Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-01-24
CHAPTER XII.

as death with her misdeeds went
against her inclination.
II feel as if she really did drown
herself" she said to her disturbed
inner-self, land that her dripping
corpse is in there now unknown to
anyone but myself"
She was unable to sleep at all. The
ship continued to roll badly and now
and then waves which raced one an
other across the deep struck the yes
sci broadside with sufficient force to
break in the portfolios. Indeed. Mrs.
Nolan's mind was too active with the
part she had played, and with conjur-
ing up possible consequences, to give
itself up to Inconsistencies. At
three o'clock she rose and crept into
the adjoining room and bent over her
accomplish. To her astonishment this
beautiful creature was sleeping as
soundly and peacefully as an infant.
''rhe idea of her taking it SO east
ly and me nearly out of my head is
ridiculous" Mrs. Nolan resentfully
argued. "I'H go back and sleep,
What's the use to worry? She's run
ming the risk
But she lay with her eyes open till
the day broke, then as the sun rose
in cloudless sky she looked from
the window. The gale was over, but
the waves were still high and looked
like hills capped with snow. 1t was
the grandest sight Mrs. Nolan had ever
beheld, but she could have desired it
less so. Its majesty reminded her of
the omnipotence of God against whose
laws she had set herself. Her watch
told her it was yet half an hour be-
.awoke, yet Mrs. Nolan had already
borne the mental weight of what had
taken place as long as she intended.
She wanted company, so she shook
Mrs. Goddard gently. This much-in-
dulged woman was in the habit of en-
tering the waking state by series of
audible yawns and little cries and
these unconscious outbursts Mrs.
Nolan had to stifie by holding her
hand over their source. Finally Mrs.
Goddard opened her eyes and ceased
to squirm about.
Its too early" she asserted,
drowsily. "It is still dark"
Don't talk above a whisper" eau
toned Mrs. Nolan. Its dark be-
cause the curtains are down. It's re-
ally a bright day"
what time is it?"
Eight o'clock
When Mrs. Goddard had risen and
dressed, and they had smoothed out
her bed till it had the appearance of
not having been used. she took her
place in the closet.
"Now," she said, SIX me, and then
ring for your breakfast. | hate to
sit SO long cramped up here. To gain
time, perhaps it would be good idea
to order your breakfast and have the
stewardess arrange the room at once
Give her a tip-ten dollars will not
be too little, or too large; she may be
thinking, now that l am overheard.
that she won't get her fee. The money
will put her in a good humor; it will
make her respect you, and then you
must request her to see that you are
left alone"
The stewardess brought up Mrs.
Nolan's breakfast on tray. Her face
really did wear a certain look of dis
content as she put the things on the
table.
Here is some money for YOU" said
Mrs Nolan. ''Wh;le it is true that
Mrs. Goddard employed me as a com
panion, we are more like friends. and
if she were alive she would have given
that much to you, l am sure
The woman's face lighted up as she
unfolded the banknote.
''Thank you, madam" she said. SIT
was awful, wasn't it?''
Il was unable to sleep last night
on account of it," said Mrs. Nolan.
pouring her coffee. "The rooms need
very little attention. Please leave the
tray and see that l am not disturbed
any more than possible"
Il will, madam, thank you very
much" And in a few minutes her
work was finished and she withdrew.
Then the closet was opened and
Mrs. Goddard came out.
II only want roll and cup of
coffee, she said, in a whisper.
When they had both finished break
fast, Mrs. Goddard coiled herself up
in bed and began to read novel.
About II o'clock there was rap at
the door. Mrs. Nolan opened it about
an inch. 1t was the stewardess to say
that the captain would like to see her
when it was convenient
Tell him I'll come at once" said
Mrs. Nolan, and she turned back into
the room, closing the door.
"You had better go right on" said
Mrs Goddard with white set face.
HE only wants the particulars about
me. Tell him a straight tale. 1 shall
not stay in the closet"
"But the risk" protested the more
cautious woman.
"oh, hang the risk!" SAID Mrs. God
dard, coarsely.
Il won't go step unless you stay
in the closet"
Every well. / am glad you are SO