Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-04-16
CON T r A B A N D
A Romance of the North Atlantic
BY RANDALL PARRISH

failed to see me. Was II you. and are
you here again tonight to make sure?'
You have guessed the exact truth" l
confessed, almost regretfuly. Last night
1t was mere accident, but tonight my
presence here had an object"
Indeed! What interest is It Of yours?"
None directly, except as am a friend
10 Mr. Carringt|n the owner of this yacht,
ana also his guest. lie assured me only
this morning that there was no woman on
board. and laughed at me for even inagin-
ing such thing. Naturally I desired to
indicate myself then. besides, the mys-
tery 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 au-
thorities?'
u do not know said honestly But
am in hopes you will trust me enough to
explain your object In thus coming uninvited
aboard. ] should prefer being your friend.
II that prove possible"
She did not answer. apparently hesitating
III surprise at my unexpected plea, and
doubtful as TO my sincerity.
What is your name?"
robert Hollis; 1 live i'm Chicago"
She nodded, and imagined the express
sion OF her eyes changed slightly The
merest semblance of smile curved her
lips.
,I am rather glad you are my dis
corerer.' she said quietly. for | know
VINO you are You are not altogether
stranger"
81 am not" exclaimed in surprise.
"Oh! I understand. Seeley has told you
of me-"
Has he indeed why seeley?''
because j have some reason to believe
that the second officer is your special friend
on board that through his aid you have
louhd concealment. Am I altogether
wrong?"
Your theory is certainly ingenious. May
ask in return the reason for such suspi-
cion?"
First. he is. to my judgment. the only
approachable officer on the Esmeralda
he Is besides the most likely to need
money. have had reason to observe that
you venture on deck only during his watch,
and tonight, before you appeared. he made
very careful survey Of the deck aft pre-.
vlous to going to the bridge"
Hardly careful survey"
Il was concealed, and easily overlooked
so am going to press you for the truth
Seeley is in your service--is the cause
friendship. or money!"
She laughed; the sound barely audible
yet evidence of her swift amusement
IF | did not chance to know better MFR
| Hollis. | should almost suspect you OF
ever. in spite Of my present position. l am
| inclined to be a truthful person. I fear
| Mr.. SeeleyS interest in me is altogether
or at least largely mercenary. ] will con.
| fide in you. and confess that he has already
| cost me one hundred dollars. and HEAVIER
alone knows how much more will be re
| qured before we attain deep water. wher
| hope to be free from bondage
| Good. / 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 OF
me- and denial would be useless. O
course, | might have told falsehood
am perfectly capable of so doing. and hat
been conversing with some others OF
board. | would have chosen to do So
(Which would seem to imply that yo,
possess measure of confidence in me?"
81 do, Mr.. Hollis" quietly.
'Seeley must have given me most ex
cellent reputation. and deserves reward
'"Mr. Seeley gave me your name as on
| of the passengers, nothing more. 1 canno
| at present explain when. how, | ac
| quired my information regarding you. T.
YOU l am a perfect stranger, and must re
main so, but, by some good fortune, / chanc
to know enough of you to trust you thor
oughly as gentleman. You understand
what I mean?"
Her eyes met mine frankly: they wer
clear, honest eyes. and I felt that I rea,
their direct challenge
perhaps So" answered with feelint
of disappointment. You mean 1 am t.
ask no further questions? to forget, Il
| possible. your presence on board?'
Yes: can you do this?"
| "Well to be perfectly frank, | am no
altogether certain that l can, or that
ought. l am Mr.. Carrington's guest. ant
owe him certain loyalty-you admit
that"
Have right to conceal from my hos
| the knowledge which | have discovered
| that a strange young woman has been hid
| den on board his yacht by one of his Off
cers?"
THAT must depend altogether on you
| sense of duty to both Mr.. Darlington anC
| myself" she returned calmly. do appear
like a thief conspirator or In any way 6
| desperate character
"You appear a most charming young wo
man. whom l should be very glad to know.
THANK you." and her lips smiled "Ther
| my case Is not quite hopeless. AS a mos
charming young woman | unreservedly
yield myself to your protection. ! cannot
| tell you who I am, nor why am on board
the Esmeralda secretly, but l give you
| my word of honor that no harm shall resul,
from my presence to any Of your friends
and I only request you to remain silent fol
| few hours longer"
you intend later tc reveal yourself tc
| others?"
LAS soon as the yacht is safely at sea
beyond all possibility Of putting m,
| ashore"
/ confess | was puzzled uncertain; my
| duty to Darlington seemed clear enough
and yet there was that about the girl which
gave me faith in her pledge. She read my
| hesitation.
"You still doubt me, Mr. Holis?"
mo, it is not doubt. yet know so little
You will, at least, trust me with youl
| name?"
Her eyes fell. shadowed by their Ions
| lashes. For a moment she looked out acros.
| the ~ai at the dark water beyond.
$50 far as I can--yes," she answered
soberiy. You may call me Vera"
CHAPTER Nv
War. and q Copper Pool
s.V VERA" echoed In some way vaguel!
" conscious of a strange familiarity witt