The Montgomery tribune. (Montgomery City, Mo.) 1892-1910, 1910-02-18
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 off 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 If it was known
TO others that you contemplated
anchoring there?"
She hesitated. her lips slightly apart,
one hand pressed against her tenn
pie.
1T is most important that / learn
the exact truth | urged, earnestly.
81 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
tdht thdI DooitiOH' LUIS 10 40 4 nave
been told"
She seemed to be awaiting my ex-
PLANTATION, striving to be courteous. yet
with her Impotence 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
night"
Her gray eyes widened.
Certainly yes; the first officer and
the engineer were in charge when l re.
tired. The others, with the majority
of the crew, had gone ashore at sun
down to enjoy the fun. But why do
your ask, senior? Are these not on
board now?"
81 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 mem" she ex-
claimed.
How CHANGED you to be left here
alone?"
She hesitated, her hands clasped
on the chairback, her bosom rising
and falling TREMENDOUSLY. 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
,bf the p~residente, to listen to the
speeches and view the fireworks. Lord
Darlington was greatly interested,
and most DESTROYS of attending. The
unfortunate scene which occurred at
Sthe hotel early In the evening left
lsme, however, with so evere "a head
cache that / begged to be allowed to re-
kmain 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 official
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" l said
regretfully, although it 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 GOODNESS in hel
voice. But | am Lady Darlington"
eYour pardon; supposed you to be
that g~entleman's daughter"
The color swept in a wave of ricl
crimson into her cheeks, the gray eyes
becoming darker.
Nevertheless, senior, I am Lore
Darlington's WIFE,
Even In that moment of embar
rassment and perplexity. when | wal
scarcely less agitated than herself
this unexpected announcement of sucl
a relationship came to me as a shock
Why It shou.;.. what difference 1t coult
possibly make. | cid not in the leas
realize. yet | was Instantly conscious
of tho disappointment, of deep regret
The revelation. thus calmly. proud,