Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-10-01

and scarcely hoped to live. That was
when my business went to smash"
"Father never told me; and your
mother?'
'.Is living In Philadelphia, but In
rather straitened circumstances, and
M; my younger brother has been COM
PEELED to leave school and seek employ
ment." He smiled weakly. II bad
hoped this voyage would set US all on
our feet again."
She released her hand from his
grasp. and sank down once more into
the chair, her glance leaving his face.
and seeking mine.
"Mr. Hollis" she said, almost dem
antly. 1T is my wish that the Indian
Chief continue it's voyage"
"But ! cannot consent
'You left this decision to me. Well,
make that decision. My comfort,
even the momentary fear which my
family may feel over my strange disap-
pcarance, could never justify my re-
fusal. I know this gentleman, and
have met his mother; we were good
friends. He shall not be ruined
through any within of a girl. urge
you to 90 ahead, not considering me In
the least"
II cannot quite understand so sud.
den change"
perhaps you do not understand
women" she said. and smiled. Surely
you recall who Mr.. Bascom is7"
mot In the remotest degree"
"But we spoke of him in the boat
Philip Bascom."
My eyes widened, and caught my
breath.
Good heavens yes; now recall
the affair. He Is the man Fergus Nc
Cam shot In the hotel restaurant. That
was the accident he speaks of. Why,
this is strange enough to be fiction"
Bascom stood, leaning on his cane,
looking at us, as though failing to COM
prehend what It wa% we were talking
about. Possibly he did not catch our
words clearly. for his white face ap-
peared puzzled.
difficulty with McCannl"
She looked up at him earnestly.
Eyes; 1t is very strange. You should
know the truth. There were three Of
us who escaped together when the
yacht sank; Mr.. Hollis, myself and
Fergus McCann.'
Bascom straighteped. his lips pressed
tight.
HE is here now; a guest on board
my ship"
Yes; do not know whers-sleeping
in one Of the staterooms, probably. ]
have not seen him since I came over
the side"
Bascom's expression was one Of
struggle, as he stared into our faces.
1t was difficult for, him to find words;
to even control his mind.
"This-this Is a misfortune" he said
finally. IT do not know how it will end.
] have sought to avoid the man. Miss
Vera, do you know the truth Of that
affair? not the newspaper story. but
the facts?"
Sue buOOk ucE ucuus
II only heard that the trouble oc-
Cured over Myra Bradley. Mccain
found you together, and shot you in Il
at of Jealous rage"
$50 far the story was true; but l
was not Mt the restaurant with Miss
Bradley. I had never, but once before
even spoken to her. She called me
to her table that evening, where she
was dining alone, to question me re-
gnrlng some mutual friends in Philu-
delphia. Our brief conversation was
most commonplace. Mccain shot me
without warning; did not even know
he was near until the woman
screamed"
But" said, as he paused. "was
there no trial? That was not the news
paper story"
II know it," bitterly, "and / have
only my word to give you. l could no.
defend myself, and no one else made
any effort to do so. Mccain had
money and influence: I was lying I'M