Evening star., 1938-07-03
PART ONE


the stranger with whom he had been
u dancing 1t seemed that her friends had
failed to turn up at the Cadenza, London
cabaret near Piccadilly Circus; and since
Sinclair was alone, they had fallen into casual
talk. Her name, she had said, was Madeleine
Nelson.
She was certainly good to look at, with red
gold hair, violet eyes and perfect figure.
I'm glad had the nerve to speak to you,
Miss Nelson" said Sinclair.
Nerve? Did look 50 formidable?"
The band drifted into the latest waltz, and
Sinclair got to his feet: Shall we dance this
one?"
Eyes, let's. Then must 60. It's getting
late
She refused to let him pay for her as they
were leaving; and when he tried to insist, she
was adamant. He liked her for this little
gesture of independence. and was stepping
into the taxicab beside her when he pulled
himself up with start: Il don't know where
to drop you, Miss Nelson"
''Charing Cross please"
For the first time during the three hours
he had known her, he began to feel awkward.
The atmosphere of the Cadenza, the wine and
the music, had given touch of gay panache
to the encounter; but in the taxicab it was
different OF sudden, he felt they had be-
come utter strangers once more.
I'D better tell you now, " she said, breaking
the silence. I've got confession to make,
Mr.. Sinclair You'll think it horrid of me, but
can't help that. My friends didn't turn up
at the Cadenza for good reason They don't
exist went there because wanted to know
you. You see, we didn't meet by chance at
ALL"
Lets get this right" he said slowly.
''You-you wanted to know me?"
Sorry, but it's true" She nodded. Il
wanted to find out what kind of man you
were"
Paul Sinclair lay back with laugh. And
hope you're quite satisfied, Miss Nelson -
if that really your name"
Perfectly satisfied Her voice altered.
There's something want to ask you. You'll
think it queer request. I'd never have made
it if I'd seen you were we'll, the kind of
man girl can't trust"
lnankS lO tne Compliment.
AT the Cadenza you told me little about
yourself, but knew it all before. knew you
were Paul Sinclair of the North Atlantic
Salvage Cooperation. knew you'd come over
from New York to try and recover the gold
from the wrecked liner Melsofh near the
coast of France -"
You knew all that" he was startled.
You see, I'm journalist You didn't guess
that? have a rowing commission with big
international news agency. Well. here's what
want to ask Will you let me sail on board
your salvage ship from Southampton tomor-
row night? It's going to be big news story if
you salvage the Melnsoth gold - the biggest
deep-sea salvage story in years - and want
to cover il"
There was a brief silence; then Sinclair
burst into laughter Good Lord, so that's
what I've got to thank for so delightful an
evening" Then he became serious. But hold
on To write about salvage work it isn't
woman's job"
Il can write about the sea with any man.
Prove it for yourself Ask me any question
you like about ships"
Sinclair glanced at her. The light from
street lamp illumined her eager eyes and the
firm set of her lips. IN take your word for
it,, he said tersely Listen You can't come.
hope you've got that quite clearly"
He could feel her hand on his arm. But
why? Because there'll be no other woman on
board? That's absurd. The other day girl
sailed on grain clipper from Australia ="