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rest of the way, we might as well get acquainted. I'm Roland

Fletcher ... originally from Akron, Ohio. My hobby is art; you know

... drawing. Guess I'll spend the rest of my life painting on one of the
islands ... very attractive scenery "

Roland ... Roland Fletcher. I realized my mind had been

wandering and I heard what he had said last. "Your name seems to

ring a bell in my mind. I know I've heard it before."

"Most probably," the man across the aisle interjected.

Wi th a glimmer of hope, I asked, "Could it have been from any

of your art work or exhibits? Surely they must have been publicized!"

"Sorry," he laughed, "it wasn't from those exploits." Once again

the man across the aisle grinned foolishly, then went back to reading
his paper.

I was now thoroughly confused. "I'm sorry I interrupted you; do
go on."

"That's all right; I was about through anyway. You'll have to
look me up once in a while."

I laughed at the joke. "Isn't it the man's place to look up the girl?"
"Sometimes that's impossible .... Do introduce yourself," he
added, this time in a cheerful tone of voice.

Once again I forced myself to come out of a thick cloud of be-
wilderment. "My name is Janet Wilson and I've lived in Florida all
my life. I guess I said that before. Anyway, my occupation as a Naval
nurse is now taking me to Los Angeles for at least two years. Changing
the subject, if you don't mind (he nodded agreement), you said you
lived in Switzerland. I'd give my eye-teeth to see those mountains
someday. They're the most beautiful in the world according to most
people. Don't you think so?"

"Yes, but they're mighty treacherous, too. I used to work with a
rescue group. It was amazing the foolish things some tourists would
do just for a dare. I've seen people lose their lives because I wasn't
able to hold them with a rope." I followed his gaze as it came to rest
on the one hand which was visible. It was worn with toil and care but
had a look of neatness, as did his whole self. Even the way in which
he flicked a piece of lint off his immaculate blue suit indicated the
care which I imagined characterized his whole personality.

The train was inching slowly into the Oakland terminal when I
awakened from a short nap. Reaching up to the rack, I retrieved my
hat. After slipping on my coat and gloves, I sat down for the last
minute. My friend, Mr. Fletcher, still had not made any move to get
up.

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