"There is bound to be some danger, of course," Enriquez continued,
"for the coast is well patrolled; but once the expedition is
landed, Miss Evans will be among friends. She will be as safe in
our camps as if she were in her own home."
"Don't be hateful, and argumentative, or I'll begin to think
you're a born chaperon," Miss Evans exclaimed. "Come! Make up your
mind to endure me. And now you're going to help me buy my tropical
outfit."
With a smile and a nod at Enriquez she took O'Reilly's arm and
bore him away.
In spite of his panic-struck protestations that he knew less than
nothing about woman's requirements, she led him up-town. And she
kept him at her side all that morning while she made her
purchases; then when she had loaded him down with parcels she
invited him to take her to lunch. The girl was so keenly alive and
so delighted with the prospect of adventure that Johnnie could not
long remain displeased with her. She had an irresistible way about
her, and he soon found himself sharing her good spirits. She had a
healthy appetite, too; when O'Reilly set out for his lodgings
after escorting her home he walked in order to save car fare.
Clams, consomme, chicken salad, French pastry, and other
extravagances had reduced his capital to zero.
The days of idle waiting that followed were trying, even to one of
O'Reilly's philosophic habit of mind.
Pages:
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216