The Washington times., 1915-05-16

and cap, was reclining a. fun length,
studying q book on seagulls, which he
had found in the library. Laura ans
Lenora were both doing TRANQUILITY.
Mr.. harris. of Scotland Yard, was
deep in volume OF detective stories.
"As 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 rctorted. Il suppose that's what
you're after. Going to tell me, | sup
pose, that it wasn't Craig | saw board
this steamer"
I've are all inclined to make mis-
takes Quest observed. and l am in
oiined to believe that this Is one OF
yours"
Laura's expression was little
d:Sfef; fE d., ,oo o,.v.r for von ~, u-
Harris" she said, Il can't help that.
4 only know that he came on BOARD.
NV eyes are the one Thing in life
I 90 believe"
If youn excuse my saying SO. Miss
Laura" Harris ventured. leaning def
erentially toward her, there isn't q
servant, or one of the crew, whom we
haven't seen. We've been into every
stateroom, and we've even searched
the hold We've been over the ship.
backwards ana forwards. The cap
tain's own steward has been our guide,
and we've conducted an extra searcn
on our own account. Personally, |
must say | have come to the same
conclusion as Mr.. Quest. At the pres
ept moment there is no such person rs
the man we are looking for on hoard
this steamer.
''Then he either changed on to an
other one Laura declared, obstinate
1y, 'or else he jumped overheard"
Harris, who was very polite man.
Eazed thoughtfully out seward. Quest
when Lauras S set on a thing" he
unmarked. she takes little moving.
What do you think about it, profess
sor2''
| The professor laid down his book.
Keeping his finger in the place. He
had the air OF a man perfectly con-
tent with himself and his surround
ings.
my friend" he said. II boarded this
steamer with only one thought in my
Lnind-Craig. At the present moment
70 complete change of outlook The
horrors of the last few months seem
70 have passed from my brain like a
dream; lie here, watch these white
watch the sunshine make jewels OF
the spray, I breathe this wonderful
air, relax my body to the slow, sooth-
Ing movements OF the boat. and I feel
Craig really on board? Was 1t really
ne whom Miss Laura here saw? At
the present moment, really do not
care. learn from the steward, who
we are found for India. am very
glad to hear it. 1t is some time since
! saw Bombay, and the thought OF
these long days OF complete peace nils
me with a most incescribable salts
faction"
Quest grunted little as he knocked
the ash from his cigar.
Not much of the bloodhound about
the professor" he remarked What
about you, Lenora"
She smiled at him.
L agree entirely with the professor"
she murmured except that l am not
quite so sure that l appreciate the
rhythmical movement of the boat as he
feeling that l would like to 60 on and
on and forget all the horrible things
that have happened, to live in a sort Of
dream, and wake up in world from
'Fnervating effect this voyage seems
to be having upon you ALL" Quest grum-
bled. Even Harris there looks far too
well contented with life
The detective smiled. He was young
and fresh-coIored, with a shrewd but
pleasant face. He glanced Involuntary
at Laura as he spoke
We'll. Mr.. Quest" he said. Il didn't
feel any responsibility about it. but i
Fnust confess that I am enjoying the
trip. haven't had a holiday this year"
Qpest struggled to his feet and threw
back the rug In his chair.
It you all persist in turning this into
&pSose I'll have to alter ts my nsnSneG oWn point
OF View. Come on Harris. you and I
ptouhsed to report to the captain this
Spprning. ! don't suppose he'll be any
with It,"
The two men walked down the deck
tos ether. They found the captain alone
in his room with a chart spread out in
front of him and pair Of compasses in
his hand. He turned round and greeted
"Weu?'
"No luck, sir" Quest announced
Your steward has given us every as
sistance possible, and we have searched
the ship thoroughly Unless he has
found q hiding place unknown to your
steward. and not apparent to us, the
The captain frowned slightly.
You ars not suggesting that that is
Quest did not at once reply. He was
PERSONALLY" he admitted, II should
not have believed 1t possible. The
young lady of our party, however, who
declares that she saw Craig board the
steamer. is quite immovable "
The captain rose to his feet. He was
q man of medium height, strongly built
with short. brown beard and keen blue
eyes.
This matter must he cleared M en-
tirely.' he declared, brusquely. "Tt you
Will excuse me for n momcrt will talk
to the young lady myself"
He walked firmly down the deck to
whero the two girls were seated, and
paused In front of Laura.
80 you're the Young ladv." he re-
marked. touching his cap "who thinks
that come to sea with criminals stow
ed away on my ship"
Don't know what your habits are,
captain" Laura replied, "but this par
ttcular criminal boarded your ship all
rleht In Southampton Harhor."
Anything wrong with your eye
EiFhtt" the captain inquired. blardly.
None" Laura assured him. II saw