The Bourbon news. [volume] (Paris, Ky.) 1895-19??, 1900-12-28

mitted Jeanne; land the longer we are
separated the less my influence will be;
so you see the absolute need of striking
while the iron is hot
Mrs. Nolan threw startled look into
her companions calm Eace.
Striking while the iron is hot?"
she repeated, interrogatively.
''Yes; now come into the stateroom;
we must clearly understand each
other"
When they were in their room, Mrs.
Goddard closed and locked the door.
Then they sat down and conversed in
whispers for an hour.
"Oh, l WISH" protested Mrs. Nolan,
when the conference was ended, Il
wish you would postpone it till we are
on land. l am such a poor actress"
''Well, it simply has to be done, and
after considering a dozen plans there
could be nothing so good as this.
couldn't tell him it would be so soon,
for he would have backed down on the
spot. When the news is telegraphed to
him from Liverpool, and when he sees
the papers full of the details. he will
not dare to open his mouth. Even if
should fail you see, they would con
clude that the whole thing was simply
the conduct of an insane person.
THE whole scheme stamps you as a
regular genius" said Mrs Nolan. Are
YOU sure YOU can stand the ordeal. and
that there is enough for you to eat in
the basket? 1t viii not seem right for
NE 10 go down to warm meals in the
salon while you are eating cold things
up here"
Il shall put it off if possible till we
are nearly in said Mrs. Goddard.
Besides, you may order your meals
sent here occasionally and we will eX-
change"
1t was the third day out. The sky
was cloudless and the sun was throw
ing down genial warmth upon long
rows of passengers in steamer chairs
and rugs on the deck. Mrs. Goddard
and her companion sat side by side An
inclination towards sociability had
drawn most of the passengers together
in half-hearted efforts at entertain-
ment, but the two characters belonging
to my history held themselves quite
aloof from all.
The captain, who as a habit spoke
to few of his passengers, seemed to have
singled Mrs. Goddard out as a voyager
of no little distinction owing to her oc-
cupatiOn of the best stateroOm on
board, for he often bowed to her as he
passed. To-day, when Mrs. Goddard
saw him coming along the deck in their
direction, she nudged her companion.
There is vacant chair next to me,
she said. IF can get him to sit down
a moment I shall play my first card"
"Oh, don't say anything before me"
entreated Mrs. Nolan; 81 feel so shaky."
You must get over that" ordered
our arch conspirator, sternly. Nov,
don't you forget what 1 told you"
The captain was now quite nesr. 1t
was the smile of Mrs. Goddard that
caused him to doff his cap and Es1ase.
"A fine day, madam" he sale. cor
daily. ~
She motioned for him to sit down in
the chair on her left.
81 have been wanting to speak to
you, captain, ever since the beginning
of the voyage" she said, and there
was n strange lack-luster expression
in. her eyes.
81 am at your service, Mrs. Cod
dard," he said, studying her face, curl
ously.
"Of course, I don't want you to re-
gard what say in the light of a COM
plant" she went on. I'm fact, 1
make up my mind to put up with a
great many horrible things at sea.
But, captain, is there not "a decided
feeling among the sailors that we will
never get into port alive?"
"Why, madam!" He opened his
eyes wide with establishment, 81 don't
understand yon Surely"
II have always heard they were SUI
perstitious people by nature" she
broke in. Now Lucy, here, has been
trying to pacify me al day; but she is
lying to me. am sure my husband
instructed her to keep me in the dark.
The captain glanced past her and
tried to catch Mrs. Nolan's glance,
but this woman was looking off in the
opposite direction, her face deathly
white, and twitching with excitement.
"You were saying that the sailors
are superstitious by nature" he
fioundered about in his effort to APP
pear both respectful and to get at her
meaning.
Yes, ard you see, passing so many
dead bodies of men, women and chill
dFen. would make them more so. 1
can't bear it. There are more of
them on this side of the ship than
the other
Why, what do you mean?" he
gasped. Madam, there are no dead
bodies here
Mrs. Goddard flared up and gave
him her eyes steadily.
MY husband has instructed you to
deceive me, too" she cried. Lucy
said you would agree with her. You
are all in the plot to worry me-to kill
me-"
She rose suddenly and dropped her
rug at her feet.