The Columbus journal., 1910-04-20

I'VE do not believe in ghosts, Mr..
Stephens, you and l." her voice grow
ing firmer with conviction. Our edu-
cation and training make such con-
ception impossible. There is a natural
cause for this. a reason. an actual
presence back of the shadow. There
must be, and we must find 1t. Where
| did you stand when you saw this ap-
parition?"
l stepped back to the spot beside
the stove. realizing that she still chung
tightly to me.
Here. and I lifted my eyes like
this"
She leaned eagerly forward. her
breath on my cheek. her fingers clutch
| ing my arm.
"Why-why that is a mirror you are
looking into, See! What IS it re-
fiected there? Turn up the light until
! locate the spot. Oh, l see now-the
open pantry door. Mr. Stephens. there
| is where your ghost stood-it was the
shadow of a man reflected in that
mirror
Our eyes met all my former terror
fed. shame and anger dominating me-.
.'Dade?"
1T might be-certainly some one
who sought in that way to terrorize
officers and crew. and thus compel
them to turn back. Whoever 1t was,
he killed Mr. futile, and now seeks to
accomplish the same end with you.
What are you going to do?"
Trace him down. The last time
the fellow went directly from here to
the forecastle. There must be q
passageway from stem to stern"
She caught me as turned. her gray
| eyes wide with apprehension.
You will take me with YOU"
That will be impossible, Lady Oar
lington. 1 know nothing regarding
this passage amidships. but 1t must
surely lead through the coal bunkers
and the engine room"
! .But-but 1 cannot let you 60
alone" utterly forgetting to conceal
her agitation. Truly. l could not bear
to do it. Whoever this man may be
nered. Your very life will be in dan
ger"
And you really care!" my hand
clasping hers. my eyes eagerly search
ing the gray depths.
Yes. care" making no effort to
/ free herself; why should not?
| Think what our condition would be il
you were not on board. Yet that is
not all: l care because I value your
life. your friendship. Little as l can
do. let me. at least, be near you"
You are near me-" said I. utterly
forgetful of circumstances in the sud-
den rush Of passion. always near me,
because my thoughts are with you. my
sole purpose in life to serve you"
The gray eyes fell instantly: the
| clasping hand was withdrawn and
pressed to her forehead.
II will try to do as you wish"
she faltered. but are you armed?"
Not now, but l will get revolver
! from my stateroom. First. let me
help you to your cabin"
She permitted my guidance without
word of protest. only glancing once
up into my face as she put question.
You will return here? you will let
me know at once what you discover?
| Promise me this"
Il promise; and more, l will pledge
myself to be cautious. SO do not
| worry"
l procured my revolver. turned the
! light low once more in the main cabin,
and then stole silently into the narrow
passageway leading forward. There
was no light in the pantry. but the
faint reflection from the cabin enabled
me to distinguish the more prominent
outlines. A form lay outstretched on
a locker. and I bent over 1t silently
1t was Dade. curled up on his side and
sound asleep. There was no doubt
about the reality OF his slHmber: the
fellow was not shammins. and drew
back. leaving him undisturbed. The