The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1905-12-29

you nelp mef
why. certainly" she cried. $50
were to have mystery-just we twop'
Just we two" assented
She looked Mt me doubtfully.
Il must remember Mr.. Graham's
warning she sail "You haven't in
rcn,ed this aston ,hing story just to
entertain me, Mr. Lesterr
"On my word. no." re ,,onded a lit
tie bitterly. II only wish had."
There" she said contritely. 81
shouldn't have doubted Forgive me,
Mr.. Lester. Only it seemed so fantus-
tic, so improbable"-
1T is fantastic" asscnted. but. un-
fortunately, it is true. We must keep
an eye on NJ. Martigny, or Bethune."
which is his real name?"
"Thosc are the only ones I know,
but l doubt If either Is the true one"
Royce and Mrs. Kemball joined us
moment later, and we sat watching
the low, distant Long Island shore un-
til the gong summoned us to lunch.
~ word to the steward had secured us
ono OF the small tables in an alcove at
the side. Our first meal at sea was
merry one, Mr.. Royce seeming In
sIch spirits that was more than ever
determined not to disturb him with tho
knowledge of Martgny's presence.
AS the moments passed my fears
seemed more and more uncalled for
1t was quite possible, l told myself
that | had been making Il bogy of my
own imaginings. The Frenchman did
not appear in the saloon. and after
ward an inquiry of the ships doctor
developed the fact that he was seri-
ously ill and quite unable to leave his
Statcroom.
may as well confess at once that I
was Scasick. 1t came next morning,
ten minutes after had left my berth,
not Il violent sickness, but faintness
and G!ddiness that made me long for
my berth again, but Mr.. Royce would
not hear OF it. He got me out OH deck
anu into my chair, with the fresh
breeze blowing full in my face. There
was 4 long line Of chairs drawn up
there. and from the faces of most of
their occupants Judged they were far
more miserable than |.
After awhile the doctor came down
the line and looked at each of us, stop
ping lor moments : chat.
Wont you sit down minute, doc
tor!' | asked when he came to me. and
motioncd to Mr.. Royce's chair
"Why, you're not sickw he protest
ed, laughing
1T wasn't about myself | wanted to
talk l said. Flows your other pa
tient, the one who came aboard last"
His face sobered in an instant.
"Martigny is his name," he said, "and
ne's Ill very bad shape. He must have
been desperately anxious to get back
to France. Why, he might have
dropped over dead there OH the gang
plank"
''It's Il disease Of the heart!
"Yes, far advanced. He can't get
well, of course, but he may live OH
indefinitely, if he's careful"
Hes still confined to his bedY'
"Oh, yes. He won't leave it Iring
the voyage If he takes my advice. He's
got to give his heart just as little work
as possible or it'll throw UP the Job al
together"
turned the talk to other things,
and in few moments he went on
along his rounds. But was not long
alone, for saw Miss Kenlball comm,
toward NE.
$50 mai de mcr has laid its hand on
you. too, Mr.. Lester" she cried.
"Only finger" said. but finger
Is enough. Won't you take pity OH a
poor landsman and talk to himT'
but that's reversing our positionsw
she protested, sitting down, nevorthe-
less. to my great satisfaction. 1T was
you who were to be the entertainer,
Is our Mephisto abroad YETI" she ask
ed in Il lower tone
"Mephisto Is still wrestling with his
heart, which. 1t seems, is scarcely able
to furnish the blood necessary to keep
him going. The doctor tells me that
he'll probably spend the voyage abed."
$50 therc'll he nothing for lis to do
after all. Do YOU know. wa; longing
TO become female I.ecOu!'
perhaps YOU may still have the
chance" i said glOomily. Il doubt very
much whether Mcphisto will consent
to remain inactive"
She clapped her hands ana nodded a
laughing recognition to one of the
passing promcnaders
you're going to Paris, arcn't you,
Miss KemballT' I asked.
ITO PariS-yes You too!"
eve go first TO Etrctat," I said and
stopped as she leaned, laughing back
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