Waterbury Democrat., 1900-12-29
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FCopyriGht, 1soo, by A. N. Kellogg Newspaper Col
CHAPTER TX.

CHAPTER TX.
 It was the third day out. The sky was cloudless and the sun was throw ing down q 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 socia bility 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 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 I can get him to sit down Q moment l shall play my first card" ''Oh. don't say anything before me-" entreatcd Mrs. Nolan; II feel so shaky." 'You must get over that" ordered our arch conspirator, sternly. 'Now, don't you forget what I told you.' The captain was now quite near. It was the smile of Mrs. Goddard that caused him to def his cap and pause. "A fine day, nadaui.' he said, cor dially. She motioned for him to sit down in the chair on her left.
 Il have been wanting to speak to you, captain, ever since the beginning of the voyage" she said, and there was a strange lack-luster expression in her eyes.
 "I am at your service, Mrs. God dard," he said, studying her face, curi- ously.
 Of course, ] don't want you to re- gard what I say in the light of a com plaint," she went on. Tn fact, I make up my mind to put up with & great many horrible things at sea. But, captain, is there not a-a decided feeling among the sailors that we will never get into port alive?"
 "Why, madam" He opened his eyes wide with astonishment. II don't understand you. Surely"
 T have always heard they were su- perstitious people by nature," she broke in. ''Now Lucy, here, has been trying to pacify me al day; but she is lying to me. l 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.
 
 are superstitious by nature," he fioundered about in his effort to ap- pear both respectful and to get at her meaning.
 ''Ies, and you see, passing so many dead bodies of men, women and chil- dren would make them more so. 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 fared 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 he1 rug at her feet.
 II am going to my stateroom anG try to sleep, but what does'closing my eyes amount to? l can see them just the same"
 The captain was on his feet almost as soon as she was and he walked with her to the door of her room Then, with a face much disturbed, hs came back to Mrs. Nolan. He put hi: finger on his brow significantly. 'Something is wrong with her, ht said, in the peremptory tone of a su perior to one beneath him; what i it?"
 Tt is not at all serious, sir," stam mered Mrs. Nolan. "She doesn't tall that way often.''
 Did you know her mind was-was st when you left America with her?' She told me she had strange feeling sometimes but that tn ocean always cured her.
 "Does her family know of her condi tion?''
 Mrs. Nolan shook her head doubt fully.
 St@ was leaving home to keep them iron finding out the truth"
 ''Ah." he sat silent for moment, the. , , he rose. If she is not better soon yo must let me know, do you under stand?"
 II will do so, sir; but I am sure sh will give us no trouble. l will go see she wants anything." When Mrs. Nolan reached the state room she found her companion on tn bed smiling from a rigidly expectan face; her eyes were gleaming with hall amused fear. She drew Mrs. Nola down on the edge of the bed. What did he say after l left?"
 Mrs. Nolan repeated the converss ton.
 "Good!" exclaimed the recum ben woraau. That is quite enough for tn , present. It will prepare him for tn = climaX-divest his mind from all poss ! ble suspicion of trickery in the chic event when it comes. I must not caus him to set a close watch on me. Te him when you meet him next that