The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1906-06-20


security in companionship.
Peggy was the one rebel against the
conspiracy, and yet She knew that the
others were justified in the step they
proposed tc take. She reluctantly join
ed them IN the end, out felt that she
was the darkest traitor in the crowd.
Forgetting her own distress over the
way in which Monty was squander1ng
his fortune, she stood out the one de-
fender of his rights until the end and
then admitted fearfully to Mrs. De
Mile that she had been "quite unrea-
sonable" in doing so.
Alone in her stateroom after signing
the arrangement she wondered what ne
would think Of her. She owed him so
much that she at least should have
stood by lin. She felt that he would
he conscious Of this. How could she
have turned against him? he would
not understand = Of course he would
never understand And he would hate
her with the others-more than the
others. 1t was all a wretched mud
die, and she could not see her way out
Of it.
Monty found his guests very difficult.
They listened to his plans with but lit
tie interest. and he could not but see
that they were uncomfortable. The
situation was new to their experience,
and they were under strain. 'They
nope around like lot Of pouting boys
and girls he growled to himself. But
it's the North cape now in spite Of ev-
erything. 1 don't care if the whole
crowd deserts me. Ny 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 consolation her approval would
bring him, but she cldng to Pettingill
with tenacity that was discouraging.
The old feeling Of jealousy that was
connected with Como again disturbed
him. =
"She thinks that I am hopeless,
brainless IDIOT" he said to himself.
..And don't blame her either"
Just before nightfall he noticed that
his friends were assembling in the
bow. AS he started to join the group
Subway Smith and DeMille advanced
to meet him. Some of the others were
smiling a little sheepishly, but the two
men were pictures Of solemnity and de-
cision.
Monty" said DeMille steadily, eve
have been conspiring against you and
have decided that we sail for New
York tomorrow morning
Brewster stopped short, and the ex-
preston on his face was one they nev-
er could forget. Bewilderment, uncer-
tainty and pain succeeded each other
like flashes Of light Not a word was
spoken for several seconds. The red
Of humiliation slowly mounted to his
cheeks, while in his eyes wavered the
look Of one who has been hunted down.
.sYou have decided?" he asked life
lessly. and more than one heart went
out in pity to him.
Eve hated to do it, Monty, but for
your own sake there was no other
way said Subway Smith quickly.
1--WE took vote, and there wasn't a
dissenting voice"
.sIt is plain case Of mutiny, I take
it,s said Monty, utterly alone and
heartsick.
.'It isn't necessary to tell why we
have taken this step," said DeMille.
"It is heartbreaking to oppose you at
this stage Of the game. You've been
the best ever and
"Cut thatw cried Monty, and his con-
fdence in himself was fast returning.
This is no time to throw bouquets"
Eve like you, Brewster" Mr.. Val
entine came to the chairman's assist
ance because the others had looked at
him so appealingly. I've like you so
we'll that we can't take the response
biiity for your extravaganza. 1t would
disgrace US ali.''
That side of the matter was never
mentioned cried Peggy Indignantly
GIu tucn N1l1I ~ NetSAA AAA AASA
voice, I'VE thought only Of YOU
Il appreciate your motives, and am
grateful to you," said Monty. Il am
more sorry than / can tell you that
the cruise must end in this way, but
/, too, have decided The yacht will
take you to some point where you can
catch a steamer to New York. I shall
secure passage for the entire party,
and very soon you will be at home.
Captain Perry, will you oblige me by
making at once for any port that my
! guests may agree upon" He was
turning away deliberately when Sub
way Smith detained him.
What 90 you mean by getting a
steamer to New York? Isn't the Fit
ter good enough?" he asked.
"The Filter is not going to New
! York just now" answered Brewster
firmly, notwithstanding your ultima
tuln. She is going TO take me to the
North cape
CHAPTER XNEH.
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