Imperial Valley press., 1910-12-24

-'A'N NhOubhb ihibh' SSfA~ AA that category, and the curious nature of the dress they wore had moved her amusement and contempt until today
 Yet in the matter of expense, no money had been spared to fit out My Lady Susan in the sweetest way. In cut, in shape, in style, her clothes might have a simplicity which marked her own individuality, but in material there was nothing better Captain Hiram had not traded with France for many years, bringing silks and fur bellows to America, without knowing the value of the things he carried.
 The more she surveyed herself the more she wished that she was not differentiated by whatsoever cause from the rest of her sisters. There is some virtue in monotony after all. To be like the others is sometimes salvation to a disputed soul.
 Susan, however, had to make the best of a bad beginning. Even her stubbornly curly hair, which she wore manlike, tied in a club behind, could not be made to change it's char acter on so short notice. There was no help for it. She had to go out in what she had. Shamefacedly at last, therefore, she opened the door and stepped into the cabin.
 And then, with rush of recollec- tion she realized that for a whole half hour she had forgotten her father.
 The familiar room, the officer sit ting on the transom where her father used to sit, brought it all back to her, and the memory came with an added poignancy because she recog- nized the fact that chance meet ing with the veriest stranger had driven her grief. from her heart. She went pale again before his glance and then her eyes filled with tears.
 Don't cry" he said sympathetical- ly rising and offering his hand. ''You must be brave, and"- His words recalled her to herself.
 T shall not give way again." she answered. And before anything else, want to thank you for your kindness in having read the service for my father. I do truly appreciate it, and I am deeply grateful"
 Pray say no more, my dear mad am'-the unfamiliar word startled her a little-"I am glad to be of any service to you whatsoever"
 "It was foolish of me to run away las I did, but you see, you startled me, and''-
 Indeed, I protest, maam, it was most natural for you. He intended to reassure her. But she put another construction upon his remark-that he was pointedly alluding to her mas culine dress. She was quick in tenn per and sudden and hasty in action. Her face famed again and her eyes sparkled.
 I'm not ashamed of 1t at all, I beg to assure you," she retorted fiercely.
 Not ashamed? I don't understand
 Well, you would if you knew me better. I wear it generally on the sea. 1 feel so much more free, and'-
 Are you referring to your dress?"
 Certainly; didn't you mean that?"
 "Of course not; but since you men, tion it, I'm sure it's most becoming and appropriate as we'll"
 How dare you refer to it in the slightest degree?" began Susan per versely
 Well, ma'am, I am indeed unfor- tunate. I seem to do nothing but an noy you" returned the young man, biting his lip to suppress his amuse- ment 'I thought it was you that brought the subject up, and I merely wanted to reassure you"
 q want none of your reassurances, sir. I want to know what you are going to do with Ile and with my ship, and with the murderer of my father?"
 That was a question which from one point of view it was not easy to answer.
 Manlike he took the line of least resistance.
 "The murderer I have put in double irons; your mate is looking after him Your ship, l roget to say, is prize to His Britannic's Maiesty's ship Rock ingham, of which I am, or was, the l third lieutenant have heen ordered