The Clio messenger., 1917-11-23
CHAPTER XIV.
The Measure Of Danger.

she advanced toward me across the
deck, her hand extended.
Il was only there for a moment, Cap
tain Hollis" she explained quietly, as
though In answer to the silent inquiry
of my face. 81 was going on deck for
a breath of air, and when / opened the
door heard my own name spoken. Quite
naturally / listened"
"Which you had every right to do.
endeavored to get from McCann n
pledge not to interfere with the dis
cipline of the ship, and offered him the
freedom of the cabin and after deck,
If he would make such promise"
"And he refusedw
"Emphatically he even accused me
Of unworthy motives-you heard
that?"
She shook her head. 81 hardly think
SO; / heard him offer odds against
your ever bringing the Indian Chief
into that German port, and-oh, yes,
and something about your not getting
the girl-what girl?"
smiled, decidedly relieved by the
lack OF embarrassment In her manner.
"Have We SO many Of your sex on
board" asked, "as to leave that In
any doubtY'
"He--he referred to mel Why,
thought 1t might be something which
had occurred on shore-in New York.
Whatever was 1t he saidY"
"Why, II seems the fellow guessed
who you were in the boat-no doubt
had seen you before, and recognized
your face as soon as II was daylight.
Then, however, 1t was too late for him
to disguise his real self as he had re-
vealed 1t. His actions had made you
despise him, and turn to me for protec-
tion. Naturally the man judges my
motives from his own standpoint. He
is aware that I am not extremely
wealthy-indeed not wealthy at all by
his standards, and that you are your
fathers daughter. Because / serve
you is, to his mind, proof positive Of a
mercenary purpose on my part-that Is
ALL"
Her eyes widened and there was q
glow Of color in her cheeks.
"He-he insinuated that you sought
to--to win my gratitude for some re-
ward?"
"Yes."
'"That my father would pay for your
kindness to me?'
swell, Miss Vera" and I found it
extremely hard to choose words, "his
thoughts were more direct"
Her face frightened, a sudden CLEAN
Of humor in her eyes.
"Oh, that you wanted to marry me
Isn't 1t too funny! Do you really think
he supposes that true?"
''I would not be at all surprised" l
her reception of this suspicion. "It ia
wholly in line with his type. TO me,
now, the wealth of your father would
be the greatest barrier between u.s.
''There was time when you never
knew l had wealthy father, or indeed
any other kind"
"Was l any the less attentive then?"
I retorted. 81 recall almost an entire
night passed on deck in the vague hope
of seeing you."
She laughed, but flashed her eyes up
into my face.
''Did you, really? wondered If you
were there. But then that was merely
curiosity"
"The mystery was attractive, I con-
fess, but am not at all sure there was
not growing personal interest also.
You can scarcely conceive the impress
sion you left on me in the moonlight" !"
"Please, no compliments. / am SO
accustomed to those In New York ]
cannot appreciate them any more. You
were going on deck?"
"For short time; 1t would seem q
beautiful morning."
We emerged from the companion to-
gether, but she fingered at the rail, as
clambered up the ladder and greeted
Leayord aft of the wheel. It was q
broad seaview revealed on every side,
nothing in sight but the crested waves
sweeping to the distant horizon. The
only men saw were on the forecastle
engaged in clearing up some tackle,
excepting a fellow high up in the main
crosstrees, with binoculars at his eyes.
"You keep a good lookout, I see, Mr..
Leayord," said, peering up at the fig
ure outlined against the sky. "Nothing
reported?"
"Not yet, sir. Mr.. Olson said 1t was
all quiet while he was In charge"
He moved over to the starboard rail,
with a glance at the wheelsman, and i
Joined him, understanding the move
ment.
"Your purpose is to avoid vessels If
possible, I presume, captainT he
asked, pointing out across the water
in pretense of admiring the scene.
'.The fewer we meet with the pleas
anter our voyage, Mr.. Leayord." quiet
". "By the way, your language Is
hardly that Of a forecastle hand /; SEEM
ingly II has changed over night"
He permitted smile to curve his
lips
Environment, sir, no doubt. AS
n I>,.k