Rocky Ford enterprise., 1910-05-06
CHAPTER vIII.-continued.

She bent her head slightly.
What vessel Is this?"
"The steam yacht Sea Queen Of Liv-
erpool. owned by Lord Darlington"
she announced, soberly, her face and
lips white.
How came you anchored on the
government docks?"
BY special permission of the presi-
dente. We were towed Into that berth
early last evening. after the Esmer-
aida had been hauled up against the
quay to ship armament and stores"
drew q deep breath.
Gould you tell me II It was known
to others that you contemplated
anchoring there?"
She hesitated. her lips slightly apart.
one hand pressed against her TEN.
pie.
1T Is most important that I learn
the exact TRUTH" 1 urged. earnestly.
Il ask from no idle curiosity"
Il am not generally consulted In
such matters. senor." she admitted.
but ! believe we had been waiting
several days for the opportunity to
take that position. This Is as I have
n told"
She seemed to be awaiting my ex-
PLANTATION. striving to be courteous. yet
with her impatience slightly evidenced
by the continual tapping OF her foot
on the rug. But / was not yet
through with my questioning.
Were no officers left on board last
nIIht?"
Her gray eyes widened.
Certainly yes; the first oficer and
the engineer were in charge when re-
tired. The others. with the majority
of the crew. had gone ashore at sun
down to enjoy the fun. But why do
you ask. senior? Are these not on
board now"
Il regret being compelled TO answer
no. Only the engineer. three OF the
harbor watch, and some Kanaka fire.
men have been found. have discov-
cred no trace OF the first officer"
"Then-then he must have rowed
ashore with two OF the men," she ex-
claimed.
How CHANGED you to be left here
alone?"
She hesitated, her hands clasped
on the chairback. her bosom rising
and falling tremulously. Yet finally she
forced her lips to reply. as though thus
seeking the quickest way of clarifying
the situation.
We were all invited to the palace
OF the presidente. to listen to the
speeches and view the fireworks. Lord
Darlington was greatly interested,
and most desirous Of attending. The
unfortunate scene which occurred at
he hotel early in the evening left
however, with SO severe q head
ache that I begged to be allowed to re-
main here alone with Celeste. At first
both Lord Darlington and mamma re-
fused to depart without me, but when
the presidente dispatched his own
steam launch to convey the party to
the wharf. they decided 1t would be
most discourteous not to attend. Lord
Darlington's membership In the house
of lords gives him a certain ofiicial
recognition abroad which he does not
care to have lapse. The yachts cap
tain accompanied them. and no dream
of evil Detailing those left behind ever
occurred to any one Of us. o senior.
tell me, what does 1t all mean? What
has happened?"
Il presume l must explain" I said.
regretfully. although II Is not an
easy task by any means. You will
have confidence In me. Miss Doris?"
Il shall endeavor to do So" she re-
turned, an increasing coldness in her
voice. But / am Lady Darlington"
Your pardon; supposed you to be
that gentleman's daughter"
The color swept in a wave OF rich
crimson into her cheeks, the gray eyes
becoming darker.
Nevertheless. senor. am Lord
Darlington's wife,"
Even In that moment OF embar-
rassment and perplexity. when l was
scarcely less agitated than herself.
this unexpected announcement Of such
relationship came to me as shock.
Why It should. what difference 1t could
possibly make. did not in the least
realize. yet / was Instantly conscious
the disappointment. Of deep regret.
LIE revelation. thus calmly. proudly