The Argosy, Vol. XXIV, No. 3 — page 28: what you’re looking at

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

412 : A SECRET OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC. ‘’ Yes, father said you were as good as two men in some things. By the time you get to Aukland and start on your veal voyage, you will know con- siderable about seafaring matters.’’ “Yet I began by being woefully, sick, you know.”’ ‘That is nothing. Father says that many men who make the best of sailors are seasick at first. Why, you are a much better sailor than Mr. Monckton, although he was not ill at all.”’ The expression of Thorne’s face changed instantly at the mention of Monckton’s name. ““Yes??*’ he said coldly, and the pause which followed was actually painful. Sydney flushed warmly. It angered her that the mere mention of Carter Monckton’s name should have been received in such a manner, ‘“ Mr. Thorne,’’ she said hastily, ‘‘ I think you do Mr. Monckton an injus- tice in—in thinking of him as you do, and acting so toward him.”’ ‘‘ Indeed? ’”’ responded Thorne, and for an instant his eyes fairly blazed into hers. . . ‘‘ I do,’’ she said, still more nettled. “I do not think it honorable in you to judge him so harshly because of what may have been his former conduct. A great many young men sow wild oats ss But Thorne was too disgusted to listen quietly. How could any woman speak of a man like Monckton so leniently ? He forgot for the moment that Sydney Latimer was entirely unfamiliar with Mounckton’s true character, The fellow had been extremely careful to keep his better qualities uppermost. ‘“FEexcuse me, Miss Latimer,’’ he said, ‘‘ As you consider me so lacking : in honor, I will relieve you of my presence. Mr, Monckton is coming yonder, I see ; he will doubtless be much pleasanter company,’ He bowed formally, and turned abruptly away. He did not look back, and therefore failed to see that Sydney, instead of greeting Monckton, turned also and hastened below, leaving the other passenger looking after her in great amazement. Thorne bitterly upbraided himself for his own display of childish pique, He admitted, in the privacy of his own cabin, that that term more nearly fitted it than aught else. He had never met a gitl before in whom he had taken interest enough to care whom she made her friends. But for some reason it was galling to him to have Sydney Latimer so familiar with a man of Carter Monckton’s stamp. | Can’t she see through him?’’ he thought, in disgust. ‘‘ Is she blind? I swear I thought she had more character.”’ And then he tried to make himself believe that he didn’t care a Sixpence, any way; but with slight success. Sydney did not attempt to ‘‘make up”’ with him again, however, and affairs went on about as ever on the brig. Thorne was with Jessop even more now. He often helped him at his work or talked with him while off duty. ['m thinkin’, sir, ’twould have been a great saving of time for you if the brig had touched at Valparaiso,’’ said the sailor, one evening as they leaned over the rail together just forward of the main hatch. g - boo LL