The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1914-04-16

Tarzan's place was vacant.
Miss Strong was mildly curl
ous for Mr.. Caldwell had al
ways made ii point to wait that he
might breakfast with her and her
mother As she was sitting on deck
later M. Thuran paused to exchange
half dozen pleasant words with her.
He seemed In most excellent spirits
his manner was the extreme OF afabil-
fly. AS he passed on Miss Strong
thought what very delightful man
was M. Thuran.
The day dragged heavily. When M.
Thuran stopped again to chat with her
In the afternoon she welcomed the
break in the days monotony. But she
had begun to become seriously con-
cerned about CaIdweIl's continued abb
sence. Presently she preached the sub
ject to nj. Thuran. Had he seen Mr..
Caldwell today? He had not Why2
He was not at breakfast as usual.
nor have 1 seen him once since yester-
day." explained the girl.
M. Thuran was extremely solicitous.
II did not have the pleasure of init
mate acquaintance with Mr.. Caldwell"
he said. He seemed most estimable
gentleman. however. Can ii be that
he is indisposed and has remained I'm
bis stateroom? 1t would not be
strange
mo-" replied the girl; lit would not
be strange. of course. but for some in
explicable reason l have one Of those
foolish feminine presentiments that all
is not right with Mr.. Caldwell. IL is
the strangest feeling. 1t is as though
l knew that he was not on board the
ship"
NJ. Thuran laughed pleasantly. "Mer-
cy. my dear Miss Strongr' he said.
Where in the world could he be then2
We have not been within sight of land
for days."
'Of course IT is ridiculous of me-
she admitted. And then: But / am
not going to worry about it any longer.
am going to find out where Mr.. Cald-
well is.'' And she motioned to a pass
ing steward.
THAT may be more difficult than you
imagine. my dear GIRL" thought M.
Thuran. but aloud he said, .By all
means"
Find Mr.. Caldwell. please" she said
to the steward. land tell him, that his
friends are much worried by his con-
tinued absence"
you are very fond of Mr.. CaldwelIr'
suggested nj. Thuran.
II think he is splendid" replied the
girl. And mamma is perfectly infat-
uated with him"
A minute later the steward returned
to say that Mr.. Caldwell was not in his
stateroom. II cannot find him, Miss
Strong. and"-he hesitated-"I have
learned that his berth was not occu.
pied last night think that had bet
ter report the matter to the captain"
Most assuredly," exclaimed Miss
Strong. II shall go with you to the
captain myself"
1t was very frightened young wo-
man and an excited steward who pre-
scented themselves before the captain
few moments later. He listened to
their stories in silence, look of con-
Germ marking. his expression as the
steward assured him that he had
sought for the missing passenger I'm
every part of the ship that passengers
might be expected to frequent.
The captain ordered an immediate
and thorough search of the entire ship
from stem to stern-no nook or Granny
was to be overlooked. 1t was full
hour later that the first officer returned
to report the outcome OF the search.
'Mr. Caldwell is not on board. sir"
he said.
II fear that there is something more
serious than accident here. MIR. Brent
w. said the captain. II wish that you
would make a personal and very care
tnl examination Of Mr.. Caldwell's ef-
tects. To ascertain II there In any clew
90 n motive either for suicide OF muir
Ter SIT The thing 10 the bottom"
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