The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1886-09-03

hardly stopped to light a cigar before /
started for ths beach. walking with brisker
step AMI gayer heart than l had known
since l left Great Lorton-for was / not
about to get news of Daisyi
1t was a somewhat boisterous October day;
but the wind was from the northwest, and
the sea in the bay was therefore almost
calm. In the offing l saw that the passing
steamers were making heavy weather of it;
but on shore there was nothing threatening
in the appearance of the skies. Two men
were waiting in the gig, and with the help
of one of the local boatmen we had soon
pushed Off and were making our way to ths
yacht
How well remembered my former visit
to her when l was in the company of Daisy
looked eagerly as we neared the stately
vessel for the friendly face of Branksome;
but 1 looked in vain. He was evidently
below, probably shelterlng himself from the
keen autumn air.
As stepped on board one Of the stewards
came up TO me and, touching his hat said,
"This way, sir, if you please"
l followed him down the gangway and
passing through the dining saloon found
myself in a passage leading, as / remem-
bered, to the chief saloon and to the lovely
Daisy's special use. To my surprise it was
to the latter apartment that was conducted
1t was rather dark within, but some one was
awaiting me and entered with outstretched
hand
"How kind of you" L began, and
stopped suddenly. 1t was not Branksoms's
commanding figure that 1 saw before me-
1t was the short, powerful form of Flinter.
was moro startled than / should have
liked TO admit; but I recovered myself as
well as l could.
II beg your pardon" said, II came on
board to see DIR. Branksome, who has sent
for me-"
"Just sol" replied Flinter in dry tone,
beneath which 1 fancied that 1 detected a
touch of irony.
"Will you be kind enough to tell me where
shall find him?"
He looked at me for a moment, and in the
semi-gloom of the cabin, the windows of
which were curtained, l detected q smile
upon his hard, bad fac, There was some
thing that irritated ma in his manner.
had seen that, despite the evident confidence
which Mauleverer evidently repossd in him,
hs was not treated either by the millionaire
or by Branksome himself on a footing of
social equality. and knew enough of him
to be aware that he had none of the conven-
tional claims to be regarded as a gentleman.
Annoyed at his silence and his insolent bear
ing addressed him in a different tone from
that which had use at first
"Come, sir!" l said, II do not wish to
keep Dr. Branksome waiting and know he
expects me. Have tho goodness TO let me
see him at once"
ooh, certainly. Come this way" He
Al q
irritated me SO much, but he no longer stood
like a statue. He placed his powerful hand
lightly on my arm and led me along a
passage and through an open doorway
which gave access TO another short passage.
There was an open door at thu end of it, and
almost before L was aware L had passed
through it and was standing in the middle
of the strange apartment which the Duke of
Cairngorm had caused to be prepared as
punishment cell when the yacht was built.
My first impression was that Flnter was
playing some rough jest at my expense.
"What do you mean by bringing me to
this placer l asked. "Dr. Braaksome is
not here"
Flinter stood in the narrow doorway,
which his powerful figure completely filed.
"You are quite right, young man," he
said. "The doctor is not here; but you'll
find very comfortable quarters hers until he
comes-quite as good as you deserve"
"You insolent FOOL" 1 cried hotly, "let me
passp
1 was strong, and had plenty of mere
physical pluck. did no. hesitate moment
as advanced to push him on one SIDE But
before 1 could lay finger on the rufIian 1
found myself seized by the collar in grip
which was like that Of giant. 1t was all
in vain that L struggled and struck out L
was flung with violence upon thu floor of the
cabin, and before could regain my feet /
heard the door close with a sharp snap, and
knew that was alone in the gloomy apart
ment.