The Washington times., 1909-03-17

room for several seconds after
the captain delivered his uIti-
matum to Wharton. No one OF
the four persons moved. Each Of the
three sc deeply interested in the case
sat in his chair without so much as lift
ing his eyes.
The clock licked on in provoking regu-
isrity. and outside could be heard the
sound OF coming and going feet
The captain stood facing the three,
but his eyes looked straight into those
OF Wharton. He had been all at sea
over the Nelson affair until only a few
moments previous.
Then a clear solution OF the mys-
1ery flashed through his brain and he
felt himself complete master OF the tan
Eled skeins which had appeared to be
so difficult of separation.
Betty's face was a study. She could
not understand the situation at all. Why
the captain should say he would send
her husband to Jail in case he failed to
press the charge against Nelson was
Beyond her comprehension.
She was satisfied. though. to await
further developments. She felt that
she had done all she could IN the af-
Sair and that everything now rested
IN the captains hands. To tell the
truth she was glad to be relieved of
the responsibility.
Nelson seemed greatly disturbed by
the captains words. Astonishment was
written on his face. Once or twice
he opened his lips as if to speak. but
= Sign from the captain kept him ST.
ssnt. Somehow il was apparent TO all
that Nelson had read what was taking
place in the officers mind and was anx-
tous TO prevent further trouble.
Wharton sat quite still IN his chair.
His face was a CHASTITY white and the
muscles about his mouth twitched with
"a nervous apprehension which he could
not conceal
Betty studied him attentiveiy She
was beginning 10 understand that ne
was Of a weak character. nat fact
was written in unmistakable signs all
over him His hands clasped and un-
elasped themselves in keen anxiety.
The captain was the first TO speak
after his decision had fallen ike a
hombsheH among them.
We'll, Wharton, what have you 70
sayG" ne asked
Wharton endeavored to reply, bat the
words seemed to stick in his throat.
What's the matter. WHIP asked Bet
sy. You're not I'll, are you? You look
pale
Wharton glanced an her with sheer
on his lip.
This is all your doingl' ne said We
hementIy.
Betty made TO reply. She decided that
discretion was the better part of vaIor
Why should my husband be sent to
jsil?" she demanded of the captain.
That is a question which Mr.. Whar-
ton can answer better than I can" was
the reply. you can ask him that
Wharton sat looking at Nelson When
she latter heard the captains words
he smiled Wharton observed the smile.
and IT seemed to infuriate him beyond
al reason.
He get up from the chair, straighten-
Sd himself 70 his fullest height. cIencb-
I'd his hands and paced to and fro.
Will" said Betty. "of course. YOU
won't go 10 jail, You see. there is
r'cthing else TO do but to press This
charge, no matter how much you didn't
want TO a little while ago"
Wharton glsred at Nelson. and 20
piled:
You are perfectly right, captaini
j have been too lenient This man
should be punished He has corn-oif.
red a crime and should not he allowed
40 30 free In moment OF compas-
sion decided 70 let him OF. hut 7
have changed my mind shall press
the charge"
7 thought ] would make YOU see
81 In that light" said the CAPTAIN.
You have convinced me compIeteIv -
answered Wharton
''But you probably wouldn't have seen
- just that way II 7 hadn't stated II
quite so forcibly?" suggested the Of
hcer.
You're right about that responded
Wharton II was all upset and couldn't
get things well balanced. see YOUR
point OF view perfectly now
Tn glad I have succeeded in con-
vincing you replied the CAPTAIN
But there was a tinge Of sarcasm, in
/ his words which Jared on Betty. She
couldn't understand things at all. The
three men seemed 10 be playing q game.
Zach seemed struggling for the mastery
and no one of them was showing his
hand Everything was discreetIy yelled
Betty was strongly impressed with
The idea that OF the four persons in
the room she was the only one who
was completely in the dark Something
vas being hidden from her and she was
not in position 20 inquire as 70 what
that something was.
my wife was right in the first place."
went on Wharton. Il am sorry we
have caused you so much trouble, cap
tain. and have taken up so much OF
your time. At what hour shall I be I'm
court tomorrow"
The captain was about 10 reply, but
fell on Nelson.
The Gibson man was studying him
critically, and this fact seemed TO set
Wharton on nettles.
He was on the point OF picking up
his het TO leave the room when he
changed his mind. and walked over 20
where Nelson sat
You have got us into a fine mess, -