Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1909-02-18
CHAPTER IN.-(Continued. J

the second time you've said something like
that. It's cruelty if it doesn't mean----
1T does mean something. 1t means
that while I'll never forgive you for what
you did yesterday, yet Ill-wait-untii
the war is over--for you. So you must
not get killed, you see.'
Il WON'T he answered fervently, with
you in view, PHI"
Sail no - shouted one of the lookouts
forward "There's steamer bearing
down on US from the nor'ard, sir"
Now, We'll have trouble said the
Captain to the fair companion blushing
at his side. Il have observed that trou-
BILE always comes just when you don't
want it. Especially in love affairs and on
ships"
Have you had experience" she ques-
toned archly
only this ONE then he perforce turn
ed away. Mr. Brown" he called
Sir" answered the young midship-
man.
well hold on inst as we are. If they
hail us, | will do the talking.
What do you intend to do?" asked
Miss Ellen.
Il think yonder vessel is a Confed-
crate gunboat patrolling the sound. We
have learned that there are number
at Hatteras Inlet. | believe the govern
ment intends to-but there, you're on the
other side
If you are correct said the girl, you
will be captured
NO, | think not"
''You will fght?''
tn6
81 see. But you can run away
THAT would excite suspicion. Perhaps
l can delude them They must know the
Greyhound is expected and--but | think
/ shall have to ask you to go below
But | don't wish to- she answered
promptly.
II didn't suppose you would. In fact.
! was sure you wouldn't. But, you see,
willie I'm endeavoring to deceive the Cap
tain of that other vessel if it should be a
Confederate gunboat, and from the way
she's bearing down on us I'm sure of it.
it would be very easy for you to betray
me by declaring the truth"
Would you do that were the case re-
versed?'
YES" he answered gravely, sit would
be my duty
DUTY" she pouted. q hate that
word -
80 do l, sometimes. Just at present
/ know one case where a duty would .be
altogether charming
What is that?"
"The duty of marrying YOU
"Nonsense ~
''Do you think marrying you would be
nonsense? Now l think that would be
very serious business
Captain Smith, will you ever be seri-
Gus and attend to your own business"
Not until you finally reject me-"
II shall do so at once. How do you
feel now:'
Il feel as if didn't believe you. How
ever, this is beside the question. / shal
have to beg you TO go below
And if | refuse?'
"There's the bos'n's mate" with a wave
of his hand.
"Odious man."
(which man.
Both of you"
"Theres one thing I'll grant you" h
said, laughing at her reply. IF you vii
give me your word Of honor that you viii
not say single word which will give then
the slightest inklng of the truth, yoV
may stay on deck"
Il promise" she answered thoughtlessl.
enough.
"You give me your word of honor?'
"Yes"
81 trust that as far as l would that o
any man | ever knew"
He spoke heartily, yet there was du
plicity in his proposition. He reaize
that the sight of Ellen Jones. who wa
probably we'll known to the officers o
the gunboat. standing by his side woul
do more to confirm the impression he de
sired to convey, that the Greyhound wa
still in the possession of her original crew
than any other incident. Men" we ar
told by competent authority, were de
ceivers ever" and Smith was no excep
ton to the rule.