Argosy All-Story Weekly — 'The Metal Monster' — page 85: what you’re looking at

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

THE DERELICT. Thorpe shook his head. “ I suppose not. But I’m afraid you’re in for a bad time of it here, until the Koromanti gets in touch with us.”’ Katrina shrugged wearily. ‘‘ What do you think has become of the others—the mate, chief, and wireless man? And the second steward? Weren’t they to remain aboard the ship?”’ “Yes. I heard the wireless-room go last night. Maybe they were up there. Wherever they were, they must have gone overboard. I’ve searched the ship end to end for them. There’s no one. Just you and [.” “And Ben Ali,” Katrina murmured faintly. She swayed slightly, and Thorpe put out a quick hand to steady her. “ I’m just a little dizzy,” she smiled as he as- sisted her. Thorpe fastened back the door and turned to her. “ T'll scout up something to eat,” he said briefly. “I happen to have borrowed the keys of the lazaretto, yesterday, from that chief steward.”’ He avoided her eyes as he spoke. ‘ There’s a large supply of canned stuff down there, if I can get to it.” ~ ‘You mustn’t try!”’ Katrina said quick- ly. ‘“‘ There may be something in the pan- try or in the ice-box—if you know where they keep things.”’ “ll soon enough find out,” Thorpe as- sured her. “ You go in and sit down while IT look around. I—I feel fitter than you do.” He glanced at her, then looked closer. “ Why, those are bruises on your forehead. I thought—”’ “You thought they were dirt?” Katrina laughed softly, and rubbed her hand over her forehead. “I did get a banging about last night. But it doesn’t matter. If there is some tinned milk, will you let me know? I want to feed Ben Ali, the captain’s kit- 33 ten. She turned as she spoke, and made her slow, tired way into the dining-saloon, where she sank down on a settee and buried her face in her arms, on the table. Thorpe had carried some diluted tinned milk to the grateful kitten, and had pre- pared a meager lunch of cheese, biscuit, and cold tea for the girl and himself, before she Ss a q9 thought to ask him how he happened to be aboard the Barbuda: For a few moments he looked away from her, without speaking. Then, with a quick glance at her searching eyes, he told her. “ I don’t want you to pity me—you’re the sort who would be quicker to pity than con- demn—I’m not telling this to call upon your sympathy. I remained aboard the Barbuda because I was through with life. I’d made a mess of things, and I thought I was better through with messes. I haven’t a soul in the world to miss me. I deliberately drank more than was good for me, last night, thinking to get over the side and end it all ‘ But,” he laughed bitterly, “ I went. to sleep instead—and just woke up a little while before I ran into you. I dare say the shock of finding myself alone sobered me as much as anything.” His head sank back between his hands. “I’m just a derelict—like this ship. If it weren’t for your presence here, I’d wish to God both the ship and I might have gone to the bottom during the night.” Katrina shivered. Then she roused her- self and stood up. She looked down at the man’s bowed head. Her voice, when she spoke, was gentle. ““Many a derelict has been found and towed safely to port,” she said. “I’m hoping that will be the fate of the—Bar- buda.”’ ‘Thorpe rose at that, and looked at her. “Don’t wish that for me,” he said in a low tone. “Don’t wish me a safe return to anything as desolate as life.” Katrina smiled, her tired eyes and lips softening. ‘“‘ But all life isn’t desolate,” she said. “ Surety there’s a Port of Happiness some- where. Let me wish you safely into that.” ' Thorpe’s answer was abrupt. “ I’ve lost my own self-respect. There is no such port for me.” “There is,” Katrina insisted. Then, seeing the misery in the man’s face, she added: “We won't argue that now. I’m tired and wet. I’m going to change my clothes—get into something better fitted for these decks. Then I’m going to ask you to help me below.” GOH GIO (CO