
 T had a notion perhaps you'd decided to stay marooned with that handsome young man who tried to rescue you last night"
 Julia turned to the girl. You won't say anything?"
 T? It's no affair of mine."
 T almost wished I had stayed. Somehow T don't like the idea of being on this yacht again"
 Cintra gave her a curious glance. "so you feel 1t, too2" She looked out over the rail q moment. Then: T must be right about it."
 "Right about what?" asked Ju- lie quickly. There was some thing in the girls tone that frightened her. Something ornin- ous and sure.
 But at her question Cintra only laughed. "It's probably just the filters. I've been feeling that our bad luck hasn't run out. I've q notion to get into my berth. and stay there until we land"
 DO you think MT. Nesbzitt is all right?"
 Cintra nodded. He's very lucky lucky that Nash drank 50 much last night that his aim was shAky."&g.
 Her words might have meant everything . or nothing; and something told Julia not to press her for an explanation.
 Obo served luncheon from his tray, seeking. out the guests where- ever they happened to be. Julia, who remained on the deck after Cintra had gone to her cabin, supposed that Woodford was attempting to avoid the strain and embarrassment of bringing them all together in the main cabin. She wondered if the whole cruise back to the city was to { be like this. Almost afraid to move 1 from her place, she consumed her sandwiches and coffee, then set the plate by her feet.
 It wasn't long, however, before Woodford appeared. His mood seem- ed to have frightened, for he greet ed her with pleasant smile. AS he sat down in the chair which Cintra had vacated, Julia caught faint odor of whiskey.
 Sorry to leave Evergreen 1s- land?" he asked.