Evening star., 1940-03-31

lounging on the white sands. 1t was
early afternoon, and they wouldn't be
needed aboard until sailing time just
before sunset. In fact they were not
only unwanted until then - they'd
been told what to expect if they came
sooner.
Her master, shaven and clean, paced
the deck finishing cigarette. His
mood was blissful. A pearler, eh? The
world would soon be his oyster. Only
the run to the Marshalls remained,
and that would be yachting cruise
with Josie Obviously she wasn't going
to hold out for her marriage lines.
That was as we'll. With several wives
scattered about, bigamy became
bore.
He strolled aft and called down into
the cabin, Come on up when you're
ready, Josie. They've all gone, and
we've a couple of hours alone at last
In two ticks, darling" called Josie.
There was no hanky- -panky about
her. Carl strolled amidships and flung
himself full length on the hatch, which
had been turned into a divan by folds
of canvas. Some worn cushions from
below were scattered about. Drinks
were ready on a small table. The scene
was set for worthy celebration.
Hands clasped behind his head. he
gazed up into the heights of the sky.
Don't move one teeny-weeny lit
tie muscle, Carl" said Josie.
Lost in his dreams, he had not heard
her bare feet on the planks. Standing
there above him against the blue, she
looked more than ever desirable in a
neat white dress which moulded her
round body The roses in her cheeks
were brighter than ever. but other
wise she was beautifully serene. In
truth. lovely picture - if it hadn't
been for the fact that she held a service
revolver in her steady hand, and the
range was yard.
Stay put" she said. This is Pop
O'Brien's. Remember when we used
to FIRE at bottles with it from this very
deck? Remember what peach Of
shot was?"
Carl was careful not to move.
Josie ?" he said, trying to pretend
that this was all joke. and failing
utterly to do so.
Don't trouble to talk, Carl. It's my
turn now. You didn't have much of an
opinion of the barmaid at the Grand
Pacific, did you? The nerve of you.
imagining Id fallen just because saw
you had me in jam. had to do some
quick thinking all the same. Figured
might as we'll save Pops dough for
him. and pretend to come along like a
lamb. Slipped the gun into my suit
case while l was upstairs, for was
certain that with it I'd be a match for
dope like Carl Hardt. sooner or later,
even in a U-boat. When l found the
U-boat was fake - was it easy?"
She was horribly sure and calm and
Carl had learned at Samaratu how
hard it is to argue when the other fel-
low has the gun.
But, Josie -"
STOW it. You've said your piece.
Yes, Carl. it was cunning idea, all
right. but that doesn't make it any
the less robbery under arms. believe
I'd have liked you better if you'd been
what you pretended. As it is, for all
the trimmings, you're just dirty
gangster, and it was only a holdup
like any other.
Now it's my turn. I'd shoot you
dead, and not bat an eyelid. But this
time, too, force won't be needed.
You're going to swim ashore. and you
and the rest can stay there until war
ship comes to round you up. l haven't
forgotten how to handle the Gull.
know the tricks of her auxiliary. l
shall be back at Samaratu for break