Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1939-02-24


fingers-cold, hard and with grip
suggesting neither cordiality nor
friendship. Matresser felt that wave
of dislike sweep over him. There was
something of evil both in the mans
expression and bearing. The smile
which was meant to express courtesy
was an unpleasant contraction of ill
shaped lips. Even Matresser, whose
natural bearing was so entirely cour-
teous and distinguished, felt some diff
ficulty in receiving his visitor suave-
ly.
"Veryy happy to make your ac-
quaintance, Mijnheer van Wetrheene,"
he replied formally. my secretary
and l were just speaking of your skill
in handling your boat last night. No
easy waters, ours, for stranger"
81 have encountered worse" the
Dutchman confided. "In Sweden,
where often cruise, the currents are
not only difficult but dangerous"
Matresser indicated an easy chair
and seated himself opposite.
II must apologize for fixing so late
an hour for your VISIT" he said. Il
have just returned home after some
what prolonged absence and we have
had fairly large shooting party here
today. I was sorry to hear from our
local doctor that some of your men got
knocked about in the storm"
Nothing Serious" the visitor as
sured his host. 81 myself took a
slight toss. This I may explain" he
added, touching his foot with his stick,
sit not a permanent-what is the
word ?-infirmity. Your little doctor
soon set us all to rights. An amiable
person anxious to get back to his
sport, I think"
"He is good chap, Andrews, and
country doctor gets pretty dull
time of it. You shoot yourself 2"
81 have some thousands of acres
preserved on my own land" the other
admitted. 81 do not often shoot, how
ever. I prefer the sea-"
Matresser looked over his shoulder
to where Yates was seated, an immov-
able figure, behind his machine.
"Ring for Burrows, will you, Hen
ry?" he enjoined. "What can offer
you, sir-a cocktail, sherry, whiskey?"
The Dutchman beamed.
at would give me great pleasure to
drink cocktail with you. You say
that you have just returned from a.
broad?"
Matresser nodded.
I'll have been out of the country for
some time"
"It is good to travel now and them"
his caller observed. ~ understood, or
did see it in your newspapers, that
you have been biggame shooting in
African
Matresser merely nodded and chang
ed the subject, remarking:
"A handy little ketch that of yours.
I had good view of her while I was
| Shaving CIllS morning..
"She is of the type usually built in
my own country" van Westrheene
confided. "a craft of that sort does
not make much speed but it is very
good in rough weather. My engines
need attention, otherwise I am very
well satisfied with the way she stood
the storm. I must wait a few days
until this swell goes down, then
think I shall probably extend my
cruise"
Rather an unusual season Of the
year for this part Of the world" Mat
resser observed.
IT shall go southwards. If the
weather should be propitious, perhaps
you would care for sheltered cruise
one day. Your car could meet you
anywhere you chose"
Matresser's smile carried with it a
world of meaning which only Yates
was able to appreciate.
"My dear fellow" Matresser said,
81 would not trust myself on board
for anything in the world. The fact
is, love the sea but I am a rotten
sailor. You will find this cocktail
pretty good" he added, turning to his