Photoplay (Jan - Jun 1919)

44 Photoplay Magazine However, even if he is afraid, his brother, Captain Amazon, isn't. Amazon is a sea captain and Uncle just loves to tell of his exciting adventures. A ferocious old captain, he must be, and wonderfully courageous. Last evening I sat charmed — actually charmed — while Uncle told of Amazon's amazing adventures. There are several others rival story-tellers — exsea captains — but they can't pretend to match Uncle's true stories. Joab, a retired mariner, is especially eager to discredit Uncle's stories, and bullies the old dear unmercifully. And Winnie— there's Betty— Betty Gallup, a typical sort of woman for this place, with a masculine way about her, unlimited nerve and a habit of making Uncle step lively. She keeps house here. One would think she really disliked Uncle — if one didn't observe closely. I have watched her, and really, Winnie, there's the oddest, prettiest light that shines in her eyes when she is near Uncle Abe. It's just as though only the tiniest little obstacle were all that kept her from flying into his great arms. And it is easy to see that he cares for Betty. I heard him sigh this morning when he was watching her. The sort of sigh that— well, like Bobby Wescott made when he wanted to dance with me (conceit!) and my card was filled. There's something between the two dears — I wonder what keeps them apart? Well — i'm at the end of this sheet and must move about a little and forget that Aunt Euphemia has probably sent out the chief of Tarrytown police to look for her scapegoat niece. Goodby for this time. LOUISE. "Why is Abe's bedroom door locked?" P. S. — I nearly forgot a very thrilling part Betty demanded. My heart jumped, but of my trip here. I met the most un Uncle's wits were quick, this day. "Be usual person — a snobbish fisherman. Perhaps not snobbish, but certainly independent. You see, I got off at the wrong station coming over, and I char t er e d his launch to ferry me across the V J£ A 4M "*r cove. He £[ ^Jl ^0^J**^ i^'t^v refused to take any fee. And — oh, Winnie, imagine! His launch became shoaled out from shore and without hesitation or invitation, grabbed me in his strong arms and carried me to land. And the surprising thing about it was that I wasn't angry! His name is Lawford Tapp. There — isn't that a nice little thrill for a starter'' L. cause I want it locked ! roared he Wednesday evening. Mystery! I like the sound of that word — after Tarrytown! Mystery always precedes excitement. It concerns Uncle Abe. This afternoon I was putting away my things and discovered some old scrap books in the dresser. They contained old clippings — stories of the sea. Imagine my surprise to recognize that even' one of the many stories Uncle has been pinning on to this Captain Amazon. The old sneak ! Why should he plagiarize ( I think that was what my English teacher called it) just for the sake of bragging over his brother? I intend to find out. . . . right now! I found out ! Dear Uncle. He was down in the store when I searched for him. I lured him outside and while we were walking along the beach, he started another reminiscence of this Amazon person. I used it as a cue. "But — I read that story. Uncle," I said. His face fell and he flushed back to his ears. Cruelly I went on. demanding to know why he misrepresented fiction to be fact. Then he opened his heart. "My mother was frightened before I was born, by a frightful wreck." he said quietly. "And I can hardly bear sight of the sea — and — so — I — " He went on to tell how he felt being a landlubber among the stalwart, unafraid fishermen and mariners. I was beginning to understand a ittle. I held his arm fondly. He finished. " — an' so I invented a brother — so that he could hold the respect I can't command." He looked off toward the house. where Betty Gallup was puttering around the porch. T didn't care so much about f men ridiculing me." he said. "But Betty — she isn't afeard of the sea!" We walked in silence for a while. Suddenly I was seized with an idea. I did so want to help LTncle with the men — and Betty. I clutched his arm, eagerly. "Oh. Uncle." I gasped. "I have it! Why not win Betty's greater respect and remove the taint from the minds of the people — by being your brother yourself:'" He stared at me astonished. But before he could voice objections. I plunged into my plan. sweeping fear quite out from his heart. Then we were interrupted by Mr. Tapp. who ran up. pleading with me to go with him in his launch. I couldn't refuse — even though my mind was a medley with thinking of my great idea. I wasn't half civil to Mr. Tapp. I know. I wonder who he really is? He doesn't seem to be ordinary — nut a bit. Adieu. Louise. P, S. — On advice of