The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1917-09-28

| then he failed to see me. Was it you,
and are you here again tonight to make
sure?"
"You have guessed the exact truth
l confessed, almost regretfully. "Last
night 1t 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 q
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
authoritiesY
II do not know" I said honestly.
"But l 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; live in Chicago"
She nodded, and / imagined the ex-
preston of her eyes changed slightly.
The merest semblance Of 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
a stranger"
IT am not!" exclaimed in surprise
"Oh! / understand: Seeley has told
you of me-"
"Has he indeed! Why Seeley?"
Because / 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 I altogether wrong?"
She laughed-the sound barely au.
dible, yet evidence of her swift amuse-
ment.
eff did not chance to know better
Mr.. Hollis, 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. l fear 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 deer
water, when I hope to be free from
bondage"
"GoodI 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, might have told O
falsehood. / am perfectly capable OF
so doing, and had / been conversine
with some others on board, I would
have chosen to do So"
(which would seem to imply that
you possess measure of confidence In
meT
81 do, Mr.. Hollis" quietly.
"Seeley must have given me a most
excellent reputation, and deserves re
ward"
"Mr. Seeley gave me your name a:
one Of the passengers, nothing more
I cannot at present explain when, OF
how, acquired my information regard
ing you. To you I am a perfect
stranger, and must remain so, but, by
some good fortune, chance to know
enough of you to trust you thoroughly
as a gentleman. You understand wha'
/ mean?"
Her eyes met mine frankly; they
were clear, honest eyes, and I felt thai
read their direct challenge.
perhaps so," answered with feel
ing of disappointment. "You mean
am to ask no further questions? to for
get, If possible, your presence or
board?"
"Yes; can you do this?"
swell, to be perfectly frank, I an
not altogether certain that I can, OF
that / ought. I am Mr.. Carrington's
guest, and owe him certain loyalty
you admit that?"
"Yes."
slave right to conceal from my
host the knowledge which have dis
covered, that strange young woman
has been hidden on board his yacht by
one of his ofticers?"
'"That must depend altogether or
your sense of duty to both Mr.. Caring
ton and myself" she returned calmly
do appear like thief conspira