, 1909-05-20

cupied the center of the man cabi i,
and a SWINGING s. elf suspended above.
Ever act in this capacity before.
DadeT" 1 asked, Sizing him up in the
din light.
"Oh. yes, SIR" a slight lisp to his
tongue; I've 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 I said, Dade; two
ladies. Mr.. futile. and myself. That
makes four to my nGnring. Now step
lively. my lad. When will breakfast
be ready to serve?"
Tn about Is minutes, sir"
I waited until he became busy with
his work. his face still filled with
amazement w my revelation. then
walked around the end of the piano.
n 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 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, %steadying herself to the roll Of
the vessel with n hand on the bra s
rail of the bed, and fronted me ST.
lently. 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 as she was, sur
rounded by a terror no less real be.
cause she failed thoroughly to ompre,
bend it, facing one she must distrust
and secretly fear. her first u|tteralcc.
friendly and courteous. merely exhib.
tied a heart which beat warmly be.
meath its slight armor of pride.
Il am exceedingly glad t greet you
again, Mr.. Stephens" she said. pleas.
antly, even endeavoring to smile; you
were absent so long we had begun to
expect evil news"
81 regret tc 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 | a make no
promise concerning your future. | can
merely assure you present safety, AID
pledge you every comfort the yacht
affords while you remain with US"
She continued to gaze at me
strangely. her eyes filed with ques-
tioning.
Then you-you refuse to tell us
our ate"
Merely because I do not know I.
As | said before | am only one MAJ
pitted against 20"
She PRESSED her hand over her {
as thoush she wo ID h'i frc~,
the sudden horror pictured within tls
depths.
What are YOU" she eycl- ~
suddenly, her liNs t-,n,hlin ~
whose hands have we fallen? b
that YOU answer nj honestly-wAy
have you stolen this yacht? VIII
real purpose underlies this terrible
outrage"
l made no effort to DISGUISE the
deep sympathy | felt Tor her. yet
there was nothing | could answer but
must have sounded both harsh ami
cruel.
The motive an!mating tho lltn ~
control is similar TO that with rar-
ders possible NEST of the d~e5per.to
deeds of the world-the search aItCi.
treasure
Treasure" she gssped, thoroughly
b~ewildered. Where do you propose
going to SEARCH"
Far south. into the Antarctic"
The expression on her face was pitt
full, vet | stood helpless to comfort.
"Merciful God! And you actually
mean to bear us with o into that
f~orssken sea Of ice? oh, surely you
ST. you E .- = ts,
c earI,-. la so - sci, O. 49,.
sFI,4,F, an, Ia. "