Fulton County tribune. (Wauseon, Ohio) 1883-1925, 1915-10-22
TENTH INsTALLMENT

CHAPTER XXI.

THE SHIP OF HORROR.
Guest leaned a little forward and
gazed down the line OF steamer chairs.
The professor, in a borrowed overcoat
and cap. was reclining at full length.
studying a book on seagulls which he
had found in the library Laura and
Lenora were both doing TRANQUILITY.
Mr.. Harris Of Scotland Yard was deep
in volume OF detective stories.
"As a pleasure cruise" Quest re
marked grimly, this little excursion
seems to be a complete success"
Laura opened her eyes at once.
Trying TO get my goat again. eh7"
she retorted. Il suppose that's what
you're after. Going to tell me, sup
pose. that Il wasn't Craig saw aboard
this steamer7'
I'VE are all liable to make mis-
takes" Quest observed. "and am In
clined to believe that this is one OF
yours"
Laura's expression was little dog
ged.
"Tf he's too clever for you and Mr..
Harris" she said, 'T can't help that.
only know that he came on board.
My eyes are the one thing In life do
believe"
''If you'll excuse me saying so, Miss
Laura" Harris ventured, leaning def
erentially towards her, there isn't a
passenger on board this ship, or a
servant, or one Of the crew, whom we
haven't seen. We've been into every
steteroom, and we've even searched
the hold. We've been over the ship,
backwards and forwards. The cap.
tain's own steward has been our guide,
and we've conducted an extra search
on our own account. Personally, ]
must say I have come to the same
conclusion as Mr.. Quest. At the pres.
ent moment there Is no such person
as the man we are looking for on
board this steamer"
"Then he either changed into an.
other one" Laura declared obstinate
ly. cor else he jumped overheard"
Come on. Harris, you and prom
ised to report to the captain this
morning. don't suppose he'll be any
too pleased with us. Let's get through
with t.
The two men walked down the deci
together. They found the captain
alone in his room, with a chart spread
out in front OF him and pair of com
passes in his hand. He turned round
and greeted them.
"Wel1?"
mo luck, sir" Quest announced
''Your steward has given us every as
sistance possible and we have
searched the ship thoroughly. Un
less he has found hiding place un
known to your steward, AMI not appar
ent TO us, the man Is not on board.
The captain frowned slightly.
you are not 81 sestlng that this Il
possible. I suppose
Quest did not Il once reply. HI
was thinking OF Laura's obstinacy.
Personally" he admitted 'I SHOULD
not have believed II 20 sible Th'
young lady OF our party. owever. WHIT
declares that she saw Cr~'g board th'
steamer. Is quite immov, ble."
Brown" said the captain, turning
70 but httWhtus 4 uhucA tahu thdt yO'
say that you have taken these gentle
men into every corner OF the ship, tha
you have ransacked very possibl
hiding place. that you have given ther
every possible opr .ty Of search
ing for, themselves.
That is quite true ir," the ma
acknowledged.
you agree with m that II is In
possible for anyone to remain hidde
In this ship?"
Absolutely. sir"
"You hear, gentlemen?" the capital
contalnued. "Tr IAN do no NOR
What the mischief are you hangin
about for. Brown?" he asked. turnin
10 the steward, who was standing b
with a carpet-sweepar in his hand.
Room wants cleaning out badl
sir"
The captain glanced distastefully
the carpet-sweeper.
DO 1t when I am at dinner. then
ne ordered, "and take that damnC
thing away"
The steward obeyed promptly. Que
and Harris followed him down Il
deck.
"Queer-looking fellow, that" the |;
Ter remarked. Doesn't seem quite
his ease. does he?"
Seemed q trife overanxious,
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