The Comrade. (Winnfield, La.) 1890-1914, 1910-10-07

oned by an earthquake. A ship is sighted
and they light beacon. to SUMMON ,a ~,
Langford, on his yacht, sights tne pedcoA'
and orders his yacht put IN
CHAPTER xIV-Continued.
"Because-"
She hesitatcd.
Are you afraid to tell me-
"Yes," she said.
Afraid of what?"
"Of losing you
Danish that fear"
"But it's not that that keeps me
silent
"What then?"
~ would have the worlds comment
on what say when say it."
1.-THE worlds comment! What IS
the worlds comment to me?"
"A test, trial of your feelings! II
It breaks my heart, you must know
III you feel that way about it" SAID
the man resolutely, "you need tell me
nothing at ALL
It was a brave thing to say. for her
mysterious words filled him with du'
biety and dismay. He had no idea
what it was that she could tell MIN
He had no experience by and through
which to embody her vague hints into
something real and tangible. He kne"
that he was terribly grieved, and Du'
that he had no way to describe the
pain of jealousy, he would have sale
that he was racking with that unhappy
emotion.
"Tell me nothing he repeated
again, IF 1t grieves you"
Are YOU afraid of the test?' sh'
asked, swiftly.
~ am afraid of nothing, except los
ing you"
II am not worthy Of you," returne'
the woman, "as told you, but If yo
will still have me If you will take m
when / have said what I must say
and when the world has said what
will say, then shall be yours as Ion
as live"
ut is well," said the man. u wa
the ship now eagerly that may sho
you that what I have said is true"
"The vessel is nearer now ST
said at last, rising from where the
had been seated together upon II
grass absorbed in each other, al
pointing seward.
eyes" he answered, II can ev'
see the figures upon the deck
"Your brother men,"
Twill there be some women on
ship"
Il do not know" she answers
quickly. 1T isn't likely. Do you wi
to see other women?"
None" was the instant answer.
wondered if my brothers would br1
you sisters. That was all"
There was absolutely no dissimt
ton about the man. There had be
no coquetry about her. He wo
simply have failed entirely to uno
stand what it was. He was as hone
as straightforward, as absolute
plicity and sincerity must ever
and she had met him exactly on
own ground. It was impossible, tn
fore, for her to misapprehend
mere casual interest.
She stood quietly studying the
4 preaching vessel. As she did SO
came to her mind that there was SO
thing strangely familiar about the
coming ship. She stared longer,
the conviction grew upon her. W
she realized it she clasped her n
20 her heart with sudden gasp
turned white face upon him.
81 was all sollcitude in an instant.
what is the matter?" he G.
.sYour face Is white; you look
strangely"
ut is sudden PAIN" she gas
terror and dismay constructing
throat.
She wavered. He thought she
going to fall. He stepped close
81. her and put his arm about her
.2 mo, MOI" sho said, repulsing.
It was the first command she
given him in those bygone days
he had stood dulnbly before her
mo, MOI" she pushed him ava.
shall be all right"
81 "And has the approach OF mel
prived me of the privilege OF Z
ing you?" he asked. wistfully, y
is the n.atter?"
Don't ask me now she answ
"I--I-cannot explain"
The vessel was nearer now al
she stared 1t came to q stop
swung broadside to the reef,
was no nistaslng it. 1t was the $
.ss ern Cross. She knew It as well q
knew her own face. The thing
abe had dreaded SO when she
from that vessel in the launch,
abe had dreaded for a time in