The Washington times., 1911-03-31
CHAPTER XII.
. ONSIDER the actions Of a snake.
When relieved by the captain
at aiRht hallS Mr Tnrnrnl-ins

When relieved by the captain
at eight bells, Mr.. Tompkins
went below and to his room.
| Here he remained quiet for space.
things being removed by the steward
J subsided in the saloon. Mr.. Tompkins
| opened his door slightly and gently. and
| looked up quickly. His eyes met the
| mates frankly, and he gave him a
pleasant good-morning.
Mr.. Tompktns was disconcerted; he
! had hoped and expected to find the cabin
deserted. He dissimulated his emotion,
and answered with heartiness, producing
cigar and requesting'a light
-! don't feel sleepy at all" he ex-
planned; and | always like a smoke
when I'm reading"
"Yes?" Haigh smiled. Nothing un-
usual about that, is there? So do L.
Mr.. TOmpkins favored the young man
with sharp look and retired, shutting
his door, with unnecessary vigor. He
and smoked more rapidly than is well if
one would appreciate the worth of
cigar. There was a tense, speculative
look about his eyes. and he inclined his
ear at an angle that would indicate that
he was listening intently. He twisted
long, lean fingers together impatiently.
Outside, Mr.. Haigh was whistling
cheerfully-and keeping the corner of
his eye on the mates door. Mr.. Arthur
came out from his room, stopped at the
water cooler, and then, nodding to Mr..
Haigh, went upon deck. Daniels whis-
tie trilled diminuendo and subsided as
Arthur'S footsteps ceased to sound upon
the companionway. Silence relgned in
the cabin.
Haigh noiselessly changed his seat.
The ruse was successful. Mr.. Thomp-
kins reOpened his door and peered out
cautiously, then stepped forth, his foot
falls making no sound. He had removed
his shoes.
Haigh grinned and pursed his lips
Mr. Tompkins slid across the cabin, as
sisted by a quick lurch of the ship,
bringing up against the door of Captain
Hendry's room. His hand closed about
the, knob and turned it softly. 1t was
locked.
At this instant Daniels whistle broke
forth with renewed vigor. Mr.. Tomp-
ktns swore bldckly-this was genuine
and rubbed his shoulder, making a grim
ace of pain, which was affected.
Making up quite sea-, he observed
cheerfully. Flung me right across the
cabin
80 it did, Mr.. Tompkins, so it did.
Looking for another light?" Daniel in
quired with concern.
Yes. / got interested in my book
and let the thing go out"
Too bad; that always spoils a good
smoke. Here's a match" Haigh Of
fered one, and then commented ingenu-
ously: But you've forgotten to bring
your cigar. How careless"
Tompkins accepted the match with
silent wrath, and turned on his heel
Better take a couple more" suggest
ed Daniel. Then you won't have to
come out again"
Mr. Tompkins slammed his door
'ImpoIite devilr' said Daniel. "Hellov'
Norah came to the companionway.
Wont you come on deck, Mr.. Haigh?
You should not NOPE below on such
glorious morning"
The invitation was not to be lightly
THAT fellow is up to some mischief"
he thought sagaciously,' but I suppose
I've got to go. I'll tell Curtice. Ger
tainly, Senorita Malone" he added
aloud. Coming. and coming gladly
He ran up the steps. THE top of the
to you, senorita. You've |
brought the sun out with you, you see. |
How are you?"
This time Mr.. Tompkins delayed not. |
He assured himself that the saloon was |
indeed, empty. The voices of Norah and |
Daniel had died away. The mate car |
ried bunch of keys in his hand, which |
were greasy: for the keys were well, II |
hastily. oiled.
BY singular coincidence the ship |
iurched again, and again Mr. Tompkins |
pumped his shoulder upon the partition |
near the captains room. With remark |
able speed he tried two or three of the |
Keys; one lifted. He slipped into the |
room and closed the door.
tThe Continuation of This Story VIII
He Found in TOmorrOr's Issue
Of The TimeS.D