Part 16 (1/2)

”No,” replied Allen. ”But I've always wanted to go.”

And he told her of the longing that had sprung up in him when Captain Peters had spoken so indifferently about the wonder-lands of mystery and romance to which his bark was sailing.

While he talked, she was studying him closely, as is the way of girls, without appearing to do so. She noted the stalwart well-knit figure, the handsome features--the strong straight nose, the broad forehead, the brown eyes that sparkled with animation.

Drew was at his best when he talked, especially when his audience was attentive, and there was no doubt that his audience of one was that.

She listened almost in silence only putting in a word now and then.

The thought came to him that he might be boring her, and he stopped abruptly.

”If I keep on, you'll be talked to death,” he said apologetically.

”Not at all,” she protested. ”I've been intensely interested. I'm glad you feel so strongly about far-off places, because you're sure to find plenty of romance where we are going.”

”And treasure, the doubloons, too--don't forget the doubloons,” he laughed, lowering his voice and looking around to see that no one was listening.

”And that too,” she agreed. ”I suppose you've spent your share already?” she bantered.

”Well, I'm not quite so optimistic as all that,” he laughed. ”But I really think we have a chance. Don't you?”

”Indeed I do!” she exclaimed. ”I don't think it's a wild goose chase at all!”

”I'm glad you feel that way about it.”

”Even if things go wrong, we can't be altogether cheated,” she went on.

”We'll have had lots of fun looking for our treasure. Then, too, we'll have had the voyage, and the schooner is a splendid sailing craft.”

”She's a beauty,” a.s.sented Drew. ”I don't wonder you're proud of her.”

”It was really quite flattering that you men should tell me what you were going for,” she said mockingly. ”You're always saying that a woman can't keep a secret.”

”I don't feel that way,” protested Drew. ”And to prove it, I'll----”

”Listen!” said Ruth hurriedly. ”Wasn't that my father calling me?”

”I didn't hear him,” he replied, looking at her suspiciously.

”I think I'd better go and make sure,” decided Ruth, moved by a sudden impulse of filial duty.

”Let him call again,” suggested Drew.

But Ruth was sure that this audacious young man had said quite enough for one morning, and she held out her hand.

”Good-bye,” she smiled. ”I know from what my father has told me that you have an awful lot to do to get ready for the trip.”

”Have I?” rejoined Drew. ”I'd forgotten all about them.”

They laughed.