The Wilmington morning star., 1941-02-18
SYNOPSIS

son, young Cary, Nancy Deane
soon discovers a strange atmos
phere of antagonism over the gen.
ealogy which the grandson is writ
ing. Disregarding the hostility OF
Horace Rand, an intimate, but not
c%ongenial, friend of the family
toward the project, Captain Essex
opens the old sea chests of the
family to help in compiling the
%genealogy, only to discover that
the chest of young Cary's father
has been emptied. They find Aunt
Althea, the captains eldest daught-
er, trying to burn the contents Of
the chest. For s~afekeeping, Cap
tain Essex decides to put the pa
pers in a safe, the existence Of
which had been unknown to all
but him and young Cary. Shortly
after Nancy has finished a morn
ing's work, she is told that the
window in the alcove where she
works is wide open. On the way
to the village Nancy and Kaye
meet Proctor Rand. Horace's son,
who boorishly demands that Kaye
talk to him alone, but she refuses
and he rides away.
CHAPTER TWELVE
We had left the main road,
turned down a narrow footpath
which led to a lone cottage perched
high on the bank overlooking the
cove, and thus were beyond sight
md La,yir4 Iictorca IF tho man
who. with a ferocious scoWl at
us, had vanished into the cottage.
l couldn't understand why Kaye
wished me to be silent about him.
Her nudge, coming SO promptly
upon my inquiring Who start
ed me upon a train of thought
which prevented my noticing John
ny's appearance at her side until
he spoke.
Miss Kaye" he began, a
shamed flush almost ~obliterated
the freckles, I'm sorry I can't
take you into the cottage today,
but" He looked appealingly at
her in a way which seemed to
convey a meaning she understood.
That's quite all right, johnny
A tender smile wreathed her lips;
her hand fell ~caressingly upon his
shoulder. Il understand"
But I did want to show you my
report card. It's the best I've ever
had, and l wanted you to e it."
Rebellion was in his tone.
Il know, and I wanted to see it,
too. I'm coming back to the village
tomorrow, perhaps you can show it
to me then"
"Oh, gee, Miss Kaye, that'll be
great! I'll take it over to Mrs.
CarlIs before I come up to Purple
Beeches. That is-you will need
me, won't you, Miss Kaye?" His
voice was pleading.
Again Hayes hand gave him a
reassuring touch.
You know I always want you to
help me, Johnny"
The cloud of uncertainty van
ished from his face.
Gee, Miss Kaye, you're a
peach! I'll fix it so you can see il
tomorrow, see if 1 don't"
Listen, Johnny" Hayes smile
was gone, her voice had taken on
a serious note. Don't ever do
anything for me which will cause
you trouble. If I can't see the card
today or tomorrow, I will see it
the next day or the next week. You
have told me about it; it isn't nee
essary that l see it. Avoid a clash
whenever you can, Johnny. 1t is
something, you know, that you
have never been prevented from
carrying my basket for me-"
"H-he wouldn't dare do that"
Johnny stumbled badly over the
pronoun. His brown-flecked blue
eyes sparkled Indignantly.
Maybe not" returned Kaye
doubtfully, "but I wouldn't be too
defiant, if l were YOU"
"U-um, 1 guess you're right,
Miss Kaye" Tone and facial ex-
preston were too old, too wise for
such a boy.
By that time we were at the
cottage door. Johnny placed the
basket upon the doorstone, Kaye
selected the parcels she wanted
and we went inside.
The oma who admitted us
Kaye introduced her as Mrs. CARL
-pursed her lips grimly together
after she greeted us.
miss Kaye" she began, hes
at it again." Her nod toward John
ny, plainly to be seer through the
window, was puzzling to me.
Il thought so, answered Kaye.
I'VE caught a glimpse of him when
We came by"
tits a shame" Mrs. CARL an
grily continued. "Johnny's a good
boy; I only hope my Bob'll be as
good" She waved her hand toward
the baby sitting in a homemade
high chair.
Kaye smiled her agreement, and
she went on:
He came back night before last.
drunk as a coot. He's a surly cuss
at any time; when he's been drink
ing he's awful" Her eyes bored
deeply into Hayes. Where do YOU
suppose he gets his money!"
Kaye shook her head. From her
manner l thought the conversation
distasteful.
Il can't imagine" she said crisp
ly. HE hasn't done a real days
work since he came back here 16
years ago!"
The new voice, thin. high
pitched, made me jump.
1 glanced around the room. In
a rocker facing the farther window