Crossville chronicle. [volume] (Crossville, Tenn.) 1894-current, 1917-10-31
CHAPTER ii.-Continued.

CHAf En- U.-Iontinueo.
p
Before the party finally broke up
had outlined my plan. l was in M
haste to retire, having slept more OF
less during the afternoon; would re
main alone on deck, and see what hap
pened. We were steaming right gal
lantly now, and stars were finding riffs
In the clouds through which to silver
the waves Of the Sound. The first off.
Ger was still on the bridge, but Seeley
would relieve him at twelve; there
was nothing for me to do but wait until
then.
/ could better my position, however.
and Immediately did so. If the second
officer really proved to be the accom-
plice of the girl, he would very prob
ably take q rather careful survey Of
the deck aft before permitting her to
venture forth from concealment. If
his search disclosed my presence, the
young woman would doubtless be or
dered to remain below. My choice Of
position was easily determined. The
flag locker was unusually commodious,
as one of Carrington's hobbies was to
dress the ship handsomely ON every
gala occasion, and display the colors
Of all nations. It was built directly
against the after rail, and back into
its protective shadow silently drew q
steamer chair, concealed myself be-
meath the folds of rug and lay there
quietly.
Time dragged, but finally the bell
forward announced the hour for the
change Of watch. I was sailor enough
to comprehend the meaning of every
sound. heard someone walk hastily
across the main deck, and descend
through the companion-a seaman dis
two came back together. Five min
utes later, with no warning sound Of
approach, became aware that some
one had quietly rounded the end Of the
cabin. The mate passed me by within
Il few -eet, SO close, indeed, could
distinguish the buttons on his uniform,
and the white cap he wore. Nothing,
however, could have occurred to arouse
his suspicious, for the man did not
even pause in his slow walk, but disap-
peared along the port rail. Fearing
he might return, I remained motion
less, yet was doubly assured now that
my suspicious were about to be veri.
fled. dared not venture any explo-
ration. Thus far my plan had worked
nicely, and could not now afford to
risk discovery. She came so silently,
like gray shadow gliding out Of the
night, that she was actually beside the |
RAIL- gazing steadfastly out at the sill
very water, before l was even clearly |
aware of her presence. was scarcely |
willing to accept the evidence Of my
own eyes. yet arose slowly to sitting
posture to observe better, dropping the
rug silently onto the deck. She heard
no sound of the movement, and, with
no suspicion of any other presence
near, remained mOtionless, drinking In
he soft beauty of the night. and
breathing deeply the crisp salt air.
1 could see her plainly, silhouetted
against the sky, illumined by the star
,leam which reflected upward from the
water, her hands clasped on the rail,
Ter form bent slightly forward, her
skirts blowing lightly In the wind. She
vas slender and young, no doubt as to
hat, with a certain supple grace to her
igure noticeable even in that quiet
posture.
Helped by the support Of the flag
ecker, / tta!ned my feet nOiselessly,
'nly half determined n the course I
lad better pursue. However, l was
eft no choice. Something served to
tartle her, to make her vaguely aware
f some other presence on the deck.
The turned, still grasping the rail with
ne hand, and confronted me. caught
glimpse of her face, white and youth
I'll, her big eyes staring at me as
hough In sudden terror. She stepped
ack, then Strengthened slightly. her
uestioning eyes never leaving my
ace.
IL supposed myself to be Alone"
he said, the words uncertain, but the