The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1943-02-18

they roll the gangplanks over and
let us off ?"
Jewel thieves"
Pages gray eyes narrowed be-
meath a sudden froWn. "Of course"
Instinctively her arm frightened
over the gray suede purse.
The singers were now finishing
ITO You Sweetheart, Aloha" Rest
wick Carnes said, mo matter how
often l come home, never tire Of
this demonstrative greeting" His
face frightened as they began ma
tive number which Paige could not
understand. Rusty, however, was
grinning widely. Comedy num-
ber," he said unnecessarily.
Paige watched him with a side
wise, surreptitious gaze. He is the
true islander, she unused, studying
his eyes, crinkled from years Of
tropical sun; his hair, deep red in
some spots, sunburned lighter in
others; his skin that would be per-
petually FURNISHED. He was tall and
very lean, yet powerful looking and
broad-shouldered from swimming
and other island sports. He would
wear lei with grace, Paige knew,
as it meant to be worn, making it
an accompaniment to his attrac-
tiveness, instead Of a floral horse
collar for a blushing, embarrassed
face. In short, decided the girl, he
was perfect. Yes, perfect. Detesta-
bly, so in a linen suit and a sport
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 no
further interest. The crowds on the
pier, eager to cast flower neck
laces on the visitors, grew impa-
tient enough TO attempt throwing
their offerings.
On the deck, young military
wives, some holding babies, were
now finding this forced wait more
interminable than the weeks OF
loneliness they had endured on the
mainland. The orchestra and sing
ers, mildly disconnected, drifted
away. Paige began to fret because
she was wearing her gray suit. II
looked so heavy and hot compared
with Rusty's tropical clothes.
should have changed, she said to
herself, but 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"
Eugenia and the Brazilians in their
cabin. From the captain. apologies
stacked on top Of apologies. From
Eugenia, tight little smiles. Maple
syrup on top of concentrated
venom. From the Brazilians. ejac-
ulated despair that somehow lost
Importance because they were so
gay and explanatory.
Holy Govt" shouted Rusty and
then, Hello, darling" Paige
turned quickly He was pointing
with one hand for her benefit and
waving frantically with the other
for the benefit OF an entirely diff
ferent woman. A little gnome Of a
woman seemingly alive with leis.
ABBY" Paige said to herself
with certainty and thought. Il feel
as II 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 a veritable
paralysis. Then, still staring, she
began to gnaw abstractedly on q
fngernail. Finally she smiled also.
Briefly, she disappeared and soon
was seen again, wedging her way
into position, directly across from
Paige and Rusty. elbowing unen.
thusiastic people aside.
She pointed to Paige and called
out, Rusty, where did you get
that?'
Ito Be Contlnued)