New-York tribune., 1903-04-05

something in the old cooneIs tone-but sud
den suspicion entered my mind
I said nothing, however, until, few minutes
later 1 CHANGED to be alone with Mrs Van
She had come out deck, and were stand
ing by the taffrail, enjoying the cool night air.
Il have just heard that your father has put
Blakenhurst into bunk observed. Per
haps you may have heard of the merits of the
colonels Chicago Twist ?"
She gave a little laugh
Hell sleep the clock round, you know, unless
some one wakes him." added, meaningy.
She suddenly faced me.
'Supposing nobody did wake hm-that he
slept right until tomorrow morning? OF
course, shouldn't know he was in the cabini
| she said, in low voice of suppressed excite
ment.
So it was plot.
IT'S abductionr' I said, firmly.
She laughed gayly.
ITO take trip friends yacht? Don't
you see how ingenious it all is? He will wake
UP and find himself on tre way to Genoa! And
two days in my society! Do you grasp it?'
''Oh, quite see.' 1 said, slowly knew very
well that Blakenhurst left in her hands would
be clay. If the yacht once sailed with him,
Patties chance of becoming Lady Blakenhurst
would vanish completely. He would throw her
over and marry Mrs. Van within month l
had not the slightest doubt to the little
widows ability to do this If given the present
chance.
II should just like to inquire why you invited
me tonight" 1 said wouldn't a manGuvre
of this type have been better with as few wit
neSseS as possible?"
She linked her arm within mine.
Il thought, dear Mr. Trench, being such a
I
that tomorrow, when you discovered that poor
Ernest had been left on the yacht by mistake
you might tell his valet to pay his hotel bill and
bring his things to Genoa. You see, other
wise his disappearance might cause some sur
prise.
| Il think it may probably cause surprise under
any circumstances L said, dryly, having Mrs
HethertOn in mind.
Mrs. Van positively gurgled in her enjoyment
Of the situation
Isn't it just cute Mr.. Trench? I knew it
would please you. Hush!" she said. warnlngIy,
I had no further chance of talking alone with
the good but enterprising widow, SO followed
the little party into the music saloon. Presently
Mrs. Van was about to sing-l managed TO
slip out quietly 1 felt I wanted to think.
Pacing the deck, I turned the thing over IN
tie lose her chance? Whatever his mental abili-
ties it was a big thing for her to become Lady
Blakenhurst, and she might possibly care for
him. Anyway, she would look very foolish be
ing jilted in this fashion Could let Mrs. van
do it?
NO, I'm hanged if I can't isn't cricket I
exclaimed, as l came TO a decision.
| crept up to the music saloon. Mrs. van
was singing Justify and likely to be doing so
for some minutes Then l hurried UP to the
deck cabin and let myself in BIakenhurst was
lying on the bunk in heavy sleep. picked
up water bottle and dashed some OF the con-
tents in his face.
/ whats that" he said drowsily
I persevered with the water bottle, and soon
had him in sitting position and able TO take
in my remarks. I told him he had behaved
| abominably, and that Mrs Van would never
forgive him.
Your only chance to save your honor is TO
slip away quietly this very moment without see
ing any one Mrs. Van is singing, and you VIII
not be noticed I said.
His mind was too blurred to crittcise the sense
of nv argument and he accepted my decree
without demur. I explained to him the means
Of getting away and fetched his coat and nat
Finally I pushed him out Of the cabin and
told him to waste time 1 saw him lurch
away, and returned to the music saloon 1ust III
time to congratulate Mrs. Van on the progress
she h. 4 made under the Partisan masters.
Shortly afterward I rose and said must De
going Mrs Van protested against my early
departure. u, -
THE truth is, I'm rather nervous I've never
been mixed up in an abduction BEFORE eA-
planned
1You have helped to give deserving woman
what she wants. I don't know how to sufhclent-
" thank you, Mr.. Trench she SAID, as she
clasped my hand in farewell.
hurried away, thinking that, perhaps, her
thanks were trife profuse.
tons hotel, wishing to make certain that
Blakenhurst had safely returned was pass
ing the reading room, the entresol floor, When
the door opened and I came face to face with
Pattie She had book in her hand, and seemed
annoyed l.
II was just running up to see Ernest-to IN
nuire if he were any better!" stammereo, some
EXPLANATION of my presence being necessary.
'aOh he has come back" she said, Wear1Iy.
saw him disappearing up the staircase just
Come back! looked sharply at her: AS she
SAW the slip she had made little look OF CON-
fusion swept over her face $3.50
"Vhat do YOU know?''I said, quickly.
She hesitated; then defiant look came into
har