The Lamar register., 1903-01-28

even Dilkins 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 Dilkins
were at the wharf to bid us adieu.
1t would be foolish for me to say
that l was perfectly calm at the mo-
ment of leaving. At that moment |
began to feel some misgivings as to
the wisdom of my resolve, and almost
wished that | had not engaged pas
sage. This feeling, however, was but
momentary. shook it off 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 a
man of iron. His countenance was i'm
mobile and the keen. stern eye and
set jaw boded i'll 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
dered all hands not going to sea
ashore. The major and Dilkins shook
hands with us once more, and felt
pressure in 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
ly swung off 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 a 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 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 a mysterious man of nowhere
everywhere. and particularly here. |
sat and watched him. furtively at first
and then. seeing that he was paying
no attention to 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:
"Mr. Wilberton, you perhaps think
l am strange and uncommunicative
man, and so am, compelled, as have
been, by circumstances to withhold
from persons | cannot trust all infor-
nation concerning myself. But it is
due to you who have thrown your for
tunes in with mine in this pursuit of
Maligni and the girl | love, that |
make you acquainted with me-not as
l seem, but as | am. But my story is
long, and | will not weary you with it
now. Tomorrow l will tell you who
and what l am"
81 do not seek your condolences, Mau-
bikeck," | answered. "If there is any
thing in your life that you wish to
conceal, that is your business, not
mine. Had I for one moment doubted
your honor as n man | would not have
accompanied you. On the other hand,
if there is anything you wish to tell
me, shall be glad to listen"
THANK you" he said simply. ITO
morrow will tell you the story of my
ife."
Then bidding me goodnight, he went
to his stateroom, and soon after left
the deck and retired to my own.