The Delta independent., 1913-04-18

of. He had made some inquiries as to
where she intended staying, even add
ed a half-hearted invitation to dinner
that evening at his home. But she
declined.
mo. thank you. Abner," she said
I'm goin' to find a boardin' place and
I'd just as soon nobody knew where
was for the present. And there's
one thing / want to ask you: don't
. tell a soul l am here. Not a soul. II
anyone should come askin' for me,
don't give 'em any satisfaction. I'll
tell you why some day, perhaps
can't now"
This was what troubled Mr.. Stone
as he sat in his office. Why should
this woman wish to have her where.
abouts kept a secret? There was a
reason for this, of course. Was 1t a
respectable reason, or the other kind !?
If the latter, his own name might be
associated with the scandal He wish.
ed. for the fiftieth time, that there
were no poor relations.
A boy came into the office. "There
is some one here to see you, Mr..
Stone" he said.
who is it?"
Il don't know, sir. Looks like a
seafaring man, sea captain. should
say-but he won't give his name. Says
it's important and nobody but you'll
do"
"Humph! All right Tell him to
wait. I'll be out in minute"
Sea captains and ship owners were
Stone & Barker's best customers. The
senior partner emerged from the OF.
flee with a smile on his face.
"Ah!" he said, extending his hand.
Glad to see you. Captain-er-"
Hammond replied the visitor.
Same to you. MIR. Stone
Fine weather for this time OF
year"
Fine enough, Mr.. Stone.
We'll, Captain Hammond, what can
we do for you? Going to sail soon?"
Not right away. Just made port,
less'n a week ago. Home looks good
to me, for spell. anyhow"
80? Yes, have no doubt. Let
me see-where is your home, cap
tain? l should remember. of course,
but"
Don't know why you should. This
is my first trip in your latitude. 1
guess. My homes at Trumet.'
"Trumet?" Mr.. stones tone chang.
ed.
Yes. Trumet. down on the Cape,
Ever been there? We think it's about
as good place as there it."
"Hu-u-m! Trumet? Well. Captain
Hammond. you wished to see me. /
understand"
"Yes. Fact is, Mr.. Stone, / want
to ask you where l can find Mrs. Ke-
ziah Coffin. She's a relation of yours.
/ blieve. and she's come to Boston
lately. Only yesterday or the day
afore. Can you tell me where she
ISL"
why do you wish to see her?"
"Oh, for reasons, personal ones
She's a friend of mine"
II see. No. captain. can't tell you
where she is. Good morning"
Captain Nat was greatly disappoint
ed.
Hold on there, just minute" he
begged. This is important you un.
derstand, Mr.. Stone. I'm mighty anx.
ious to find Kezi-Mrs. Coffin We
thought. some of her friends and /.
that most likely you'd know where
she was. Can't you give us any help
at all? Hasn't she been here?"
Good morning. Captain Hammond.
You must excuse me, I'm busy
He went into the office and closed
the door. Captain Nat rubbed his
forehead desperately. He had been
almost sure that Abner Stone would
put him on Keziah's track. Grace had
thought so, too. She remembered
what the housekeeper had told con-
corning her Boston cousin and how
the latter had found employment for
Trumet, after her brothers death
Grace believed that Keziah would go
to him at once.
Nat walked to the door and stood
there. trying to think what to do next
"A smart young person. wearing con-
spicuous suit of clothes. aided and
abetted by vivid waistcoat and
pair of youthful but promising side
whiskers, came briskly along the side
walk and stopped in front OF him.
well. sir?" observed this person,
with cheerful condescension. ANY
thing / can do for you?"
Captain Nat turned his gaze upon
the side whiskers and the waistcoat.
"Hey?" he queried.
I Il say, is there anything / can do
for you?"
The captain shook his head.
"No-oo," he drawled dryly, I'm afraid
not, son. ] admit that don't seem
scarcely possible, but ! am afraid it's
So"
Looking for something in our line,
was your
well, / don't know. What might
be on your line-clothes?"