Page:The Black Camel (IA blackcamel0000earl).djvu/191

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THE PAVILION WINDOW
187

“My perusal was of a necessity hurried,” Chan replied. “Imagine it covered the ground.”

“Is that the best you can say for it?” the boy complained.

Charlie shrugged. “Always think twice before you scatter tributes,” he answered. “If no one had praised the donkey’s song, he would not still be singing.” He grinned. “The comparison is, of course, unhappy one. I take it you enjoy a pleasant morning?”

“Oh, I just ran out to help Julie,” the boy told him. “I’ve been acting as a shock-absorber between her and the reporters. The fellows on the evening paper weren’t very polite. They seem a bit miffed the story didn’t break right for them.”

“A natural feeling,” Chan replied.

“What are you going to do now?” asked Bradshaw.

“Propose to look about in bright light of day,” Charlie answered.

“I'll help you,” Bradshaw said. “Julie, you just sit down and relax. Close your eyes and try not to think. Nobody ever has at Waikiki, and you can’t tell—it might be dangerous.”

The girl smiled at him and dropped on to a beach chair.

“Want to keep the poor kid cheered up,” Bradshaw explained, as he and Chan walked toward the pavilion. “This has been a pretty tough shock for her. But in time I think I can convince her that all her troubles are over. That is—if she'll marry me.”

“You possess excellent opinion of yourself,” Charlie smiled.

“Why shouldn’t I? I know myself so well.”

As they reached the pavilion, Hettick came out. He