Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1890-11-12

81 did not know you were near,
Captain Lucas" she answered.
"But am, you see," he replied,
gayly. II have been coming along
behind you for nearly five minutes.
May l repeat my question 7 l could
not help hearing what you said, you
know. Who would you like to
warn 7"
"You," said Lucy, simply.
swell, what have / done?" he ask
ed.
Nothing at all. But, Captain
Lucas. you must not come to our
house tonight"
Lionel Lucas grew grave at once.
"But, why not, Miss Lucy?' he ask
ed. "You gave me permission to
call, and unless you take it back, /
shall surely be there"
"Then l must take it back" said
Lucy, sadly, yet firmly. "Please do
not come"
"Have / offended you ?" he asked.
"Oh, no, no"
"But you do not want tc see me?'
She lifted shy, swift glance to his
face, and answered: "You know |
do! 1t is for your own sake; II
cannot have you in danger for me-"
He laughed lightly. "Shall l ex-
plain this, Miss Lucy? | fancy / can
do so. / saw our black .browed friend
Dale, leave your side just before 1
came up. ! perceived that he was in
bad humor, and l imagine that he is
a very jealous fellow"
"He is" admitted Lucy.
II have heard in the village that he
was, or wanted to be, an old beau of
yours, and l suppose he objects to my
friendship for you"
YES" assented Lucy. He has no
right, but he-oh, Captain Lucas, he
hates you n'
Don't doubt it," said the young
captain, lightly.
Don't make lest o { it," pleaded
Lucy. He says if he sees you with
me. he will kill you"
II am not at all afraid of him, Miss
Lucy. Though have no doubt he
would keep his word if he got chance.
But did he give any other reason for
hating me?"
eyes, though don't see why that
reason should disturb him. He says
you are watching for smugglers."
Likely, being in command Of a
revenue CUTTER" said Lionel, smiling
81 suppose he insists that there is nc
free trade along the coast!'
"Oh, yes. Really, l shouldn't won
der if he was right. have lived here
all my life, and never saw anything
that looked unlawful"
Not to be expected that you
would" said Lionel. But his fine
face had grown very grave, and pres
emily he said: Miss Lucy, tempt
ed to trust you with a state secret"
81 can be trusted" returned Lucy
quietly.
81 am sure Of that" with look
which brought the roses again. "Bu,
l would not do it, did | not feel Ger.
tain that if my surmises are correct.
there is danger for you, as well as for
me. You have kindly warned me,
cannot do less than warn you. And
l do not betray my duty in doing so
but you will promise me to keep what
/ tell you an invioeble secret ?"
He held out his hand, and Lucy
with an anxious glance around, LAID
hers in his clasp, as she said: 81
promise sacredly."
"Then listen, Lucy" he dropped
the Miss in his earnestness. "Thert
is nest of smugglers here, and Rich
ard Dale is their chiefw
"Are you sure?' whispered Lucy
with a white face.
Certain I! was sent here to capt
ure them, him, especially. But
must wait the chance. What / feal
is for you, Lucy. Be very careful
seldom 60 out alone, for Richard Dale
is capable of carrying you of, and
there places near where it would be
difficult to find you"
II will be careful" said Lucy, very
pale.
at will not be for long. | am or
his track, and hope soon to uneartf
him. But until then-ob, be cautious
child And remember, if you are
ever in danger, my life is at your
service"
81 know it," said Lucy, simply
But for yourself2'
ooh, / 60 protected y was his
answer, lightly touching his breast
pocket. do not fear for me, Lucy
shall come to see you tonight ia
perfect safety. Until then, good
byeW