The Oakes times., 1906-06-07

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 to take. She reluctantly join
ed them In the end, but felt that she
was the darkest traitor In the crowd.
Forgetting her own distress over the
way in which Monty was squandering
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 "Qufte unrea-
sonable' In doing 50.
Alone In her stateroom after signing
the arrangement she wondered what he
would think Of her. She owed him 90
much that she at least should have
stood by him. She felt that he would
be conscious Of this. How could abe
have turned against him2 He would
not understand of course he would
never understand. And he would hate
her with the others-more than the
others. It was all wretched mud
die, and she could not see her way out
Of 1t.
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. don't care IL the whole
crowd deserts me. My 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 clung to Pettingill
with tenacity that was discouraging.
The old feeling Of jealousy that was
connected with Como again disturbed
him.
"She thinks that am a hopeless,
brainless IDIOT" he said to himself.
"And don't blame her either"
Just before nightfall he noticed that
his friends We're 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 little sheepishly, but the two
men were pictures Of solemnity and de.
ctsion.
Monty" said De1ille steadily, I'VE
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 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.
'You have decided?'' he asked life
lessly, and more than one heart went
out in pity to him.
1--WE hated to do it, Monty, but for
your own sake there was no other
way" said Subway Smith quickly.
I'VE took a vote, and there wasn't a
dissenting voice."
''1t is a plain case of mutiny, take
It." said Monty. utterly alone and
heartsick.
ut isn't necessary to tell why we
have taken this STEP" said DeNille.
1T is heartbreaking to oppose you at
this stage Of the game. You've been
the best ever and"-
"Cut that" cried Monty, and his con-
f1dence in himself was fast returning.
'eThis is no time to throw bouquets"
1--WE 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
biltty for your extravagance.. It would
disgrace US all"
THAT side Of the matter was never
mentioned" cried Peggy Indignantly
and then sdded. with a catch In her
voice, I'VE thought only Of you"
II appreciate your motives, and am
grateful to you." sdid Monty. IT am
more sorry than I can tell you that
the cruise must end in this way, but
I. too, have decided. The yacht VIII
take you to some point where you can
catch steamer to New York. shall
secure passage for the entire party,
and very soon you win be at home.
Captain Perry, will you oblige me by
making at once for any port that my
guests may agree uponr' He was
turning away deliberately when Sub
way Smith detained him.
.What do 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
tum. She Is going to take me to the
North CAPE"
Lro BE oosE1sunDl
Notice.
m.