The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1917-11-22


that would only increase your peril"
"It might. and 1t might not. At least
I will not consent to have you impll-
Gated In the affair any further than you
are now. l will not sacrifice you to
help our friend yondcr save his for
tune. I'll give hkp nv answer now."
l took step aft. but paused sudden
ly. for the door of the owners cabin
opened, and he came llmping forth,
resting heavily on cane. his white
face clearly revealed in the glare of
the skylight. I stepped back beside the
girl. who, aroused by my sudden move
ment, glanced UP and saw him. Almost
instantly she was upon her feet, hesi-
tated an instant as though perplexed
at the mans appearance; then ad-
vanced and met him.
"Mr. Bascom," she exclaimed, "can
this indeed be your
"You speak my name, certainly" he
replied, but gazing into her face SEEM
ingly without recognition. "Yet / do
not recall"
"Oh, yes, you do; surely you must"
she interrupted. "Why. you have
changed more than I. Do you not re-
member the moonlight nights at Palm
Beach? Tho fishing parties along the
constr"
"vera!" he cried, note of delight
In his voice. OF course l remember;
but you have become woman, the
very last person in the world expect
ed to see. And so you are the lady
we were fortunate enough 70 rescue.
Mr.. Hollis never even mentioned your
name"
"There was no reason why should"
vlous acquaintance. The young lady
and have just been discussing the Sit
uation-"
"Wait just a moment, Mr.. Hollis"
she interrupted, her eyes still on Bas-
CONS face. "This discovery changes
everything. Mr.. Bascom Is an old
friend"
$50 1 Judge; but I do not intend to
let that influence your decision"
"But 1t will, and does!" certain
impetuous appeal In her voice. IL did
not understand before, as l do now.
You are the owner, Mr.. Bascom? This
Is your boat and cargoT
Eyes. Vera; things have not gone
well with me of late, and my entire for
tune is here" he answered rather bit
terly.
II am sorry; had not heard. You
have been terribly i'll, from your looks,
and are lame. lit was that affair
in New York, from which you never
recovered2"
II was in the hospital for months,
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
III; my younger brother has been COM
PEELED to leave school and seek employ
ment." He smiled weakly. II had
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 def
antly. ut Is my wish that the Indian
Chief continue its voyage"
"But cannot CONSENT
"You left this decision to me. Well
I make that decision. My comfort
even the momentary fear which my
family may feel over my strange dlsap-
pearance, could never justify my re.
fusal. ] know this gentleman, and
have met his mother; we were good
friends. He shall not be ruined
through any whim Of girl. / urge
you to go ahead, not considering me In
the least"
II cannot quite understand SO sud
den a change"
"Ps,haps you do not understand
women" she said, and smiled. "Surely
you recall who Mr.. Bascom is2"
"Not In the remOtest degree"
"But we spoke Of him in the boat
Philip Bascom."
My eyes widened, and caught my
breath.
"Good heavensi yes; now recall
the affair. He is the man Fergus Nc
Cam shot In the hotel restaurant. Tha
was the accident he speaks Of. My
this Is strange enough to 10 t"tion."
S"r -" a. .sSD'rg =. his co ne
lu',, -; It's. -, thouPi. .-.iing 10 com
preheno whar II was we were talking
about. Possibly he did not catch Ou
words clearly, for his white face an
peared puzzled.
"You speak OF me?" he asked. "or m.
difficulty with McCann?'
She looked up at him earnestly.
"Yes; it is very strange. You shoult
know the truth. There were three o
US who escaped together when tn,
yacht sank; Mr.. Hollis, myself and
Fergus McCann."
Bascom Strengthened, his lips presses
tight.