The Durham recorder. [volume] (Durham, N.C.) 1879-19??, 1909-07-15

DciSidn TdHWdy. ScHeuuieS, coupilcdl-
ed as these Of necessity are by the
alteration from normal time notation
to the abnormal system sanctioned by
the government. and vice versa, with
every train that crosses boundary
line Of the state.
So preoccupied did he become in this
pursuit that he was subconsciously
impressed that the girl had spoken
twice ere he could detach his interest
from the exasperatingly inconclusive
ard incoherent cohorts Of ranked fig
ures.
"Can't you find out anythingY' Dor.
othy was asking.
Precious little," he grumbled. "I'd
give my head for a Bradshaw! Only
It wouldn't be fair exchange. There
seems to be an express for Bruges
leaving the Care du Nord, Brussels.
at fifty-five minutes after % o'clock,
and II I'm not mistaken that's the
latest train out OF Brussels and the
earliest we can catch-if we can catch
it. I'VE never been In Brussels, and
heaven only knows how long it would
take us to cab 1t from the Care du
Midi to the Nord."
In this statement, however, Mr..
Kirkwood was fortunately mistaken.
Not only heaven, it appeared, had
cognizance Of the distance between
the two stations. While Kirkwood
was still debating the question, with
pessimistic. tendencies. the friendly
guard had occasion to pass through
the coach and. being tapped, yielded
the desired information with entire
tractability.
1t would be cab ride Of perhaps ten
minutes. Monsieur, however, would
serve himself well II he offered the
driver an advance tip as an incentive
to speedy driving. Why? Why, be-
cause (here the guard consulted his
watch, and Kirkwood very keenly re-
GREETED the loss Of his own)-because
this train. announced to arrive in Brus-
sells some twenty minutes prior to the
departure of that other. was already
late. But, yes, matter Of some ten
minutes--could that not be made upi
All, monsieur, but who should say?
| The guard departed, doubtless with
private views as to the madness Of all
English speaking travellers.
"And there we arew commented
Kirkwood In factitious resignation.
IL we're obliged to stop overnight In
Brussels our friends win be on cur
back before we can get out in the
morning If they have to come by
motor car" He reflected bitterly on
the fact that with but little more
money at his disposal he, too. could
hire a motor car and cry defiance to
their prosecutors. However" he
amended. with rising spirits. so much
the better our chance Of losing Mr..
Hobbs. We must be ready ID drop o.
the instant the train stops"
He began to unfold another time
table, threatening again to lose him
self completely, and was thrown into
the utmost confusion by the touch Of
the girls hand, in appeal placed lightly
on his arm. And had she been observ-
ant she might have seen a second time
his knuckles whiten beneath the skin
as he asserted his self control. though
this time not over his temper.
His eyes, dumbly eloquent turned &c
meet hers. She was smiling.
.Pleaser' she itcrated, with the least
imperative pressure on his hand. push.
ing the folder aside.
II beg pardonY' he muttered blankly.
ais Il quite necessary. now, to study
those schedules? Haven't you decided
to try for the Bruges expressf"
"Why. yes. but
Then please don't leave me 10 my
thoughts all the time. Mr. Kirkwood."
There was tremor of laughter In her
voice. but her eyes were grave and
earnest. "l'm very weary Of thinking
round In circle. and that" she con-
cluded. with nervous little laugh. lis
all I've had to do for days.
.'rm afraid I'm very stupid" he hu-
mored her.
She watched him. little piqued by
his absentminded mood for a moment.
then, and not without trace Of NAL
ice, "Must tell You again what to
talk aboutf" she asked.
Forgive me. was thinking about
IL not talking to you. I've been won.
dering just why It was that you left
the Alethea at Queensborough TO 60
on by steamer"
And Immediately he was sorry that
his tactless query had swung the con-
versation to bear upon her father. the
thought Of whom could not but prove
painful to her. But It was too late TO
mend matters. Already her evnnescent
flush OF amusement had given place te
remembrance.
1T was on my fathers account" she
told him In steady voice. but with
averted eyes. "He Is a very poor sail
or, and the promise OF rough passage
terrified him. believe there was q
difference Of opinion about II, he dis
putting with Mr.. Mulready and Captain
stryker. That was Just after we had
left the anchorage. They both insisted
that II was safer TO continue by the
Abethea, but he wouldn't listen to
them and In the end had his way.
Captain stryker ran the brigantine
into the mouth Of the Midway and