Lakeland Evening Telegram Newspaper, March 4, 1914, Page 2

s i 4 | | 1 -= THE &~ NE'ER-DO-WELL A Romance of the Panama Canal REX BEACH COPYRIGHT, 1910, SYNOPSIS. Kirk Anthony, son of a rich man, with college friends, gets Into a fracas in a New York resort. A detective is hurt Jefterson Locke Insinuates himself into ! the college men's party. Locke, aided by Kirk's frlend Higgins, who thinks it a joke, drugs Kirk and puts him aboard a ship bound for Colon. Kirk s on the passenger list as Locke. “Broke” and without baggage, aboard the ship Kirk makes the acquaintance of Mr, and Mrs. Stephen Cortlandt. But when they had met and passed he went his way vaguely disappointed. | Instead of a girl, as the first sight of her youthful figure had led him to ex- pect, he had seen a woman of perbaps | forty. She was certainly not so hand- some as he had imagined from a dis- | tance. Yet the face was attractive. | The eyes wew wide set, gray and very clear, the mouth large enough to be ex- | pressive. Iler hair shone in the morn- ing sun with a delicate bronze luster like that of a turkey’s wing. | Ie dismissed her from his thoughts and continued his search for a number seventeen shirt and collar to match. But he did not fare well. He found Mr. Stein in the smoking room, but dis- covered that his size was fifteen and a half, and there was no one else to whom he could apply. For a second time Stein importuned him to buy a chance on the ship's run. and, failing in this, snggested that they have a drink together. [ad not Kirk realized in time his inability to recipro- | cate he would have accepted eagerly. for his recent dissipation had left him curfously weak and nervous. At the cost of an effort. however. he refused. Stein laughed. *“‘Don't get sore. All ghips are alike, We have to talk about something. Sorry 1 can’'t help you with the shirt question. Deuced care- less of them to lose your luggage.” “Yes. It makes one feel about as comfortable as a man with a broken arm and the prickly heat. Something's got to be done about it. that's all.” He glared enviously at the well dressed men about the room. Over in a corner, propped against the Jeather upholstery, was Mr, Cortlandt. as pale. as reserved and as saturnine as at breakfast. He was sipping Scotch and soda, and in all the time that Anthony remained he did not ppeak to a soul save the waiter, did not shift his position save to beckon for another drink. Something about ) his sour, introspective aloofness dis- pleased the onlooker, who shortly re- turned to the deck. The day was warming up, and on the sunny side of the ship the steamer chairs were filling. Two old men were casting quoits; a noisy quartet was playing shuffieboard. After idling back and forth on deck for a time Kirk se- lected a chair and stretched himself out. “Do you wish this chair for the voy- age, sir?" asked the deck steward. k.“Yes, I think so.” “I'll put your name on it." “Anthony, suit A, third floor front.” “Very well, sir.” The man wrote out a card and fitted it to the back of the chair, saying, *“One dollar, if you please.” “I haven't got a dollar.” The steward laughed, as if to humor his passenger. “I'm afraid, then, you can't have the chair.” “So I must stand up all the way to Panama, eh?" “You are joking, sir. It myself if you don't.” “That’s right. Make me as uncomfort- able as possible. By the way, what size collar do you wear?" “Sixteen.” Kirk sighed. *“Send the purser to | me, will you? I'll fix up the chair mat- | ter with him.” While he was talking he heard the rustle of skirts close by and saw the | woman he had met earlier seating her- | self next to him. It annoyed the young E man to realize that out of all the chairs | on deck he had selected the one near- | est hers. | Then the purser appeared. “Did you | send for me?” he inquired. “Yes. There was a strange man around just now, and he wanted a dol- lar for this chair.” “Well?” “I want to establish a line of credit.” The purser grunted. “And, say!” Kirk ran on seriously. “I've been all over your little ship, but the passengers are boys’ size. I can't wear this collar any longer.” “And I can't find any baggage of yours. I've seen the captain about that ticket matter,” he went on, “and he says you must buy another. If you are joking you've carried this thing | I'll have to pay . I 1911, BY | love my little room, and I think I'll ! also a safety razor.” | this, 1 | Locke. (some one, he turned his eyes upon her | this trip. HARPER & BROTHERS Tar enough. TF you are really strap- ped, as you say you are, how does it happen that you are occupying the best suit on the ship?" “It is a long story.” “Humph! You will have to give up those quarters and go forward.” “Why? You have your money for that ticket?” “Yes, but you're not Mr. Locke.” *“Well, sir, now that I come to think it over, I believe my name is Locke, after all.” He grinned. *‘Anyhow, I keep it. Please don’t be peevish. I want you to do me a favor.”” He re- moved the ring from bh': finger and, handing it to the purser, said: “I want you to get me two diamonds' and a ruby’s worth of shirts and collars and The officer managed to say, with dignity: *You wish to raise money on presume, Very well, 1 will see what can be done for you, Mr. ”» CHAPTER IV, New Acquaintances. S he turned away Kirk be- came conscious that the wo- man in the next chair had let her book fall and was watching him with amused curiosity. Feeling a sudden desire to confide in with such a natural, boyish smile that she could not take offense and began quite as if he had known her for some time: “These people are money mad, aren’t they? Worst bunch of gold diggers 1 ever saw."” Surprised, she half raised her book, but Kirk ran on: “I hope you don't mind my speaking to you. I'm awfully lonesome. My name is Anthony, Kirk Anthony.” Her face showed that the name car- ried no signiticance. “I understood you to tell the purser your name was Locke,” said she in a very low pitched, well modulated voice. “I couldn’t help overhearing.” “But it isn't really; it's Anthony. I'm the undignified heir to the stocks and bonds of an old party by that name who I'ves in Albany.” 2 “Darwin K. Anthony?" questioned she quickly. “Is be your father?” Her face lighted with a flash of genuine In- terest. Kirk nodded. “It's funny, isn’t it, with all his cred- it that 1 can't get a shirt until 1 put up a diamond ring?" “You are joking, are you not?” *“No, indeed. 1 didn't intend to take 1 didn’t even know I had sailed. When I woke up I thought this was a hotel. I've got no more baggage than a robin." “Really? How did it happen?” “Well, to be perfectly honest. I got drunk—just plain drunk. I didn’t think 80 at the time, understand, for I'd nev- er been the least bit that way before. Hope I don’t shock you.” His new acquaintance shrugged her shoulders. “I have seen something of the world. I'm not easily shocked.” “Well, I was perfectly sober the last 1 remember, and then 1 woke up on the Santa Cruz. You see, it was a big night—foothall game, supper and all that. I remember everything up to a certain point, then—carfain! 1 was ‘out’ for twelve hours and sick. That's the funny paju; I'm still sick. What 1 can't understand is this: It took all my money to pay for the supper, and yet 1 wake up with a first class ticket to Pgnama and in possession of one of the best suits on the ship. It's a prob- lem play.” “You say you were sick afterward?’ Kirk turned his eyes upon the speak- er mournfully. “My head isn't right yet.” “You were drugged,” said the woman. “By Jove!" He straightened up in his chair. “I'm beginning to see. It was Locke. That's how I got his name. Th's is his ticket. Oh! There's going to be something doing when 1 get back.” “You did not impress me as a college | student,” said the stranger. “I'm not. I graduated four years ago. I barely made it, but T did get through.” “And you have never been to the tropies?" “Not since I bad my last row with the governor. Have you?" “Many times. It will prove an in- teresting trip for you. At least you have that consolation.” “What is it like?” Evidently the artless effrontery of the young man had not offended, for bis neighbor talked freely, and in a short time the two were conversing as - DTN AN e, - ANl “Is he your father?” easily as old acquaintances. 5 When at last she rose, after an hour that had swiftly sped. she was grati- fled at the look of concern that came into his eyes. She looked at him with genuine approval as he bowed and said: “Thank you for the pointers about Panama. 1 hope 1 may have the pleasure of talking to you again.” When she had disappeared he mur- mured admiringly: “Jove! She's a corker! And she's not so old. after all. [ wonder who she"’— Ile leaned over and read the card on the back of her steamer chair. “Mrs. Stephen Cortlandt, Suite B,” it was lettered. Straightening up, he grumbled with genuine disappoint- ment: *Just my blamed luck! She's married.” By pledging his one article of jewel- ry Kirk became possessed that after- noon of several shirts, collars and I handkerchiefs, likewise a razor, over which he exercised a sort of leasehold privilege. The purser made it plain, however, that he had not sold these articles, but merely loaned them, hold- ing the ring as security for their re- turn, and this arrangement allowed Kirk no spare cash whatever. Even with all his necessaries paid for, it sur- prised him to find how many channels remained for spending money. He suf- fered most, perhaps, from the lack of tobacco, but even in the matter of cigarettes he could not bring himself to accept favors that he could not re- turn. Kirk was of a peculiarly sangpine temperament that required much to ruffle and looked upon the whole mat- ter as a huge joke. It was this per- haps that enabled him to make friends in spite of his unsociable habits, for the men liked him. As for the wom- en, he avoided them religiously, with the exception of Mrs. Cortlandt. whom he saw for an hour or two morning and afternoon as well as at meal times. With her he got on famously, finding her nearly as entertaining as a male chum, though he never quite lost his dislike for her husband. Had she been unmarried and nearer his own age their daily intimacy might have caused him to become self conscious. but under the circumstances no such thoughts occurred to him, and he be- gan to look forward with pleasure to their hours on deck. The Santa Cruz was four days out before Cortlandt joined them, and when he did he merely nodded casual- ly to Kirk, then. after exchanging a polite word or two with his wife, laps- ed into his customary stlence, while Mrs. Cortlandt continued her conversa- tion without a second glance in her husband’s direction. The man evidently possessed a wide knowledge ¢f current events, a keen understanding of men and things, yet he never opened up. He listened, spoke rarely and continued to spend nine-tenths of his time in that isolated @rner of the smoking room, with no other company than a long glass and a siphon. One day when Kirk had begun to feel that his acquaintance with Mrs, Cortlandt was well established he said to her: “Stein told me today that your hus- band is in the diplomatic service.” “Yes," said she. *He was consul general to Colombia several years ago, and since then he has been to France and'to Germany." “Are you diplomating now ?” “In a way. We shall be in Panama for some time. Colonel Jolson will be interested in you." “I don't see the point.” “Your father is one of the most pow- erful and aggressive railroad men in the country. Perhaps you know some- thing about the railroad opposition to the canal?” Kirk smiled. “Well, to tell you the truth,” said he, “the governor doesn't consult me about his business as much as he ought to. He seems to think he can run it all right without me, and we've only been speaking over the telephone lately.” “One of the strongest forces the gov- ernment had to combat in putting through the canal appropriations was the railroads. Colonel Jolson has no reason to love your father. ~“By the way, when are you going into business with him?” “I? Oh, not for a long time. You see, work doesn't really appeal to me, anyway. I suppose if I had to hustle I could, but what's the use?” Mrs. Cortlandt let her eyes dwell upon him curiously for a moment. Then she said: “Have you no ambition? Is there no —girl, for instance? Have you never been in love?" “Oh, see here, now!” Anthony blush- ed in 2 manner to excite the envy of any woman. “T don't like ’em. I'd rather play football.” “You lack stimulus. If you should meet the right woman”— Then, see- ing the amusement in his face: “Be- lieve me, I know what I am talking about. I know what a woman can do. Your life has been too easy and placid. You need some disturbing element to make it ferment.” The Santa Cruz was now rapidly drawing out of the cold northern winter and into a tropic warmth. The nights were perfect, the days divine. The passengers responded as if to a magic draft, and Kirk acknowledged to a re- luctant enjoyment of the change and found himself less eager to go back. Mrs, Cortlandt joined him as usual on deck after dinner, and they did a mile around the promenade, chatting idly of many things. The evening was too glorious to permit of early retiring, and a late hour found them leaning over the rail, side by side, while An- thony bewailed the fact that he knew nothing of the country just beyond the dark horizon ahead of them. They talked about the canal “It is a big task, Mr. Anthony, and the mere digging of the ditch is the smallest part. There is a great deal more to be done. You see, as men at- tain culture. they require more than mere food and drink and bedding, and in the same way, as nations attain to greatness, they require more than mere territory—they reach out and absorb power and prestige. Our decision to build the Panama canal is like the landing of another Columbus; the con- quest is to follow. After that will come—who knows what? Perhaps more wars, more pillage, more injus- tice, just as in the old days of Central and South America.” “You talk like a man,” Anthony said admiringly. *1 had no idea you looked at things in such a big way.” Mrs. Cortlandt hesitated slightly as she changed the subject. *‘I heard you tell the purser the other day about your financial troubles, and it oc- curred to me that Mr. Cortlandt might assist you.” “Thanks, awfully,” Kirk hastened to [sny. feeling himself flush uncomfort- ably. *“But I sha’'n’t need anything. The old gentleman will wire me what- ever I ask for. Does—Mr. Cortlandt know how I am fixed?” “No.” ‘Please don’t tell him. I—I'm a little bit ashamed of myself.” Mr. Cortlandt was awaiting bis wife and rose courteously as she entered their suit. “Did you send Annette for me?” she inquired. “Yes. I thought you had forgotten the hour. We rise at 6. “My dear,” she returned coolly, “I was quite aware of the time. | was talking to Mr. Anthony.” “By the way, some of the passengers are remarking about your friendship for bim.” Mrs. Cortlandt shrugged. “I expect- ed that. Does it iterest you?” The man favored her with his wintry smile. *“Not at all.” “If he should need assistance while in Panama I should be obliged if you would accommodate him.” “Don’t you think that is going a bit too far? You know I don't fancy him.” Mrs. Cortlandt frowned slightly. “We won't discuss it,”” she said. “I as- sured him he was at liberty to call on us for anything, and naturally that ends the matter.” “Naturally.” he agreed. but his col- orless cheeks flushed dully. When Kirk came on deck early the following morning he found the Santa Cruz nosing her way into Colon har- bor. A lpnd fog obscured his view somewhat, but through 1t he beheld a ,low, Irregular line of mountains in the background and close at hand a town. The ship came to anchor abreast of a point upon which he descried a squat little spider legged lighthouse and long {rows of frame dwellings half hidden behind slender palm trees. Beyond were warehouses and docks and the funnels of many ships. On either side of the bay was a dense tropical wil- derness. *Will you go over to Pana- ma city or will you stay in Colon?" | asked Cortlandt. “I think I'll remain on the ship. Then she can't get away without me,” Kirk answered. But when he explain- ed his desire to the purser that worthy replied: “I'm sorry, but you'll have to am range that with the agent. . We make | & charge. you know, just like a hotel.” “I'm going to cable my old man for money." i The or‘fiovr shook his head with final- ity. *“Nothing doing. Mr. Locke. I .you ;mm,m stay aboard you'll have to pay in advance. [ don't i stuck for your bill." sl R “All right. then, I shs self unon the nmrcv,ofl::ll-:mmm“:v o 3 gers. CHAPTER V. Kirk Anthony Is Surprised. mK was delayed but an in- stant by the customs offi- £ cials, then made his way out & J through a barnlike structure to the cable office, where he wrote a message, only to have it refused. “We don't send C. 0. D.,” the oper- | | tor fold him. - i a “Must have coin in advance, eh?” “Yes, sir.” “T left my geold purse on the dress- er,” Kirk said cheerfully. “I'll be back later.” Then he wandered forth again, resolved to enlist the services of the American consul. After some wandering he found the consul’s house and knocked at the door, whereupon a high pitched, querulous voice from inside cried: “Come in. Dammit, Plant Velve; g On new or old g, The most Vall."rlblg- builder and forg,, Crops following don't stand produce 25 to 3 g gefeedefoadoodecdr oo there hammering!” | cent more, Kirk entered to find a huge, globu- bushel lar man clad in soiled linens sprawled ‘ 2 in a musty Morris chair and sipping a M highball. The man’s face and neck 3 were of a purplish, apoplectic hue; he ay es fir 0‘:‘ l'} seemed to radiate heat waves like a PR PER R WP RPN base burner. (To Be Continued.) _ Long Life of Lin, that is just what we are giving is what you are looking f alony with good laundry work. Try us. Lakelana 'Steam -Laun, West Maix by, ¢ Phexe 180 in the Spring of the year, Mr. Quaint, Decided to impr e thinos w th Paint, So He Our St Wher Paints ¢ And he still Paints without any restraint. 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