Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1914-08-05

company me, now is your opportunity
t-of course. with Captain Phinney's
consent" And she gave that discon-
fitted individual a look from beneath
her lowered lashes that was at once
smiling and enigmatic.
Naturally enough Tom was taken
completely off his guard, as he was ex-
pected to be; but after one involun-
tary start of surprise he rose to the
occasion. accepting it with apparent
equanimity.
MERGERS pale, dissipated features
glowed with pleasure; It had been
long, long time since any gentle girl
had imposed a confidence In him. He
glanced doubtfuIly at his skipper.
who was regarding him meaningly.
Mr. Mercer may be depended on
not to lose sight Of you" Tom said
pointedly. "and he'll see you safely
back to the Kohinur." And he added
to himself: or I'll break his teeth"
Mercer laughed and helped her down
| the steps to the launch. Tom watched
it glide away. black blot in the gold
en- reflection of the shore lights: he
saw Mercer appear upon the landing.
| then stoop DOM and catch the girls
hands and draw her up beside him
Next he noticed, that instead of back
! ing out, turning and heading for the
yacht, the sailor in charge Of the
launch made her fast and himself
climbed upon the landing, where he
was soon lost to sight in the moving
throng.
This maneuveT was observed by
Tom with a grim smile of comprehen-
sion. 1t could mean only one thing
| Miss Delias errand would not CON
sumo MUCK time; she was not going
any considerable dlstance-certainly
not all the way down to the city; and
Mercer had ordered the man to wait
So the Kohinur's master filed and
lighted his pipe. and defining a course
from gangway to stern and back again,
fell to pacing it with penduIum-like
regularity and patience.
Meanwhile, no sooner was the launch
away from the yacht than the girls
mood underwent a sudden change
Mercer had entered into the apparent
gay humor of the adventure; he was
even casting ahead. hoping that the
opportunity would present itself of ac-
quiring indefinite quantities of liquid
refreshment; but his hopes and the il
fusion Of gayety were dispelled at one
stroke when his companion addressed
him In tone of deep concern.
Mr.. Mercer" she said, my errand
Is one of pressing importance. or, rest
assured, should not have undertaken
to 90 downtown alone at this hour |
Thanks to your kindness, / do not
have to go alone, and my destination |
is the city only because | know of no |
nearby telephone station where may
be certain of privacy"
IF that's all you want" he re-
turned. we need go no further than
the Claremont. But, am disappoint-
ed"
mir. Mercer" she interrupted, |
please bear with me and forgive me |
for having persuaded you to come |
with me under false pretenses. |
have reason to be greatly worried and |
anxious"
ANh1Ng AAtNf HllAA 0AiAy N0Q Hldu " /
be of service" he gallantly assured |
her. Isn't there something more |
definite that can do for your"
mo, no-thank you. Only conduct |
me to the nearest telephone and wait |
a few minutes for me-"
With this she lapsed into silence. !
Mercer watched her while she adjust |
ed her veil so that it rendered her
completely unrecognizable, and mar
veled at the circumstance not little. |
He saw her enter telephone booth; |
then he took up his station outside |
and waited More than one acquaint- |
ance hailed him or boisterously in. |
vited him to Join them; but he was not |
to be persuaded
Minutes passed. He reflected that
the telephone conversation was be-
coming uncommonly long drawn out.
when he was attracted by the booth
door opening behind him, and moan
that could signify only intense agony
of mind
He Slowed round to behold the girl
clinging unsteadily to the door-knob
She had not troubled to readiust her
veil. and he could see that her mouth
was drawn In lines of suffering and
her lips were colorless. He sprang
promptly to her assistance. and sLe
instantly transferred the sustaining
hand to his wrist. which she clutched
spasmodieally.
What is it?" he demanded solicit
ously. yet with a restraining thought
of the ease with which any crowds
attention is attracted What has hap
pened?
MIR. Mercer"-her voice. pitched
low, was tense and vibrant with some
mastering emotion please get me
back to the Kohinur as quickly as you
can.
Put you are not fit" he protested.
for despite her pervously tight grip
on his wrist, she was still swaying. III
1 you can walk to one Of the tables,
/ perhaps little vine"
/ She broke in almost Gercely:
/ NO. no. no! Take me away-~to the
/ kohinur.at once. can make it if
/ you viii let me hold your arm"
She was fairly dragging him along
TIE wide hallway toward the entrance.
Your yeil--?" he reminded her.
She quickly drew it over the lower
| part OF her face. and Acknowledged his