The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1909-03-12

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Why ii should. what difference ii could
possibly make. j did not in the least
realize, yet i was instantly conscious
Of the disappointment, Of deep regret
The revelation, thus calmly, proudly
made, was SO unexpected. 80 destrue-
tive: Of all:my previous conceptions, as
to seem an Imposslbility. Could this
young, clear.eyed woman be indeed
the wife OF that grim, inactive, ancient
peer OF the realm? s.
You apparently question the truth
Of my words" she remarked, coldly
observant. Il; it5
1T was only the natural surprise Of
q moment, Lady Darlington"
FASTENED TO apologize. "The thought
OF your marriage had never before &C.
cured to me.
She looked directly into my eyes,
her own plainly indignant, yet her
words stroye 10 overcome the blunt.
ness OF my speech. q
~ do not feel. senor, that there
can be any necessity for discussing
my private affairs with you at present.
Enough that am Lady Darlington,
and that have patiently answered the
rather impudent questions you have
seen at to ask. Now, Senior Estevan.
kindly enlighten me as to the cause
Of your intrusion into this apartment,
and your presence on board the
yacht ~, \ sa.t3 \.
Her tone had changed TO imperlous.
ness. This was plainly command.
and, back Of the fair face fronting
me, l read strength Of character and
q proud insistence long accustomed 10
control. 1t was not fear but disdain
that darkened her gray eyes. Her
manner begged nothing-it pictured
dominant command, the attitude Of
one who addresses servant, expect.
Ing implicit obedience.
Lady Darlington" / began, stand.
ing directly before her. and reverting
to the use Of English, SO as to be
certain Of making my meaning sum.
ciently clear. whatever explanation
may make cannot be pleasant, but II
shall be truthful. 1t Is far better that
you comprehend fully. the situation we
are in-your own peril. Us well as my
responsibility"
Her expression changed from alb.
bitrary defiance to an amazement not
untlnged by sudden development Of
fear as her hands grasped the chair.
back convulsively; but | went on
steadily to the end.
"a am not. as you naturally sup.
posed, a Chilean, but a native OF North
America. My name Is Stephens. |
was In Valparaiso under most IN.
pleasant circumstances. seeking valnly
to escape from the country, and
bounded by the secret police because
OF my connection lately with revo-
lutionary movement along the Bolivian
frontier. The merits OF that affair
need not now be discussed, but had
become involved In It through certain
business connections. and had at.
tanned Valparaiso after, much hard.
selp, seeking escape by sea. There |
discovered every avenue closed
against me. and was reduced TO n des.
peratc plight. | was In hiding from
the governmental authorities when
rlsked almost certain dIscoyery-last
evening. A little later-after you left
the. hotel-a man who I was led TO be.
lieve represented the Peruvian gov.
eminent. approached me with a
strange proposition, which, however,
promised immediate release from my
dangerous predlcament, and. likewise.
q suitable reward for the successful
performance Of certain service.
am sailor. and the particular duty
required OF me was 10 be performed
upon the sea. ! was asked to assume
the position Of Peruvian naval cap.
tain, incapacltated by sudden illness,
In the surprise and capture Of Chill
can war vessel the steam yacht Es'
meralda, then supposed TO be lying at
anchor, poorly guarded, In the outer
harbor of the government docks. For
that purpose was presented with q
Peruvian naval commission"
My glance wandered from the mo-
tionless woman fronting me In such
white silence to Celeste, who had sunk
back upon the bed, her blue eyes
staring at me across the brass rail, ev'
identity experiencing difficulty In trans
lating my rapid English speech.
Il had enjoyed but little opportunity
Of examining the particular vessel we
were thus employed to capture, rs !
dared not leave the hotel except after
nIghtfall," continued. more slowly.
yet | knew her place OF anchorage,
and that she was steam yacht OF
some 700 tons burden. schooner.rigged,
with lines promising great speed. 9th
erwlsc relied entirely upon the
knowledge Of the officers under me-
We boarded what | believed to be the
Esmeralda soon after midnight, over.
came the small harbor watch with III,
tic difficulty, captured the engine
room, and, by holding q gun at his
ear, persuaded the engineer to operate
his machinery In our service. The
very audacity OF the attempt brought
comparatively easy success. The main
cabin had been secured by my orders
when we first arrived aboard, and ]
came below Just now, after all danger
IL