Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1909-05-21

CHAPTER vII1.-(Continued.,

Don't you think that girl who's en- |
gagged to one man ought to tell other men |
500"
She drew back sharply and faced me
with astounded eyes.
Why, what do you mean, Mr.. Sell
den?"
[ was in for it, so plunged ahead.
That day you came to the Ship, had no
idea" l blundered on. Il did not know
you we're such friend of Islip's."
WELL" she said, "and now that you
know"
II think you should have told me.
ought to have known before that after
noon"
She was haughtiness itself "Why,
what affair was it of yours?'
I shrugged my shoulders. II was enti-
tied to know
Il cannot understand why. What
makes you think that Mr.. Islip and p
she hesitated a second-"are such old
friends?"
Of a sudden we were in very nasty
tempest, facing each other.
II happened to see his picture in your
locket. 1t was lying open, face upward"
She did not even tap her foot; she sim
NV sat still and looked her Indignation
at me-
Really, Mr.. Selden, 1 cannot see how
that affects you. What reason could there
be for telling you my personal affairs"
I stuck doggedly at it. Il think
should have been told" I repeated.
She gave me a single glance, then rose.
81 am going back to the Penguin Club"
she said.
rose also. every good. 1 will see you
there"
NO" she turned to me sharply. 81
prefer to go back alone"
She was imperious I could be equally
And I prefer to go with you. The
pines are lonely, and it is growing late.
owe at least that duty to your aunt"
Then she tapped her foot impatiently,
angrily you are very tiresome, Mr..
Selden I am my own mistress, and do
not want your company"
And I will not let you go back alone"
''You are very rude" She looked over
at the beach as if for some possible help.
rs there no one else?" she asked aloud.
There came a voice from the cabin
steps behind me. eff you will permit
me, mademoiselle l should esteem 1t a
great honor"
We both started as if we were shot,
and faced about. A tall, somewhat angu-
lar man stood before US, hat in hand bow
ing low to Miss Graham.
Il heard your question" he said, land
took it on myself to answer it. Permit
me- He stepped forward and placed
himself at the girls side.
Who are your I asked, all amaze
ment. for I was surprised out of my wits.
my name is Pierre DupoDceau," the
stranger said, ignoring me and addressing
Miss Graham, land 1 count myself fortu-
nate in coming on a lady in distress"
We both stood still, taking in the queer
figure Never had I seen man just
like him. He was dressed all in black,
but his clothes were singularly rich and
Of strange pattern. From his shoulders
hung a black cloak held under his chin
by two heavily wrought gold chains
Across his open waistcoat, which was
black satin lowered in white, were three
gold chains, and there were rings on his
fingers. Moreover, his manner was
strange exotic polished to a degree, and
his voice had a peculiar, fascinating for
eign softness that I had never heard IN
any Otner man. Ills nelgnI WAS oven ola
feet. l recognized the figure that / had
seen in the storm.
He was smiling easily. the least per-
turbod of the three. Permit me, made
moiseIle" he repeated, and offered Miss
Graham his arm.
She shot one glance at me, and then,
half smiling, placed her hand on his arm.
So he led her across the deck to the lad
der.
was still dumb with surprise. l saw
the man in black leap to the path, help
Miss Graham down the ladder, cross the
causeway, and disappear with her behind
. the cliff. Then l sat down on chair
Was l awake or dreaming? A man had
come out of the Ship at crucial mo-
ment, and a man who, my instinct told
ne, was not of our age or people. l no
longer recognized Alastair; [ was begin
ming even to doubt my sober self.