The evening times., 1911-07-08
him, he shot . vicious glance at the

him, he shot q vicious glance at the
Englishman.
Just then Juanita dropped her hand
kerchief. It might have been carried
overheard by the wind but for Boil
ston's agility. It is more than prob
able that Juanita's gratitude for this
slight favor gave her the desired op-
portunity to speak to him in a con-
fidential tone. and that they were in
no great haste to join Margaret and
the Sonora, who were now walking
away together. Even this would have
gone unobserved, except by Stephen,
who was now fully convinced that he
had discovered the rival who was rob-
bing him Of his idols affections.
Thereafter the hours hung heavily
upon him, and his mind was filled
with dark thoughts. He avoided his
mothers guests. spending much of
the time in his cabin. Finally, he per-
suaded himself that even ordinary
good manners entitled Juanita to an
apology for his rudeness.
Coming from his cabin one after
noon he saw his sister and the Eng
lishman on deck. They were walking
slowly, arm in arm, engaged in earn
est conversation. Stephen was pleas
ed. Why could not Bolston, now the
bete noire Of his existence, fall in love
with Margaret, he thought to himself,
leaving the black-eyed charmer to
him? How might such thing be
brought about? While revolving this
query in his mind Juanita appeared,
more beautiful in Stephens eyes than
ever. 5a
Since the scene on the deck, when,
through consuming love and disap-
pointment. he had allowed himself
to become angry and lay a violent
hand upon Juanita's arm, they had
merely passed the time of day when
they met. Not to resume their former
friendly relations would be little less
than brutal; he was reasoning coldly,
Of course, without regard for his own
incl1nations. Besides, he wondered if
Juanita had seen Margaret and Boil
ston, now at the further end of the
vessel, still arm in arm like two en-
gagged lovers, as he wished to Heaven
they were. Here was an opportunity
that must not be missed. 1t was sit
uation which afforded ray of hope
for a despairing and a desperate
heart.
With a smile, not without twinge
of guilt in it, he approached Juanita,
saying that she was "too beautiful
to be left alone" Then in a repent
ant tone-"I've come to ask forgive
ness
"Oh. I forgave you at the time
long before your anger cooled" she
replied with a laugh. II would not
allow that to disturb our friendship,
Mr.. Holt. Do be reasonable hereafter,
for your own sake
"Men are such Monsters" he re-
piled, moving so that when Juanita
turned to face him she would see Boil
ston and Margaret. Very few of them
are worthy of a good woman's love.
They are changeable and inconstant.
I have never deceived you, dear, sweet
Juanita. have sworn to love you
always, and my affection for you is SO
great would hate myself to think
that any other woman could ever come
between US. II you only love me like
that, to me it would be worth an eter-
nifty of every other bliss. Even now,
with only discouragement from you,
could not bring myself to think of the
love Of another"
Juanita paled. Her eyes, staring
straight at Bolston and Margaret, who
unlocked their arms as they approach
ed, seemed to lose their powers, and
her head swan as If the sea were
tossed by tempest. Thus far Steph-
ems wicked ruse had succeeded. While
pleading his own cause in words of
burning passion, by suggestion he had
painted the Englishman in colors per-
fdious.
"Oh, it. is nothing-man's con-
stancy," remarked Juanita, .petulantly,
as she took Stephens arm and walked
with him to the starboard.
When they were seated in the shad-
ow Of life boat swinging lazily from
its davits, Stephen could scarcely re-
press his Joy, although he made pre-
tense Of being much cast down.
Though he had fired her susceptible
nature by the picture so artfully
drawn Of mans duplicity, while the
living reality stood out before Juan
ita's very eyes, as. now she did not
doubt. his victory was far. from being
won. He knew that before another
day Bolston would talk with Juanita;
that she would listen and doubt, and,
doubling, listen all the more, and that
unless new and conclusive evidence
to Justify Juanita's suspicious were
his rival would win her
to himself again.
So 1t was that Stephen, after much
futile endeavor to impress Juanita
with her mistake in not reciprocating
his feelings for her, retired to his
cabin to formulate a further plan of
attack upon the Englishman's integ-
rity.
Time was short; the Penelope" was
nearing her destination. He must act
oi