The Cook County news-herald. [volume] (Grand Marais, Cook County, Minn.) 1909-current, 1915-06-03
PROLOGUE.

The action Of the story has its real
beginning on an ocean liner bound for
Europe and just leaving New York. 1t
has been boarded in haste on winter
day by Overton Brill. an impetuous
wealthy young bachelor, who. attract
ed by pretty girl accompanied by an
elderly gentleman. has followed them
aboard. Brill was en- his way uptown
with Aristides Stebbins. his valet,
known as Jay. when he saw the girl,
just after purchasing valuable brace
let as gift for Miss Carstairs. The
passenger list reveals the names Of the
pursued as Mr.. Andrew Jennison and
daughter. Brill finds himself without
money and negotiates with dark in
dividual named Benedict for the sale
of the bracelet, receiving $500 for it.
with which he secures 4 de luxe cabin.
At dinner the conversation turns to
the weather. and a Professor Penny
thorpe's storm prediction is placed be-
fore Captain HUMPHREYS for judgment.
Brill makes the acquaintance Of Mr..
Jennison, and the two proceed to the
captains cabin to inspect phenom-
email. wonderfully trained canary. At
luncheon a jovial person. christopher
c. Marsh, introduces himself to Brill.
Starting from sound sleep Brill hears
through the window Benedict, the pro-
lessor and Jennison discussing the
large shipment of gold aboard. Soon
after this he is rewarded by smile
from Marion Jennison for small
courtesy. Marsh Is informed that he
has been selected to take charge of
the Christmas concert and he chooses
and Mrs. Blucher-Ward as his aids.
Brill, known as Mr.. Overton. and Miss
Jennison have pleasant chat togeth-
er. Icebergs and fog are reported. Jen-
nison. worrying about the gold. be-
comes sick. Professor Pennythorpe OBJ
serves that the ship is off it's course
Marsh notices that the captain hasn't
been at the dinner table for several
days Professor Pennythorpe misses
bis sextant and compass. Brill has a
talk with Marion about the concert
and is later told by Benedict that the
latter objects to his friendship with
Marion. whom Benedict calls his fan
Gee. Brill meets Marsh on deck. Hear
ing noise in supposedly unoccupied
stateroom. they Investigate with the
captain, but find nothing. The altered
course Of the vessel frightens the pas
sengers, who protest. Brill and Marsh
look to Jay to assist in secret search
of the mysterious stateroom. A wire
less reports that Russia has declared
war against Great Britain. Marsh sus-
poets Benedict of having manufactured
the message. Professor Pennythorpe
armed with marine glass watches
strange craft approach astern. At the
Christmas feast Brill becomes jealous
Of Benedict's attentions to Miss Jen-
nison. Marsh. still suspicious, con-
tinues his investigations Of the mys-
ferrous noises. Knocking on the door
Of room 33. he is confronted by the
smiling Benedict. Another war notice
Is posted up. Jennison conf1des to
Brill that $50O00,OOO in gold is being
shipped to Russia secretly. Jennison
wires his partner for instructions and
IS told to transfer the gold to a Rus
sian ship. Marsh and Brill suspect
that the dispatches were tempered
with. The two visit the captain, but
quickly leave on Brill seeing note
addressed to the captain from Bene-
dict, which arouses suspicion that the
captain is in league with the con-
spirators.