Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-01-01


suspicious, he could arrive at no def
mite conclusion.
The night passed without incident;
the second day dawned the counter
part OF its predecessor, and wore
away quietly enough.
1t fell to O'Rourke to stand the first
dog-watch, from four to six in the
evening. Shortly after he assembled
the bridge, it was his happiness to be
Joined by Mrs. Prynne, who improved
the moment to express her gratifica'
ton with the propitious tide in her al.
fairs. The Kings courier was pleased
to declare herself very we'll pleased
indeed, though she admitted, under
jocular pressure. that she considered
she was roughing 1t. Captain Quick's
quarters were by no means palatial,
and the bill OF fare. while substantial
ly composed. lacked something of va
riety; but that was all a part of the
great and fascinating game she played
the game of secret service to His
Majesty, Edward VII.
Not that alone, but she was com.
forted by the assurance that her voy-
age would soon be over. her mission
discharged. her responsibility thing
Of the past. She would be glad TO see
Bombay.
One never knows. you know. Colo
mel O'Rourke." she said with a little
gesture expressive Of her allowance
FOR the unforeseen. ~,
O'Rourke OWNED she had something
On her mind which she hesitatel 10
rAca. though they were practically
alcna; the man at the wheel was "a
n:nantity-- bronze statue in faded
shirt, ragged turban and soiled cum
merbund. ~,
Then It's yourself will be glad, ]
Zovher 10 he rid of us. MADAME"
She smiled. deprecatory. What
would you?" she asked in French,
with significant glance up into
O'Rourke's eyes.
ITS not precisely pleasant to be
constantly apprehensive,' the woman
continued in the same tongue. even
when one has Colonel O'Rourke 10
look TO for protection
All. maGsme." eXposlnlated the
wanderer. But what makes ye sc
positive Id not turn tail and run away
from any real danger?"
She gave him look that brimmed
With mirtb. "A man who is a COW.
ard" size said slowly. doesn't stand
still anG draw a revolver when
heavy knife is thrown at his head
Quick told ye. MADAME"
No. | saw--heard the quarrelling
or the forward deck and got to the
companionvay in time 10 see what
happened Had you not been so in
ten; on your search fer the knife, You
would nave seen me. AS it was,
slipped below again without attracting
attention.
But why?'
ITO get my revolver, monsieur le
colonel;
Twas raught but al accident
You do not belie"e that yourself,
colonel dear; Coz my part, l.
"Well?"
Someone tried my door last night,
after you'd retired
"Ye are sure?" doubted ORourke,
disturbed.
Quite. was awake-thinking; !
heard you come below and close your
door at eight bells: long after there
were f0otsteps-someone walking in
his bare feet-in the saloon. Then
the knob was turned. very gently.
Fortunately. the door was bolted:
someone put shoulder to il. but IL
held fast. ] caught UP my revolver
indeed and am very reckless with it.
sir!-anG opened the door myself. The
saloon was quite empty.
aye shouldn't have Tisked that"
az had to kudw. with so much at
stake" size said simply.
O'Rourke endsavored 10 manufac-
tule plausible and reassuring explain
alton 10 the TACT. Quick, Danny. or
Dravos. mistaking their rooms"
1T was none of them. Captain
Quick was on deck; heard his voice
almost simultaneously. surely
couldb; mistake that. She laughed.
Nor would your man or Mr. Draros
have been SO stsalthy, so instant tc
escape"
"But-but-"
my theory, If you will have il. y
that mine enemy Of the Panjnab Is
one Of the crew OF the Rance, mon
s;eur''
Mrs. Prynne made this statement az
quietly as though she were comment
Ing on the weather. But her beliaf
chimed SO exactly with his own .ha'
O'Rcurke was stricken witless and 4
8 loss to frame satisfactory refu.a
ton. He was silent for some no
msnts, his lips a thin bard line,
crinkle Of anxiety between his brons.
"It ys'd only permitted me to attend
to him" &c Towled at length.