Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-09-03
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breathing deeply the Crisp SAIL All.
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 certain supple grace to her
figure noticeable even In that quiet
posture.
Helped by the support Of the flag
locker, sttained 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. caught
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.
Ell supposed myself to be alone"
she said, the words uncertain, but the
voice clear. "You are one Of the pas
sengefsY
eyes; I CHANGED to be still on deck
when you came"
"Where? You were expecting me-"
1 indicated the chair in the shadow,
but did not venture to move.
II was lying here, covered by a rug.
but did not see you until you appeared
yonder at the rail. Why do you ask
If was expecting your"
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
sure7"
"You have guessed the exact truth"
I confessed, almost regretfully. Last
night 1t was mere accident, but to-
night my presence here had an object"
Indeed What interest Is 1t of
yours7"
"None directly, except as am
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 I desired to vindi-
cate myself; then besides the mystery
also had its attractions"
mo doubt! And now that you have
progressed so far, what further do you
purpose doing-turn me over to the
authoritiesf
II do not know" I said honestly.
"But am in hopes you will trust me
enough to explain your object in thus
coming unlimited aboard. I should pre-
fer being your friend, II that prove
possible
She did not answer, apparently hest
tating in surprise ut my unexpected
plea, and doubtful as to my sincerity.
"What is your namef"
Robert Hollis; live in Chicago"
She nodded, and I imagined the ex-
preston of her eyes changed slightly.
The merest semblance Of smile
curved her lips.
II am rather glad you are my dis
coverer," she said quietly, "for I know
who you are. You are not altogether
q stranger"
II am not !" exclaimed in surprise.
"Oh!-I understand: Seeley has told
you of me-"
HAS he indeed! Why SeeleyT'
Because I have some reason to
lieve that the second officer Is your
special friend on board: that through
his aid you have found concealment.
Am I altogether wrong?"
She laughed-the sound barely au-
dible, yet evidence Of her swift amuse-
ment.
If did not chance to know better,
Mr.. Hollis, I should almost suspect you
&C being & ::s==:s--" she said cheer
fully. However, in spite of my pres
ent position, I am inclined to be
truthful person. fear Mr.. seeley's in
terest In me Is altogether, or at least
largely, mercenary. 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 / hope to be free from
bondage"
''Goodl I am encouraged; now you
will tell me more7"
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
falsehood. I am perfectly capable Of
so doing, and had been conversing
With some others on board, I would
have chosen to do go"
(Which would seem to imply that
You possess measure Of confidence In
mer'
II do, Mr.. Hollis" quietly.
sSee1ey must have given me q most
excellent reputation, and deserves re.
ward"
''Mr. Seeley gave me your name a.
one Of the passengers, nothing more.
L cannot at present explain when, or
how, / acquired my information regard
ing you, To You am q perfect
stranger, and must remain so, but, by
some good fortune, ! chance to know
e.sc.sh cS sc:. 20 tcn.t yc:, :nc:S;; ,,::.J
g: /: gentleman. xc: understand y"aa:
! meanr'
ner eyes met mine frankly; they
were clear, honest eyes, and felt that