Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-02-21

escent spray would shoot UP from the
bow and sweep the foredeck with a sharp
patter. But the starlt skies and the
clean-cut line Of the horizon were clear of
storm.
l had crept under the shelter Of the bull
warks and was settling into a comfortable
position. when l felt a light touch upon
my shoulder. / looked up in establishment
to find Dick bending over me.
I've been looking for you," he said,
quietly. squatting down by my side.
But 1 thought YOU were to be left be-
hind" 1 began.
THE old man did suggest something like
that But ! managed to stow myself
aboard when he wasn't looking. And, as
l didn't turn up till we had put to sea. he
was forced to accept the inevitable. Fine
weather. isn't it, And he surveyed the
night with a leisurely glance.
What do you want:' l demanded.
CURLY.
to know. first. exactly what your position
Is in this present mix-up."
What mix-up?'
with Sylvia, of course. Oh. l heard
all that high-fiown nonsense about your
never agreeing to her fathers wishes. Ii
sounded quite dramatic. But. frankly,
Renfrew. / don't believe YOU"
you've right to your own opinion.
Yes. But, YOU see, l want yours. too. =
I'm afraid I can't give it to YOU
w ElCH lHedHS lHdI YOU WUH l. he
thrust his face close to mine and peered
at me intently. "Or perhaps you're still
undecided.
Il didn't know there was anything to
decide
Pretty cock-sure about it. eh?' he
srunted, dropping back into his place.
you've probably heard that Sylvia has
broken OFF our engagement"
She told me SO herself"
Him. Don't let it raise your hopes too
high. And don't let it make you forget
that I'm still in existence.
I'm not apt to forget l retorted.
after yesterday-'
"Oh, that He shrugged. ITS too
foolish even to mention. I'VE changed
my tactics completely. But understand
this. Renfre~, I've not changed In my
pens. I shall never give her up.
There was hint Of menace in his voice
which foreshadowed trouble, and again
became conscious that his eyes were fixed
upon me. But l was not disposed to pro-
in dead silence with the wind whistling
In our ears. and the sea Kissing and seeth-
ing at our backs. 1t was full moment
before he spoke.
What's your game tonight!
Gamer" I repeated.
Yes Why did you suddenly decide to
join the old man: You're not in this like
the rest OF us-I know that"
why not?
Because you're not our sort. What's
your game?
my own business. entirely.
oh indeed And I suppose YOU think
you can hog the profits entirely. too
Perhaps"
well we don't do things like that on
the island. We share in everything
Then this will be an exception. Your
uncle
II wasn't included in the expedition. 50
I'm not included in his promises. He
leaned toward me. Look here, Rem
frew. You'd better let me In Oh this 1t
might be safer.
I'm not afraid
There are other means besides death,
he threatened
'And there are other ways OF passing
the time than in your company 1 re-
torted.
so you take that tone. do you?" He
climbed slowly to his feet and scowled
down at me. rs that your final word?"
Absolutely. didn't ask you TO med
die In my affairs
Take care, then, that I don't NEEDLE
in them." he growied. turning away.
! propped my arm against the bulwark
and stared out into the night. This new
was not to my liking. What
had to do on the yacht demanded Sc
crecy, and with Dick trailing at my heels
What had he said-that he was not in
Guided in his uncle's promise? Then he
must know OF my arrangement with Mr.
had been allowed to-
slip on board for the express purpose OF
me. l was familiar enough
with the old mans wiles to believe him
capable Of such casuistry. 1t was a neat
way to have me Swallowed and still live
up to the letter of his contract. What
ever orders ne might give, he knew that