The Washington herald., 1914-09-06

I the captain taDle, anu everyone SCShiSo
to catch a little of the reflected glory
of her bright sayings and infectious
laughter. But some one asked her a
question, about half way through the
meal, which for a moment checked her
flow of spirits.
! Who was the man who turned US all
out this afternoon, Miss Bateman? We
can't put up with that sort of thing all
the way over, you know. No one man
has right to two whole uninterrupted
hours alone with you, not even the Pres
ident of the United Statesw
His name is Geofrey Paish," she an
swered: Il really don't know much
more about him than that"
The name awakened plenty OF interest.
why, he's the fellow" some one Gag
erly exclaimed, who's come in for the
whole of the Paish estate. The old man
was banker in New York, you know
his uncle, | think it was. Mighty queer
family, too"
The old man died worth seven mil
lions" the boy who sat on her left hand
remarked enviously. Nice little pile
for him to step into"
Did any one ever hear of this Geof-
frey Paish at college or anywhere?
asked Andrew Bliss, the man who sat
opposite to her
No one had. A man from a little
higher up the table leaned forward.
There were some very queer stories
going about New York concerning this
young man only last week" he re-
marked.
The girl caught him up sharply.
There arc queer stories about every
one" she said, If people care to listen
to them. Let us talk about something
else"
She was a little later than customary
when she came up on deck after dinner.
As usual she wore no hat or wrap of
any sort The wind blew her fair hair
about her face. and she was obliged to
gather up and hold the skirts of her
black dinner gown. Several young men
came hurrying toward her, but she
waved them away. She crossed the
deck to where the man was sitting. He
had just finished a frugal dinner which
had been brought out to him by lis
servant
viii you come for a little walk ,"
she said. u should like to go out to
the bow"
He rose at once and led the way. The
journey to the forepart OF the ship was
a little devious. and once, after a mo-
ment's hesitation, he offered her his
hand. She took it frankly, and sud
den rush of color came into his cheeks.
The willing touch of her fingers pos
sessed a certain significance for him.
They leaned over the white ratings,
and the fresh breeze blew strong and
salt in their faces. She stood quite
close to him.
Il wanted to come here" she said,
because VIC are safe against Interrupt
tion. There is something which have
to say to YOU"
He moistened his dry lips. His in
terJection was scarcely audible.
4 was telling you only this after
noon," she said how monotonous my
life had been. ! seem to have been NOV
ing along the plane all the time. But
once, for a few minutes, things were
different. | had what | suppose people
would call an adventure. 1t was while
l was staying in Virginia with an aunt
not this one. do not think that I will
tell you the name of the place"
"Don'tl" he muttered.
1T was large, old-fashioned house,
very low, and my room was on the first
floor, only few feet from the ground.
One night we had dance there. l fell
asleep in my chair afterward, leaving
my Jewels scattered about the dressing
table. When l woke up, there was
man in the room calmly filling his pock-
cts with them"
Pardon me he interrupted. but
hope you are noticing the phosphorus"
I'VE will talk about the phosphorus
she continued equally. Il
suppose the slight noise | made disturb
ed him, and he wheeled suddenly round. |
He was a tall man and he wore a mask"
"A mask! Yesp
Which sfterward slipped" she con-
tinued. lust at that moment all I
could think of was that l was looking
into the muzzle of revolver"
"Of course you were not frightened?"
he remarked, with a queer little smile.
Not in the least" she answered him.
4 looked upon the revolver as a sort of
harmless but necessary toy. At that
moment had no fear. But after
ward"
Let me fetch you cloak" he begged.
The breeze is too strong here"
q am not gold" she answered calmly.
1t was a memory. But to 60 on with
ny story. Naturally / asked the man
What he was doing in my room, and as