The Spectator., 1916-03-14
sure that 1t had any value. Only, cu-


 riously enough, it impressed her as being like another certain bit of parch- ment of which Count Sachio had robbed her. As yet she could not da- cipher the torn half-legible screed. How came she by it, and why? Sho herself could scarcely have told why she had paused to take it from the pocket of the dead sailor in the cav ern when, just before their flight, she had bethought herself that possibly he bore upon his person some proof Of his identity. Thus far she had not had time to look at the soiled and crumpled bit. She concealed it now in her mind the growing suspicion that providentially she might have been put in possession of the other half of the torn paper which Sachio had coveted! She had ceased to won- der at fortunes caprices now and soon indeed all thought of this torn parch- ment was banished from her mind. She forgot that possibly it also spoke of broken coins or treasure chambers, or other things of ancient history in these lands whose very stones had sto- ries could they but tell them. Restored somewhat by food and drink, and having regained trifie of her self-respect by the donning of some woman's garments which she found in the cabin, Kitty Grays buoy ant spirits began once more to assert themselves. AS she loked at her face in the little mirror she spoke half aloud the resolution which she saw in the reflected features.
 I'm not going to England, said she. I'm not going to America. I'm going back to Gretzhoffen, till my work is done! Surely they will put us down at that port-it is as near as any. Then-we shall see"
 An hour later she returned to the deck to make her duties to her host more completely-little as she had been impressed by his personality or his conduct, which later she was ready to stigmatize as odious.
 She met Count Frederick, much i'm proved by a change to well-fitting suit of flannels which he had found. He smiled now happily at seeing her.
 You're looking ripping, mademoi- selle." said he. "I did not see you have that frock, on the island yonder.'
 Nor did I notice that your trousers were so we'll pressed there!" retorted she.
 ,1,. I Inr them. "I was just saying to MT. Wyndham," said Count Frederick. that we owed him very great debt of gratitude, and that you"
 Quite the other way about. I assure you." said MT. Arthur Wyndham, the brewers son. as he pressed somewhat too warmly the hand which Kitty ex- tended him. Tt is I who am the debtor. l swear, l never saw one change so much,"
 His gaze, which passed over Kitty in her new apparel, was quite too Ian guishing. Kitty Gray made such con versation as she could Unconsciously she drfted to the side of Count Fred erick, and finding herself there, won- dered why she had done so. Once more she was alone, at the mercy of men. There was not another woman on this boat. But now. if it came to a choice. she knew which of these two men she would elect as her protector.
 Count Frederick made some excuse and departed presently, so that Kitty found herself alone with Wyndham. She liked little enough the ardor of the gaze which he bent upon her now, and arose to leave him.
 You will excuse me?" said she. T have forgotten something"
 But as she turned she heard him stride suddenly toward her. felt his hand upon her arm.
 "No no!" said he "Wait-why do you go? Finding you here-such woman-saving your life and all that do you think I am man of stone do you think-?'
 T think you must excuse me-" said Kitty Gray, icily.
 But you just said you owed a debt of gratitude
 any Woihdh icstutu hicih ~ peril owes to any gentleman"
 "Oh, say, come now!" he rejoined. How about little kiss to the honest sailor who was lucky enough to save your life, It's far from home or help, and no one knows-I say, now"
 She sprang from him with startled scream. a name upon her lips which came readily enough when she needed aid.
 Count Frederick heard her. He came at speed-and arrived just in time to see MT. Wyndham pursuing his amor ous advances to the extent of casting an arm about Kitty as she would have fled. The sight was enough. Without pausing for any question he sprang forward and sent Wyndham reeling against the corner of the cabin with one swift sweep of his arm. With the other arm he pushed Kitty away. An instant. and he had joined her and was half carrying her toward the door.
 Sudden wrath now seized the soul of this gentleman lately atuned to soft ar amotiops "Sfopf" ha callod ont