The Yale expositor., 1902-08-29


even DIkins had not been let into the
full significance OF my share In the
hunt, for his tongue could not be trust.
ed. When the hour OF departure had
come. Major Simmons and Dllkins
were at the wharf 60 bid us adieu.
II would be foolish for me TO say
that was perfectly calm at the mo-
ment of leaving At that moment |
began 90 feel some misglyings as 10
the wisdom of my resolve. and almost
wished that | had not engaged pas
cage. This feeling. however. was but
momentary. / shook Il OF as unworthy
OF me. and resolutely set my face to
the future and gave no sign to my
friends that had weakened even for
the moment. Maubikeck was like n
man OF iron. His countenance was Inn
mobile. and the keen. stern eye and
set Jaw boded IN for the enemy who
fell within the range of his giant arms.
At last the bell rang. and the fog
horn voice OF gold-braided officer or
dcred all hands not going 10 sea
ashore. The major and Dilkins shook
hands with us once more and felt n
pressure I'm the majors grip that was
warmer than usual. With this last
grasp they hustled over the gang-plank
and stood on the wharf shouting their
farewells AT US. while the Queen slow.
~ swung of and her screaming tug
churned the water into foam.
When we had passed through the
channel. the tug had been released. the
pilot returned TO the swiftly gliding
boat that bore n number on her sail,
and the Queen was plowing along. con
stantly gathering headway. | began TO
thoroughly enjoy the sensation Of my
first ocean voyage. and the eXhilarat-
ing effect of the salt air made me
feel like a new man.
Our first day out passed without
event. And In the evening we sat on
deck and smoked. Maubikeck near me.
lying back In a deck chair. his eyes
fixed on the stars that shone brightly
above us. his face Interchangeable. his
jaw set. his whole appearance being
that OF n mysterious man OF nowhere
everywhere. and particularly here. |
sat and watched him. furtively at first
and then. seeing that he was paying
no attention 10 me- openly. Something
in my scrutiny must have touched him.
or an electric current from my brain
TO his must have brought a response
for as We were separating for the
night he turned To me and said:
MIR. Wilberton. you perhaps think
| am a strange and uncommunicatiye
man. and SO am. compelled, as have
been, by circumstances TO withhold
from persons | cannot trust all infor
nation concerning myself. But IL Is
due TO you. who have thrown your for
tunes in with mine In this pursuit of
Maligui and the girl | love. that
make you acquainted with mc-not as
| seem. but as am. But my story is
long. and ! will not weary you with Il
now. Tomorrow | will tell you who
and what | am
Il do not seek your condolences. Mau.
bikeck." / answered. III there Is any
thing In your life that you wish to
conceal. that Is your business. not
mine. Had for one moment doubted
your honor as a man would not have
accompanied you. on the other hand.
u there Is anything you wish 20 tell
me. | shall be glad 10 listen
Thank you he said simply. To
morrow will tell YOU the story OF my
lifc."
Then bidding me goodnight. he went
90 his stateruum, and soon after / left
the deck and retired 20 my own.