The Washington times., 1910-06-10
CHAPTER XVII.
Susan Masters Mac and Men

= USAN HUBBELL remained below
In her cabin. a prey to her own
u melancholy reflections. TIL dinner.
BY afternoon it was impossible
for her TO remain in seclusion any
longer. She would 20 mad, she felt. IL
she We're not doing something. Dragging
herself to her feet. she wandered aim
lessly out Of the cabin 10 the quarter
deck
She was startled, as she passed
through the door. to see a seaman on
guard. The ship looked much az II had
before, save that the familiar figures OF
her own crew replaced the British sail
ors, who had been put forward under
matches. and in the places occupied but
yesterday by the Americans The fore
match had been recovered, and there
was no evidence Of the melee. The two
wounded British sailors were being cared
Tor by their shipmates. Mr.. Merryfeld,
whose hurt had not proved serious, had
been peremptOrily sent below with the
men by the mate.
Susan had not given him another
thought In the excitement Of the in
teryieWS In the cabin, and there had
been no one 70 insist that he be allowed
quarters ait
The mate was pacing the poop nerv-
OUSly as Susan came on deck He
looked entreatingly at her, although he
aid not venture TO address her. In
obedience to the obvious invitation in
his glance she turned and climbed the
ladder 70 his side. He motioned her
back out Of the sight OF the man at
the wheel, and Of course. as they were
alone in the poop, no one could hear
what was being said.
Miss Susan,'' he began desperately,
for he was desperate. there's some
thin I've got 20 say TO yOU-sOmethin'
you We got TO hear
As usual she resented the imperative
mood in him, as she did in any one,
unless Il might be In MOrLingtOn. who
refused TO talk 10 her in any mood at
all. But the mans earnestness and a
certain curiosity 10 hear what he had
20 say, the tenor of which she had be
gun 70 suspect, restrained her from
vOiClug her objection.
You know me. Miss Susan" began
the mate, awSwardIy- He was evident
~ more master Of himself when han
ding the ship than when pleading his
cause with a woman.
I've sailed with you and your father
for long time now. 1 Amt got much
education, but, if 7 do say IL myself
I'm a prime seaman, a good navigator,
an an honest man. I'm an American,
too, an heart an soul agin England
an the BTitishers- Now, you're here
alone in the world, your nat'raI pro-
tector bein' gone, an I'm the captain
Of the ship.
Il takes charge Of the ship, save, Of
course, your rights. Why shouldn't I
take charge Of the girl with the same
proviso2 I'm young yet: I can make
myself anything you'd like TO have me,
if you'd only help me an gimme a
chance"
Mr.. Conant," began Susan. CALMLY.
although this manly avowal had not
failed to awaken at least a new respect
for the mate in her heart 7 know your
good qualities thoroughly. Z realize
Q hot f# f= 10 Fan# u It'd g.
my present liberty and tn restoration
Of my ship'-alasi that thought brought
10 her mind other things tor which she
most uniustly felt that she was indebt-
ed 10 the mate, wOmanlike. forgetting
for the moment her own share in them
and I'm deeply grateful" she went
on, forcing herself 70 the word, but l
don't love you. Until lately I've scarce
~ known the meaning OF the word, q"
she continued. YEARLY.
Until lately?" said the mate, eager
ly. since when. may I ask2'
You have no right 70 question me
returned Susan, land I know of no
reason why I should answer, yet I
will Since the capture OF this ship
by the Rockingham
She was a strange girl. and rocked
little of conventions. else she might
never have made the avOwal
You don't mean TO say that you
love that English pOpinjay2" said the
mate hOtly, his dark face reddening
IF you refer TO him in my presence
again" said Susan, decidedly, re
member that he is a gentleman and
try to be one yourself"
That for his gentility," snapped the
mate. Cause I amt got his fine
manners an his soft words an his
black heart, damn him! I can't win
YOU"
'If you continue in this strain I
shall refuse 20 hear another word"
Waltz exclaimed Mr.. Conanr
stretching out his hands to bar the
way. It don't know what I'm sayfn'
You needn't think cause a man don't
wear fine clothes an speak fine words
that he hasn't got a heart in him.
love you with every drop Of blood in