riumph, and staged
the moment of Isabelle's downfall.

Major O'Dell, whom by this time Isabelle counted a friend, approached
one day as she dallied with her two admirers.

"I impersonate Mercury, bearing an invitation," he said.

"I'll do anything with you, Major O'Dell, but I don't want to play with
your crowd."

"Why not?"

"I don't like the women. They pick on me."

"Larry and I will protect you."

"Humph!"

"I have the permission of the amiable Miss Watts. It is all arranged."

"What is it?"

"Monty Haven's yacht is at anchor and he wants you to come for a sail
and lunch aboard."

"Sorry. I'm engaged to-day with Percy."

"May I add that a certain gentleman, not at the moment in your good
graces, entreats you to come?"

"Sorry. You wouldn't let me off, would you, Percy?"

"No"--firmly.

"Alas! This is final?" asked the Major.

"Convey my thanks to Mr. Haven, please, dear Major O'Dell, and
mention----"

"'Percy'," he interrupted with a smile, and left.

"What did you put it on me for?" complained Percy.

"Come down on the beach and watch them go," ordered Isabelle, leading
the way.

They sat them down and watched preparations on the yacht. A motor boat
came ashore and carried off the guests.

"Now aren't you sorry?" said Percy.

"Nope."

The motor boat presently put off again--in their direction. It came as
near shore as it dared, and stopped. Captain O'Leary stepped overboard
into the shallow water, and advanced upon the puzzled three. He bowed,
leaned over, picked up Miss Isabelle Bryce in his arms, and marched into
the sea and toward the boat.

"Hi there! what are you doing?" cried Percy.

"Come and get me, you big idiots!" called Isabelle over O'Leary's
shoulder.

The two boys plunged in. O'Leary laughed and ran. He set her in the
boat, jumped in himself, and they were off, leaving the two swains hip
deep and helpless.

Isabelle turned smouldering eyes on the Captain.

"Cricket, my dear," said he, "I feel that there is an excess of Percy!"

She blazed in silent fury.

"Cricket, don't be cross. It was only a joke to tease your beaux. They
were funny, standin' there in their neat white flannels, weren't they
now?"

No answer.

They were received with a shout of delight from the boat. Haven met them
at the rail and greeted Isabelle.

"Larry, you win!" he shouted, and they all shook hands with the Captain
and beat him on the back.

"Win?" inquired Isabelle.

"Major O