uicken at stress of higher
life-forms pulsing with infinite longings of a human soul?"

This peculiar personality seems to reach convictions by more direct
processes than others. Meandering courses of intricate reasonings are
not to his liking--that divinely intuitive, far-seeing, inner-focalized
ray shoots straight as plummet and far as God.

Oswald observes many interesting occurrences aboard the steamer. With
perceptive craft he scans faces and notes special traits of
fellow-passengers. Neither back nor profile view long can dissemble. By
some sorting sense he segregates those few whom his judgment commends to
more than casual notice. These are so watched as not to be aware.

These entries occur in his diary:

"We have been out many weeks. One clear-cut, expressive face rivets my
view. This stranger appears to be about my age. He is tall, straight,
and well-proportioned. I find nothing to correct. Called upon for a
manly model to be produced instanter, I unhesitatingly would point at
this interesting unknown. There is something in facial lights and shades
like and unlike indistinct pictures whose outlines are familiar.

"This enigma is utterly unconscious of such close observation. Though
within ten feet, he has not noticed me reclining in a steamer-chair on
deck. The stranger sits down on a bench along the outer railing. Soon a
middle-aged man joins him, and the two engage in conversation. Their
talk is plainly audible. They make pleasant comments, evincing much
general information and discriminating intelligence.

"The older man is in poor health, but is hectically cheerful. There is
that pathetically wearied look of one engaged in unequal contest with
the insinuating, elusive, relentless microbe.

"Hopefully seeking to loosen the slowly contracting hold of this
persistent 'strangler,' the sick man has traveled in strange lands and
over many waters.

"The other has seen much of interest, and feels hopeful aspirations of
young manhood. Many clear-cut, positive views are expressed in
courteous, deferential manner, but in no uncertain or ambiguous phrase.

"Over the invalid's face pass pleased, softened shades at some uniquely
stated, positive opinions. Such are characteristic. Maturing thought
produces milder tints, but truer perspective.

"My sympathies go out to this sick passenger. I long to speak and act
kindly. Forgetting personal stress, I am touched at thought of
fellow-helplessness. Yet there must