Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1917-11-30

ration. Thus far my plan had worKe


risk discovery. She came SO silently,
like a gray shadow gliding out of the
night, that she was actually beside the
rail, gazing steadfastly out at the sill
very water, before was even clearly
aware of her presence. I was scarcely
willing to accept the evidence of my
own eyes, yet arose slowly to sitting
posture to observe better, dropping the
rug silently onto the deck. She heard
no sound of the movement, and, with
no suspicion Of any other presence
near, remained motionless, drinking in
the soft beauty of the night, and
breathing deeply the crisp salt air.
I could see her plainly, silhouetted
against the sky, illumined by the star
CLEAN which reflected upward from the
water, her hands clasped on the rail,
her form bent slightly forward, her
skirts blowing lightly in the wind. She
was slender and young, no doubt as to
that, with a certain supple grace to her
figure noticeable even in that quiet
posture.
Helped by the support of the flag
locker, I attained my feet noiselessly,
only half determined IN the course
had better pursue. However, I was
left no choice. Something served to
startle her, to make her vaguely aware
of some other presence on the deck.
She turned, still grasping the rail with
one hand, and confronted me. I caught
q glimpse Of her face, white and youth
full, her big eyes staring at me as
though in sudden terror. She stepped
back, then Strengthened slightly, her
questioning eyes never leaving my
face.
"I-I supposed myself to be alone"
she said, the words uncertain, but the
voice clear. "You are one Of the pas.
sengersw
eyes; I CHANGED to be still on deck
when you came"
"Where? You were expecting me?"
l indicated the chair in the shadow,
but did not venture to move.
81 was lying here, covered by rug,
but did not see you until you appeared
Sonder at the rail-. Why do yot ASK
If l was expecting you?"
She hesitated just an instant, but an
swered frankly.
'There was a man here last night,
after the engines stopped. I believed
then he failed to see me. Was it you,
and are you here again tonight to make
sure?"
"You have guessed the exact truth"
night it was mere accident, but to-
night my presence here had an object"
Indeed! What interest is it Of
yours?"
'None directly, except as I am a
friend to Mr.. Darlington, the owner
of this yacht, and also his guest. He
assured me only this morning that
there was no woman on board, and
laughed at me for even imagining such
a thing. Naturally desired to vindi-
cate myself; then besides the mystery
also had it's attractions"
mo doubt! And now that you have
progressed so far, what further do you
purpose doing-turn me over to the
authorities?"
81 do not know" I said honestly.
"But 1 am in hopes you will trust me
enough to explain your object in thus
coming unlimited aboard. should pre-
fer being your friend, if that prove
possible"
She did not answer, apparently hest
tating in surprise at my unexpected
plea, and doubtful as to my sincerity.
"What is your name?"
"RObert Hollis; I live in Chicago"
She nodded, and I imagined the ex-
preston of her eyes changed slightly.
The merest semblance of a smile
curved her lips.
81 am rather glad you are my dis
coverer," she said quietly, "for / know
who you are. You are not altogether
stranger"
81 am not" exclaimed in surprise.
"Oh, I understand: Seeley has told
you of me-"
"Has he indeed! Why Seeley?"
Because I have some reason to be-
lieve that the second officer is your
special friend on board: that through
his aid you have found concealment.
Am / altogether wrOng?"
She laughed-the sound barely au-
dible, yet evidence Of her swift amuse-
ment.
eff I did not chance to know better.
Mr.. Hollis, I should almost suspect you
of being a lawyer" she said cheer
fully. However, in spite of my pres
ent position, I am inclined to be a
truthful person. Ifear Mr.. Seeley's in
terest in me is altogether, or at least
largely mercenary. I will confide in
you, and confess that he has already
cost me one hundred dollars, and
heaven alone knows how much more
will be required before we attain deep
water, when I hope to be free from
bondage"
"Good! I am encouraged; now you
will tell me more?"
She shook her head.
"Not another word, sir. So far, as
they say in New York, you have the
goods on me- and denial would be use
less OF course, I might have told a