Mexico Missouri message., 1914-04-30
CHAPTE ~.
An IntcrIude.

AS Tom thus voiced his astonish-
ment at the disclosure of the old mans
identity, there was a sudden swish OF
skirts. and the girl disappeared down
the companionway. She left with
marked haste that might have been
significant to the skipper, had be been
in any state OF mind to be impressed
by such suggestive occurrences. In
moment q series OF feminine exclama-
tons. 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 a quiet voice, I'm
plies that you are familiar with my
name?"
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 a detective was ex-
ceedingly anxious to find him-at least,
not without entering into Van Vech-
tens concern in the search. So he
moodily shook his head.
After a pause
Have you any place we may retire
to for a quiet talk?" Willard inquired
in the same tone.
"The chart-house," vouchsafed Tom,
uneasily moving in that direction.
Once seated. there followed a long
silence in the course of which Tom
grew more and more FESTIVE beneath
the keen 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 time to
watch him In silence. 1t 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
derstanding. Presently he drew a sigh
and leaned back In his chair.
81 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 a space pondered;
then abruptly leaning forward. he once
more fixed Tom with his keen look.
You thought-last night" he began,
"that I 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? / have a right to
know"
In the face of the older mans direct
manner. Toms nervousness left him.
The powerful personality was not
without its influence; but Tom was not
the sort OF chap that any man could
oyerawe, and his dscomposure was
chiefly owing to his ticklish position,
and his ready recognition OF the fact
that II was not the sort OF situation
that he was equipped TO cope with.
However. he was strongly attracted
Wv al " w maj u NhtAb wan bOntlHlnB
in spite OF his oddly, distinctly lkabIe
about the man.
Look here. Willard" he began,
meeting the others regard with level
! look and addressing him with a plain
| bluntness. your name is not at all IA.
miliar to me. I'll tell you Just why
followed that chap Monday night, and
why was surprised when you hand.
ed me Brownlow's note. You'll see
then that there are some things I'm
| entitled TO know as well as yourself.
So wen understand one another right
here and now"
Willard nodded, but said nothing.
do you know the Powhatan club?"
Another silent nod; but the eyes be-
trayed a light OF dawning comprehen-
sion.
I'm a member" pursued Tom, "and
the mysterious way in which you peo-
pie acted In that old house across from
US made us all curious. Why shouldn't
f.? We talked about 1t and wondered,
time and time again-who the tenants
were; what they were up 70. and all