The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-08-22

"Oh, yes, you do; surely you must"
she interrupted. "Why, you have
changed more than 1. Do you not re-
member the moonlight nights at Palm
Beach? The fishing parties along the
coast?"
"Veraw he cried, note Of delight
In his voice. "Of course remember
but you have become a 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 1 should,
I said, "having no thought of your pre-
vious 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 I Judge; but do not intend ia
let that influence your decision"
"But it will, and does" certain
impetuous appeal in her voice. II did
not understand, before, as do now
You are the owner, Mr.. BascOm? This
is yo,H boat and cargo?" 49,
Eyes, Vera; things have not gone
we'll with me of late. and my entire for
tune is here" he answered rather bit
terly.
Il am sorry; had not heard. You
have been terribly Ill, from your looks
and are lame. lit was that affair
in New York. from which you never
recovered?"
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?' =.
us living in Philadelphia, but In
rather straitened circumstances, and
i'll; my younger brother has been com
pelled to leave school and seek employ
ment." He smiled weakly. II ha,
hoped this voyage would set us all Of
our feet again." .
She released her hand from hi
grasp, and sank down once more int
the chair, her glance leaving his face
and seeking mine.
mr.. Hollis" she said, almost def
antly. 1T is my wish that the Indian
Chief continue its voyage"
but l cannot consent"
"YOu left this decision to me. Well
I make that decision. My comfort
even the momentary fear which m.
family may feel over my strange disap
pearance, could never justify my re
fusal. I know this gentleman an'
have met his mother; we were goo'
friends. He shall not be ruine'
through any whim of a girl. I urg
you to 60 ahead, not considering me il
the least" & ..., .
II cannot quite understand so sud
den change"
perhaps you do not understand
women" she said, and smiled. "Surel.
you recall who Mr.. Bascom is?"'
'Not in the remotest degree"
"But we spoke Of him In the boat
Philip Bascom."
My eyes widened, and I caught m!
breath.
"Good heavens! yes; now I recall
the affair. He is the man Fergus Nc
Cam shot in the hotel restaurant. Tha
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 was we were talkin,
about. Possibly he did not catch ou
words clearly, for his white face ap
peared puzzled. b.
"You speak of me?" he asked, "of m!
difficulty with McCann?"
She looked up at him earnestly.
"Yes; it is very strange. You shoul'
know the truth. There were three %
US who escaped together when tn
yacht sank; Mr.. Hollis, myself and
Fergus McCann." - =
Bascom Strengthened, his lips pressed
tight.
"He is here now; q guest on boart
my ship?" ,. ~
Eyes; l do not know where-sleepin;
in one of the staterooms, probably. =
have not seen him since 1 came owe
the. side" 81; - 49,
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