The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1873-11-27

could fight gnat !"
A week later | was aboard the steamer,
bound from Calais to Dover.
Among the passengers | beheld one
whose face looked familiar to me. was
not long in recognizing this person as the
same | had seen 10 front of the Hotel
Windsor, and who had first informed me
Of the murder of the Countess.
He was certainly very handsome
man, although his conceited air was blot
upon his good looks.
He moved lauguidly hither and thther,
turning his brown eyes aduiriugly upon
the pretty lady passengers, while strok
ing his whiskers with one white hand,
upon the middle finger of which wa.
superb diamond ring
L am rather OF a suspicious nature,
which, combined with lively imagina-
tion, had often led me into singular er
rors.
Now, strange impulse moved me to
advance and hold out my hand to the
mau whom [ had invountarly disliked
from the first, in order that might have
a chance to glance at his ring Some
how the idea possessed me that should
discover a chariot wheel device upon the
glittering baube.
The stranger did not at first recognize
me. He soon did, however, and frankly
extended his left hand, which was not the
one containing the ring.
My brain fairly replied the mans be-
havior was confirmation OF my suspi
cions
1.-The other hand, if you please" l said,
in low, stern voice.
"Monsieur, will you please excuse me |;
my other hand is lame with the rehuma,
tism"
He beheld me glance toward the half.
hidden ring, and [ was sure saw him
start and turn pale. at the same time look
ing much surprised He, however, open
ed his right hand, as if perfectly willing
for me to shake it if chose to.
Then | had a good look at the ring,
and felt ashamed Of my suspicious. The
device was common heart, which GER
tainly bore no resemblance to chariot
wheel.
After general conversation to recover
my self possession, | turned away, resolv
ing iu the future to have better opinion
of my fellow creatures
The strangers good looks seemed to at
tract the attention of good many of the
ladies' One especially, a modest looking
little thing, attired in black. kept direct
ing furtive glances at the handsome pas
senger. Finally she gliGed so close to
him that 10 turning he brushed against
her.
An apology. smilingly received by the
little lady, remark about the weather
on the part of the gentleman, and the two
were soon conversing with animation,
Meanwhile the blushiDg cheek aud bright
eyes of the fair one seemed to betoken
that she was we'll pleased with her com
panion, whose air was more conceited
than ever.
''I am afraid we shall have a storm" "
} she remarked, pointing toward dark
cloud upon which the captain of the boat
} was gazing anxiously.
1--WE may, but do not be alarmed, mad.
ame."
With an air of nonchalaDce be pulled
a red cigar. case from his pocket and ask
ed his companion if she objected to a
smoke Then he started, and quickly
J returning the red one to his pocket, pull
ed forth another OF blue color.
How many cigars do you smoke a
day 2" inquired the lady. evidently anus
ed at the sight of two cases.
The other colored. and it struck me
that his voice slightly fatered and his
hand trembled, as he made some laugh.
ing reply.
Soon the storm cane pouneing down
upon US We were midway in the chan
mel, so that we caught the full force Of
the sea and gale Both were terrific.
The sea swept the boat, which lay so
far over that her machinery was soon
damaged so that it would not work. The
wind, screaming like demon, threw her
over still further.
Suddenly we observed the sailors en-
deavoripg to loosen long boat on the
davts at the stern. Meanwhile, there
was an ominous grinding, smashing noise
under the counter. The truth could not
be concealed we were sinking.
The ladies' screamed, the handsome pas
seuger lost his self possession, ane ran
higher aud thither.
The cool beheavior of the little lady in
black contrasted strangely with the agi'
tated demeanor of those around her.
There she stood calm and immOvable,
her bright steel blue eyes fixed upon the
handsome stranger. OF whom she did not
lose sight for moment.
keep quiet ladies' and gentlemen y
, rang out the Captain Keep quiet, and
I don't crowd around the boat so There
will be room 10 it for you all, and besides
E there is a schooner coming TO our assist
, ance," pointing to vessel bowling to
wards US before the wind
e There was, however, panic among
those addressed. The moment the boat
= was lowered, into it they all bundled