July 1960 School Magazine

Brisbqne Girls' Grammcrr School Mcgazine

Iuly, 1960

Brisbono Girls' Grammqr School Mcrgazine

IuIy, 1960

THE SECOND CTTANCE The sound of the gentle lapping of the lagoon's water mingled in a murmurous melody with the rustling fronds of the coconut palms which fringed the shore. A man about thirty-five years old lay face downwards on the sands, savouring the warmth of the sun. Paul Ingram loved this small Caribbean island. It was his birthplace and here he had spent his childhood and early manhood, revelling in the gay social life and aquatic sports. Remembering these huppy years, Paul's hand clenched over the crutches by his side. His mind flashed back over the years. He had been twenty at the outbreak of war and immediately he had left his father's plantatien and gone to serve in the Air Force, achieving a credit- able record. The war ended and Paul became restless under the conditions of peace-time flying. Therefore, he eagerly accepted his friend Barlow's scheme for establishing an aertal transport service net- work over South American countries. Their business thrived because of post-war development of these countries, and their planes flew to all points of the compass carrying equipment to mining and construction camps. But it was bad terrain to fly over. Treacherous down draughts and mountains claimed many pilots. So it was with Paul. One oppressively hot duy, angling in for a difficult landing on a mountain strip, Paul felt his plane caught in a violent down draught and lurch downwards. The plane crashed nose-first to the land. Next duy, Paul was flown to a coastal hospital, but the doctors had been unable to save his smashed leg. During a slow convalescence, Paul became sensitive and moody. Finally he returned to the business, but it was impossible. He savagely resented the pity which his disability aroused among his colleagues. Confined to the office and doing paper work, he was like a caged animal, his resentment and self pity, worsened by continual air traffic on the strip nearby. Eventually he sold his share of the business and returned to this island, at a loss to know what to do with his future. The money from the business, if wisely invested, would supply his rnaterial needs, but he knew inactivity and self-pity were his worst enemies.

Paul gradually realised he was not alone. Lifting his head, he saw a tow-headed boy about ten, watching him gravely. Paui realised that he must have been speaking his thoughts aloud and grinning self-consciously, introduced himself, tentatively holding out his hand. The boy shook it firmly, and speaking with a precise English accent, told Paul his name was Howard Wood. They became friends although they were a seemingly incon- gruous pair. In Howard, Paul found a son and every day they were seen on the shore, collecting shells, fishing, Howard delightedly listening to tales of the primitive Peruvian Indians, of jungles and of wartime experiences. The boy's attachment to him, and his enjoyment of life roused Paul from his miserable self-centredness. One evening, Paul dined with the Woods. Immediately, he liked Wood, a genial type, and his wife, an amusing and attentive hostess. Later in the evening, Wood watched Paul. He liked him and was glad he had contacted Barlow, oo hearing from Howard that Paul had been Barlow's partner. In a friendly letter of recommendation of Paul's character and reputation, Barlow warned that Paul might refuse his offer because of his broken confidence. Wood casually told Paul about his correspondence with Barlow. Paul waited, not knowing where thit conuersation would lead. Wood began without preliminaries, "f am starting an island- hopping freight service. I have need of a good pilot and an experienced adviser. I know you are both, and feei you are my man.tt He talked persuasively and quickly. "Think it over. f shall give you some details to work on. sleep on it." S'hortly afterwards, a pensive Ingram took his leave. Next day, Wood's office phone ranq. Paul's confident voice came through. "About that offer, Mr. wood. I accept !"

_J.N., VI.A

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