The sun. (Jacksonville, Fla.) 1905-1908, 1906-01-13
I II f y g. = II R. s s. p
~ CheVaZier William Le Queux

Vlce| l inquired
six months, sir" was the mans reply. Before
he engaged me, was with the Wilson's of Hull,
running up the Baltic"
"As MASTERY"
"Pve held my masters certificate these fifteen
years sir, was with the Bbbys before the Wilson's
and before that with the General Steam. did eight
years in the Mediterranean with them, when was
chief mate"
And you've never been into Lcghorn before,"
"Never sir" ,''
| dismissed The captain with distinct impression
that he had not told me the whole truth. That
cicatrice did not improve his personal appearance
lie had left hs certificates board he said but II
wished he would bring them to mo the morrow
Was 1t possible that an attempt had actually been
made to cast away the yacht, and that IL had been
frustrated by the master Of the felucca, who had
sighted the vessel agrOundS There certainly seemed
some mystery surrounding the circumstances and my
interest in the yacht and its owner deepened each
hour. How, | wondered, had the captain received
that very ugly wound across the cheekS was half.
inclined to inquire of him, but on reflection decided
that IL was best TO betray undue curiosity.
That evening when the fiery sun was sinking in
its crimson glory, bathing the CLASSY sea with its
blood,red light and causing the islands of Gorgona
and Capraia to loom forth deep purple against the
distant horizon, took cab along the old sea road
to the port where within the inner harbor, found
the Lola Of the most magnificent private vessels
| had ever seen Her dimensions surprised me. She
was painted dead white, with shining brass every
where At the stern hung Imply the British flag,
while at the masthead the ensign Of the Royal Yacht
Squadron The yellow funnel emitted no smoke and
M she lay calmly In the sunset crowd Of dock
loungcrs and crimps leaned upon the parapet dis.
cussing her merits and wondering who could be the
rich Engishman who could afford to travel in q small
liner of his own--for her size surprised those
italian dock hands, used they were to seeing every
kind OF craft enter the busy port.
On stepping on deck Hornby, who like myself
n clean suit OF white linen az the most sensible
dinner garb In hot climate, forward TO greet
me, and took along to the stern where. lying in
"A long wicker deck chair beneath the awning, was q
tall, dark.eyed, clean-shaven man of about forty,
also dressed in cool white linen. His keen face gave
one the impression that he was a barristcr.
"My friend, Hyton Chater-Mr Gordon Gregg"
he said, introducing IN, and then when, IN we shook
hands, the clcanshav man exclaimed, smiling
pleasantly;
Glad to make. your acquaintance, Mr.. Gregg
You are not stranged by any to Horribly
myself. Indeed, we've got couple Of your books on
board But had 20 idea you lived out here"
AT Ardenza" | said. "Three miles along the
seashore. Tomorrow ! hope youll both come and
dine with me-"
Delighted I'm sure" declared Horribly. "ro
eat ashore is quite treat when has been boxed
up on board for some time. So we'll accept, won't
we, HytonY"
Certainly" replied the other; and then we began
chatting about the peril Of the previous night.
Hornby telling how he had copied the two letters
of thanks In Italian and sent them to their respective
addresses
''Phil blasphemed like Levant skipper when he
copied those Italian words!" laughed Chatter. "He
had made three copies Of each letter before he could
get all the lingo in accordance with your copy.
give been the whole afternoon at them-cOnfound
them!" declared the Of the Lola with a laugh
But, OF course didn't want to make lot of errors
In spelling. These Italians very punctiOus."
well, you certainly did the right thing to thank
the Admiral" said. "Its very unusual for him to
send out torpedoboats to help vessel in distress
Thuf Ia lIy Iafk IN fha harI, f.0
Eyes, feel that 1t was most kind OF him. That's
why | took all the trouble to write. don't under.
stand word OF Italian, neither does Chatter"
But you have Italians on board?" I remarked.
THE two sailors who rowed me out GenOese,
from their accent.
Horribly and Chatter exchanged glances-glances
Of distinct uneasiness, | thought.
Then the owner Of the Lola said
"Yes, they are useful for making arrangements
and buying things in Italian ports. We have
Spaniard Greek, and Syrian all Of whom act
interpreters In different places"
nOntnued ON Tenth PaQe)