Evening star., 1936-09-01
INSTALLMENT XXIII,

YOAN'S face reflected her deep
"You had one idea when you
came out here on the beach to
meet me. Maybe it was the right
one" she said. "You were going
away"
my stuff's packed" Deeds said
slowly.
"Are you going to take 1t on
the lamp" Joan attempted q smile
as she used the phrase Deeds had en-
ployed in telling of Sloan Elledge's
suggestion" that Deeds remain for 10
days. but her lip quivered.
IT think you know the answer. I'll
stick as long as you want me or think
you need me-"
Even if I can't promise you .
anything?"
Eyes. I'm dumb enough to -
He broke of his sentence and stretch
ed himself out on his back in the
sand. With his hands clasped under
his head, he lay looking up at the
sky as if he had not care in the
world. Take it easy" he cautioned
Joan in quiet voice. "Those two
bozos are coming up the beach now
Leave 'em to me-"
When the two Elledge's neared the
pair on the sands, Joan was staring
lstlessly at the ocean and Deeds lay
in his relaxed position beside her
There was nothing to indicate that
they were engaged in a conversation
head until Joan called careless
greeting to the newcomers.
Stunning yourselves?" John asked
amiably. Sloan said nothing.
"Just being plain lazy" Deeds sug-
gested, propping himself on one ell
bow. 1t was queer how different he
felt now . I'd. didn't give a tinker's
damn for either of these birds. Not
with Joan here and ,. trusting him
"I regret to be the bearer of bad
news" John continued suavely. "but
we have message for you, Miss Joan
Your father asked. If we happened tc
see you on our travels, to tell you that
he would like to see you at the house
when it was convenient"
"Oh, thank you. We were just
about to start back"
"We're taking a constitutional down
as far as the inlet" Sloan observed
perhaps Mr.. McCune would like to go
with us. A poor substitute for
your company. Miss Kendall, ]
know"
Deeds was conscious that Joan gave
On apprehensive start and spoke
quickly. fearing that she might betray
herself.
why, thanks" he drawled. "As a
matter of fact, I was just suggesting
We start home. . Have little job
should finish this afternoon"
YOU'D better change your mind
and come along. Brothers are notori-
ously poor company" Sloan spoke
easily, but Deeds was quick to attach
meaning to his quiet insistence.
Joan held her breath until reassured
by quiet chuckle from her COM
panim.
4Oo tWO SCAG1Cl1lCll Cdll IldNG
much better company than mine" he
told them. Here comes the dominic
He's an enthusiastic hiker."
Deeds jerked his head in the direc-
ton Of the Rev. Mr.. Beckham, who
was walking rapidly along the hard
sand. He was hatless and coatless
The four watched his approach in
silence.
Whats this? A meeting?" he
called out, about to pass.
you're just in time" Deeds told
him smilingly, rising to his feet and
giving Joan hand. "The doctors are
sll set for walk down to the inlet.
But Miss Kendall has to go in q.
and SO do I. I was just telling DR..
Sloan that he was lucky to have you
come along just now"
Il would be glad to-" the minister
said earnestly. I'm fact, was bound
that way"
Then we won't keep you," Deeds
grinned. He might be inviting trouble
Tor himself later, but he was getting a
kick out Of putting one over on Sloan
Elledge. The whole thing looked like
. trick anyway. Shall we start
along?" he asked Joan complacently.
"Oh, yes. Good-by." Her thank
fulness. was almost too apparent
wasn't it lucky Mr.. Beckham hap
pened to come along just then?" she
asked when she fancied the others out
bf hearing.
Did sort of save my face" Deeds
admitted.
"They really wanted you to CO."
yeah. Time for another warning
maybe. Whatll you bet your dad
never sent that message? Try to find
out :. without telling him you saw
John"
I'm going to. I thought of that,
TOO. Mac, I'm actually afraid of those
men after what you told me.
I'm even going to worry for fear
something happens to the little
preacher"
you needn't. I've an idea that he
could take care Of himself in a pinch.
Did you know that he was in the Big
Parade?"
you don't mean in France?"
Hospital unit. Convincing little
chap when you get him going.
Told me the other night he was quite
interested in our friend Sloan. Had
q desire to help him. I'd like to get
In ON that"
Il think Gene went away again to-
day. Joan's mind had reverted to
their major problem.
He did. Claire told me so at
breakfast no. lunch. I'm all
mixed up on the time. She accused
the two Of us of going on q bender
last night. Do I look the way feel?"
II don't know how you feel. Mac
e. do you think that Claire knows
anything?"
mo. =, Why?"
1T sounds rather catty I'm afraid.
She has gone out of her way to be
nice to me and .. well. didn't know
just what to think. My nerves have
haoy, e,offiy,p fha host - y,,a0