The Columbus journal. (Columbus, Neb.) 1874-1911, 1910-02-09

THAT sounds simple enough, but
do you realize what our probable fate
would be-"
She clasped her hands tightly. press
ing them against her breast.
What do l care," the contempt in
her Voice grown bitter. You have
done the evil. by your own confession:
now you should pay the price. You
rescued me once from insult, and 1
hold the remembrance of that act in
your favor. Prove yourself worthy a
woman's respect by making amends
for this wrong. Take the Sea Queen
back now. before II is forever too late,
and all | can do. or that my husband
can accomplish. shall be done to save
you from punishment. Prove to me
that your words are not false"
hesitated, doubt and suspicion
rendering me totally incapable Of'clear
thinking before her insistcnt demand.
Her face grew whittier as she marked
my silence.
so yOu-yCu lied. them" the cruel
words faltered from between her lips
almost uncOnsciously.
No. spoke the truth" I answered.
gripping myself sternly, but l ques-
ton my power
Your power? Why. you just in
formed me you were in command"
advanced a step forward. my man.
ner respectful enough. yet she half
shrank back from my approach and
brought the protection of the chair be-
tween uS.
Perhaps ! may never succeed in
making you clearly comprehend my
present position" said, soberly. yet
I intend TO try. because. in truth,
need your assistance as greatly as you
need mine. Twenty minutes ago.
Lady Darlington, it was true I be-
lieved myself To be in absolute COM
mand OF this vessel. Now l gravely
suspect whether | MAY not be a mere
puppet. helpless in the hands Of 9TH
ers. AS have already endeavored to
explain, il was comparatively easy for
me TO mistake this yacht for the Es-
meralda. They are very much alike,
and 1 had enjoyed no opportunity for
closely observing either. But it is i'm
possible for me TO conceive how the !
others Of my party could have iuno- |
Gently made such an error. What |
project they may have had in mind 1
cannot even guess, but I believe now |
the Sea Queen was deliberately cap |
tured, and that | have been decOyed |
INTO the leadership OF an act of piracy.
Il SO. then | am only one man Ditted
against 20. What l may accomplish
have ut prcseHt no means of know
ns. L,ust see the others, endeavor
o discover their secret purpose, and
earn whsther or not I possess any
cal authority on board. Lady Darling
on. do you at least comprehend what
mean? Lio | make ii clear TO you
lat / am ia position scarcely less
;egilous than your ovsn?"
With lips parted and hands clenchei
'ver her heaSing breast she stood
ilen5- apparertly deeply aroused by
ny earnest appeal, yet totally unable
0 rerase full confidence in ME. Yet
Ter very hesita,.cy was TO rue an en-
engagement.
You certainly have every reason to
oubt ME at present, madam
rsed. with increased confidence, yet
mean 20 prove myself unrihy your
rust by deeds rather than words.
Will you consent TO do as, y wish, at
east for the moment?"
She did, not appear TO Know what
he had better do or say. her glance
in uncertainty from my
ace TO the questioning eyes Of the
naid. The latter leaned forward with
ONE eaSerness.
Surely it is best to say sui, mad
ne; &c man has ze look honorable"
er hands gesticulating despair. An
"a re Who'll ship zers was nc. one else
D help US.
AS you say, Celeste. there Is no
hOice;" and Lady Darlington's gray
yes again sought mine reluctantly.
l sincerely desire ID. repOse complete
Onfidence in you: TO believe you
'orthy. What is it you wish US
o do?"
Merely 70 remain. where, you are.
eyond the observation of others. until
can ascertain the exact truth of our
So soon as l learn this.
hall return with the information. VIII
on accede to this
She lowered her head slightly, in
ilent acGuiescence, and. still facing
hem both. l backed out II the room
nd closed the door L
CTD BE C9NTINUEDD