The Argosy, Vol. XXIV, No. 3 — page 18: what you’re looking at

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

402 A&A SECRET OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC. she laughed, the color coming and going in her round cheek. ‘ The bracing sea air was what I needed. I brought my books aboard and studied hard. I learned navigation, too. I’ve performed the duties of second mate before, but I was never rated as such till this trip. This is my first voyage for three _ years, and I enjoy getting back on the old brig once more.” ‘‘ But,’ said Thorne doubtfully, ‘‘ didn’t you find it hard to get on with no other woman aboard ?”’ ‘“Oh, ’Tonio’s wife used to go with us when I was small. In fact, she was always aboard until she died four years ago.”’ ‘T should think you would be lonesome for female society.”’ “Oh, that?’’ she said. ‘‘ Don’t think me unwomaly, but girls weary - me. Most of those I met at school were afflictions. You see, being so much in father’s society, Iam more of a man’s woman than a woman’s woman, Do you understand me ?”’’ Thorne thought he did. But he was doubtful. Such sentiments from a girl were so entirely unlooked for that he didn’t know what to think. The run to New York was very pleasant and Thorne began to take con- siderable interest in the working of the ship. Especially was this interest manifested when it was Miss Latimer’s watch on deck. While the Naida was being loaded Thorne found the time hanging heavily enough on his hands. He tried to busy himself in plans for his voyage of exploration. He purchased charts and books about the South Pacific. But the month which was occupied before the Naida was ready to sail, dragged on leaden wings. Still, he was glad Mr. Undercliff had advised his coming on to New York with the brig. He could never have been able to stand the delay at home. He received and answered a few letters, among them one from a college friend. A paragraph in the latter’s epistle Thorne read over several times. The news has gone forth that our friend Monckton has left our classic town. He goes on a sea voyage in one of his father’s ships, I understand, for his health. But a little bird has whispered in my ear that another investigation by‘'‘ the powers that be’' was pending, and that he saved himself from expulsion by resignation. ““T wonder what craft of Undercliff & Monckton he sails in?’’ thought Thorne. ‘‘ He’d be a nice addition to any ship’s company—I don’t think ! Well, thank the Lord, it’s nothing to me.”’ But it did concern him, only it was several days before he found it out. Then he saw ’Tonio doing a vast amount of cleaning in one of the unused staterooms. | “Who's this for?’ he asked. ‘The officers had already come aboard, and had been assigned their places. ‘Goin’ ter hab anoder passenger, sah,’’ replied the mulatto, showing his teeth. Passengers meant unlimited tips to ’Tonio, and he would have wel- comed a dozen. “Phat so?’’ ‘“Ves, sah. De son ob one o’ de owners. Goin’ for he’s healf.’’ Thorne turned on his ‘tieel and went to his cabin. Had his journey not been so urgent he would have given up his berth in the brig rather than sail with Carter Monckton. oO Eomichboo EN ee