The Huttig news., 1917-12-22

the boats leave, in time to enable us to prevent the ships going down."
 "But-but, Mir. Hollis, would-would In the boat?"
 l walked twice across the narrow space of the deck, conscious that her questioning eyes followed me.
 "Yes,'' I admitted, pausing to study her face. You might even be obliged to do that. You must front this pos sibility, although the necessity may be avoided. But McCanns boat will make St. Johns. He dare not resort to force once you are ashore. I do not count that a serious danger-only he must not suspect your purpose until too late to prevent his interfering with your action. Nor will you be unsafe with him in the open boat, for the two of you will not be alone. Your great est peril will be while aboard this ship, and completely in McCanhS < power"
 "1fhe open boat will not be long at sea"
 'Not to exceed a few hours prob ably; Liverpool and White are seamen enough to see that it is equipped with sail, and if the wind be favorable, they will make land quickly. But there is even chance that you need not take this risk"
 What chance2" the full measure of her emotions finding evidence in her voice.
 'If Leayord or Olson could be Be- cretly released, or even if you could he assured that I was free to attain the deck at the proper moment, and thus able to release these others, We might best play bold game. By urg- ing some excuse you could delay leav- ing the ship until after all the muti neers were over the side, and in the boats. McCann might remain on board with you, but he would be only one man to handle. Once we had control of the ship, we could defend the decks. and prevent those ruffians from return ing on board, at least until they sur rendered all arms, and agreed to such terms as we offered
 "That-that would he a most despe- rate expedient," she said deiectedly its success doubtful. You would be terribly outnumbercd, and without weapons"
 T do not see it so. Outnumbered yes but with every advantage of po- sition. Those fellows could not clam Der up the side, unless it be one at q time. Besides, the major part of the crew are doubtless mutineers against their will, and would be glad enough to return to duty if promised protec ton. I doubt if there be three revolv- CTS on board. l have one of these, and McGann carries another. Really the plan looks feasible to me-"
 She arose and crossed over to the open port, gazing out in silence across the waste of waters. the wind lifting strands of her ruffled hair. She re- mained there motionless so long I be- came impatient.
 Have you no answer to make?" I l questioned at last. You think the scheme impracticable?"
 No; it is not that" but without changing posture or glancing about, and I felt there was deadness in her voice. far from encouraging. "But- but do not like the part assigned to me-
 You fear you might find it difficult to carry out the deceit?"
 She turned and faced me, and there were tears in her eyes, which she swept indignantly away with d swift gesture.
 You have used the right word," she exclaimed, no longer hesitating in speech. 'I am not accustomed to de- ceit, Mir Hollis; 1 have never learned how to lie, or conceal my true feelings 1 am not afraid physically; it is not that; but you ask me to permit this fellow to make love to me- and I am to encourage his hOpes and pretend to yield to his advancements. You ask me to lower my womanhood. to take my place on a level with a girl of the streets, and pretend to sell my self for a price. Is this your concep- tion of my character?"
 It was as though she had slapped me in the face, yet 1 was ready, half anticipating she might assume this po- sition.
 No; but I believe you willing to sacrifice your conception of what or dinarily seems right to save this ship and the lives of those aboard; to pre- serve Philip Bascom's fortune. There need be no love making, no pretense at love. You seemingly yield to force, surrender to fear; that would be the only way in which McCann would ex- pect to gain your consent"
 "You-you wish me to do this?"
 Tt appears to me as our only hope"
 And if I do, you will not despise me? You will not feel my action un- womanly?"
 T feel that of you! Never; why, would be impossible for me to con 'eive of your acting unworthily
 She held out her hand.
 fHEban I will try cha cold ci