The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1913-08-29


 away bitterly, but she caught me by the arm instantly.
 "What are you about to doT' she began. Don't abandon me now. I believe in you. I see now why you did it. It was to save me and help me. What would do, what could I do without you? I am''- she hesitat- ed; it was hard for her proud spirit sfI am sorry,'' she finished.
 Say no more,'' I answered, looking down at the little hand on my sleeve, my soul thrilling to her words and touch. "No harm shall come to you save over my dead body, and that is not enough for me to promise I mean to extricate you from this peril"
 "But is it possible?"
 ''I think so; pray so."
 'FYou are one against so many"
 q have one ally in the ship, you forget" said I, smiling at her, relieved and thankful to see her in her right mind again and awake to the truth and my real feeling toward her.
 And that is''-
 ''Yourself"
 "A feeble helper" she rejoined. smiling in turn.
 'FWe shall see.''
 &Aa0 VIII yOu 1OLS4N0 1uO AOI nav ing misjudged your" she asked plead ingly.
 "Gladly."
 'sNdy hand on it, then," she said. holding out her little palm which swallowed up in my large one on the instant, standing silent as usual, hold ing it the while.
 And are you not sorry that you you-kissed me?' she faltered at last.
 ''No," I answered bluntly enough being a plain man I have always felt compelled to tell the truth-except, perhaps, when her interests were at stake-"I am not sorry.'' But as she swiftly tried to draw her hand away I added, 'T promise you won't do it again, and you will forgive me, I know. Meanwhile we have much to plan. We may be interrupted any time and we had best get at it.'
 I reIea ased her hand and she faced me calmly enough
 You don't know how much safer I feel when have you to depend upon," she said.
 How my heart leaped at that assur- ance and I saw that she had indeed forgiven me.
 f1 shall leave everything to you, Mas ter Hampdon," she continued. 'fDo you tell me what to do, and I will do it.'
 T know you will. I could not ask braver, better second,'' answered heartily.
 At that moment heard step on the ladder. Somebody was coming. Quick as a flash I realized the part we had to play in public. I balled my fist and struck the bulkhead savagely. I sup pose must have changed my expres- sion as well, for in her surprise she screamed faintly
 That's it," I whispered, scream again, louder, louder What do you mean?'' she asked in incomprehensib1e amazement, in this crisis my wits working quicker than hers.
 'sThere is somebody outside. We have a part to play. I am. abusing you and you are fight1ng,'' whispered swiftly. Then louder, fairly shouting at her in- deed, cried, EFDown on your knees, wench. You will find that you have met your master now"
 made some sound of scuf1e and she lid indeed scream loudly. In the midst of the commotion the door was tried, but fortunately I had turned the key.
 'FWho's there ?'' I shouted, and to my lady whispered 'tBeg for helpr'
 Entering into the spirit of the game and smiling at me, since there was none but l to see, albeit she infused strange terror in her voice, so that was amazed myseR. she cried at the top of her voice:
 Help! HelpI"
 in turn called louder yet:
 Silence, woman!" and struck the bulkhead again.
 Finally turning to the door opened it a bit, and there stood one of the younger seamen.
 What want your" began sternly and stormily. ttI don't care to be dis turbed just now"
 You are wanted on deck. It is just dawn. Land has been sighted, and there's a heavy sea runnin'. PimbaH nn' Glibby want your counsel and ad- vice what's to be done"
 "GoodH' said I. FI will be with you in moment. Tell them have yet word or two to say to this woman here"
 The man turned on his heel, passed through the cabin and climbed the lad der to the deck.
 Now said quickly, thrusting one of nay pistols into my little mistress hand, i've can talk no longer this time. I am going to do my best for you, and if I fail here is a weapon. You know what to do with it.''
 Shall use it on them?''
 tfNo, lass" I answered grimly, lon yourself if it comes to the worst.''
 q understand she said, paling a little.
 To be Continued.l