Argosy, Vol. 120, No. 1 — page 53: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

| anybody. RESURRECTION “ Funn unny chap, this Dean,” Burchard ob- served. “ Not very anxious to talk about his business, eh?” “Why should he be?” Marta lined herself with the defense. doesn’t know us from Adam and Eve.” a Suppose not. Still, a little curiosity is natural enough. Didn't you feel any? Come, now, Marta!” “A little, I suppose—”’ “A little? Naturally. Instinctively “ He You don’t find ‘such a man living alone in a place like that ” every day. It’s not as if he were a common, . beach-combing hermit. Now, is it? Didn’t you get any answer to it?” “Well, he seems very contented and happy—”’ 6¢ Humph! ” ‘“‘ And he’s something of a philosopher.” ¢é Aha! 9? ‘‘[—I read some of his ideas. You see, I was alone there for three days. And, of - course, I was interested—intruding that way, and wondering what sort of welcome I'd receive—”’ “ Plucky girl! Marta, you’re a shining wonder. And here was I worrying my head off. As if I couldn’t trust you to manage Well, so he’s a philosopher?” ‘“‘ From what he wrote I gathered he pre- fers to be let alone—left to live his own life. He believes that the way to avoid trouble is to avoid people.” Burchard smiled shrewdly, “It’s not a bad way. Especially if one were doing something, ah— Been there quite a time, you said?”’ “‘ Really, George! If you’re taking a census you might go ashore and ask him. Yes, quite a few years—”’ “ How many?” So unexpected was table conversation from. Captain Blye that both started. He waited an answer with his habitual wooden Indian face. “ Why—why, fifteen, I think he said.” “Thanks.”’ Blye’s attention went back to his plate. Burchard raised his eyebrows at Marta in a pantomime of humorous con- sternation at Blye’s startling performance. Blye kept on eating, expressionless, indus- trious, silent. They talked of other things until the cap- -in his face just then. . Then we sail, out to the Orient. 43 tain folded his napkin with meticulous care and rose with a bob of the head that might DAY, have béen intended as a bow and an excuse for leaving. But at the companionway he | turned back suddenly. “‘ Burchard, see you later?” He jerked his thumb upward, and Bur- chard guessed he meant the little chart house. “ Certainly,” he agreed. hour, captain.” “Now, what in the world’s got into him?” Burchard wondered. “ Breaking into a regular rash of conversation. Did you ever? Marta, unless nry eyes are failing me, I detected distinct traces of intelligence I could almost say excitement.” © “‘ Maybe it’s the engines,” Marta sug- gested. Then, with sudden change of man- ner: ‘‘ George, it’s good to see you. I—I began to wonder if you would ever come—” “Marta! My dear.” Burchard shifted his seat beside hers. “I’ve a thousand things to say to you, Marta. Know where we’re bound -for?” “‘ How could I?” “ Honolulu first, to Honolulu for our honeymoon. Eh, Marta! ad ** And we start at once?”’ * What, such a hurry!” “ But, George, we oughtn’t to delay here, Is it—safe?” “No, it isn’t,” Burchard answered so- berly. ‘ But it’s only an hour or two more. To new adventures, new opportunities. Seriously, it can’t be any too soon. Not only our marriage, my dear, but—well, the salmon thing hit me hard. I’m flat broke, Marta. Got to get busy—” * George! Ruined—” “Well, a thousand or so in my pocket, that’s the size of it. And the yacht, of ‘course. Never mind. Lots of new chances. Everywhere, anywhere. Money? I can always find money.” Marta sighed. ‘‘ Money’s rather a dread- ful thing, isn’t it? I wish we didn’t need it. Didn’t have to make more, I mean. That means somebody will have to lose what he has.” “ Within a half” COMmiclbooa CO@