Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1914-07-22
CHAPTER ~.

ment at the disclosure of the old mans
identity, there was a sudden swish OF
skirts, and the girl disappeared down
the companionpay. She left with a
marked haste hat might have been
significant to the skipper, had be been
In any state OF mind to be impressed
by such suggestive occurrences. In
moment a series of feminine exclama-
tions. indicative of surprise, came
duly TO his hearing: but his attention
was still held by the penetrating re-
gard
Your manner. Captain Phinney," re-
marked Willard In quiet voice. I'm.
plies that you are familiar with my
manner"
The statement concluded with
note OF interrogation; but Tom stood
tongue-tied What should he say? He
could not tell this man that at the
present moment detective was ex-
ceedngly anxious to find him-at least.
not without entering into Van Vech-
tens concern in the search. SO he
mood ly shook his head.
Afttr pause
Have you any place we may retire
TO for quiet TALK" Willard inquired
In the same tone.
THE ehart-house," vouehsafed Tom.
uneasily moving in that direction.
Once seated, there followed long
silence in the course of which Tom
grew more and more FESTIVE beneath
the Aeen look OF the magnetic eyes.
Never had he been more uncomfort-
able in his life. BY and by Willard
spoke. deliberately. but none the less
earnestly.
Look here, captain. frankly, are
you spying on me?'
Moses and green spectacles, mol"
blurted Tom. His establishment at the
question was so Enthusiastically genuine
that the other continued for a time to
watch him in silence. It would have
been plain to an outsider that the old
er man was deeply perplexed and
troubled, and was trying to hit upon
means OF coming to some sort Of I'M
Outstanding. Presently he drew sigh
and leaned back In his chair
Il can believe that" he said YEARLY
"You are not the sort of which spies
and eavesdroppers are made. You are
too transparent And yet" He fell
silent again, and for space pondered:
then abruptly leaning forward. he once
more fixed Tom with his keen look.
you thought--last night" he began,
"that didn't recognize you. But |
| did; / possess certain unusual powers,
an ability TO see distinctly in the faint
est light being one of them. You are
the young man who followed Calls at
Rocky Cove Monday night Now why
did you do that? l have right to
know"
In the face Of the older mans direct
manner, Toms nervousness left him
The powerful personality was no
without it's influence; but Tom was no
the sort Of chap that any man eoulC
overawe. and his discomposure wa
chiefly owing to his ticklish position
and his ready recognition of the fac
that II was not the sort Of situation
that he was equipped to cope with.
1 However, he was strongly attracte
> toward Willard; there was somethin
in spite OF his oddly, distinctly likabl
about the man.
h Look here, willard" he begaI
q meeting the others regard with lev,
r look and addressing him with a plat
t biuutness. your name is not at all Il
miliar to me IN tell you just why
a followed that chap Monday night. an
? why was surprised when you han
u ed me Brownlow's note. You1l 81
e then that there are some things T.
Is entitled to know as we'll as yoursel
he So Wei understand one another rigl
h here and now
d Willard nodded. but said nothing
k. DO you know the Powhatau clube
;; Another silent nod: but the eyes b
& traye0 = light OF dawning comprehe
y sion.
IN I'm member" pursued Tom, al
le the mysterious way In which you ne
pie acted in that old house across fro
pc us made US all curious. Why shouldi
a It? We talked about it and woudere
N time and time again--who the tenar
weres what they were up TO, and
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