The Washington times., 1938-12-06

boy" Neil put in. "I know them
and the rum Juggling boat they're
pushing around the islands u
you'rt wanting to go to sea Why
don't you pick a decent berth.
HavH you ever sail at all?"
The three Of them were turning
off into a side street lined with o'j-
fashioned red brick house. Neil
found himself putting out fine
line of argument. Johnny was
froUning but listening. When
they paused before one of the row,
he said, Come on up. 1 want %
t"lk with you"
And not half an hour back he
had knocked Johnny to the saw
dust floor of Barney's saloon, and
dragged him out by the collar.
This was progress.
For over an hour he sat at the
round table in the small dining
room, telling high tales of the sea
to fascinated audience.
JOHNNY'S CHANCE
Where's your homer" asked
Kit suddenly, as he looked at his
watch and rose to leave. Their
gaze met and held across the table.
"Me?" said Neil. I'm from out
in Ohio, but haven't any folks Of
my own family any more, so I'm
just what you might call a sea
rover. I have to be back by mid
night to the boat, and Johnny. il
you feel like coming along, show
up in the morning on the WILDER.
tine, and ask for me, Neil Mac
Lane, first mate. I'll take care Of
him, Mrs. Dwyer, and don't you
and Kit worry over him. He's q
good kid.
Kit was waiting for him down.
stairs when he came out. They
walked along together towards
the West Side subway, not talk
ing, just with her hand held in
his under his arm, as he helped
her over puddles at crossings.
They were very well acquainted
by now. She spoke once with a
half sigh, "It was lucky you hap
pened to come along just when
you did, Neil, and I spoke to you"
II don't believe in luck" Neil
said, earnestly. Il think things
happen by themselves. Why didn't
go with my mates to the show
tonight, and why did I get an idea
I wanted to look up friend at
the SEamen's Club? And why did
| see YOU all at once standing
there under the light as if you
were on watch for me? Are you
ever superStitiouS, Kit?"
Il don't Know am about wish
bones and four-leaf clovers and
new moons"
That's nonsense, but don't you
believe you'll know the right one
when you see him? That's what
I've always believed, that I'd know
her the minute I sighted her, and
J did, too. You knew you'd never
be rid of me, didn't you, from the
minute laid eyes on you"
you can't be sure when you've
only known me an hour or so.
Neil"
FATE, NOT LUCK
He stopped short, facing her. his
hands on her shoulders. rs that
SOP" he asked sternly. Cant you
say you're sure, Kit? Else why
were you waiting for me when
came out?"
I'll be back in three months.
When mans at sea most Of his
time, he can't wait on ceremony.
and can't run the chance of los
ing you for not speaking up and
telling you now. Will you marry
me when I get into New York next
trip? I want to carry your prom
Use with me-"
Dark doorways were made for
such emergencies, and he drew her
into the nearest one, a deep, old
| fashioned one with a brass knocker
at the side of a tailor shop.
Thrilled and contented, Kit rested
against his shoulder.
II wish I had picture Of you.
Neil?"
He dug into his inside pocket
for folder, and took out paper.
There you are, one I had taken
for a passport for South America,
and it's no Rogues Gallery shot
either, even if it does look like
one. Good-by, darling, and if you
happen to be on a South Ferry
boat between eleven and noon,
watch for the Wilbertine. and
wave to your future husband. It's
oYoIHy fhroa YnnnfhSIn
She stood on the corner watch
ing him make the subway.