The Huttig news., 1917-11-17
CHAPTER xV.
The Measure of Danger.

deck, her hand extended.
 T was only there for moment, Cap tain Hollis," she explained quietly, as though in answer to the silent inquiry of my face. T was going on deck for q breath of air. and when opened the door heard my own name spoken. Quite naturally listened"
 (Which you had every right to do. I endeavored to get from McCann 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 refusedE
 "Emphatically; he even accused me of unworthy motives-you heard tilat?n
 She shook her head. q hardly think SO; 1 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?'
 l smiled, decidedly relieved by the lack of embarrassment in her manner
 Have We so many of your sex on board I asked, "as to leave that in any doubtT'
 "fIe-he referred to me, Why. I thought il might be something which had occurred on shore-in New York. Whatever was it he said?"
 '.Why, it seems the fellow guessed who you were in the hoat-no doubt had seen you before, and recognized your face as soon as it was daylight Then, however, it was too late for him to disguise his real self as he had re- yealed it. His actions had made you deSpise him, and turn to me for proter- ton. Naturally the man judges my motives from his own standpoint. He k aware that l am not extremely wealthy-indeed not wealthy at all by his standards, and that you are your fathers daughter. Because I serve you is. to his mind, proof positive of a mercenary purpose on my part-that is alb
 Her eyes wiaened and there was glow of color in her cheeks.
 "He-he insinuated that you sought toto win my gratitude for some re- ward?"
 "Yes."
 '"rhat my father would pay for your kindness to me?n
 Well. Miss Vera" and I found it extremely hard to choose words, his thoughts, were more direct"
 Her face frightened, a sudden gleam If Illnar in her ayaS
 "Oh. that you wanted to marry me! Isn't it too funny! Do you really think he supposes that true?'
 "I would not be at all surprised" answered. not altogether pleased at her reception of this suspicion. Tt Is wholly in line with his type. To me, now. the wealth of your father would be the greatest barrier between us"
 "There was a time when you never any other kind"
 Was I any the less attentive then?" l retorted. 'I 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? I wondered if you were there But then that was merely curiosity"
 "The mystery was attractive, con- fess, but l am not at all sure there was not a growing personal interest also. You can scarcely conceive the impress sion you left on me In the moonlight"
 Please, no compliments. I am so accustomed to those in New York cannot appreciate them any more. You were going on deck?"
 For a short time; it would seem a beautiful morning."
 We emerged from the companion to- gether, but she fingered at the rail, as l clambered up the ladder and greeted Leayord aft of the wheel It was a broad seaview revealed on every side, nothing in sight but the crested waves sweeping to the distant horizon. The only men I saw were on the forecastle engaged in clearing up some tackle, excepting a fellow high up in the main
  You keep good lookout, I see, Mir. Leayord." l said. peering up at the fig ure outlined against the sky. Nothing reported?"
 Not yet. sir. MT. Olson said il was all quiet while he was in charge"
 He moved over to the starboard rail, with a glance at the wheelsman, and joined him, understanding the move ment
 Your purpose is to avoid vessels if possible, I presume, captain?" he asked, pointing out across the water in pretense of admiring the scene.
 'The fewer we meet with the pleas anter our voyage, Mir Leayord," quiet ly. By the way. your language is hardly that of forecastle hand seem. ingly 1t has changed over night
 He permitted smile to curve his lips.
 Environment, sir, no doubt. As I lxst