The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1896-11-05

Calcutta. and they could not help showing
q certain relish over the diversion.
Most painful affair, really"
cease found under the pillow in the
BERTH"
Seemed such an honest fellow, too."
My dear" said Mrs Renton, bitterly, " it
doesn't do TO trust any one nowadays. You
never know who's who"
But you'd think really on P. and O.
steamship D
Pm sorry for that poor Miss Norman.
She was engaged to him, you know"
"Oh, that's broken off quite indefinitely.
l heard her telling the old German so. The
old fellow asked her what was the matter,
and she told him. He was partner of her
fathers, you know, and he seemed much con-
cerned about it. You see, dear, wasn't
exactly listening, butt
But you heard, dear-that's the main
point. Come into my cabin and see my new
serge Dress"
They went aft leaving Greig at The door
of his cabin. He was holding the sides to
prevent himself from falling Other pas
sengers went past his cabin, keeping care
fully to the other side of the narrow cor
ridor. Not one of them spoke to him, but
they all spoke to each other
"What does this mean?" cried Henry
Greig. Do they suspect me Off
Harry"
A soft, white hand on the arm, with a
kindly pressure. He turned and seized it
gladly.
Elsie! Aren't you, too, going to follow
them?"
Tell me first what it all MEANS"
1t did not take long TO put the girl into
possession OF the facts, Her face famed red
with indignation.
"And they dare to think that you would
do a thing like that?"
WELL" said Greig, uneasily, :" they found
the things there, you see. It's circumstan-
tial evidence of rather an awkward kind.
But needn't tell you, Miss Norman -
MY name is still Elsie"
My dear girl, l needn't tell you that I
shouldn't dream Of taking poor old Van
Straaten's diamonds or anybody else's."
am quite sure of THAT, Harry. must
see him about it." She repinned her straw
hat with decided air, I'VE two must
stand together now, whatever happens"
Elsie, hadn't you better let me fight it
out alone? The trutl, is nearly sure to come
out sooner or later andn
forget our stupid quarrel of this morning
| was quite wrong.m
$50 was l." said Greigo promptly.
A man has no business 10 kiss girl as
she is ascending the gangway of p. and
y. steamship. 1t has been DONE no doubt,
| on more than one occasion, but it is nearly
| always an act to be Condemned by right
thinking people WING. have not had the
chance of committing t6e crime. sNeyerthe-
less, If 1T is at any time to be pard0ned it
was an instance In question.
But" said the astonished Mrs. Renton
to her companion, /" thought you said, my
dear, that their engagement was all off"
She certainly said so. Why she should
| be SO objectionable with him now after this
scandalous affair goodness only knows"
"Ah, my dear! Girls are queer crea-
lures"
There were few hours of mixed feelings
for Mr.. Greig, of the Eastern Bank. 1t was
terrible to feel this suspicion hanging over
him to watch the looks cast at him by the
passengers to observe Mr.. Van Straaten's
almost comic appearance of injury. On the
other hand, it was delightful 10 feel that
close to him in this time Of stress, as he sat
1 on deck or strolled up and down. was a
cheerful young person in her very best spir-
lis. The boy meanwhile sympathetically
behaved in q manner quite exemplary.
Il am astonished, my tear" said Mr.. Van
Straaten, severely, that you should be
friently with Mr.. Greig after what has hab-
bened alretty. l strongly advise you to gil
him up. You told me you had chang
ed -
I've changed my mind" she said def
| ni,ely. Women iolksare not good at a lot
e I,,,e L IL.
our minds"
Mr.Van Straaten lifted his bat and turned
away. The old gentleman when he was q
few PAGES off seemed agitated, SO much sc
that he had to pat his eyes gently with
his scarlet handkerchief. He called to one
of the sailors:
del my man Hans to come up instant
iy."
Much commotion soon after the appear
ance of the stolid-faced Hans. A rush to-
ward that part of the ship by all the passen
gers on deck. Swift-talking German. Con
siderable temper on the part of Mr.. Var
Straaten penitent words from Hans.
"Mr. Greig." cried the old German
"come here directly. And, Miss Norman
listen to this horreeble man Of mine. ha
lost also my hatbox. l ask him where it is
and he replies that he think he place it b.
mistake in Mr.. Greig's cabin. Is it not so
Hans?n
Sorrowful acknowledgment from the pro
fusely penitent Hans. Mr.. Van Straatel
raised his voice:
"Then say to him. Is it possible tha
you careless schoundrel. you blaced also b.
mistake the diamond box also in Mr.. Greig'
cabin?' And he say Yea"
Quite noisy cheering from the assemble
passengers. A pressing forward to congratu
late Greig. He, delighted beyond expires
sion, turned to Elsie Norman.
You don't regret being counsel for m
defense, young Portia?"1
, You are just the[client like"
And respecting this morning?" sal
Greig. r5sbs