Evening star., 1907-09-01

| astonished to find that he was in York
Har5or. They passed on toward the launch
while we stood uncertain of our proper
course. i caught but two sentences clearly.
Mrs. Randolph-"I still insist that you are
wholly wrong and should have consulted
me-"
Courtney Lane-"I used my best judg-
ment. You will agree with me in that by
i and by"
We followed At the moment nothing
but violent collision with Lane could have
satisfied my burning Indignation
Il feel like thief said Benson. Per
haps we'd better make our presence
known?"
My hesitation lost us the chance to do
that Before l could make up my mind the
women were in the launch and 1t was NOV
ing off. Lane and his companion turned
about, passed us in the darkness without
seeing us, and went on toward the street.
I'D like to follow Lane" 1 whispered.
Il think we'd better return at once to
| the yacht" said Benson.
He was cooler than /, as 1 had sense
enough left to know. And l. too, was
anxious to reach the yacht as soon as pos
sible.
IAN right" assented.
We ran round to our boat and were soon
following In the wake of the launch toward
the ldler.
Il feel queer about this" Benson flung
at me over his shoulder as he dipped his
He pulled a strong stroke. Even in the
misty gloom l could admire the swing Of
his athletic body, and his oar went true,
with a beautiful feather, which l was not
always able to manage
The whole thing Is queer" I said.
When we reached the Idler we were
greeted from the half-darkness of the deck
by Mrs. Randolph and her sister
SILLY boy!' said Mrs Randolph to me.
Were you afraid to trust us ashore?"
Jack didn't try to run away to Cam
, bridge, hope?" said Miss Hansborough.
7 6rpif
Benson said not a word, and we climbed
; to the deck. where my first inquiry was for
| the expected telegram from Asbury Rand.
That was one Of the things we waited
| for" Mrs. Randolph explained. when we
| found nothing there for you. We wired
| to him and waited for an answer, but got
nothing"
No telegram from Asbury Rand. / was
| bewldered. 1t seemed incredible.
''You met Courtney Lane" l said.
She did not answer, for Capt. Quinby,
| who had gone to see to the proper hoisting
| OF the boats, was approaching US.
| We've been having a great battle" l
| said. trying to assume a tone of jest as
Quinby came within hearing. The captain
will bear me out in that. Jepson returned
| with rascally crew of deputies and we
came near blowing him out of the water.
| Jack has the signal gun double-shotted in
case they come again"
| Il only wanted to-" said Benson apollo
| getcally.
| 1T was lively and interesting while it
| lasted" Qunby acknowledged.
| l moved with Mrs. Randolph toward the
| cOmpanlon-way. The captain turned back
| toward the boats. Jack Benson and Miss
| Hansborough walked together aft.
| Then Jepson really returned?" Mrs.
| Randolph said to me in a low voice. What
! did he do?"
He again demanded my surrender.
| defied him and fired on his boat
| You didn't" she gasped.
Il certainly did" l answered, "and he
cleared out in a hurry But from what
| Jack and l overheard on the wharf he has
| gone TO Portsmouth to get a tug and in
! tends to board the Idler in the darkness
| with a superior force But forewarned is
| forcarmed.'
I'VE must leave here at once" she de-
| cared.
| We descended into the cabin. She was
| anxious and agitated, when she began tC
| remove her hat her fingers shook.
| I'VE CHANGED TO meet Mr.. Lane and his
| lawyer at the telegraph office when We
went to II the second time she explained
Il had a long talk with him.
| Il should like to get my fingers on his
| throat the scoundrelr' / cried.
She looked me full In the face by the
| light of the electric lamp.
He seemed quite sincere" she said. HI