The sun. (Jacksonville, Fla.) 1905-1908, 1906-02-03
THE a. CT II R. = D Y
nv Chevazier William lie Queux

or whether he was gentleman of means and of good
family | rather guessed the latter, from his gentle
manly bearing and polished manner His appear
ance tall and erect that of retired officer and
his cleancut face one OF marked distinction.
was telling my pretty companion something of
my own life, how because | loved Italy so we'll,
lived in Tuscany in preference to living in England,
and how each year | came home for month or two
to visit my relations and to keep in touch with
things.
Suddenly she said
81 was once in LeghOrn for few hours We
yachting in the Mediterranean. l love the sea-and
yachting is such awully good FUN, II you only get
decent weather"
The mention of yachting brought back to my mind
the visit of the Lola and it's mysterious sequel
"Your father has yacht, them" remarked, with
as little concern as | could
Eyes The Iris. My uncle is cruising her up
the Norwegian FiOrds. For us it is change to be
here because we are so often atoat We went across
to New York in her last year and had most delight
full time-eXcept for one bad squall which made us
all little bit nervous. But Moves is such an excel
lent captain that never fear The crew are all
North Sea fishemen-father will engage nobody else.
| don't blame him."
$50 you must have, made many long voyages, and
seen many odd corners of the world Miss Leith-
court" | remarked, my interest in her increasing,
for she seemed so extremely intelligent and wein-
formed
"Oh, yes. We've been to Mexico, and to Panama,
besides Morocco, Egypt, and the West Coast of
And you've actually landed at Leghorn!" re-
marked.
eyes, but we didn't stay there more than an hour
to send a telegram, ! think it was. Father said
there was nothing to see there. He and I went
ashore, and must say was rather disappointed"
"YOu quite right. The town itself is ugly and
uninteresting But the outskirts-San Jacopo, Ar
denza and Antgniano are all delightful 1t was UNI
fortunate that you did not see them. Was it long
ago when you put in there?"
Not very long really don't recollect the exact
dote,' was her reply. 1--WE were on our way home
from Alexandria"
'IIave you ever, in any of the ports you've been,
seen yacht called the Loa?" l asked eagerly, for it
occurred to me that perhaps she might be able to
give me information.
'The Lola!" she gasped, and instantly her face
changed. flush overspread her cheeks, succeeded
next moment by death-like paor. "The Lola!" she
repeated in strange, hoarse voice. at the same time
cndeavorng strenuously not to exhibit any apprehen
sion. "NO | have never heard of any such YES
sell Is she steam-yacht? Who's her owner?"
regarded her in amamment and suspicion, for |
saw that mention of the name had aroused within her
some serious misgivng, That look in her dark eyes
as they fixed themselves upon me of distinct
and unspeakabe terror
What could she possibly know concerning the
mysterious craft?
81 don't know the owners name" I said still
affecting not to have noticed her alarm and appre-
hcnsion. "The vessel ran aground at the Meoria, q
dangerous shoal outside Leghorn, and through the
stupldlty OF ncr captain was very nearly lost
"Ies?' she gasped, in half-whisper, bending to
me eagerly, unable to sufficiently conceal the terrible
anxiety consuming her. And you-did you go aboard
herr
Yes" was the only word uttered
silence Tell between us, and as my eyes fixed
themselves upon her, | saw that from her handsome
mobl" countenance all the light and life had sud
denly gone out, and knew that she was in secret
possession OF the key to that remarkable enigma that
so puzzled me.
VI sudden the door opened, and a voice cried
=, Mhy, I've been looking everywhere for VOL
Muriel' Why are you hidden hereY Aren't YOU
"" both turned and as she did so a low crv Of
blank dSmay invountarily escaped her, VI
Next instant sprang to my feet The reason of
1r, cry was apparent for there, in the full light of
wm Eoluen sunset streaming through the long open
WINDOWS, stood broad.shouldered fair.beardpd mon
knew as Philip Horribly! '"e'''e
faced him, speechess
Continued on Fourteenth Page)