Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-02-02
CHAPTER I-Continued.

Pardon me. but I'm afraid it is. You've
charged me with crime which l haven't
committed. It's my right to clear myself
as best l can
There was nothing for it but to search
him. l ran my hands over his clothing
in perfunctory fashion.
This is my bunk he continued, land
here's my kit He opened a much-worn
valse. My baggage is not voluminous.
/ went hurriedly through his things
with an ever-growing suspicion that he
was making sport u me. AS I had ex-
pected, the revolver was not to be found.
Are you satisfied" he demanded.
I'm satisfied the revolver's still miss
! ing
Under the circumstances that's all
can hope to prove.
He paused. as though to suggest that
the interview was ended: but there was
still one point left for him to explain.
you've insinuated that the cook was
| the guilty person. Do you mean by that
to deny that you were in the galley"
Then how do you account for your
presence there
Wouldn't it follow naturally. il were
the pursuer and he the pursued?
"Ah! But in that case you would
hardly have been the attacking party"
Perhaps he attacked me first
ITS not likely. The use of the knife
F! implies generalization"
Say luck. rather. At such times one
takes whatever comes handiest"
| Legally, self-defense is sufficient
plea
"For the criminal?''
For myself he reminded me. Il was
not referring to the cook"
Indeed! / couldn't tell,' / retorted
But, of course, you have proof for what
you allege?"
LAS much as Larabee has to the con-
trary-my own statement. Let me re-
peat that it's simply his word against
mime
He spoke with the quiet conviction OF
one whose good faith had been thorough
! iy tested: and, though doubted his story.
1 was forced to confess that he had at
least the semblance of innocence on mis-
side. My unavailing search for the re-
volver had raised a strong presumption
in his favor, and he had been quick to
take advantage of 1t by clearing himself
at poor Larabee's expense. l had been
| fairly beaten on my own ground.
He saw my manifest irritation sand
| smiled complacently. / turned to the door
with what dignity I could command.
You're clever" l said; much too
| clever for your present position. In New
Bedford perhaps you will find employ
ment better suited to your tastes"
| He bowed slightly. Il shipped with you
with that expectation"
1 closed the door in his face.
| When 1 returned to the cabin L found
Simpson standing at the head Of the COM
panionway stair.
1.-The fog's shutting in. sir" he an
nounced.
Thick"
"You couldn't cut it with a knife
His report was not encouraging.
peered up through the skylight. A sod
den curtain Of mist seemed to have been
| let down suddenly upon the NaravidO;
| long streamers, travelling from it's edges
| flOated laZily above me, tearing them
selves into ribbons as they curled about
t 1ssF fas she any way on herr
| We've drifted a mile in the last hour. =
'Then there's no hope Of reaching New
Bedford?"
| Not tonight
| His voice was tinged with an anxious
sympathy. 1t had been in my mind to tell
him of my little skirmish with the sailor,
! but in the face Of his evident worry, l
| had not the heart to burden him with
anything more. After all, the one ques-
| ton of importance was settled-the man
had received his walking papers and We
would be rid of him tomorrow. Further
than this Simpson himself could not go.
WAS there something else, sir?' he
inquired
.No-nothing," I answered, and thereby
unwittingly sealed both his destiny and
nv own.