The Lancaster news. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1905-current, 1917-11-16
CHAPTER K.
We Accept Adventure.

AS emerged from I ahind the butt
OF the mizzenmast, the nnl- person vis-
fble was long-leggeI cabin boy in
dustriously rubbing away at grease
spot on the deck. He was not aware
or my presence until l spoke, when
he gazed up at me across his shoulder
with seeming little intelligence in his
dull eyes.
'Do you know which of these state
rooms the lady was givenT"
"Oh, yes, sir; over there; just took
her in needle an some thread"
"All right-what is your name?"
"Joe-Joe Moon, sir"
1 crossed over and raped at the
stateroom door, which had figure "5''
stenciled on the upper panel.
"Who Is thereW she asked.
"This is Hollis; could you spare me
O few moments?"
Certainly; 1 will come out directly"
abe laughed, 81 have been doing some
emergency mending"
/ picked out q chair and sat down.
A moment later the door of No. S
opened, and the girl greeted me pleas
antly, crossing the cabin swiftly, and
extending her hand, as 1 arose to my
feet.
'T feel actually born anew, Mr.. Hol-
Hs," she exclaimed. 81 am almost
afraid 1 was losing my nerve in that
little boat. Where Is this steamer
boundW
'"That is what 1 called upon you 10
discuss. Sit down here, and will give
you the whole story. The captain and
both mates are dead; the fellow on
deck in charge when we came on board
was the chief engineer. The owner OF
boat and cargo, however, Is here; I
have just been talking with him In
the cabin yOnder. He is in poor health
and crippled in one limb"
"What is his name?
"FOolishly I forgot to ask, and Mas
ters-that is the name of the engi-
neer-neglected to mention 1t when he
introduced us. However, that makes
no difference in the facts. I'll tell you
the story, as briefly as can
She listened intently leaning for
ward in her chair, her ringless hands
clasped, her eyes on my face. The
r,
breathing as 1t did the mystery and
romance of the sea.
"And that, Miss Vera" said Mt last
sis the present situation. 1t is for you
to furnish the final solution"
For me! You tell me all this merely
to leave the decision with me?"
"Yes; / shall do nothing against your
expressed WISH"
"Why-but what would you do, II
you were here alone?"
"That would be entirely different. I
have no family, no near relatives liv-
ing; not even any special friends to
mourn greatly over my demise. I
might willingly risk my life In such
an adventure, and think little Of It.
know the sea and its perils, and such
game as this Is likely to have its
attractions.
"You-you consider the attempt very
dangerous"
"Of capture. and possible imprison-
ment-yes. Probably our lives will
not be in any special peril. We have
no arms with which to resist. II once
Overhauled, a prize crew would be put
on board, and we would be taken to the
nearest British or French port, as pris-
oners of war. Our cargo, destined for
the German government, would be am
ply sufficient to condemn us. Under
the circumstances, our own country
would make no effort to protect us. I
should not mind, but I cannot expose
you to hardship and possible impris-
onment."
Her eyes were shining, and her hand
reached forth, unconsciously, and rest
ed ON mine.
"Hovx long vouId 20 raoutxaaD