"STAR" TALES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7415, 29 May 1902, Page 4

"STAR" TALES.

MR CHESTER HEATH OF PHILADELPHIA. (By GILBERT DAYLE.). Author of "Tlie Part the Countess Played," "The Fates and Prince Conrad," "The Adventurer, His Adventure, and the .Astonishing Sequel," etc., etc. The s.s. Artania, tonnage a trifle under ten thousand, and carrying the .Australian mails, was gaily churning its tfvrenty-knpt way through the Indian Ocean. It was one ©f the many glorious mornings ; the sea smooth, a. pleasant- breeze, and the sun not too hot. The "deck was* Crowded with passengers; some of .the .men -were finishing their breakfast cigars?, •'lounging over the taffrail and chatting, others devoted their attention to the ladies, and a few, ensconced in their chairs, were already deep in books or magazines. Aft of the companion a game of "Bull" was in progress, and a knot of peapl© were gathered round the board. "A ■ splendid, throw, . Mr Heath!" exclaimed Miss Alma Kingston, shooting a emiliug glance of approval at the person, ■he addressed. Mr Chester Heath straightened himself and puffed contentedly at his cigarette. He was a tall, well-built young fellow, with .strong, clear-cut features and a pair of ■frank-looking grey eyes— an excellent representative of modern America. He hailed „om Philadelphia, had rowed in the Yale eight, didn't- talk about it, rarely " reckoned" or "guessed," arcd never gave _ne the impression that he was exceedingly wealthy. One grasped this on learning that he was the only son of Ulick Heath, the man who could buy a raihvay before breakfast and a dozen steamers afterwards by the mere, -manipulation of his banking accounts.. Alma Kingston had carefully considered these facts, and early in the voyage had arrived at a certain decision. " Please Mr Heath, are you going to show rae those photographs of Philadelphia this Dnorning?" she asked, sweetly. •" 'Pon my word, I haven't dug them out yet," replied Chester Heath with a smile, '.TU find 'em to-day/ though!" . He gave a half-turn and glanced along the deck. Miss Kingston saw the look without appearing to dp so. <'Not this morning?" she said, plaintively, "I hale absolutely nothing to read, "Well, I'm fairly beaten!" broke m Archie Tatton at that moment, "on for another game, Heath?" Chester Heath had caught sight of a girl cooling up the companion. " No, don't think I'll play any more just iiow," he said hurriedly, "won't* you take my place, Wray?" -•Mr Gavin Wray gave a nod, and Heata iiastened away to the girl. Alma Kingston compressed her lips as her eyes followed the tall figure. • ' ■■ "The game of 'Bull,'" remarked Mr Archie Tatton, "like most other things, is attractive— until something more attractive comes along!" and he solemnly winked at Mr Wray. A moment afterwards he glanced across at Alma Kingston/ with a smile. " What are your views on the situation, Miss Kingston?" he asked. . He was a •well-meaning young : main, but rather prone to making stupid remarks. Unconsciously, he was- exercising the habit now. Miss Kingston"--made an effort and smiled in return. " You have evidently been endowed with a lively imagination, Mr Tatton," she said calmly, " personally, I - cannot see what situation there is to be considered." And ibe moved away. ( Archie Tatton looked after her, an amus(ed expression on his face. "Extraordinary creatures — women!" he said. "What the dickens does she mean "by my 'lively imagination' — it's as clear k 9 a pikestaff that Heath is very interestled in Miss Anneslejti" . Mr Gavin Wray shot a glance at young Tatton. He was a good-looking, middlefcged man, clean shaved, and with keen eyes. He was quiet and somewhat reserved, but was very well liked on board. "There is something else which is as "clear as a pikestaff to some people," he retnarked, "but which nevertheless seems to have escaped you." . . . "Jove! What's that?" exclaimed Archie. " That Miss Alma Kingston is head, over fears in love with Chester Heath— or his tnoney," replied Mr Wray. " Your throw, I think." ■' Meanwhile Heath had made his way to the young lady who had just come up on deck. She was a pretty girl of about twenty-two; her features were delicately moulded, and there was a tinge of- healthy colour on her cheeks. She turned and saw Heath coming towards her, and welcomed him with a smile. •'•■'• .''-*' " Isn't it lovely !" she exclaimed. "Just perfect," he assented quietly, his eye taking in the details of her personal appearance. They strolled along the deck together. At the end they stopped, and Miss Annesley rested an arm on the taffrail. ''Only a few more days," said Heath, " King "George's Sound, Adelaide, then—" he paused, "will you be sorry?" he asked somewhat abruptly. "Yes, I shall be sorry— for some things," *he said reflectively. "It has been the most delightful time I've ever spent in my life. But then—" her faqe lighted up, " I'm longing to see Dick!" / "Ah, yes!" said Heath, "you have not •ieen your brother for some years?" " Six," she replied. " I was a little girl when he left. And the time has seemed »o long. We were always so much to oo© another. I thought it would break my heart when he went!" she added, her eyes looking thoughtfully out to sea. • There was silence for a moment or so. Then she turned to Health. "We were quite poor, you know," she sajd with a pathetic little smile, "and Dick thought he would go abroad to try his fortune. He has been awfully good to us, and now he has worked .his way up, ,— — —■—'^— — —^^— — — ■ — — — —

until he is .manager of the Melbourne branch of the company he is in." " That's good !" said Chester Heath approvingly, "and he's young yet?" " Only . twenty-five. . Oh, Dick is so clever!" she said enthusiastically. "You'll introduce me to him? I should like to know him very much." ■'* "Would you?" she. said eagerly, "biit he is only a working man, and you — — ' she paused, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. ."Don't!" he said entreatingly, "I'm only a working man myself, leastways I'm going to be when I get back. My father was one before me, and that is why- " he . paused, " well, that accounts for my being a saloon passenger on tlie Artania, and talking to you at the present moment." He dived his hand into the inner pocket of his coat. "I've got those photographs of my stock-in-trade— the ones I promised to show you. Would you like to see them now?" "Your ships?"- He nodded. • "You have to thank Patterson, the baggage officer, for them. They were in my trunks in the hold, 'not wanted pn voyage.' I had a ,fine scramble to get them J" "You shouldn't have troubleaj" the said with a laugh, "it must have taken you a long time." *' If it had taken me until we sighted Port Philip Heads, it would have been the same fhe said quietly. "Shall we sit down?" She assented, and they -walked across to the deck. A thoughtful and far-seeing steward had taken the trouble to place their respective chairs together. Heath •mentally recorded this fact; and as a result, Mrs Steward, • who lived in a little house in the Barking Road, was able some six months later, to -purchase a new carpet for the front sitting-room. Chester Heath seated himself, and opened the tiny. portfolio on his knees"On leaving college, I told my father that I wanted to do something with plenty of work in it. . I saw the sea, and decided on shipping. So he has bought a line of boats, and when I return I'm to have the management of them. , Thirteen of them !" he added, holding out the first of the photos for her to see. • She took it a.nd examined it. " That's the Nazir," he explained. " Five thousand tons, and as good a sea boat as you'll find !".... " What does she steam ?" asked Miss Annesley, with the air of an expert. "Sixteen!'' he exclaimed, delighted with , her show of interest, "and she's only a cargo boat. She runs d<own from Philadelphia to Manila." Together: they went over the whole of the batch. Miss Annesley knew a good d£al about- ships, and Heath, his face lighted up with animation, rattled on in "Boyish fashion. / "The idea of this trip round the world is to know the routes, to find out new ones if possible. It won't be my fault if the Chester Heath line doesn't throb!" he' said with a laugh. The last photo was of a ship in course of construction. • . «. " She won't be ready until next spring, but shell- be the finest in the whole fleet !, "How is she to be named?" "It's not settled' yet," he replied. He shot a hesitating glance at her. "There is one name I should like above all others," he said at length. Miss Annesley was bending? over the photograph, and their two heads Were near together. On the opposite side of the deck, Alma Kingston was attempting to read a book. Her eyes drifted over the top of the pages, and she caught sight of them- Her lips tightened, and she resolutely turned her attention to the book again. She was thinking of the Philadelphia photographs which she had asked to see. " What is the name ?" asked Miss Annesley, as she handed the picture back to Heath." He looked ait her steadily for a moment. "Oh. I'll tell you some other- time !" he sa id wi th an awkward laugh. " You . have forgotten there is a dance to-night," he added. ' "Forgotten!" she exclaimed. "I've been looking forward to' it for days f Mr Gavin Wray came strolling along to them. y " I'm sorry to disturb you, Miss Annesley. but I met -Mrs Fieldiraga moment ago. and she wanted your advice on something or other. She' is in the saloon,- and would be awfully obliged if you would kindly spare hera few minutes." "Very well." ' she saidi risina: from her chair. "Thank you for showing me the photos, Mr Heath. Au revoir !" Heath followed her with his eyes until she disappeared down the companion, then he produced his case and lighted a cigarette. "Mrs Fielding should not want advice just how," he said, puffing a cloud of smoke, "it is superfluous!" He got up from his seat and linked his arm within that of his friend. " Come and have a game of quoits, Wrav?" he asked. "Delighted," replied Wray, "I was going to propose it myself." And they, moved away together. To Heath's disappointment, Mrs Fielding kept Miss Annesley for the rest of

the morning. Seeing her opportunity, Alma Kingston did her best to fill the gap. She talked gaily to Heath, questioned him on Philadelphia and its delights, and entertained him generally until the luncheon gong sounded. Heath listened politely, but his thoughts were elsewhere. After lunch Gavin Wray took possession I of him, and they went up on deck together. They sat in some chairs placed by the companion. Wray lighted a cigar and puffed at it reflectively. After a few seconds he glanced round to see that nobody was within earshot, then looked at Heath doubtfully. „ "I've something on my mind, Heath, he began, with some hesitation, "which I think I ought to tell you." . Chester Heath looked a trifle surprised. "I'm telling you," continued Wray, "because you have been good enough to honour me with your friendship during the run out, and because — well, you will understand my reason better when 'l have told you." . "It sounds like something for my good," said Heath, cheerfully, "go. ahead!" " You understand that it is in. strict confidence ?" Heath nodded. " I may begin then by saying that in one of my capacities, I am a director of the Danter Explosives Company." "Why," said Heath, "that's the company with which Miss Annesley's brother is connected !" "He is the -manager of our Melbourne branch. We have always looked upon him as a most promising young man, and have promoted him very rapidly." He paused. "Yes?" said Heath, with great interest. , Wray glanced round again. • "A short time ago," he continued, "we received in London a private communication from his subordinate. He has discovered by chance that Annesley has opened another banking account in his own name, and has been robbing the company of a considerable sum." " You think it is true !" exclaimed Heath. " I'm afraid so," responded Wray, with a shake of his head, " there would seem to be no doubt. The . Board considered the matter, with the result that they have sent nic out to investigate, with full authority to prosecute in their behalf." Now, ' a few momenta ago, Miss Kingston had emerged from her cabin with the object of fetching a book which she had left dn deck. She waa half-way up the companion, when she heard the sound of voices. She glanced up, and noticed that a window at the top was open. She recognised Wray's tones and heard the name of Annesley mentioned. She stood stock-still and listened. Then- a thoughtful smile gradually crept over her face. She ■ waited until she heard them get up from their seats, fend Wray's voice die away; then she turned and went eoftly down to her cabin again. "Her brother a thief," she murmured, "and he knows it I" "What was the cause of it all, do you think?" asked Heath as he paced the deck with Wray. There was an anxious look on the young American's face. " The usual ' going the pa<ce,' I believe. He became a very popular man in Melbourne, and gradually got to live beyond his means. He probably took the money to pay some hig gambling loss, fully intending to pay it back. I don't think he Is bad. but he will have to pay a heavy price for his folly." _ J _• " "He does not know it has beeft discovered?" ' "No ; he has not the slightest suspicion. I shall take him quite by surprise. It is an unpleasant business for me, Heath; and since I've been thrown in the company of his sister I loathe the very idea 1 of it. I feel like a brute when- she smiles at me, and I think that Jin a short time I shall be the means of wrecking her happiness!" "She adores him!" said Heath, between his teeth. " Yes," said Wray, with a heavy sigh, " it's a sorry business, but you see fve got to go through with it!" They paced the deck for a few minutes in silence. "I thought," said Wray at length, in a hesitating tone, " I thought you ought to know— that if you were told now it would probably save complications later on." Heath made no reply for a second or so. "Quite right— quite right!" he said, in a hard voice, then relapsed into silence again. * The next turn, and Wiray, without a word, slipped off. and made his way below. Chester Heath, left to himself, walked to the bow of the boat. He stood there, thinking hard, his young face stern, his eyes staring at the blue expanse of sea in front of him. Finally he roused himself and brought his hand down- on the taffrail, as if he had come to -a- decision. ' " No," he muttered to himself, "it will make no difference; she's a girl in a thousand!" He swung round on his • heel and saw Alma Kingston within a few feet of ham. "Meditating?" she asked, with- a smile. He nodded. "On the whereabouts of those Philadelphia photographs?" she said,"mischievously. He glanced, at her thoughtfully. ■/No," he said, "not at that particular moment." \ He turned and walked smartly away. Miss Kingston was annoyed. Archie Tatton sauntered across the deck to her. He was grinning."These American chaps," he said, with a nod at Heath'B retreating figure, "always seem to be on the rush, don't they?" Miss Kingston eyed him coldly. "I'm -'afraid, Mr Tatton," she said, "I have not studied the peculiarities of ' American chaps ' sufficiently to hazard an answer " Mr Archie Tatton's grin grew broader. The afternoon passed, evening brought dinner with it, and then the danoe — an event always 'to be looked forward to on

board ship. The deck of the Artania had been cleared, and presented a pleasant scene of animation, the officers' uniforms supplying a touch of contrast to the evening clothes of the passengers. Chester Heath- was dancing with Miss Annesley. ; To his mind, she looked more lovely than ever. The band was playing a waltz from one of, the comic operas, and they were enjoying it immensely. *"Jove!" muttered Archie Tatton to Wray, as they swayed past him, "don't they make a. rippin' pair!" . They stopped dancing, and Heath picked, up her shawl and placed it round her shoulders. She leant on his arm, and they strayed a little away from the dancers. They found a couple of chairs, which Heath had noticed earlier in the evening. "If only Dick were here!" she exclaimed, as she sank into the seat, "my happiness would be complete !" Heath felt a slight shiver run through him. '.'lsn't that a lovely, waltz?" she- continued, her foot tapping to the music. "It was the best dance I ever had -in mv life!" he said earnestly. She gave a 'little laugh. "Rather a sweeping statement; think of the many balls you have attended in America." "The very best dance I've had in my whole life!" he said doggedly. She seemed about to laugh again ; she checked herself and shot a half-frightened glance at him. He was watching her intently. Neither spoke for a moment. He was thinking of a decision he had arrived at that afternoon. Then he went straight to the point. It was a way the Heath family had. , "I am going to ask," he said slowly, " if you will be my wife." She gave a start aiid the cotoiir mounted to her cheeks. " Yes," he went on quickly, " I love you, and I want no one else in the world but you!" . She did not answer. " What Jlo you say J" he asked eagerly. "But, Ak— — -" she began anhlessly. "Oh, "Dick," he replied with an effort, "we'll make at right for him. You will be with him for some time, and, besides, .he will want to marry himself .some day." He leant forward and looked into her face. "You care for me a little," he said, pleadingly, . "l tell you I want nothing on the earth more than your love !" She met his gaze, and her eyes siriiled into his. • v " But I am a poor nobody^ not at all the proper wife for a mil " "Not that!" he interrupted, "remember I'm going to be a hardworking! man !" He bent nearer to her, " Say, Vert, is it ' yes'?" His eyes were fixed on her. He saw her head move in a shy assent, then suddenly caught her hand within his. "I'm the happiest man on the Indian Ocean !" he exclaimed exultantly. And then they both laughed—and presently laughed again, for they were-ridi-culously happy. The Artania proceeded swiftly on her way. Albany was reached and passed, and she was now heading for Adelaide. Chester Heath was in a mingled state of happiness and misery. Happy at having gained the woman he loved, depressed when he thought of Gavin Wray's mission. It wrung his heart to hear her joyfully counting the few days that remained before they would reach Melbourne, to see her face light up at the prospect of meeting her brother. He felt that something had to be done, but he did not know what. At her request, no mention was made in the ship concerning the understanding they had arrived at, but there were two who guessed the true state of things. These were Gavin Wray and Alma Kingston. * "He loves her, and will marry her in spite of everything," said Wray to himself, "and she is worth it,- 'pon my soul, sbe is!" Alma Kingston, unobserved, had been watching the pair with almost cat-like activity. "He knows and does not care. But she ! When she knows it will be different. She will not suffer herself to bring disgrace on any man's name!" she argued to herself. And Vera, unconscious of everything save that she was- about to see her brother, and that she loved and was loved by a good man, was as happy as the day was long. Her eyes sparkled, there was a laugh trembling on her lips, she had not known that the world held such happiness for any single person. The Artania reached Adelaide; in another day she would sight Port Philip. That evening after dinner, Vera ran into her cabin for a wrap. She found a note addressed to herself there. , It was in pencil, and she did not know the' handwriting. She opened it, and held it under the electric lamp to read. A little cry escaped her lips as she grasped the meaning of the words, and she samfc down into a chair. " It can't be true," she moaned, " it can't be true !" and she buried her face between her hands. Presently she got up and walked slowly out of her cabin. At the foot of the companion she met Gavin Wray. He was the man of whom she was in search. She went up to,him and laid a finger on his arm. "Mr Wray," she said in a trembling tone. He looked down and saw that she was pale and anxious. "Is it true," she gasped, "about my brother Dick?" " ■ m

His heart seemed to turn cold as he gazed on her piteous face. '• Is it true?" she whispered ; " tell me !*' "I'm afraid so," he replied in a low voice. Without a word she. moved up the companion. She heard the sound of singing lin the music saloon. She passed the door | and made her way on deck. The night air heat on her cheek. At the far end she saw ' a tall figure striding up and down by him- ! self. She nerved herself and walked along jto him. He turned and saw her. 1 "My dearest!" he exclaimed; then he j saw her face, "why, what is the matter?" ! " You must forget what has passed," she said breathlessly; "you must forget that I promised to be your wife. I can never be. Ah, please don't speak"! I can't explain now, but you will know the reason Before long." " No," he said hoarsely, " whatever happens, it. will make no difference !" i She turned her head away, and he could see that she was crying. "It is impossible!" she said, and there was a sob in her voice ; "it must be all over!" Then, without giving him time to reply, she hurried away. Heath took a step as if he would follow her, but restrained himself. A minute afterwards Wray came up. Heath turned on him almost fiercely. "You have told her!" " No," replied Wray, sadly, " but she knows — how, I cannot guess. She came and asked me if it were # true f Poor girl!'' he added pityingly. * \ " She had promised to be niy wife," continued Heath, " now she says it cannot be. But I can't let her goA" They walked up to the end of the deck together. " J must do something to put this tangle right," said Heath at length. He thought for a few moments, then he turned to his friend. "Will you, Wray, as a friend, promise not to act in this matter until three days after our arrival in Melbourne? It will give me time to think of something." Gavin Wray reflected. , "Yes," he said, holding out his hand, "for both your sakes, I'll promise that." "Thanks," said Heath simply,' as he grasped the hand, "I shan't, forget it, Wray !" For the Test of the evening Vera kept to her cabin, and Heath couldjzet no opportunity of speaking to her. The passengers landing at .Melbourne were all busy getting their things together. s In the morning the Artania was running up Port Philip Bay. Heath was standing on the deck, when Alma Kingston came up to him. ' " Another three hours, and ' good-bye ' to the dear old Artania," she said. "By the way, where are you staying in Melbourne?" " The Federal Palace," he replied absentmindedly. He was thinking of other things ait the moment. She gave a little laugh and clapped her hands. "Capital!" she exclaimed, "so are we!" He did not seem to pay any attention, and a moment afterwards, turned and walked away. Presently she moved with the intention of going down to her cabin. At the head of the companion she came across Gavin Wray. He was gazing reflectively at the window j the voices oi some passengers on the other side could he heard. He moved his head and saw her standing before him. He .looked steadily at her for a moment, but did not speak. Then she laughed, a trifle nervously. " Why, Mr •* ray," she exclaimed, " you appeared to be lost in thought." "I was indeed thinking — and I believe with some effect." She lifted her eyebrows inquiringly. "And what is this greai^discovery ?" " Oh; nothing very much, he said, eyeing her keenly, " merely a clue to a little affair that has been puzzling me somewhat.". He moved aside for her to pass. " You are desperately mysterious !" she said with another .laugh, and proceeded on her way. ■'■„' "It was she," murumured Wray, as soon ; as she had disappeared, " I saw it in her eyes. But I have my doubts as to whether the card she played will win the trick." It was three o'clock before the Artania got alongside the Railway Pier at Williamstown. The usual excitement of landing, and of passengers meeting their friends was in progress when Chester Heath arrived on deck. He had been seeing after his .things. He glanced round eagerly, and presently in the crowd caught sight of Vera standing with a tall young fellow. He saw at once from the likeness that he was her brother. There was an anxious look on his face, and Vera was pale. The joy of meeting her brother had vanished. Wray's presence on board, the knowledge of his errand, had changed everything. She greeted 5 the brother she had loved passionately for years as if he were almost a- stranger. She yielded passively to his embrace, then turned her head away. She felt that she could hardly speak. Her eye fell on Heath, and their glances met. He pushed his way to her. "Here you are," he .said, cheerfully, and looked at her brother. She made a little movement with her arm. " Dick," she said, faintly, " this is Mr Chester Heath— a friend pf mine." Heath held out his hand. " I've heard of you from your sister," ho said. "I'm staying in/ Melbourne, and I trust we shall be able to see something of one another." Dick Annesley took the proffered hand. "Thank you," he said, "I shall be delighted." They exohanged cards, and chatted for a moment or so. Then Heath caught a little pleading glance from Vera. " Well, I must be looking after my traps," he said, and raising his hat, moved away. ' In the evening of the same day, he was sitting in his room at the Federal Palace, Hotel, engaged in writing a letter. H« had seen neither Vera nor her brother, since parting from theni oh the Artania.. He had carefully avoided them in the run up in the train from Williamstown, and had travelled with Wray, much to Miss Kingston's annoyance. He rose from his desk, the letter in his hand. He turned it over meditatively. "I can think of no other way; so, here goes !" He crossed to the wall and touched an electric bell. "Send this by hand at once to this address," he said to the servant who appeared "and wait for an answer." Left to himself, Heath lighted a. cigar and puffed at it thoughtfully. Then he picked up a newspaper, but he could not read, and it dropped from his hand. Finally he took to striding restlessly up and down the room. Threes-quarters o*«an hour passed before the man re-appeared. " The gentleman will be here almost directly," ho said. -"Good- 1" nodded Chester Heath, and took to macing the room again. "There was another knock at the doo*. "Mr Annesley to see you, sir !" announced tfhe man this time. Dick Annesley entered the room quickly. Heath adivaowed to meet him and held out "Ah! yon il * ye come '" he said * "Th*. is You^aid it was urgent," replied Dick Armesler, "and, as you requested, I did _T tell my where I was grnng^ We sat down, in the chair, which Heath nushed awards him. The latter strolled Sver to the .mantelpiece .and rested one arm vp .?T hardly koww how to begin," he said, knocking the ash from his cigar. "I'm a b _ younger than you are, y Tf K nought to S talk. But-" he j »Wpll you must try and think Kt^ant tohelp you. So I'll go_t M *g_ fc * h w?Wed across at Annesley. ?Tho Ster -Explosives Company actin* uSon certain infonnat,on. have sent out a SiJSS- to investigate your accounts," he - "ttfS&r left 7«W Annesley'* cheeks.

He started to his feet. " Oh, my God '!" he said hoarsely. Heath took a step towards him', and laid a 'hand on his shoulder. " Yes, it's found out," he said, " but perhaps we can- right matters yet. We have not much time, so never mind 'how you came to do it, but tell me right alway what the actual sum is." Annesley. passed a hand across his forehead. "I swear I meant to put it all "back," she said wildly, "indeed, I had begun already. They 'were debts of honour, and I was driven to it. I have thrown, it all over — but now it is no use!" "How much in ail?" asked Heath -stead* ily. "Three thousand," said Annesley,. and he sank down and buried his head between his hands on the table. Heath threw the end of his cigar away, and sat down "in a chair opposite to Annesley. He leant forward and began, speaking. As the meaning of. the words dawned upon him, Annesley raised his head and looked wooderingly at Heath. "You mean it?" he gasped in his astonishment, as Heath came to an end. Chester Heath nodded and pulled another cigar from his pocket. " But the reason ?" cried Annesley. "Why should you go to this trouble to save a man whom you did not know before today?" '■'■.! H-eat-h rose to "his :feet. " Because I love your sister more than any woman in the world, . and would make her my wife," he said simply. He walked to the door. '• I /will not be away for more than a few moments," lie said and disappeared.' He made his way down to the next floor and sought Mr Gavin Wray. '••'I fancy I've turned your expedition into a pleasure trip, Wray,' he 6aid. " I'll guarantee you won't find any deficit in young Annesley's accounts — when you examine them in three days' time !" he added significantly. v Gavin Wrav gave a deep sigh of relief. " I'm delighted to. hear it, old fellow ! I never "want -a policeman job again !" Heath gave him a little further information, and left him. Wray reflected for a few moments, and a smile crept over bis face. Then he, too, went in search of somebody. Presently he found Miss Alma Kingston. "Have you seen 'Mr Heath anywhere?" she asked frankly. " Yes ; be has just left me. H* is a very busy young man !" he added. __ "He has been stealing a march on me,' he continued, after a pause. There was a gleam in his eye. " Oa you — how?" she exclaimed. "You may not know that I'm a director of a company which is represented in Melbourne by Miss Ahnesley's brother," he paused. Miss Kingston pricked up her ears. " Well, our young friend, the energetic American, was introduced to Mr, Annesley, and apparently was so struck with his manner that he promptly offeredMiim a post in connection with his line of steamships. As it is a better position, Mr Annesley will immediately resign his position with us." Alma Kingston raised her head and' gazed steadily at him. " The Annesleys, are going to live in Philadelphia?" she asked slowly. Mr Gavin Wray smiled amiably. A "Well, as far as I can judge, one An-< nesley and Mr and Mrs Ohester Heath," he replied, looking her full in the face. She shot a glance full of scorn at him, and a patch of colour appeared on either cheek. Then she turned and walked swiftly away. Gavin Wray watched her disappear. *^A trifle brutal,'.' he reflected, "but I , thank she deserved it!" Meanwhile, Heath' and young Annesley were being driven rapidly in the direction of a certain suburb. "I'll pay back every penny of it!" Annesley was saying, as the cab drew up with! a- jerk before a moderate-sized house. There was a small garden in front, and it stood a short distance from the roadway. They alighted and walked up the pathway together. Anneqley opened the door with a key, and led the way to a. room that opened from the hall. "Wait here," he said, "I'm going to tell her — tell her everything !" 'he added, as if- speaking with, an effort. He left the room, shutting the door behind him. Heath drew off bis gloves slowly, folded) them, and put thejtain his pocket. His hands began to man nervously. He got up and walked across to the window. He was about to move back again, but suddenly brought his heels together, stood still, and tried to remember how many tons of steel rails could be put into the Nazir's forehold. But it was no good, he could think of but one thing, and his ears strained eagerly for any sound. At length, it seemed ages, he heard a door open, then a light footstep cross the hall. He almost held his 'breath. Another moment, and she stood before him. her eyes still wet with the tears she bad been shedding. He took a step forward. " Tliat new boat — " he began. She looked at him wonderingly. "The one we were talking about, you know. I want to name ber after my wife," j he paused, "we must call her the 'Vera,' ' mustn't we?" he added, pleadingly. Their eyes met, and he saw that she was smiling at him through her tears. Mr . Chester Heath, of Philadelphia, was satisIfied.