The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1915-05-08
THE SHIP OF HORROR

THE SHIP OF HORROR
CHAPTER XXI,
Quest leaned little forward and sazed down
the line OF steamer chairs. The professor in
borrowed overcoat and cap, was reclining at full
length studying book on seagulls which he had
found in the library. Laura and Lenora both
doing TRANQUILITY. Mr.. Harris Of Scotland Yard
was deep in volume of detective stories.
LAS pleasure cruise Crest remarked grimly,
this little excursion seems to be complete sue
cess"
Laura opened her eyes at once.
Trying to get my goat again. eh? she retorted.
II suppose that's what you're after. Going to tell
me. suppose, that it wasn't Craig I saw board
this steamer"
I'VE all liable to make mistakes" Quest OBJ
served, land am inclined to believe that this is
one Of yours"
Laura's expression was little logged.
If he's too clever for you and Mr.. Harris" she
said, ~ can't help that only know that he
board. My eyes the thing in life do
believe
"lf you'll excuse my saying Miss Laura Har-
ris venturcd. leaning deferentially towards her.
there isn't passenger board this ship, or a
servant. or one OF the crew. whom we haven't
We've keen into every stateroom, and we've even
searched the hold We've been the ship,
backwards and forwards. The captains own
steward has been guide, and we've conducted
an extra search on our own account. Personally.
must say have come to the conclusion as
M Quest At the present moment there is no
such person as tho man We are looking for
board this steamer"
Then he either changed another one"
Laura declared, obstnately, cor else he jumped
overheard"
Quest struggled to his feet and threw back the
rug IN his chair.
Come on. Harris, you and promised to report
20 the captain this morning. DOM suppose he'll
be any too pleased with us. Let's get through
with it."
The two walked down the deck together.
mo luck. sir" Quest announced "Your steward
has given every assistance possible and we have
searched the ship thoroughly. Unless he has
found hiding place unknown to your steward,
and not apparent to US. the man is not board
The captain frowned slightly
you are not suggesting that that is possible,
suppose?"
Quest did not at reply. He was thinking
Of Lauras obstinccy.
Personally" he admitted, IT should not have be-
Heved it possible. The young lady of party.
however, who declares that shc saw Craig board
the steamer, is quite immovable"
Brown" said the captain turning to the stew
ard, II understand you to say that you have taken
these gentlemen into every Of the ship. that
you have ransacked every possible hiding place,
that you have given them every possible oppor.
tunity Of searching for themselves"
That is quite true sir" the acknowledged.
You agree with that It is impossible for any
one to remain hidden III this ship"
Absolutely, sir
II really can do What the mischief are
you hanging about for, Brown he asked turn
ing to the steward, who standing by with
carpet-sweeper In his hand.
Room wartc cleaning out badly, sir"
The captain glanced dstastefully at the carpet
sweeper.
DO it when I am at dinner ther" he ordered
land take that domned thing away"
The steward obcy-d promptly. Quest and Har-
ris followed him down tho deck
"Que-rlooking fellow, that" the latter re-
marked. Doesn't seem quite az i: "ase. does
he?"
was SLOWING round the ship" Quest agreed.
Men, Harris mu-mured softly. las the gentle
man vic w-ote nc volume Of detective stories
am reading puts It, to keep our eye
The captain. who down to dinner unusually
early -osc TO welcome Quests It'll. party, and
himself arranged the seats
You. Mis-. Lerora," he saic, will please sit on
my left and YOU. Miss Laura, on my right. Mr.
Quest will you sit the other side Of Miss Laura
and Or. Harris two Places down my left. There
is an old lady who expccts 10 be at the table, but
the steward tells she hasn't been in yet"
They settled down into tho places arranged for
them.
An elderly lady. dressed in Gomew:at oppressive
black. with oiS cameo brooch at her throat and
a black satin bsg N hcr ham,, vas being shown
b. tho stewa.: to seat by Quests side. She
acknowledged tho captains greeting ac:dy.
Coed evening" captain sue cod. Y uader-
stood fron. tn. second s ward I1st the ecet on
your right hand would be ree>--ee sor t1o / ar
Mrs Toston Rowe
The captain received tho :rarunoe,.m. calmly
Very p]ea:ed 10 have ,eu It The :ahls madau:,"
he replied AS to the seatf>x, e.ve that entire.
ly to the steward. / never interfere myself"
Laura pinched his arm, and !.rorx glanced
away to hide smile Mrs. Yvston Ro-e studied
tho mcnu disapprovingiy
'Hors d'ocuvrcs," she declared, ! aeve. touch
No ono knows how long they've been opened.
Bouon-I will Ave scme 5ouillon steward"
In one moment maGam."