The Montgomery tribune., 1910-03-11
CHAPTER discontinued.

ThiS unexpected and undesirable IN
formation seemed fairly to stun the
fellows, their eyes meeting blankly. /
heard Bill Anderson swear
"The question-is, how can we best
dispose of them? This is no excur-
sion for ladies', no pleasure trip Of any
kii.l, we've started on. Shall we hail
}some passing vessel and trans-ship-
them or shall we run in to Juan Fer
nandez and put them both sarely
ashore?"
None of the three men ventured to
glance toward me, and for long
moment no answering voice spoke.
Then Tuttle gave oily utterance to
words of compromise.
Blame II this don't sort o. knock
me all out, sir" he acknowledged Il
don't exactly cotton to either of those
idees! of yours, an I don't know what
is best. 1 guess I'll have to talk 1t
over with my mates here first, but you
can tell them ladies that we'll get 'em
out somehow before we turn south
Anyhow they don't need to worry
none bout bein' ill-treated. Then
Take it, sir, that you mean to sail with
Nis?"
I There doesn't appear to be any
thing else ! can do"
} You're about right there. Well,
let's shake hands on It,"
l did SO, deliberately ignoring both
the others, and feeling my flesh
twitch when touched his fiabby palm.
Tuttle chewed savagely on the tobac-
co in his cheek.
Damn the women!" he commented
in sudden anger. Better give the
crew their breakfast, Anderson. Mr..
Stephens, I've sent Dade into the
cabin to attend things aft. He'll
make a good hand at that sort o.
job"
We passed out together into the
bright sunlight on deck, and I re-
mained in silence for a moment be-
side the rail, gazing forth across the
empty sea. Had done what was
right in all these circumstances? Un.
der God, was not really certain; yet
could perceive no other action pos
siblet
A |slenderly built, stoop-shouldered
young fellow, who shuffied about like
waiter ashore, was In the pantry.
and noticed white cloth spread
over the table. which had been low
'erefd from its stanchions and now oc-
cubied the center of the main cabin,
AND swinging shelf suspended above.
fever act in this capacity before,
Dhde?" asked. sizing him up in the
dim light.
"Oh. yes, sir" slight lisp to his
tongue; "I've done cabin work on the
coast liners.'
Then you should surely understand
Your business. Lay covers for four"
4 -Four, sir?" in surprise.
"That is what l said, Dade; two
ladies. Mr.. Tuttle. and myself. That
makes four to my figuring. Now step
lively, my lad. When will breakfast
be ready to server
I'm about 15 minutes, sir"
waited until he became busy with
his work, his face still filled with
amazement over my revelation, then
walked around the end of the piano
and raped softly at the after-cabin
door. Celeste opened the door with
dainty courtesy and quick uplift-
ing of frightened eyes. to my face, She
had been crying, and in some way her
veEy manner made me suddenly
aware how poorly stood in the esti-
NATION of her mistress and herself
Yet, for the moment. / did not seri
oIsly care stepping quietly within
cap in hand, intent merely on the
rt4pid completion of my visit. Lady
Darlington arose instantly from her
chair steadying herself to the roll oi
tho vessel with one hand on the brass
rail OF the bed. and fronted me 81
lbntly. the expression of her face ex
Z. pectant but reserved. Gazing upon
BIER, l felt the fully revealed power ol
hcr beauty. - the sunlight streaming
. y "a 81 < 5A " 81. ~ < i. n l 4 81 Il y So ~