The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-01-21
CHAPTER xI.-Contlnued.
The Figure In the Cloak.

AS Dick pronounced this verdict he
looked straight into the dark eyes spark
ling between the folds of semi-transpa-
rent white 1t is difficult to read the
expression Of woman's face In her eyse
alone; but once they fell. as If to hide
some feeling best concealed. Dick be-
iieved that his decision had caused deep
disappointment. and he wondered why.
At all events the fortune-teller hid her
veXation, II she felt it, very creditably.
She said that no doubt. monsieur knew
best; and as for waiting, she had plenty
of time. There was no boat by which she
could return Immediately to Tangier. and
she was at his disposal not only for
half an hour, but as many hours mon
sieur found necessary. So he left her and
fastened away to call upon the captain
Of the port. as he had originally intended.
But he was no longer weary and despon-
dent. Eve Markharn's letter lay over
his heart. and the thought of her words
was like the effect OF a draught Of cham
payne when q mans strength is spent.
The captain Of the port heard his tale
with establishment. OF course the ghost
could exist only in imagination, and as
the yacht had been thoroughly over
hauled it was difficult to believe that a
thief or trickster could be concealed on
board: still, it would be we'll to have an
other look round, to make assurance
doubly sure. He would have staked a
good deal Oh the integrity Of the men he
had chosen. but twas possible. no doubt,
that one or both had yielded to the strong
temptation offered by so many valuables.
They should be removed from their
charge when they made their request
and others should be put in their place.
But if Mr.. knight had come to stage
Of his Investigations when the gold plate.
'tewelry and valuable bric-a -brac could be
removed. packed up and put in a safe in
the office until called for. it would be g.
relief to all parties. Meanwhile, If no
one We're found on board the xenia save
the two men In charge they would be
cautiously examined, though not, for the
present. accused Of dishonesty, and nat
urallX every effort would be made to re-
cover the lost rings.
When Dick was free to give his atten-
tion once more to his own affairs he went
back to the quay. meaning to row out
to the Xenia and write his letter. en-
closing a rather valuable little coin which
he had picked up in Algiers when shop
ping with Eve and Sir Peter. Eve would
remember 1t, and he would have it pierced
and hung ON a bangle if he could find
one in the town worthy Of her accep-
lance. But as he came near the fortune
tellers waiting place she hurried to him
might I beg she began, meekly,
IN her peculiar French, that monsieur
would not write his answer to the lady
until he and I have had conversation ?
There are several questions which I have
been instructed to ask and monsieur
would thus have the opportunity, of re-
plying to them"
Dick readily agreed to this request
though he had looked forward to taking g
few quiet moments In his state room tt
pour out his heart on paper i'll Eve. III
was rowed out to the derelict. but stayed
on board only long enough to pick up the
ancient gold coin which he had bought If
Algiers: ard then, having returned with
very little delay to the woman who
waited for him. he escorted her to a. res.
taurant where. though it was en1inentl,
respectable. he would not be likely to en-.
counter any Of the military or officia
element of Gibraltar. At this time of da,
the place was empty. He led his com
panion to a retired corner, and seated he
at a table with her back to the door,
AS it was forbidden to a follower of tn
+ faith. with which ne credited this woman
to eat food prepared by Christian hands
he could not offer her hospitality. Be
Sides. he knew that she would not renoy
her veil; and the wine which he ordere,
for himself as all excuse for entering tn
restaurant he left untouched
Now for the message you are to delfve
IN addition to the letter. Dick said.
n Monsieur, the beautiful lady ia sad be
cause she Is separated from you; but sh