The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1904-12-16

even Dilkins had not been let into "A,
full significance of my share In tn,
hunt. for his tongue could not be trust
ed. When the hour of departure had
come, Major Simmons and Dilkini
were at the wharf to bid us adieu.
1t would be foolish for me to say
that was perfectly calm at the mo
ment OF leaving. At that moment
began to feel some misgivings as tc
the wisdom Of my resolve, and almost
wished that | had not engaged pas
sage. This feeling, however, was but
momentary. shook 1t Off as unworthy
OF me, and resolutely set my face tc
the future and gave no sign to my
friends that l had weakened even TO,
the moment. Maubikeck was like q
man OF iron. His countenance was i'm.
mobile, and the keen, stern eye and
set Jaw BODIED Ill for the enemy who
fell within the range of his giant arms.
AT last the bell rang, and the fog.
horn voice of a gold-braided officer or.
dered all hands not going to sea
ashore. The major and Dilkins shook
hands with us once more, and I felt q
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 blowing along, con-
stantly gathering Roadway, l began to
thoroughly enjoy the sensation of my
first ocean voyage. and the exhilarat-
ing effect Of the salt air made me
feel like 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, mis- face Interchangeable, his
jaw set, his whole appearance being
that of a mysterious man Of nowhere,
everywhere, and particularly here. l
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 response,
for as we were separating for the
night he turned to me and said:
"Mr. Wilberton, you perhaps think
I am a strange and uncommunicative
man, and so am, compelled, as have
been, by circumstances to withhold
from persons l 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 I
make you acquainted with me-not as
I seem, but as am. But my story Is
long, and I will not weary you with 1t
now. Tomorrow I will tell you who
and what I am"
II do not seek your condolences, Maui
bikeck," answered. IF there ia any
thing in your life that you wish to
conceal, that Is your business. not
mine. Had for one moment doubted
your honor as man would not have
accompanied you. On the other hand.
II 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
life."
Then bidding me goodnight, he went
10 his stateroom, and soon after left
he deck and retired to my own.