The state herald., 1910-10-14
through the open port at the gray

AS the Ell Cid sped on her way up
the Patagonian coast my strength
came rapidly back, and l soon found
my way on deck. where, wrapped
against the chill of the wind. passed
much time talking with Doris, seeing
De Nova and Kelly now and then.
Celeste was often with us, her eyes
roguish as ever, but her face thin and
white. Once. when We chanced to be
left alone together. undertook to
question the girl.
What is the matter between you
and De Nova, Celeste? Have you two
fallen out?"
She tossed her head. flashing her
eyes at me.
II not know we ever fall in," she
said. pouting prettily. 'He ver' nice
for sailor. but wy do l want a sail.
or? I want ze sea no more ever"
"Yes, but De Nova can quit the sea-"
Mon. non!" che cried, shaking her
head roguishly, II have very good
time wiz Mons. De Nova! he talk nice,
he make love nice-but 1t Is all over
now."
you mean you are going back to
Europe"
She shrugged her shoulders. her
teeth cleaning.
"Oui, monsieur; / go wiz madam
London, to Paree; zare have plaisn.
But De Nova? How does he
take It'll"
"Pah! he get over It: I know ze
sailor. See. monsieur; wat / tell
you?"
glanced aft In the direction she
pointed. Within the companion stood
the debonair mate. his little black
mustaches curled jauntily upward, his
teeth merrily glistening. as he smiled
down upon a rosy-cheeked damsel.
whom recognized as the stewardess.
My companion patted her little foot
on the deck.
,"Pah! did not tell you. monsieur?
I know re sailor"
She swept away with the swift
movement Of bird. and I turned my
face about to perceive Marsden stand.
ing silently beside me. He drew up
deck chair and sat down at my side.
His grave face and manner led me to
speak first.
Il have been wondering" l said,
slowly. whether you intend to report
us as soon as you make land. No
doubt you heard the story of the Sea
Queen at Valparaiso. and have already
guessed us to be the survivors of the
crew OF that yacht"
why. yes" stroking his beard: I'VE
have no doubt as to that. We know
little Of the affair of the Sea Queen
beyond what your man Kelly has told
us. as We were up the north coast at
the time. However, l do not think
there will be anything gained by re-
porting your rescue Immediately. for
no one can care particularly about
your arrest except possibly British
officer or such. The Chileans are stlR
busy with their war. and the man who
owned the yacht being dead"
"You-you-mean Lord Darling
TONI"
Yes; that is what came here to
tell you about. / have been waiting
until you were strong enough to hear
the story. | thought you were the one
who ought to tell her." He paused
doubtfully. Il understand she is
Lady Darlington"
YES" answered. my voice trem.
bling In my eagerness TO comprehend
fully. But are you sure her husband
Is dead?"
Regarding that fact there is no
possible doubt. Mr.. Stephens. We
were in port at Valparaiso barely
three hours. but long enough TO hear a
brief account OF the AFFAIR. 1t seems
Lord Darlington had in some way
qunrreled with or insulted a Chilean
naval officer. T..is officer being on
duty in the grounds OF the presidente
the night OF the declaration of war.
the two met again and renewed their
quarrel. The officer was drunk and
abusive, and his lordshlp drew re.
volver. They were separated at that
time by the guard. but an hour later
the Englishman was found beside the
fountain OF the inner court dead from
knifc.thrust In his back. His mur.
derer disappeared instantly and most
mysteriously."
MY God!" exclaimed. dazed with
the information. 1T must have been
Sanchez"
1t must have been Sanchez" Mars.
den repeated, soberly. HE was fee.
ing from the crime when he ran into
your party, II was his own haunting
conscience that put the idea OF the
ghosts Kelly tells about into his head.
You will tell her the story7"
Yes" said. not ycnturing TO look
Into his face. realizing that he under
stood.
sat there, II seemed for hours, en-.
deavorlng TO muster up courage for
my task ns watched. far In the dis.
tnnco. the darkonlng outlines OF Cape
Flores, Al last went slowly down
the companionway into the cabin