The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1903-09-13


was bearing down upon him. It was the
hardest task OF his life TO 20 on with his
scheme IN the face OF opposition. He
knew that every man and woman on
board was against the proposition, for his
sake at least and Il was difficult TO be
arbitrary under the circumstances. Pur-
posely he avoided Peggy all forenoon. His
single glance at her face In the salon was
enough to disturb him immeasurably,
The spirits OF the crowd We're subdued
The North Cape had charms, but the
proclamation concerning IL had been too
sudden-had reversed too quickly the sen-
eral expectation and desire. Many OF the
guests had plans at home for August. and
even those who had none were satiated
with excitement During the morning thev
gathered IN little knots to discuss the sit
uadon. They were all generous and each
one was sure that he could cruise indee-
nitely, II on Montys account the new vov-
ege were not out OF the question. They
felt II their duty to take a desperate
stand.
The hAlf-hearted little gatherings re-
solved themselves into ominous groups
ana In the end there was a call for a gen
ersl meeting IN the main cabin. Captain
Ferry, the nrst mate. and the chief en-
91neer We're included In the call, but
1ont gomery Brewster was not to be ad-
tnitteo. Joe Bragdon loyalty agreed TO
Keep him engaged elsewhere while the
tneeune was In progress. The doors were
1ockeo and cursory glance assured the
chairman OF the meeting, Dan DeAIille,
tnet no member OF the party was miss
Ing save the devoted Bragdon. Captain
Perry was plainly nervous and disturbed
me others were the victims OF a sup
pressed energy that presaged subsequent
erupGons.
An hour later the meeting broke I'D and
the conspirators made their way to the
deck. II was q strange fact that no one
went alone They were In groups Of three
and four and the mystery that hung
about them was almost perceptble. Not
one was willing to face the excited, buoy
ant Brewster without help; they found
strength and security In companionship
Peggy was the one rebel against the
conspiracy, and yet she knew that the
others were justified IN the step they pro
posed TO taxa. She reluctantly Joined
them IN the end. but felt that she was
the darkest traitor In the crowd Forget
dng her own distress over the way in
which Monty was sQuandering his for
tune, she stood out the one defender of
bis rights until the end and then admitted
tearfully to Mrs. DeMnle that she had
been quite unreasonable" In doing So
Alone IN her stateroon after signing the
agreement, she wondered what he would
think OF her. She owed him so much that
she at least should have stood by him
She felt that he would be conscious Of
this. How could she have turned against
him2 He would not understand-of
course. he would never understand And
he would hate her with the others-more
than the others It was all a wretched
nuddle and she could not see her way out
OF It.
Lfonty found his guests very difficult
They listened to his plans with but little
interest, and he could not but see that
they were uncomfortable. The situation
was new TO their experience. and they
were under a strain. They NOPE around
like lot OF pouting boys and girls" he
growied to himself But it's the North
Cape now IN spite OF everything, L don't
care II the whole crowd deserts me, my
mind Is made up"
Try as he would, he could not see Peggy
alone. He had much that he wanted to
say TO her and he hungered for the con-
ISOLATION her approval would bring him,
but she chung to PettingiH with a ten
acity that was discouraging. The old
feeling OF jealousy that was connected
with Como again disturbed him.
She thinks that am hopeless. brain
less idiot" he said TO himself And I
don't blame her. either"
Just before nightfaI he noticed that
his friends were assembling In the bow.
AS he started to Join the group Sub
way Smith and DeMille advanced to
meet him Some OF the others were smil-
ing a little sheepishly, but the two men
were pictures OF solemnity and decision.
Monty" said DeMille steadily. I'VE
have been conspiring against you and
have decided that we sail for New York
tomorrow morning"
Brewster stopped short and the express
sion on his face was one they never could
forget. Bewilderment, uncertainty and
pain succeeded each other like flashes Of
Tgr~h& N-os
eraI seconds The red Of humiliation
slowly mounted to his cheeks while in
his eyes wavered the look Of one who
has been hunted down.
You have decided?' he asked lifelessly,
and more than one heart went out in
pity 70 him.
I'VE hated to do it. Monty. but for your
own sake there was no otner wax" said
Subway Smith quickly. I'VE took
vote and there wasn't dissenting voice"
''It is a plain case Of mutiny, I take IT,"
said Monty, utterly alone and heart sick.
at isn't necessary to tell you why we
have taken this step" said DeMille. cit
IS heart breaking TO oppose you at this
stage OF the game. You've been the best
ever and"
"cut that" cried Monty. and his conf
dence in himself was fast returning This
is no time to throw bouquets"
I'VE like you, Brewster Mr.. Valen-
tine came 70 the chairman's assistance
because the others had looked at him so
appealingly. 1--WE like you so well that
we can't take the responsibility for your
extravaganza. It would disgrace US all"
THAT side OF the matter was never
mentioned" cried Peggy indignantly, and
then added with a catch in her voice,
eve thought only Of you"
81 appreciate your motives and l am
grateful TO you" said Monty. 'I am
more sorry than I can tell you that the
cruise must end in this way, but I, too,
have decided. The yacht will take you
20 some point where you can catch
steamer 70 New York. I shall secure pas
sage for the entire party and very
soon you viii be at home. Captain
Perry, will you oblige me by max
ing at once for any port that my guests
NAV aRree upon7" He was turning away
deliberately when Subway" Smith de-
tanned him.
what DO you mean by getting a
steamer TO New York; Isn't the Filter
GOOD enough2" he asked.
1.-The Filter is not going to New York
inst now" answered Brewster firmly,
Notwithstanding your ultimatum. She