The Irish standard., 1901-05-25

Il wish you "ould," said the captain.
with an oath. "She's as crazy as her
mistress!"
The woman who had proffered her
kind offices accompanied Mrs. Nolan to
the state-room.
snow, try not to think of it," she
said. 81 know it is awful, but the poor
thing is better off as she is than to go
on having such strange notions. OF
course, l mean if there was no cure for
her. and there seldom is. you know"
Mrs. Nolan, now that she had such
easy credulity to play upon. saw the
eNpediency of getting rid of her visitor
so she calmed down wonderfully
''When l once get to s.eep I'll be all
right" she declared. 81 shall want the
door locked. l can't stand the idea of
her. poor woman"
It'll ask the captain to let me atay
with you if you like" and the speaker
looked round at the elegant appoint
ments of the comfortable room with a
covetous look in her eyes.
NO, thank you. I'd rather be by
myself. | was accustomed to being
alone TIL she and left New York.
"Oh, just as you feel about it," said
the woman. slightly disappointed.
We'll. | think I'd better be going. If
they know I'm here all the passengers
will want to flock round YOU"
She had hardly left when the cap
tain looked in. His face was deeply
troubled.
II shall want all the details about
Mrs. Goddard, so as to make out a
report to the ships company and the
authorities when we land-but to-
morrow will do"
Il shall have better head them"
said Mrs. Nolan II am awfully up
set"
"iou seem to be blaming yourself"
he said, in a kind tone. Il don't
think you need do this | was very
much worried the day she spoke so
peculiarly to me. but l supposed she
had recovercd.''
"She has been as rational rs any
body till to-day" said Mrs. Nolan,
wipng her eyes, which somehow
hanks to the spray and constant
rubbing-were wet and red. II was
in my room there just thinking of
going to bed when she sprang up, and
before | knew it she was out on deck,
and-oh. it was awful"
"Try to think of something else, "
said the captain; lit seems to agitate
you. Good night
She stopped him with a gesture.
81 wish you would not let the pas
sengers disturb me-" she whimpered.
She and L were dear friends, and
you see--''
"Iou shall have all the privacy you
WISH" he promised her. 81 shall see
to that"
When he had gone, Mrs. Nolan
locked the door behind him. She
looked to see if the window-curtains
were we'll down and then she turned
out the electric light. The ship, Civ
ing a big roll. almost threw her off
her feet, but she held on to the bed
and crept to the closet. She gave
three soft raps, then inserted the key
and opened the door. She CROPPED
about till she caught hold of the
prisoners warm hands and drew her
out.
"Well?" whispered Mrs. Goddard.
Il did my best
GLOW did it work?' was the next
Whisper after a pause.
81 think you will not complain
They have swallowed it whole"
"If you did half as well on deck
as you did here with the woman and
the captain we have nothing to fear
| laughed several times. Lucy, you
are a gem!"
Its getting into port that
dread" said Mrs. Nolan.
"Leave that to me. 1 have two
plans" replied Mrs. Goddard. Nov
Pm going to bed" she laughed
''This sitting up late is not good for
us. Are the window-curtains secure
and the door locked?"
eyes"
"Well, be sure you wake me in
the morning at least half an hour
before you ring for the stewardess
If anybody should come to the door
while l am asleep go to it and say
that you are not dressed and cannot
admit anyone. Have the stewardess
bring your breakfast and big pot OF
coffee"
ITO Be Continued
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