The Snyder signal. (Snyder, Tex.) 1887-????, 1916-03-03

bruised and swollen and bit her lips
tlll the blood came She knew now
whom she had to fight, their cruelty
and their cunning But she resolved
to match cruelty and cunning with her
beauty and her womans wit. This
time she would stuck the cards. The
queen OF hearts would play against her
old confederntes for the diamond from
the sky!
At Santa Barbara Esther aud Qunb-
ba arrive, aud there they learn that
the beautiful new yacht belonging to
John Powell Is still In the harbor.
Esther resolves to visit Arthur on
board unannounced, taking with her
the diamond and the Stanley docu.
ment. She believed Arthur would
know what course would be best for
them both TO take Esther had no
doubt Of Arthur's loyalty or his love
for her, All she had looked forward
TO was to meet him face TO face. With
this In view she had endured and ad'
yenturcd with steadfast courage aud
high resolve.
Esther does not know that Blair has
knowledge Of John Powell and his
yacht But Blair. having no cause for
secrecy when he has arrived In Santa
Barbara. has not remained hidden at
n hotel. rs Esther has, the discreet
Quabba also keeping from sight SO
Blair has learned Arthur has left the
yacht and has returned to Los Angeles
on business.
Unless Esther has communicated
with Arthur, which blair does not
deem likely, Arthur has no reason rs
yet to suspect him, Blair knows. In
his daring way Blair Is Indifferent lie
telegraphs 10 Arthur he has arrived In
Santa Barbara aud Is disappointed In
missing him. Arthur realizes that be
Is usurpcr. standing In the way. Of
Blalr's blrthrlght, the Stanley heritage.
For this, II not for the old association
OF their wild youth in Virginia. Arthur
has generous desire to make amends
for the injustice he thinks he does
Blair,
It Is vlvlan's wish also to keep Blair
from Los Angeles. The time may come
when she may need him, though when
she battles against Durand. the King
Of diamonds, and the rest Of the
"pack." as they call themselves. But
Just now she is not in open warfare
with The "pack." She suggests to Ar.
thur that Blair stay and look after the
yacht In Santa Barbara and that later
they Join him there for a cruise all To-
gether. How she Is to exert her wlles
upon Arthur In the proximity Of Blair
Is n matter that Vivian leaves to the
time md the place.
Blair and the sailing master Of the
yacht get their telegraphcd instructions
from Arthur. and when Blair goes
aboard he finds the sailing master and
few OF the men Of one watch aboard.
the rest Of the crew having been given
shore leave In the absence OF the
owner.
Make yourself at home, Mr.. Stan
Icy" says the sailing master. you
will End things lp Mr. Powclls cabin. 9
81 will need n good deal OF fixing
up" Blair explains laughingly. MY
man and got lost in the mountains
while hunting And he Indicated
Luke. who had come aboard with him
Let your man 20 to the forccastle,
and win see he Is fitted out" said
the sailing master AS for you. sir. !
take It from Mr.. Poweil's telegram you
are to help yourself to what you wish
Of his things I'LL your own arrive"
The smiling master led Blair to Ar
thurs cabin and then said he would
take tho launch to the wharf and
round up the crew 10 Santa Barbara.
which he added. won't be hard e