The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-05-02
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not concealing anything in 1t. As she sat down she felt every eye in the room upon her. She had the unhap-- py thought that not soul believed her. Not one, except Dick.
 She's lyingp Mrs. O'Hara shrieked. She's been acting queerly ever since she came on the boat. In this very room. l ought her cheating. And don't snc spend an her i.;ie With that thief named Gregory Dick jumped up again, his hands clenched convulsively. But before he could speak one of the stewards had entered the room. In his hand he carried brown alligator case. He laid it on the table in front of Captain Boyer. Instantly every eye in the room was focused upon it; every mouth gaped in eager expectancy.
 Slowly the captain turned the bag over, examined the catch. He saw that it had been deliberately broken; the bag fell open imme- diately, facing out toward the audience, and 1t was completely empty!
 "Is this your jewel case, Mrs. OHara?"
 She nodded her head decisively. Tt certainly is.'
 Where did you find it, stew ard?"
 Tn the ladies' lounge on A deck, sir. Right down the hall"
 Mrs. OHara spun around and started at Joyce. So you weren't concealing anything, her look said, so planinly that every person in the room understood. You weren't concealing anything under your costume, were you? But my empty case was found in the la dies room, just after you were in there!
 Joyce made a move to rise, but before she could get to her feet, Dick had hold of her.
 This is the only thing I can do, Dick!" she pleaded. I'll ask the captain to have my stewardess search me and search my room. Otherwise they'll never believe mep
 You'll d no such thing!' he protested sharply. When every other passenger is searched, then you can be. But not until then. You're not going to give that vii cious old witch the satisfaction. l wish 10 God they'd let her drown | in Bermuda!"
 Now, one by one, the stewards were returning to the lounge, re- porting discreetly to the purser, who immediately checked against the passenger list as they spoke to him. When the last one had come, he handed the list across the table. Captain Boyer looked it over carefully before he turned to his anxious observers.
 That is all, ladies and gentle men," he said quietly. Il thank you for your patience and cour- teSy."
 The orchestra filed back into their places, and Joyce wondered If after all this fuss they expected to re- sume the party at the same high pitch of gaiety.
 Dr. Gray and the chief officer were waiting on deck for them. There there!" the doctor said kindly, noticing Joyce's pale, drawn face. You're not worrying about it, are you, child? You don't suppose we believe that whiskey -sodden pair? l said, mind you, when l saw her com- ing aboard that the woman would be making trouble.'
 How dare she accuse Joyce?" Dick demanded furiously. How dare she think we want her noisy baubles? If Joyce wants to deck herself out like carnival horse, I can buy her diamonds!" He was not boasting; in his anger the words expressed his simple reac- ton. And they expressed, too, in open confession, the desire that was in his heart.
 The doctors eyes twinkled. Well, my boy! I think that's as broad q proposal as ever man made to a girl. Did you hear it, Miss Milner?"
 She turned aside quickly, em- barrassed that the doctor should so purposely misunderstood. But Dicks eyes suddenly frightened; /; he caught her hands in his and drew her closer.
 Of course that's a proposal" he avowed joyfully. How about it darling? Will you give me the right to tackle that O'Hara woman for you?"
 Joyce looked up at him and he read the answer in her eyes. All r--s---