The Pulaskian., 1917-12-14
CHAPTER xxII.-continued.


 held her in my arms, and whispered those words repressed so long. Almost had forgotten where we were, the na- ture of our surroundings, the fate which threatened us. I could remem- Der only her, the velvety touch of her flesh, the welcoming light of love in her eyes. I know not what we talked about, conscious only of the joy of being alone together, with every bar rier between us swept away forever. The sunshine poured In through the open port, touching her hair with threads of golden light, and leaving a bar of brilliance across the state room deck.
 Yet imagine the respite was not long. There came sharp rap upon the wood of the door, bringing us in- stantly back to realization of our po- sition. Her arms released me, and I arose to my feet.
 "What is wanted?"
 "Its few minutes till noon, sir" said voice failed to recognize. And I'm to tell you to come on deck"
 Quite right, my man, I'll be there at once. Stand by to carry the instru- ments."
 "Aye. aye, sir"
 There was q certain cheerfulness and respect in the voice, which con- vinced me that the fellow was not among the ringleaders, but the hope of making him an adherent to our cause vanished when I opened the door, and recognized Dade. The man was too weak, too much of a jellyfiSh to render his friendship of any particu- lar value. Besides Dugan was also in the cabin, leaning idly against the stair-rail, but quite as evidently on guard. I nodded to him. but he only condescended to stare in return, and the look in his eyes convinced me that he had not yet forgiven the rough treatment accorded him a few hours before. The memory made me smile
 I've seen you when you looked hap pier, Dugan," l said carelessly, "but l imagine you have nothing on Jim White"
 ITO h.-l with yer" he growled sav- agely. "If had my way ye'd have no tongue left to get smart with. Get along now after yer things"
 Dade followed me into the captains stateroom. He was obedient enough, but reluctant to talk, no doubt afraid of being overheard by Dugan.
 The conspirators were grouped on the after deck waiting my arrival, and I followed Dade up the ladder, deter mined they should perceive no change in my demeanor, which might awaken suspicion. McCann's manner was far from cordial is I approached, but l thought it best to ignore his churlish- ness.
 You were long enough coming; per haps you still think yourself in con- mand?" he said savagely.
 ''That would indeed be a stretch of the imagination" replied, holding my temper, and motioning Dade where to place the sextant. However, do not think I have wasted my time-it is still two minutes of twelve.'
 He groxyled something, but I busied myself with the observation, only anx- ious to make it accurate enough for my own use. Whatever figures I re- ported, it was absolutely necessary that know myself the exact position Of the ship. Nor did I dare to juggle them greatly in my report, for while SicCann was far from being an expert navigator, he yet possessed a smatter- ing of knowledge, which rendered him dangerous, and he was very sure to check up my figures with every care possible. However, I fooled him by point or two, sufficient for my purpose, and wrote down the result on the back Of an old envelope, while slowing away the correct figures in my own brain.
 Although the air was balmy enough, directly in our teeth, yet there was look of the north about both sea and sky, which would have convinced me that we were approaching higher latt- tudes without the aid of my observa- ton. Without being able to explain
  lively recognizes northern waters. Now, as ny eyes swept the wide circle of the horizon, vainly seeking the glcIjn of some distant sail, the heav- ing c1ruuse of water. the overarching sky were almost alike in cobra cold, repellent blue, misting into gray afar off. as though particles of fog dlled the atmosphere. Indeed it was this which interested me the most. this vague evidence of floating vapor. for I knew enough of these seas to sus- pect that this might prove the fore gunner of storm, already preparing to sp p down upon us out of the more m srn mystery. Others must have noted the evidence also, for Liverpool crossed the deck to where stood, leav- ing McCann with the chart. in his hands.
 What do yer think O that sorter mist out yonder?" he asked, indicating fho 1;cfonoa hx cxuoon of fha hands