The Green Forest tribune., 1915-08-06

the sea-and yachting IS such awfully good fun. if you only get decent weather"
 The mention of yachting brought back to my mind the visit of the Lola and it's mysterious sequel.
 Your father has yacht, then?" remarked, with as little concern as could.
 ''Yes. The Iris My uncle is cruising on her up the Norwegian Fiords. For us it is a change to be here. because we are so often afloat"
 50 you must have made many long voyages, and seen many odd corners of the world, Miss Leithcourt?" 1 re- marked, my interest in her increasing, for she seemed so extremely intelli- gent and well informed.
 "Oh, yes. We've been to Mexico and to Panama, besides Morocco. Egypt and the west coast of Africa"
 And you've actually landed at Leg horn!" l remarked
 Yes, but we didn't stay there more  think it was Father said there was nothing to see there. He and 1 went ashore, and l must say l was rather disappointed.'
 You are quite right. The town it. self is ugly and uninteresting But the outskirts-San Jacopo, Ardenza and Antigniano are all delightful It was unfortunate that you did not see them. Was it long ago when you put in there?"
 Not very long. I really don't recol- lect the exact date" was her reply. andria"
 Have you ever, in any of the ports you've been, seen a yacht called the Lola?" I asked eagerly, for it occurred to me that perhaps she might be able to give me information.
 "The Lola!" she gasped, and instant ly her face changed. A flush over spread her cheeks, succeeded next mo- ment by deathIike pallor. The Lola!" she repeated fin a strange, hoarse voice, at the same time en- deavoring strenuously not to exhibit any apprehension. "No. I have never heard of any such vessel Is she a steam yacht? Who's her owner?" I regarded her in amazement and suspicion, for 1 saw that mention of the name had aroused within her some serious misgiving. That look in her
  upon me was one of distinct and un- speakable terror
 What could she possibly know con- corning the mysterious craft9
 q don't know the owners name" said, still affecting not to have noticed her alarm and apprehension. The vessel ran aground at the Meloria, a dangerous shoal outside Leghorn, and through the stupidity of her captain was very nearly lost"
 "Yes?" she gasped, in a half-whisper, bending to me eagerly, unable to suf- ficiently conceal the terrible anxiety consuming her. And you-did you go aboard herr"
 Yes was the only word I uttered.
 A silence fell between us, and as my eyes fixed themselves upon her, I saw that from her handsome mobile coun- tenance all the light and life had sud- denly gone out, and 1 knew that she was in secret possession of the key to that remarkable enigma that so pug zled me.
 Of sudden the door opened, and a voice cried gayly:
 Why, I've been looking everywhere for you, Muriel. Why are you hidden here? Aren't you coming?"
 We both turned, and as she did so a low cry of blank dismay involuntarily escaped her.
 Next instant l sprang to my feet. The reason of her cry was apparent for there, in the full light of the golden sunset streaming through the long open windows, stood a broad-shoul- dered, air-bearded man in tennis fan nels and a Panama hat-the fugitive I knew as Philip Hornby! faced him, speechless.