LEISURE ISLAND.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 307, 27 December 1924, Page 26

LEISURE ISLAND.

By TOM HARRIS.

SYNOPSIS OF PREVIOUS CHAPTERS. The reader becomes acquainted with Old ; Man Marsden and his son and daughter, | Mr. Molder, a middle-aged barrister, and Phyllis Frayle, a friend of Mildred Marsden. Into this circle is Introduced Captain Jack liaivlings, a romantic figure of the , injstery v.icht Sendrearn, which maUcs an nnnuafvMt to Au.kbml. Tin- captain fal!=« in love with MlMri'd. nni determines to pnt ' bis fate to the test l>efnro hi> has t.> sail again. Mr. Marsden, particularly exaspc- I rated 1)V the rnlli-ge Mils of son John. | anuo#ces to that youth \\~. it he has | de.-iileil that the host thins lie <-:m do with him is to sec him safely uiarri.-d to the athk:ic Phyllis Frajle. ' CHAPTER VI. How true, the ancient saying. Prohibition people think: "You may lead an ass tv water. But you cannot make him drink." FjII of forebodings of a most fie- ' pressing nature. Johnny turned from the gaiety of the illumined lawn and directed his footsteps towards the claret cup. He was about to slip into the alcove, when he was startled by the tall figure of a man. stepping out of the shadow? before him. I "Is that you. Johnny? I've been ' looking for you,'-' lie said. I "Excuse mc, C'arlton," said Johnny, ■ shortly. "This is my busy day." i "Come. Johnny." said Cnrlton. "it's true we've had a little difference, but why; keep it up? You musn't blame j mc for your losses you know." j "Oh, I'm not quarelling with you, Carlton, but you're too expensive for j mo. and I'm cutting you out:" "Don't be ill-natured. Johnny. Tvook here, I want you to do something for mc. You know how I admire Mildred? Well, lately, I've had a fancy that she is falling in love with that fellow Rawlings. He is always here, and he has cheek enough to make love to her." j Johnny remained silent. Carlton had never seemed so interesting. He had, from time to time, played cards at the sharebrokers' flat, and it was his belief that ho had been "rooked." Carlton certainly acquired the greater part of the youth's periodical allowances from the Governor, and no one cnuld say the fiovernor wasn't liberal, if he did have i the devil's own temper. | ! "Tt is not generally known," con-1 ! tinned Carlton, in a confidential tone, j "but Rawlings is suspected of rumi running. In fact, proof is not lacking i that he has secretly landed spirits at ; certain places in the gulf, and sold it to ' fly grog-sellers. His schooner is being ■closely watched, and bo may he \ i arrested at any'moment. I don't like Ito mention this to Mildred; she would think I had an ulterior motive, but you ought to do it, Johnny." j "I'll think about it," said the youth, j evasively. "You don't -want your sister to marry a d islander, do you?" de- j manded Carlton heatedly. c j "Tsn't Rawlings an Knglishma-n?' , I "Xo one knows what he is- He's i dark enough for a anyway. Where did you pick him up?" "As a matter of fact he picked us ' up," eaid Johnny, to whom his sister j had written a full account of the incident. "The Governor was out with ft fishing party in the launch, the engine broke down', and Rawlings towed him "Anyone would nave done that.' , "We'll the Governor thought no end of it- it was blowing up, and he'd bave gone out to sea but for Rawlings bear"Well Johnny, I thought that I ought i to take you into my confidence. I know j your folks think a'lot of Rawlings, but lawlessness, sooner or later, means disgrace. I don't want to influence you, but if trouble comes, remember I did j my besst to divert it." and the share- | broker strode away with tne. air of a, rebuffed benefactor. Alone under the fairy lanterns, Johnny tingled with excitement. Life, after all, was full of thrilling possibili- j ties. Rawlings a rum runner, eh 1 By i jove, what a sport he was. He was glad : Mildred was sweet on him. If Carlton ! married her, the shrewd beggar would i very likely get all the Governor's money. What did'it matter if Rawlings was the most bloodthirsty freebooter that ever flew tlie skull and cross bones; he would sail with him, if he had to stow away. But now to meet the muscular young woman, the Governor wanted to marry him to. He went to the claret bowl, and drank a health to all bold seafarers, reinforced it with one for Rawlings in particular, and added another to stead v the dancing liglits, then throwing out his chest, walked boldly towards the house. On the lawn in front of the bungalow stood Mildred and her father receiving their friends and neighbours; Old Ben engerly scanning his guests, in i quest of the young lady whom he hoped j would relieve him of his graceless aon. j She came at last, with Flora and Dora, clinging affectionately to either arm. Phyllis Frayle emphatically belied her name, for a healthier or more physically perfect youns woman could scarcely be imagined. She had good looks too, and a mass of yellow hair, that would have done credit to Porphyria. She certainly carried weight, but she moved gracefully, and weight is no detriment, if it doesn't stand on jour foot. There was character in her face, and humour twinkled in her blue eyes. Old man Marsdon admired her tremendously; he met her as she was crossing the lawn. "Ah! how do you do, my dear? My son is- home, and anxious to make your acquaintance." ' Phyllis smiled.' Really she thought, this old back-blocker was an interesting character; he conceived an idea, and set about its consummation with a singleness of purpose that was distinctly refreshing. Well she would teach the dear old boy a lesson in match making that would make his hair curl. First to get hold of the boy, and sow the seeds of conspiracy. "I am naturally anxious to meet your son, , Mr. Marsdon," she said, casting down her eye lashes. "Yes, yes, of course, my dear. John! Where the ! Mildred, do you know where your brother is?" "Eo is over by the pohutukawa. dad." "Come, we will go over and find him " said Old Ben. "A matter of this kind. Mr. Marsden." said Phyllis, shaking off the twins, and taking his arm, "should be arranged on 1 purely business lines, rjon't you think?" "Yes my dear, a very sensible suggestion". "Sentiment—f>r—love." continued Phylll8 ;, " is reall . v a seconda-y consideration." "Yes, yes, of course, my dear; vorv practical I'm sure." "Y T ou are prepared to make your son an allowance, are you not?" "Yes, certainly, provided he marries &a I desire."

"May I ask the amount?" j "Well,ssacy—cr—live liimdred a year, j to be paid irto his wife's account." | "The heartless old villain!" thought! Phyllis. "That is quite satisfactory," i she faid aloud. "Has your son any vices?" "Vices!" exclaimed the old man. "Good heavens! I'm not selling you a horse." "Then what are his weaknesses?" asked Phyllis, a little subdued. "He's too weak to work." j "Then he is an invalid ?" "No, no. he's healthy enough, a little weak in the chest perhaps, but otherwise healthy: he's lazy my dear, confoundedly lazy.' I "Is—is he affectionate?" asked the Amazon with a tremor in her voice. "Ah ! that's his strong point my dear, he has a weakness for falling in love. He will require a restraining hand my dear, but I'm sure he "ill lind you quite satisfactory my dear." They were now under the old pohutukawa, and old Ben patted her hand parentally. It is a fact that most young ladies, and even those seasoned by time, love a flirtation, and Phyllis was no exception. The thought ■ of a little affair with old man Maradon, appealed bo stron* 7- ]v to lipr potiso nf tnc ridicii - , lous, that she gave way to it. Leaning her head on his shoulder, she clung to him, and wviel in an appealing tone. ; "Oh. .Mr. Marsdon, I'm only a frail ! and,—and support?" dear," said old Ben, quite charmed by her confidence in him, unci stroking her hair in his most fatherly manner. ' "Oh, dear Mr. Morndon. I'm .-o -jla.l you understand mc," said Phyllis, with 'a little sob, anrl making her head a little more comfortable on liis shoulder. ! "Of course I do, my dear. There, there, now you're a very eon.-ible little woman. Old man Marsdon was a man of only medium height, and why lie should address the Amazon, who had to lean down to rest her head on his shoulder as "little woman," can only be explained by that attitude of superiority which is naturally assumed by masculine minds in sentimental moments. It was unfortunate that at this inopportune time, Johnny should appear through a gap in the trees. The vision of his father, standing in the fantastic light of faiiy lamps, clasping a substantial young woman to his breast, so astonished him, that he tripped over a root and fell headlong into a shrub. Phyllis uttered a little shriek, and clinging to old Ben, leaned heavily on his shoulder. The old gentleman bore up bravely, but he had a touch of lumbago, and the weight of the An.az n made him sag at the knees, lie glared fiercely at Johnny, who sat in tin- shrub, with his eyes and mouth wrde op«n, which is in t!ie young a sign of cunfu.-iun anJ wonderment. | "What the devil are you gaping at?" roaued the old man, "Get some brandy; can't you see the lady has fainted?" Struggling to his feet, Johnny dashed away to the claret bowl. Returning with a brimming cup, be found Phyllis quite recovered, and Mildred applying first aid to her father, who was trying to straighten his back against ' the trunk' of a tree. Johnny took the cup to hia father who swallowed gome of it and roared. | "Take it away sir, do you want to poison mc?" I "Oh, Mr. Marsdon." said Phyllis, "it's all my fault, I'm so sorry." "Not at all my dear," gasped old Ben gallantly, "not at all." Mildred, intro-1 i duce your brother. I'll go into the house," and he went slowly away, with his hand on the small of his back, and I a heavy list to starboard. "This is my brother Johnny, Phyllis,"! said Mildred, "I thoug-ht you had met: ! before." ! Johnny bowed, and backed against a j tree, the fairy lights were dancing . merrily, and he felt stronger with a tree to reinforce his lanky legs. Old Ben's voice was heard calling Mildred, ; who excused herself and vanished. | Phyllis turned to Johnny and said in a tone of decision. "Now young man, you and I must have an understanding." "Good idea," said Johnny brightly, "you didn't have a misunderstanding with the povernor, 1 hope." i "Don't be silly; the position is quite' clear. 1 have made tip my mind that what your father wishes is—" i "I say," interrupted Johnny, "let's i postpone it. Here comes the band; let's! ; have a dance." I It was not the band, however, but a , short man with cockney written in i large capitals across iiis smug face. He carried a little cage, in which there fluttered a bright winged little bird. "Beg pardimr, sir," he said, touching his cap. "''ope I don't intrude, sir, but 1 was lookin' fer Hemma." "No, no, you're not intruding, you're' just in the nick of time, —cr —have you met Miss Frayle?" The cockney touched his cap again, and grinned. ' ' I Phyllis who was amused by his oddity, extended her hand and said. "How do you do, Mr.—er—er—?" "'Corny, miss; Willj-um Corny, Hay B." said the cockney. ■ , "Willyum is pretty," said Phyllis. "What is Hay. B. ?" j "Ha.bsolutely beautiful, miss. Well, I'll! be goin!" j "Oh, don't go, Corny," said Johnny,' anxiously. "Strange thing we were just talking of you." "Was you now?" said Corny. _ "Yes. Miss Frayl" is very interested m sailors. I mentioned Tour name and she expressed a wish to meet you." i "I did nothing of the sort Mr Corny " ! said Phyllis. "I want to have a few nrivate words with Mr. Johnny and he j is trying to evade nie." "Ho, the young villain," said the cockney grinning. "Really, Miss Frayle!" said the youth with dignity. "I insist on speaking to you alone, and at once," said Phyllis. "Wot!" said Corny, who had began t« ■ enjoy the situation, "without no, eh M'fM-onsr? 110, Miss!" , "Oo away you little beach comber,"! said Phyllis sternly. "Don't leave mc Corny, I'm—l'm ill," pleaded Johnny. I "Ho. miss, 'ow can you pursoo the young an' inner " He got no further, for Phyllis with a swift and unexpected movement ?eized him by the ear. Cornv's face screwed into an expression of acute anguish. "O,ht! 'old on! Oo jew jitsol Tttdned. j

Phyllis marched Lira down the garden path, and thrust him into a little arbor where tripped over a garden hoe, and remained seated on the ground disconsolately rubhlig a tinplinp ear Thrills left him there aud returned to settle with Johnny, but that discreet youth had wandered off in the direction 01 the claret bowl. CHAPTER VII. ~ 1 nnri nf mnnv rlinir' 1 . The butt of Fortune's mirth; A vagniut of tin- Seven Seas, An outcast of the earth. William Corny, whose name fitted him so vrll that he had never been nicknamed, was a short, rod-haired man wiili a bullet head, large hands and long arms. He had once been a shipwright in a steady shore job. but the call of the sea. and certain indiscretions ashore, urged him to sign away as "chips" on a windjammer. Rawlinga had picked him out of the gutter in a South American seaport, wliere he lay drunk and incapable. Doubtless the Cockney's vivid hair, caught the captain's eye, for red heads are rare among the SpanishIndians of the America's. He was taken aboard the schooner, where Jackson, whose hobby was first aid, made some necessary repairs to the Cockney's battered countenance, and when he staggered on deck the next morning, he was afloat on the high seas, with the mainland a dim shape on the sea line. Coming face to face with Rawlinjrs, Corny saluted. He was weak and ill, a mist rose before his eyes, the deck seemed to lie falling from his feet, but he stood up straight and still, though he felt Raw-lings eyes searching his furtive soul. The skipper found something not unpleasing in the smug Cockney face, he smiled and said: "Lucky to be alive, eh?"' ■ "Yus.'sir, a Cockney's like a cat, sir, allus falls on 'is feet, "sir." Upon which he reeled and fell in a heap on the deck. This was C'orny's (irst recollection of Kawlings and the Seadream, it was a hazy memory, followed by a black out of illness, but in it he virtually eigned on for the term of his natural life; for in course of time the captain, became, to the Cockney's uncouth mind a Heavenborn hero, and he served him with a faithfulness, dog-like and unreasonable Besides being a sailor, Corny was Kawlings self-appointed bodyguard and personal servant. The captain's seachest was liis special pride and care, ami Kawlings did him crodit, for he was a man that well-cut clothes fitted easily and well. Kawlings and the Cockney rarely exchanged a word, which'was not surprising, for Corny was such an imperturbable liar, that it was impossible to converse seriously with him. He had come ashore to bid good-bye to Kmma, with whom 'he had become friendly, during the LSeadream's stay in port, and now his pride was grievously hurt. To be led about by the ear was a cruel indignity. The tears welled up in his eyes as ho sat in the gloom of the 'arbor and soliloquised, "I'm too sympathetic, that's wots the matter with mc; mc 'cart's too big fer mc body, I aughter be on an 'igher plane, sittin' on a cloud, pulling 'arp strings, 'ere I am all Ihe 'appy day, runnin' round, spreading cheer germs, an' never gettin' jl sweet smile or ft plad neve, nothiu but 'ard words an' ingratitood. But blimey, wot does a fine-lookin' girl like 'er want, to chase that there Mr. Johnny fer? She cud git another bloke; we're terrible short o' tarts down at the islands." On a table in the arbor, was a tray of strawberries and cream, Corny looked on them, and made the most "of theii presence, they were a fruit lie had seldom eaten, and of which he had nevei had enough. He had accounted for th< greater part of them, when he was inter rupted, by the entrance of a trim younj person, wearing a white apron. "Lor!" she exclaimed," what has be come of those strawberries?" Mr. Corny discovered himself, and patting his waistcoat, said: — "They 'aye fulfilled their destiny Hemma." . The young person eyed him coolly. "Well, Mr. Corny, what are you doinj here I" "I just 'opped ashore to 'aye a lasl squint at yer Hemma, we're going v sail to-morrow night, and I've brought yer a pretty little bird," and he helt up the tiny cage. "What sort of a bird is it?" asked Emma, peering at it in the dim light. Corny scratched his head. s sort of a nuinming bird." "What's a numming bird?" "Well, it's a crost between a sparrei an' a bird o' Paradise." "Does he sing?" "No, 'c don't sing, 'c's a numming bird." Emma put her face to the cage, ami made a kissing sound with her lips which made the little bird flutter his wings. "Js he tame?" she asked. "Tame!" said Corny, "why, I've 'ac 'im hcver since 'c was a hegg, 'ell feet) out of yer "and. But, I say, Hemma I want yer to look after these 'en cigars," and out of the lining of his coal he brought several flat boxes of choic< "havanabs." "Look here, Willie," said Emma "you've got to knock off this hen smuggling, you'll be getting caught anci put into Mount Eden." "No fear o' that, Hemma., I'm too lly you run an' put 'em away, after on( more lluttei I'll pull out, then we car get spliced, an , I'll buy you a 'ouse ir Bemuera." Emma tossed her head and movec away., "I say, Hemma," said Corny, callinp her back, " 'ere I forgot somethin'.' With an air of mystery he pretended tc whisper in her ear, and planted a resounding kiss on her cheek. Emma promptly boxed his ears and ran away. "Pal" said Corny, rubbing his ear, "s little of wot yror fancy does yer good She's a nice bit o' fluff is Hemma, w'ol a pity them Inlands is so un'ealthy blowed if I wouldn't take 'er dowt there." Having parted from the lady of his fancy, Corny stood rmong the fairy lamps, his heart beating happily with thought- of love, when he was grasped roughly by the collar and spun round to look into the wrathful face of old man Marsdon. who was cruising round in search of Johnny. "'Ere, 'ere, leggo!" wailed the sailor. "What are you prowling about here for, you wharf rat," shouted the old man. "Mc name is Corny, sir, Will yum Corny: I'm an office'- an' a gentleman.' "T-t-t-tell that t-t-to the marines,' ' stuttered the old man, shaking him violently. I " 'Ere," said the cockney, wriggling in his grasp, "try. to be a ni.e ole gentleman, not a bloomin' spray pump. Blimme. I'm gettin' wet through." Old Ben shook him'again, turned him round, and was measu ing his distance to administer a hefty kick when Phyllis floated down the pathway under escort lof the twine.

"Why, bless my heart!" said Phyllis, "it's Mr. Corny. Iβ anything the matter, Willyum?" ; "Oh, it"s 'oright, miss. I came 'ere on a little matter connected with the 'elpin' 'and mission, an' got mistook fer a burgular. fortunately you've Wowed in an' cleared the matter up.lm obliged to yer, miss. Good hevenin'." "Not so "fast, not so fast," said old Ben, stopping Corny as he was strolling off. "I caught him prowling about tbe ground, my dear, no doubt waiting lor a chance to get into the house." "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," said the Amazon in a tone of deep regret. "Mr. Corny and I were once friends, and Blie sighed. Corny grinned sheepishly. "'l'm only a common sailor, sir, an I can't held mc ferlins, that's why I'm ere. I was waitin' in the garden just fer the chance of seem' 'er when you took mc unawares." "Oh. Mr. Corny:" said Phyllis, coyly. "Enough of this," said old Ben. "It you can't explain your presence here I'll give you in charge." Corny changed his tactics. "Fact is, sir, I come 'ero to see Mr. Johnny." "Where is Mr. Johnny?" interposed Phyllis. "Mr. Johnny, miss? 'c's down in the summer'ouse smokin' a cigar." "Where is he hiding?" demanded the Amazon. "I-or' luv yer, 'c ain't 'iding. I'll fetch him fur yer," and the cockney darted away to collide with the object of his search, who was skirting the little group in search of Rawlings. "Hang, dash it, Corny, why don't you look where you're going?" said johnny, clinging to the cockney to keep his balance. "John!" shouted his father. "Come here, sir!" "Coming Governor," said Johnny. Stick to mc, Corny, I'm—l'm a little giddy." Corney steadied him, and they stepped "into the moonlight. "Have you er—met—hie —Captain Corny, Governor?" "Captain Corny," said Phyllis, "he was a mate half an hour ago." "Blimme," said Corny, " 'ell make mc a Hem P. and git mc knighted in a minute." "Where have you been, sir?"' shouted old Ben to his son. "I left you with Miss Fayne to discuss a certain question, and you bolted, you unmannerly puppy." Johnny reeled a little under this rebuke, and his long legs wavered, but Corny held him up loyally. Phyllis coughed and said, "I don't think Johnny is well, Mr. Marsdon, the hot day and the excitement have " *Not well! What the devil' 3 the matter with you, sir?" "My head aches, Governor, and I'm — I'm—hie —giddy." "You'd better let Corny take him into the house," suggested Phyllis. "1 dare say he'll feel better after a rest." "Very well," growled old Ben, "I remember this fellow Corny now; he belongs to Rawlings' crew. Take Mr. Johnny down to the house, and ask Emma to give you some refreshment," he said to Corny. "Thank you, sir," said the cockney; he would have touched his cap but both his arms were supporting the drooping form of the old settler's lanky son. Then, putting his hip under him, the wiry cockney soon had Johnny out of sight. The others went to the lawn, where the guests were jazzing to the

strains of a string band and the barbaric clash of cymbals. Johnny did not go at once' to the louse, but Hopped into a garden seat, md refused to budge till Corny found Rawlings for him. "Corny, old shun," he kept repeating, 'I want to see Rawlinga. "It's shimportant; go—hie—get him. ,. And Corny, who thought it wise to humour him, dodged about the garden till he found an opportunity of plucking Rawliiigs by the sleeve. "Mr. Johnny wants to ?<?e you important. Captain; he's hover by the trees; 'c's 'ad a few, but 'c's oright." ! They found Johnny sprawling on j the seat blinking at the lights. [ "Want shee you, Raw-lings," he said I without waiting for an introduction. "Look out for Carlton: bally rotter; says you're a shmuggler: don't believe it for a moment, ole man. but keop your eye on him: shrewd beggar, Carlton. An' Rawlings. 'notlier thing. ?hee yon i aboard the Slieedream to-morrow: in a' rotten hole, got to get away, (iovernor i going to marry mc to a lady weighs j two ton. Can't do it. Rawling.s ole • man; she'll fall on mc an' kill mc. She's; got moustache and whiskers; you help mc get away, what?" "All right, Johnny, we'll talk about it to-morrow. Go to bed now; you've : had a long day." j "Yes,"' said Johnny drowsily, "tired out. Governor mad as blazes. You put mc to bed Corny, ole shun. Goo' luck, ' Rawlinga; shee you to-morrow.' , ■ Corny got Johnny safely to bed and \ enjoyed the rest of the evening with Kmma. and the refreshments. Three parts of a bottle of claret mellowed him a little, and made him sentimental. "Hemma," he said, screwing his face into an expression meant to convey the love that swelled his heart, but which made Emma start&in astonishv ment. "Hemma. ever eyes first lit on yer I've loved yer like—like 'ell, I mean like anythink. I'm fair gon on yer, Hemma. I can't give yer no j golden palaces nor marble crowns, ncr j no fur coats, but blimme all yer needs at the islands is a string of beads an' , a tooth brush." | "Willie," said Emma, "you shut up: I'm not going to no islands, and I'm not going to marry no seafaring feller. You've got to get a job ashore and live respectable. Why can't you leave the ship now?" ' "Wot, slip up the captain! 'Why 'c's the best friend I ever'ad. 'E picked mc up when I was fair down an' out, took mc aboard, nussed mc, and gave mc a job. No, Hemma, I sticks to the captain through thick and thin." | "If you were fond of mc you'd do what i" asked you to," said Emma, tossing aher head. "Now, look 'ere, Hemma, you're a nice little tart, and I'll treat you fair, but bein' fond of yer's one thing, an' dooty's another, ain't it? The captain's treated mc Tight: 'c's a sport, 'c is, and' a cockney never goes cold on a sport, see?" "I don't blame yer for sticking to the captain, but I wish you'd give over smuggling. What am I to do with all those cigars?" "You keep 'em 'id, Hemma. It's been a bit 'ard to get 'em ashore lately; they're keepin' a sharp look out. I'll place em when I come back next trip! they're a little private deal o' mc own, see?" "Well the people are leaving now," said Emma, "and you'd better be get-1 ting back to your ship." (To be continued Saturday TCext.)