The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1914-01-02

Before you do" he added, 81 would
like to know whether the order about
going and coming includes this young
lady?"
Willard brushed back the strayed
lock OF white hair with the same tired
gesture that Tom had witnessed be-
fore. He sighed profoundly.
NO." he said, 'tit dos not / made
no exceptions because / wanted to
avoid explanations Calls is the only
one of my party at whom the order
was particularly aimed Lord!
What source of anxiety he has been.
The other three men will
cause you no trouble on that score;
main on the yacht. Of course no
stranger is to be permitted to come
aboard"
Thank you, SIR" returned Tom,
stif1y. Il wish / had known this; !
can follow orders only as / receive
them"
He faced the silent girl with chal-
longing look. Willard was leaving
them-he disappeared. And she had
not appealed to him.
81 will order the launch" he said
quietly.
Without a word she preceded him
up to the deck, where he summoned
Mercer He had just notified the first
officer. that he was leaving the Kohinur
in his charge, when Della interrupted
in her most agreeable manner. She
addressed the mate.
Il 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, Mr.. Mercer; if you care to ac-
company me, now is your opportunity
of course, with Captain Phinney's
consent" And she gave that discom-
flied 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 a
long, long time since any gentle girl
had imposed a confidence in him. He
glanced doubtfully at his skipper,
who was regarding him mean:ngly.
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 addeo
to himself: Or III 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 down and catch the girls
hands and draw her up beside him.
Next he noticed, that instead of back
ing cut, turning and heading for the
yacht, the sailor III 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 cCmprehen-
sion- 1t could mean only one thing
Miss Delia's errand would not con-
sumo much time; she was not going
any considerable misunderstanding
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 course
from gangway to stern and back again,
fell to pacing it with pendulum-like
regularity and patience.
Meanwhile, no sooner was the launch
away from the yacht than the girls
mood underwent 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 go downtown alone at this hour
| Thanks to your kindness, I 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 yop want" he re,
/ turned, I'VE need go no further than
! the Claremont. But, / am disappoint
ed"
Mr.. 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, l am only too glad to
be of service" he CALAMITY assured
her. isn't there something more
definite that | can do for your
! NO, no-thank you. Only conduct
me to the nearest telephone and wait