Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1906-06-01
CHAPTER XIV (Continued.)

CHAPTER XIV tContinued.)
''Of course you may"
We'll, then, that man who came on
boaiu last Is the inveterate enemy OF
both Mr.. Royce and myself. We're
trying to unearth particularly afro.
cious piece Of villainy in which he's
concerned. / have reason to believe
him capable Of anything and a very
f1end Of cleverness. l don't know what
he may plot against US, but I'm certain
He'll plot something. Mr.. Royce doesn't
even know him by sight and shouldn't
be worried, but unless he's forewarned
he may walk right into danger. Iwant
you to help me keep an eye on him-to
help me keep him out of danger. Will
you help meT
why, certainlyw she cried. $50
we're to have a mystery-Just we two!"
lust we two" assented.
She looked at me doubtfully.
Il must remember Mr.. Graham's
warning" she said. you haven't in
vented this astonishing story just to
entertain me, Mr.. Lester?"
ION my word. no.".I responded a lit
tie bitterly. Il only wish hadw
''There! she said contritely. II
shouldn't have doubted. Forgive me,
Mr.. Lester. Only it seemed so fantas-
tic. so Improbable
1T Is fantastic" assented, but, I'M
fortunately. 1t is true. We must keep
an eye on NJ. Martigny. or Bethune."
which Is his real Manner
Those are the only ones l know,
but I doubt II either is the true one."
Royce and Mrs. Kendall Joined US
q moment later, and we sat watching
the low, distant Long Island shore I'M
til the gong summoned US to lunch.
A word to the steward had secured us
one Of the small tables In an alcove at
the side. Our first meal at sea was
a merry one, Mr.. Royce seeming in
such spirits that was more than ever
determined not to disturb him with the
knowledge Of Martigny's presence.
As the moments passed my fears
seemed more and more uncalled for.
1t was quite possible, I told myself,
that had been making a 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
Etateroom.
may as well confess at once that I
was seasick. 1t came next morning,
ten minutes after l had left my berth,
not violent sickness, but a faintness
and giddiness that made me long for
my berth again, but Mr. Royce would
not hear Of 1t. He got me out on deck
and into my chair, with the fresh
breeze blowing full in my face. There
was long line Of chairs drawn up
there, and from the faces Of most of
their occupants l Judged they were far
more miserable than l.
After awhile the doctor came down
the line and looked at each Of us, stop
ping for a moments chat.
Wont you sit down a minute. doc
tori" asked when he came to me, and
motioned to Mr.. Royce's chair.
why. you're not sickw he protest
cd. laughing.
1T wasn't about myself 1 wanted to
talk" l said. 'How's your other pa
tient. the one who came aboard lastY
His face sObered In an instant.
'.Martigny is his NAME" he said. land
he's in very bad shape. He must have
been desperately anxious to get back
to France. Why. he might have
dropped over dead there on the gang
plank"
Its disease of the hearth
Eyes, far advanced. He can't get
well, Of course, but he may live on
Indefinitely. IL he's careful"
Hes still confined to his bedY'
"Oh, yes. He won't leave it during
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 aI-
together"
l turned the talk to other things,
and In few moments he went on
along his rounds. But 1 was not long
alone. for l saw Miss Kendall comins
toward me.
$50 nal de mer has laid its hand on
you. too, Mr.. lester" she cried.
Only a finger" l said. But finger
Is enough. Won't you take pity Oh .
poor landsman and talk to him!"
i5ut that's reversing our positions.