Evening star., 1936-08-20
-
E&;a6fJoAN &
by JOSEPH NccoRD


ment from his seat on the rail. It
was like CASTOR to bob up -. that
way. But he was rather relieved when
the latter fingered on the porch. He
didn't like the idea Of Gaston's fol-
lowing Joan indoors, talking to her.
And he wouldn't tag after them to as
sure himself.
. CASTOR had taken on q new impor-
tance in the scheme Of things here.
Deeds had attempted to Danish the
little twinge Of jealousy that had
marked his few encounters with this
man. Joan had told him there was
no one else she thought there
never would be. That should go for
Gene CASTOR, then. But CASTOR was
q friend Of the Elledges. How we'll did
he know them? Did he know that
they were under false colors? And
why they were?
The object Of these reflections in
terrupted Deeds train Of thought.
Are you managing to have . good
time here?"
ME? Sure. Why not?"
well, it's pretty quiet. I'm sorry
If haven't seemed very sociable. But
I've been rather busy :. sort of COM
bining business with pleasure"
You're fortunate"
Maybe. A chap has to keep stirring
about these days to make ends meet
unless he's lucky enough to have a
good income without working. I'm
not"
IN the selling gamer" Deeds ven
tured at random.
mo" Gene tempered the sharp
word with an easy laugh. Perhaps
am, at that trying to sell my
self. Aren't we all?"
That's what it amounts to, I guess"
II notice that Claire has been max
ing advances to you in her carefree
way" Gene remarked Unexpectedly.
She's quite kid"
VERY attractive" Deeds acknowl-
edged.
when get squared away. we'll
have to get busy and figure out some
entertainment for the four Of us.
See you later. Good night"
Deeds watched the other disappear
in some perplexity. He had been
pleasant enough ). something sort Of
disarming about the fellow. But his
last suggestion was queer one he
included Joan in the -four" of course
Deeds wondered how Gene was pairing
the quartet in his mind 81. wasn't
sure the idea appealed to him. He was
becoming decidedly selfish, as far as
Joan was concerned.
The bathing hour at Layland cot
tage, the next morning, was marked
by an unusual occurrence. Almost the
entire household was in the surf, form
ing general group. when DR.. Sloan
Euedge came Striding over the sand.
He was wearing swimming suit.
Without q word for any of the
others, he waded into the breakers and
plunged from sight. When he ap-
peared, it was to forge ahead with
easy, measured strokes. DR.. John
wallowed In his wake like an anxious
porpoise.
Their performance was watched with
varying degrees Of interest by the
other members Of the group. Deeds
observed Joan and Claire sitting to-
gether on the sand and made his way
to them. He sat down cross-legged be-
hind them, moved by a slight uneas-
mess. 1t would not be particularly
surprising If Miss Lindsay were to
make some reference to Sloan's clan
destine performance. She. turned to
Deeds with Q cryptic smile. 80
What do you think of the miracle
in our midst?"
"The doctor? Why, I think it's .
good thing from all I've heard.
He seems to be enjoying himself"
I'll say. We're about to have
scientific dissertation on the subject.
Here comes Little John. He can't
quite keep up with the naval race"
The stout doctor came waddling in
their direction. wip'ng the brine from
his face with the back Of his hand.
Have you been watching my
brother?" he Inquired pantingly, as
he dropped down on the sand. Its q
triumph :. nothing less"
"Of mind over water" Claire sug-
gested.
Exactly, Miss Lindsayl I've been
attempting to get Sloan into the ocean
ever since we came down here. This
morning, quite to my surprise. he con-
sented. He used to be exceedingly
fond Of the water before his
trouble. He's . fine swimmer. can't
keep pace with him"
If you ask me-" Claire observed
carelessly, your brother has been
needing a bath for some time. Look
at him now showing that toothy