The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1909-03-17

fenipty3bea.H Had l4dope What 1a1
right 81 MI these OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
3der.God, ] wasFnot really certain; yet
could perceive no other action pos.
.Blble.
A slenderly bull, stooptshouldered
young fellow, who shutled about like
walter ashore; was In the pantry,
and II noticed a white cloth spread
over the table. which had been low.
cred from its stanchions and now oc.
cupled the center OF the main cabin,
and a swinging shelf suspended above.
Ever act in this capacity before
9Dade? I asked. sizing him up In the
dim light. V N
"Oh, yes. sir" a slight lisp to his
tongue; "I'ye done cabin work on the
coast liners"
""Then YOU should surely understand
your business. Lay covers for four
-Four, sir?" In surprise.
That is what | said, Dade: two
ladies. Mr.. futile, and myself, That
makes four, to my figuring. Now step
lively my lad. When will breakfast
be ready to serve?" u
in about is minutes. sir"
l waited until he became busy with
his work. his face still filled with
amazement over my revelation, then
walked around the end Of the piano.
and raped softly at the after.cabin
door, Celeste opened the door with
a dainty courtesy and a quick uplift.
ing OF frightened eyes to my face. She
had been crying, and in some way her:
very manner made me suddenly
aware how poorly ! stood In the esti-
nation Of her mistress and herself.
Yet, for the, moment, ! did not seri.
ously care, stepping quietly within,
cap In hand, intent merely on the
rapid completion OF my visit. Lady
Darlington arose Instantly from her
chair. steadylng herself to the roll Of
the vessel with one hand on the brass
rail OF the bed, and fronted me ST:
lcntly, the expression Of her face ex.
pectant but reserved. Gazing upon
her, / felt the fully revealed power OF
her beauty. as. the sunlight streaming
through the open port illumined her
hair and outlined the delicate oval Of
her face. Troubled Us she was, sur.
rounded BY a terror no less real be.
cause she failed thoroughly to compre-
bend It, facing one she must dlstrust
and secretly fear. her first utterance,
friendly and courteous, merely exhib.
tied a heart which beat warmly be.
meath Its slight armor Of pride.
II nm exceedingly glad to greet you
again. Mr.. Stephens" she said. pleas
antly, even endeavoring to smile; 'yon
were absent so long We had begun to
expect evil news"
Il regret to say. Lady Darlington,
that | bring you only very little Of any
kind" | replied. striving earnestly to
initiate her self-possession. Arrange.
ments on board have not yet assumed
definite shape, so that l a make no
promise concerning your future. can
merely assure you present safety, and
pledge you every comfort the yacht
affords while you remain with u.s."
She continued to gaze at Inc
strangely. her eyes filled with ques.
tfonlng.
Then you-you refuse to tell us
our fate?" n
Merely because | do not know IT,
AS said before l am only one man
pltted against co."
She pressed her hand ove her eyes,
as though she would hide from me
the sudden horror pictured within their
depths.
what are you?" she exclaimed,
suddenly, her lips trembling. Unto
whose hands have we fallen? beg
that you answer ne honestly-why
have YOU stolen this yacht? What
real purpose underlies this terrible
outrage?"
made no effort to disguise the
deep sympathy | felt for her, yet
there was nothing | could answer but
must have sounded both harsh and
cruel.
THE motive animating The men In
control Is similar to that which rem.
ders possible most Of the desperate
deeds OF the world-thc search after
treasure"
'Treasure!" she gasped. thoroughly
b%ewildered. where do you propose
going to search?"
Far south. into the Antarctic"
The expression OF her face IA pitt.
full, yet | stood helpless to comfort.
"Merciful God! And you actually
mean 10 bear us with YOU into that
forsaken lei OF ice? Oh, surely you
Jest, yo, seek to frlghten; you cannot
be earnest In such act. OF cruelty.
Whom can | believe? What can |
hope: You have told me you were
the captain. of this crew Of buccaneers,
and yet You say you can accomplish
nothing with them TO forward o,ir re-
lease. Then take me to those who
can! Let me beg upon my knees for
mercy. Surely. surely We are Of no
value to you In your search after
treasure. We are only weak. helpless
women. Think Of what this must
mean 10 me, and be merciful."
There was no trace Of tears in her
eyes, but It was the white, agontzed
face, the unconsciolsly outsnrcad
arms OF appeal, that smote me. | felt
all my limbs tremble., my lips talter,
us | made swift response.
Lady Darlington, believe me, ]
4 $500 a., .Jnat,., 80 ,taa,.t ~ taf a mt 1+ v IN