Rocky Ford enterprise., 1910-04-29

This. figured. was probably the berth
Of the first officer; the captains room
would naturally be the one farthest
astern.
The upright piano. with the high
backed cushioned chairs surrounding
1t, blocked my view' aft. but on round
ing these l observed a closed door,
which apparently led into a room
extending the entire width Of the
cabin. Never suspecting that 1t might
be occupied. grasped the brass knob.
and stepped within. Instantly came
to a full stop. dazed by astonishment.
my teeth clenched in quick effort at
self-control. The entire scene burst
in upon my consciousness with that
first surprised survey-the draped
portfolios opening out upon the gray
fog-bank, the brass bed screwed to
the deck. the chairs upholstered In
green plush. the polished table with q
vase of flowers topping 1t, the glisten-
Ing front of bookcase in the corner.
the tiger rug into which my feet sank.
All these things I perceived. scarcely
realizing that l did SO. for my one
true impression concentrated Itself
upon the living occupants.
There were two present. At low
dressing table. her back toward me.
fronting a mirror. yet with eyes
fastened upon an open book lying In
her lap. sat a woman. The lowered
head yielded me only an indistinct out.
line Of her features, yet the full throat
and rounded cheek gave pledge OF
both youth and beauty. Standing al.
most directly behind her chair, with
short, curly locks. crowned by a smart
white cap. her hands busied amid her
mistresses' tresses. was n maid, petite.
roguish. iluttering about like a hum
ming bird. The latter saw me at once,
pausing in her work with eyes wide
open in surprise. but the preoccupied
mistress did not even glance up. She
must have heard the sound OF the
door. however. for she spoke care
lessly:
Il thought you were never coming.
What caused you to sail SO suddenly"
These unexpected words. uttered SO
naturally. served partially to arouse
me from the dull torpor Of surprise. I
clenched my hands. wondering II
was really awake. and stared back into
the frightened eyes OF the maid. who
appeared equally incapable OF articula-
ton. Suddenly she found voice.
1T is not &c one. madame" she
cried. shrinking back. Non, non: 1t
is un homme stranger"
What is that you say. Celeste?"
and the other arose swiftly to her
feet. the open book dropping to the
floor rs she turned to face me. In.
stantly I recognized her, In spite Of
the long hair trailing unconfined far
below her waist-recognized her with
a sudden leap upward Of my heart into
my thoat. There was no semblance of
fear. only undisguised amazement. in
the dark gray eyes that met mine.
"What-what is the meaning of this
strange intrusion? Are you a member
OF the crew."
Instantly my cap came of. the
thought occurring to me OF what a
rough figure must be making in my
soaked Jacket. with the glistening
peak Of my cap shadowing my face.
NO. madame:" and l bowed before
her Il am not one Of your crew. My
my entrance here was entirely a
mistake"
She leaned forward. one white hand
grasping the back Of her chair. the ex-
preston In her eyes changing as she
read my face. perplexity merging into
faint recollection.
II do not quite comprehend" she
confessed at last. changing her speech
to n slightly broken Spanish. You
you are Senior Estevan?"