The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1910-03-18

land put into Gibraltar for coal and
fresh provisions, coal being cheaper
there than in French and Italian
ports, and he thought it very probable
that the Erinna would do the same;
he also made some deductions which
need not be explained yet. The only
one worth mentioning here was that
Logotheti would be likely to hear in
Gibraltar that the ruby had been
found and was on it's way back to
England, and that as he would know
that Margaret would be anxious about
it. since he had already given 1t to
her. he would hardly let the occasion
of communicating with her go by. AS
for writing from Gibraltar to any
Mace whatsoever in the hope that
letter will arrive in less than week,
it is sheer folly. Mr.. Van Torp had
never tried it, and supposed it pos
sible. as it looks, but he was tolerably
sure that Logotheti would telegraph
first and had perhaps done so al
ready, for the news of his passing
Cape Saint Vincent was already "a
hours old.
This was precisely what had hap
pened. When Mr.. Van Torp opened
his door, he came upon Margaret and
Mrs. Rushmore on the landing, on the
point of going out for walk, and a
servant had just brought the prima
donna a telegram which she was read
ing aloud, so that the American could
not help hearing her.
"'Cruising till wanted" she read
quickly. RUBY found. Address,
yacht Erinna, Naples.
She heard Van Torp close his door,
though she had not heard him open It,
and turning round she found herself
face to face with him. Her eyes were
sparkling with anger.
very sorry" he said. 81 couldn't
help hearing"
It's of no consequence, for | should
have told you" Margaret answered
briefly.
He argued we'll for himself from her
tone and manner, but he chose to
show that he would not force his com
pany upon her just then, when she
was in a visible rage, and instead OF
stopping to exchange more words he
passed the two ladies hat in hand, and
bowling rather low, after his manner,
he went quietly downstairs.
Margs.fet watched him till he disap
peareI
'T1ike that man." she said, as if to
% herself, but audibly. Il cannot
help it,"
Mrs. Rushmore was more than de-
lighted, but had tact enough not to
make any answer to a speech which
had probably not been meant for her
ears.
Perhaps" she said, you would
rather not go out just yet, my dear"
Margaret was grateful for the sug
gestion, and they turned back into
their rooms.
Meanwhile Van Torp had reached
the door of the hotel, and found Lady
Maud standing there with her paraso
up, for the sun was streaming in.
81 was waiting for you" she sale
simply, as soon as he reached hel
side, and she stepped out into the
street. 81 thought you would come
down, and l wanted to speak to you
for / did not get a chance last night
They were both watching me, prob
ably because they thought 1 was i'll
and had to chatter like magpie tt
keep up appearances"
you did it very WE'LL" Van Tori
said. 'If l had not seen your face
at the window when l got out of the
automobile yesterday l shouldn't have
guessed there was anything wrong.
But there is-something yer!
wrong-something l can hardly beal
to think of, though / must, until
know the truth"
They turned into the first deserted
street they came to.
81 dare say l can give a guess a
WldJ IL Is, van L UP duoWeIcu grave
ly. 81 went to see him alone yester
day on purpose, before he started, ant
must say, il it wasn't for the beart
I'd feel pretty sure"
"He had a beard when l married
him, and it was like that-just lik,
that"
Lady Maud's voice shook audibly
for she felt cold, even in the sun
shine.
81 didn't know" Van Torp answered
'That alters the case. If we're no
mistaken, what can do to help you
Let's see. You only had that on,
look at him, through the window, il
that so?"
yes. But the window was open
and it's not high above the ground
and my eyes are good. He took OF
his hat when he said good-by to you
and l saw his face as distinctly as
see yours. When you've been maj
ried to a man'-she laughed harshl.
you cannot be easily mistaken