Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1909-08-02
CHAPTER viii.
In Which 1 Begin DIscovery,

AAASAAS VIZ WOAO IA, AO0AO III 11AuSOle
ate voice for reply. merely standing
there as II petrified, staring ct them
both, cap in hand. grasping the edge
of the door. Their faces swan before
me in the gray light streaming
through the stern ports; the maid al
ready attempting smile, as though
her fears had subsidized. the mistress
viewing me in wondering perplexity.
She 1t was who first succeeded in
breaking the embarrassing silence.
But, senior, what does this all
mean? Why are you here on board
the yacht?"
With strong effort at control I
brought my senses together, desperate
~ fronting the disagreeable situation,
feeling myself scarcely less q victim
than she. II all that now dimly sus-
pected proved true, about US both were
being drawn the cords of treachery.
Il cannot explain, madame" l be-
gan lamely enough. AT least not
until / comprehend the situation bet
ter myself than do now. 1t is all
dark. I have reason to believe most
serious mistake has been made-one
it will be very difficult to rectify. Per-
haps could see more clearly II you
would consent to answer a few quei.
t!cn. Nay 7 ssk them Of ycu?"
She bent her head slightly, still
gazing directly at me with widely open
eyes in which read increasing be-
wilderment believe she thought
me crazed man. whom she must con-
tinue to kumor.
What vessel is this?"
1.-The steam yacht Sea Queen Of Liv.
erpool, owned by Lord Darlington"
she announced, soberly, her face and
lips white.
How came you anchored OH the
government docks?"
by special permission OF the presi-
dente. We were towed into that berth
early last evening, after the Esmer.
aida had been hauled up against the
quay to ship armament and stores"
/ drew deep breath, clenching and
unclenching my hands.
Gould you tell me II 1t was known
to others that you contemplated
anchoring there?"
She hesitated. her lips slightly apart,
one hand pressed against her tenn.
pie.
TT is most important that I learn
the exact truth" urged. earnestly.
Il ask from no idle curiosity"
ST nj
such matters. senor," she admitted,
but l believe we had been waiting
several days for the opportunity to
take that position. This Is as have
been told"
She seemed to be awaiting my ex.
PLANTATION, striving to be courteous, yet
with her impotence slightly evidenced
by the continual tapping Of her foot
on the rug. But / was not yet
through with my questioning.
Were no officers left on board last
night?"
Her gray eyes widened.
Certainly yes; the first officer and
the engineer were in charge when re-
tired. The others, with the majority
Of the crew, had gone ashore at sun
down to enjoy the fun. But why d
| you ask, senior? Are these not
board now?"
x regret being compelled to answe
| no. Only the engineer. three Of tn
harbor watch, and some Kanaka fir'
men have been found. I have disco'
cred no trace Of the first officer"
"Then-then he must have rowe
ashore with two Of the men!" she O.
claimed.
How CHANGED you to be left her
| alone?"
She hesitated, her hands claspe
on the chairback, her bosom risin
and falling TREMENDOUSLY. Yet finally sh
forced her lips to reply, as though thu
seeking the quickest way Of clarifyin
the situation.
I'VE we're all invited to the palac
of the presidente, to listen to til
speeches and view the fireworks. Lor
Darlington was greatly interested
and most DESTROYS Of attending. Til
unfortunate scene which occurred {
the hotel early in the evening le
me, however, with 30 severe hea
ache that begged to be allowed to r
main here alone with Celeste. At flrl
both Lord Darlington and mamma r
fused to depart without me. but whe
the presidents dispatched his ow
steam launch to convey the party
the wharf. they decided 1t would /
most discourteous not to attend. Lol
Darlington's membership in the houi
OF lords gives him certain oflici
recognition abroad which he does NJ
care to have lapse. The yachts ca
tain accompanied them, and no drea
OF evil Detailing those left behind ev'
occurred to any one Of US. o seno
tell ne, what does It ell mean7 Win
has happened?"
r II presume must explain" sal
regretfully, although it Is not q
easy task by any means. You vi
have confidence in me, Miss Doris :"
Il shall endeavor to do 80" she :
turned, an increasing coldness in b.
voice. But I am Lady Darlington"
Your pardon; supposed you to I
that gentleman's daughter"
The color swept In wave OF ri
crimson into her cheeks. TIE gray ey'
becoming darker.
Nevertheless, senior, am Lo
Darlington's WIFE"
Even II that moment OF embs
rassment and perplexfty. when VI
, scarcely less agitated than herse
j tthh;s unexpected ssa.;;:::sseess:se:. 6. ss.
. reiationslip came 70 me as . shoe