Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1940-12-12

What are you gong [. 90:
IT don't know. may re able to
keen things going. I'll watch the
crowd and if l see them getting
nervous, I'll put on show unt:i
Wyncoop can talk to them"
You can't go, Vance. You, too,
have q reputation 70 look out for"
"A panic at sea, Kit, is pretty
bad If | can hold 'em off, prevent
them from being scared, it's only
my duty. III leave you here. If
we were able to save every life on
this ship, they still wouldn't forget
what they think we've done. l can
take it--ycu can't. Don't come be-
low"
F1c was gone from her side.
He slipped through the compan-
ionWay to the main salon, his eyes
keen, his mind tabulating facts as
his glance swept the room. His
plan already was materialiZin9 as
he spotted university professor,
a radio comedian, noted English
wit, the woman whose horse had
won the last derby, Gloria LIE
Brun, a movie star. This was his
material if he had to Use it.
The Sailors quartet was finish
ing a number on the platform.
Vance's glance covered every
movement of restleSSness; he felt
the vague growing tenseness in the
crowd tightly packed, row on row.
He knew that it would not be long
before that restlessness became a
sweeping panic.
A woman near him half rose,
hand to her mouth, her eyes Graz
lily searching the air for smoke.
In swift strides he cleared the
distance to the platform and stood
before the microphone. raising his
hand for silence.
Hello, folks" he said. This is
Vance Healey, bringing you an in
novation in shipboalu entertain
ment. You've heard the program
arranged for you. NoW--this is our
little surprise. We're ALL going to
take part in a broadcast that will
make radio history. From the At
lantic ocean, we're going to give
an informal program"--he was
careful not to say that it was actu-
ally on the air-"that has never
been equaled. In our roster of
guest stars-and I hope you will
all co-operate-We will have the
most distinguished company gath
cred at one show Well have a va
riety program of news, interviews.
music, comedy and drama" 4
He paused his quick chatter only
long enough to look at the clock
at the back of the room. 1t was
exactly 1910. Wyncoop had said
the Georgian was speeding to them
and should reach their side within
the hour. He hoped he could holI
them that long.
{To BE Continued
. her. a little awcd.
, Kit was saying that she did
: When there was a sharp knock at
/ The door.
, Vance opened it.
t The captains compliments, sir"
/ the third officer said. And will
., you please go to his cabin at once.
He would like to see both you and
Mrs. Healey."
Kit and Vance exchanged short.
worried glances.
The captain said, Il have asked
: you to come here so that might
: thank you for what you have done.
l can't tell you what it would have
meant to the line, and to me per-
sonally, had you not directed
, events as you did. From the bot
tom of my heart, sir, to you and
, your lady, I oXtend the deepest
gratitude of myself and my COM
pany."
Vance swallowed and smiled
Wanly.
The purser told me Of your
wishes to keep your identity TN
known. I realize how unselfsil II
was of you both to act as you did
under the circumstances"
Then you knew that We've
were not married?" Vance said.
But wc wish to be, sir. If you
could marry us"
The captain said, mot mar
ried?" He was puzzled; the purser
had said :.
Kit said, IT'S all my fault.
Vance didn't even know that Was
aboard. l followed him on"
The captains voice rumbled at
her, Whats this? A scandal? We
can't have this"
He took a black book from his
desk.
Kits hand sought Eance's.
The captain turned back to
them. The black book was open in
his hand. DO you have a ring.
young MANI"
Vance slipped a ring off his fin
ger.
1t was on Kits hand in an in
credibly short time and the captain
was shaking Vances hand and
calling her Mrs. Healey. Then he
picked up his hat and went to the
door.
stay here as long us you like"
his great voice doomed at them.
But I'm hoping you'll joir us be-
low. The occasion calls for q bit
of celebration. shall ask the en-
tire ships company to join me in
toast to Mr.. and Mrs. Healey."
He opened the door then and,
standing on the threshold, he add
ed whom I had the honor Of unit
ing in marriage the night we sailed
from New York" =.
IL o1oro6 tho 6oor oaptlv