The searchlight., 1910-03-11

fresh provisions, coal being cheaper
there than in French and Italian
ports. and 10 thought II very probable
that the EElnnA would 10 the cane:
he also made some deductions which
need not b explained Jet. The only
one worth mentioning here was that
Loeotheti would be likely to hear In
Gibraltar that the ruby had been
f0u1A and was on its way back 70
EngaAnd, and that - be would know
that Margaret would be anxious about
II, since he had already given Il 70
her. he would hardly let the occasion
OF communicating with her 90 By. A
for writing from Gibraltar to any
place whatsoever in the hope that
letter will arrive in hess than . week.
It II sheer folly. Mr.. Van Torp had
never tried II, and supposed It pos
sible, A. II looks, but he was tolerably
sure that Logotheti would telegraph
first. and had perhaps done 30 a.
ready, for tho 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 .
servant had just brought the prima
donna . telegram which she was read
ing aloud. 30 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 II,
and turning round she found herself
face to face with him. Her eyes were
sparkling with anger.
VERY sorry." he said. RI couldn't
help hearing"
ITS Of no consequence, for I should
have told you," Margaret answered
briefly.
He argued well 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 . visible rage. and instead OF
stopping to exchange more words he
passed the two ladies hat In hand, and
bowing rather low, after his manner.
he went quietly downstairs.
Margaret watched him till he disap.
peared.
81 like that man." she said. a. II to
to herself. but audibly. Il cannot
help It."
Mrs. Rushmore was more than de-.
lighted. but had tact enough not Ia
make any answer to . speech which
had probably not been meant for hes
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 intt
their rooms.
Meanwhile Van Torp had reached
the door OF the hotel. and found Lad,
Maud standing there with her paraso
up. for the sun was streaming In.
81 was waiting for you." she sait
simply. as soon rs he reached he
side. and she stepped out into tn,
street. Il thought you would com,
down, and ! wanted to speak to you
for l did not get chance last night
They were both watching me. prob
ably because they thought was III
and had to chatter like q magpie I,
keep up appearances"
You did II very WELL" Van Tor
said. III had not seen your fac
at the window when I got out of tn
automobile yesterday l shouldn't hav
guessed there was anything wrong.
But there is-something YER
wrong-something can hardly bea
to think Of. though must. until
know the truth"
They turned into the first deserte
street they came to.
Il dare say | can give q guess a
what It Is" Van Torp answered grav.
ly. Il went to see him alone yestel
day on purpose. before he started, an
l must say. II 1t wasn't for the bear
I'd feel pretty sure"
He had q beard when I Marie
him. and 1t was like that-iust lik
that"
Lady Mauds voice shook audibl,
for she felt cold. even In the SUI
shine.
Il didn't know" Van Torp answere,
THAT alters the case. II we're M
mistaken. what can do to help you
Let's see. You only had that on
look at him. through the window.
that so?"
.Yes Rut the vindov vaa ma,
and it's not high above the groun,
and my eyes are good. He took o
his hat when he said good-by to yo
and ] saw his face as distinctly a.
see yours. When you've been ma
ried to q man"-she laughed harshl
cannot be easily mistake
about him. when you're ~ near ,
that! That ID the man I married. T.
Intimately convinced OF Il. but mu