The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1911-11-10

I'VE do not believe in ghosts, Mr.
Stephens, you and ]" her voice grow
ing firmer with conviction. "Our edu.
cation and training make such a con,
ception impossible. There is natural
cause for this, a reason, an actual
presence back of the shadow. There
must be, and we must find it. Where
did you stand when you saw this ap-
parition?"
l stepped back to the spot beside
the stove, realizing that she still clung
tightly to me.
Here, and l lifted my eyes like
this"
She leaned eagerly forward, her
breath on my cheek, her fingers clutch
ing my arm.
"Why-why that is a mirror you are
looking into! See! What is it re-
fected there? Turn up the light until
l locate the spot. Oh, l see now--the
open pantry door. Mr.. Stephens, there
is where your ghost stood-it was the
shadow of man reflected in that
mirror"
Our eyes met, all my former terror
fed, shame and anger dominating me.
'Dade?"
1T might be-certainly some one
who sought in that way to terrorize
officers and crew, and thus compel
them to turn back. Whoever it was,
he killed Mr.. Tuttle, and now seeks to
accomplish the same end with you.
What are you going to do?"
Trace him down. The last time
the fellow went directly from here to
the forecastle. There must be a
passageway from stem to stern"
She caught me as / turned, her gray
eyes wide with apprehension.
You will take me with your"
That will be impossible, Lady Oar
lington. l know nothing regarding
this passage amidships, but it must |
surely lead through the coal bunkers |
and the engine room"
"But-but / cannot let you go |
alone" utterly forgetting to conceal |
her agitation. Truly, could not bear
to do it. Whoever this man may be
he will become desperate when cor
nered. Your very life will be in dan
ger"
And you really carer" my hand
clasping hers, my eyes eagerly search
ing the gray depths.
yes, l care" making no effort to
free herself; why should not?
Think what our condition would be if
you were not on board. Yet that is
not all; 1 care because value your
life, your friendship. Little as l can
Dc, let me, at least, be near you"
you are near me-" said l, utterly
,orgetful of circumstances in the sud
len rush of passion, always near me,
because my thoughts are with you. my
sole purpose in life to serve you"
The gray eyes fell instantly; the
,lasping hand was withdrawn and
pressed to her forehead
II will try to do as you WISH"
he faltered, but are you armed?'
Not now, but / will get a revolver
rom my stateroom. First, let me
lelp you to your cabin"
She permitted my guidance without
word Of protest, only glancing once
p into my face as she put a question.
you will return here? you will let Z
le know at once what you discover?
me this" {
4 promise; and more, / will pledge 3
lyself to be cautious, so do not /
lorry." ]
l procured my revolver, turned the t
ght low once more in the main cabin, S
nd then stole silently into the narrow t
assageway leading forward. There
'as no light in the pantry, but the il
lint reflection from the cabin enabled il
lie to distinguish the more prominent n
utlines. A form lay outstretehed on v
locker, and | bent over it silently. 3
was Dade, curled up on his side and o
ound asleep. There was no doubt j
bout the reality of his slumber; the n
'l.ow was not shammins. and / drew y
lck, leaving him undisturbed The Il