Rocky Ford enterprise., 1914-09-11
o to worry about them.

First, the charterer and party will
want to come aboard somewhere
around nine O'Clock tonight; he will
bring you a note from me.
Second. It is uncertain whom you
will sail: but fires must be kept
banked in readiness to clear at any
time"
Third. after nightfall the boat must
be kept dark-all Interior lights close
ly shaded-none whatever displayed
on or above deck except your regula-
tion port and starboard lights.
Fourth, nobody is to be permitted
to come aboard or go ashore without
the charterer's express permission. |
believe that's ALL"
Tom stared at the slight figure op-
posite him, and ran his fingers through
his thatch of close black curls.
rs this going to be smuggling
stunt?" demanded he, frankly bewil-
dered. Or are we going TO kidnap
an heiress?
"Kidnap an heiress!" echoed Brown
low. God bless my soul! What put
that notion into your head? | told you
that | am ignorant of the nature OF the
charterer's object-saye that Il is hon
estl"
"Humph!" Tom grunted. 1T doesn't
sound honest"
"Ill admit that there is good deal
OF mystery about the affair that | do
not like: but" And Mr.. Brownlow
waved a hand in a gesture that re-
called to the other the Name which
could not be mentioned
The owner. after a final outburst of
gratitude and satisfaction at having
been. as he expressed it. saved" at
the last moment, took his departure;
and 1t was not until he had gone that
It occurred to Tom that the charterer's
name had not been once mentioned.
At this neglected detail he expressed
his wonder in the classic language of
one OF New York city's former police
chiefs:
Now wouldn't that blow your hat in
the river!"
He then took over the personal su-
pervision Of the cleaning-up process.
to such good purpose that by nightfan
the yacht was as spick and span AZ a
battleship.
1t was perhaps close to ten O'Clock
or four bells of the first watch
when Tom, Arrayed to his satisfaction.
heard the officer of the watch respond
to the launch's hail He hurried on
deck and stationed himself at the
head of the aCcommodation-steps men
tally deplorlng the absence of lights.
A stir came up from tho river. but
the launch was invisible. In a mo-
ment q mans head and shoulders
loomed dimly in the gangway. He
stepped upon the deck and. leaning to-
ward Tom. peered into his face in Il
vain attempt to make out his features.
To Tom. tho mans face was quite in
uishable-merely a denser blot
against the blaCkness.
Is this the captain?" inquired a
voice strangely familiar.
Tom started with surprise. Where
had he heard that voice before? He
could not recollect on the spur of the
moment, but for some inexplicable rea-
son II seemed so necessary that he
should, and he tried so hard to do so,
that the man was obliged to repeat his
question.
Il beg your pardon" Tom STAN
mered. Il am Captain Phlnney."
1t was only natural that he should
expect to hear his questioner's name
in return. or to be handed the note OF
Introduction mentioned by BrownIow
but the man walked away without an
other word
The others we're following one an
other rapidly. until five dim shapes
we're ranged along the deck. wholly
Invisible in the shadow of the super
structure.
All at once the now very alert skip
per directed his attention TO a murmuI
OF feminine voices in the launch. The
ladies. manIfestly, were finding con
siderable amusement in pretending 2
| hazardous embarkatiou. for theil
| transfer from the smaller craft to this
steps was accompanied by little terri
| ned shrleks and much subdued laugh
Ter. In moment one came quickly
and agilely up TO the deck. halted anc
| turned around. Her outline presented
| only the yaguest sort OF blur.
Welcome to the KohInur." sh,
called back gayly to whoever remained
/ below.
And If Tom had started at sound o
| the mans voice. what words Hre ade
| quate 10 describe his sensations now
| None. 1t is 70 be regretted Keeling
backward until he stayed himself b,
a mechanical clutch at the rail, h,
cung there, electrified with amaze
ment-stupId with lncredulity. II thr
| sun had suddenly burst into view over
! head he could have been no more com
! pletely overcome
| Next instant, however, conviction
was hammered home Two other laugh
Ing figures had Joined the first n,
! three blending In ono faint outline
/ when he again heard tho voice.