turn. In less than a month now all
their companionship was to end, and he would probably see the last of
her.

He dared not let her know that at last he had really come to love
her--that it was no pretence now; for he knew that with such
declaration their "good times" would end even before she should go
away. But every day; every hour that they were together made it harder
for him to keep himself within bounds.

What with this trouble on his mind and the grim determination with
which he held to his work, Condy changed rapidly. Blix had steadied
him, and a certain earnestness and seriousness of purpose, a certain
STRENGTH he had not known before, came swiftly into being.

Was Blix to go away, leave him, perhaps for all time, and not know how
much he cared? Would he speak before she went? Condy did not know. It
was a question that circumstances would help him to decide. He would
not speak, so he resolved, unless he was sure that she cared herself;
and if she did, she herself would give him a cue, a hint whereon to
speak. But days went by, the time set for Blix's departure drew nearer
and nearer, and yet she gave him not the slightest sign.

These two interests had now absorbed his entire life for the
moment--his love for Blix, and his novel. Little by little "In
Defiance of Authority" took shape. The boom restaurant and the club of
the exiles were disposed of, Billy Isham began to come to the front,
the filibustering expedition and Senora Estrada (with her torn calling
card) had been introduced, and the expedition was ready to put to sea.
But here a new difficulty was encountered.

"What do I know about ships?" Condy confessed to Blix. "If Billy Isham
is going to command a filibustering schooner, I've got to know
something about a schooner--appear to, anyhow. I've got to know
nautical lingo, the real thing, you know. I don't believe a REAL
sailor ever in his life said 'belay there,' or 'avast.' We'll have to
go out and see Captain Jack; get some more technical detail."

This move was productive of the most delightful results. Captain Jack
was all on fire with interest the moment that Condy and Blix told him
of the idea.

"An' you're going to put Billy Isham in a book. Well, strike me
straight, that's a snorkin' good idea. I've always said that all Billy
needed was a ticket seller an' an advance agent, an' he was a whole
show in himself."

"We're going to send it East," said Blix, "as soon as it's f