Bisbee daily review., 1914-12-08

"i couldn't think of taking Captain Phinney away from his duties" she said sweetly. "You were saying this morning that you wanted to go down town, Mir. Mercer: if you care to ac- company me, now Is your opportunity of course. with Captain Phinneys consent" And she gave that diecom dted 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 inyolun- tary start of surprise he rose to the occasion. accepting 1t with apparent squanimity
 Mercer's pale, dissipated features glowed with pleasure; 1t had been long. long time since any gentle girl had imposed a confidence in him. He glanced doubtfully at his skipper. who was regarding him meaningly.
 Mir. 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 teethl"
 Mercer laughed and helped her down the steps to the launch. Tom watched 1t glide away. a black blot in the gold eh reflection of the shore lights; he saw Mercer appear upon the landing, then stoop down 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 maneuver was observed by Tom with a grim smile of comprehen- sion. It could mean only one thing Miss Delia's errand would not con sume much time; she was not going any considerable distance-certainly not all the way down to the city; and Mercer had ordered the man to wait.
 So the Kohinur's master filled and lighted his pipe, and defining a course from gangway to stern and back again fell to pacing it with pendulgmlike feBuldTlty ana 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 4 opportunity would present itself of ac- Quiring indefinite quantities of liquid refreshment; but his hopes and the H. fusion of gayety were dispelled at one | stroke when his companion addressed | him in tone of deep concern.
 MT Mercer" she said. my errand is one of pressing importance, or, rest | assured, l should not have undertaken to go downtown alone at this hour Thanks to y6ur kindness, l do not is the city only because l know of no nearby telephone station where l may be certain of privacy"
 "If that's all you want" he re turned, I've need go no further than the Claremont But l am disappoint ed"
 INT. 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"
 Believe me, am only too glad to be of service" be gallantly assured her. Isn't there something more definite that I can do for your"
 No, no-thank you Only conduct me to the nearest telephone and wait few minutes for me"
 With this she lapsed into silence Mercer watched her while she adjust ed her veil so that it rendered hel completely unrecognizable, and mar veled at the circumstance not a little
 He saw her enter a telephone booth then he took up his station outside and waited. More than one aoquaint ance hailed him, or boisterously in Tited him to join them; but he was no' Co be persuaded
 Minutes passed. He reflected that the telephone conversation was be coming uncommonly long drawn out when he was attracted by the booti door opening behind him, and a moaI that could signify only intense agony of mind
 He slowed round to behold the gir clinging unsteadily to the doorknob She had not troubled to readjust hel veil and he could see that her mouti was drawn in lines of suffering ana her lips were colorless. He spranl promptly to her assistance, and sh' instantly transferred the sustaininl hand to his wrist, which she clutcheS spasmodically.
 CTo Sc conunuedl.