Henderson daily dispatch. (Henderson, N.C.) 1914-1995, 1942-12-12
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they roll the gangplanks over and
let lis OFF,
Jewel thieves"
Paigc's gray eyes narrowed be-
meath sudden froWn. "Of course"
InStinCtivcly her arm frightened
over the gray suede purse.
The singers were now finishing
ITO You Sweetheart, Aloha" Rest
wick Carncs said. mo matter how
often I come home. | never tire Of
this demonstrativc greeting" His
face frightened as they began a ma
tive number which Paige could not
understand. Rusty. however. was
crinrinS widely. Comedy num-
bcr." he said unnccessarily.
Paige watched him with n side
wise, surrcptitious gaze. He is the
true islander. she unused. studying
his eyes. crinllcd from years of
tropical sun; his hair. deep red in
some spots. sunburncd lighter in
others: his skin that would be per-
| actually FURNISHED. He was tall and
very lean, yet powerful looking and
. broad-ShouldcrCd from swimming
ma other island sports. He would
! wear lei with grace. Paige knew,
g! IL meant to be worn, making It
! al accompaniment TO his attrac-
! .!vcncss, instead Of Il floral horse
collar for a blushinG. embarrassed
face. In short. decided the girl. no
was perfect. Yes. perfect. Detesta-
bly, so in linen suit and a snort
shirt of Chinese silk.
During the long wait to get off
the ship, which was unusual. peo-
pie began to be restless. They had
called greetings until that held nc
further interest. The crowds OH the
pier, eager to cast flower neck
laCcs on the visitors. grew impa-
ti"nt enough TO attempt throwing
th"ir offerings.
On the deck, young military
wives. some holding babies, were
I nov finding this forced wait more
| intcrminable than the weeks of
| loneliness they had endured on the
! mainland. The orchestra and sing
NC lliAa'sAF
away Paige began to fret because
she vas wearing her gray suit. 1t
looked so heavy and hot compared
with Rusty's tropical clothes. I
should have changed. she said 10
herself, bit I simply was too tired.
The night before had seemed
endless. Dancing in the salon,
champagne in the captains suite,
more champagne later with dear"
EugCnia and the Brazilians in their
cabin. From the captain. apologies
stacked on top of apologies. From
Eugcria, tight little smiles. Maple
syrup on top of concentrated
venom. From the Brazilans. ejac-
ulatcd despair that somehow lost
Importance because they we're SO
gay and explanatory.
Holy cow" shouted Rusty and
then, Hello, darlnc"" Paige
turned quickly. He was pointing
with one hand for hcr benefit and
waving frantically with the other
for the benefit of an entirely diff
fcrent woman. a little gnomc OF q
woman seemingly alive with lcis.
Abby" Paige said to herself
with certainty ard thought. Il feel
as il I'd known her all my life"
She smiled. And then she stopped
smiling, for the stout little woman
was not smiling.
She was standing in n vcritable
paralysis. Then, still staring, ere
began 10 gnaw abstractedly on q
fingerrail. Finally she smiled also.
Briefly. she disappeared and soon
was seen again. wcdging her way
into a position directly across frpm
Paige and Rusty, clbowing untn-
thusinslic oplc aside.
She pointed to Paige and called
out. Rusty, where did you get
that? ?"
(To BE Continued)