The Lancaster news. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1905-current, 1917-11-16


CONS face. This discovery changes
everything. Mr.. Bascom Is an old
friend"
$50 I Judge; but do not intend to
let that influence your decision"
"But it will. and doesW certain
impetuous appeal In her voice. "I did
not understand before, as 1 do now.
You are the owner. Mr.. Bascom? This
Is your boat and cargo7"
"Yes, Vera; things have not gone
well with me Of late. and my entire for
tune Is here" he answered rather Bit.
terly.
She released her hand from his
grasp, and ank down once more into
the chair, her glance leaving his face
! and seeking mine.
"Mr. Hollis" she said, almost def
antly. ut is my wish that the Indian
Chief continue its voyage"
"Bet / cannot consent"
"You left this decision to me. Well,
make that decision. My comfort,
even the momentary fear which my
ramily may feel over my strange disap-
pearance, could never justify my re-
fusal. l know this gentleman, and
have met his mother; we were good
friends. He shall not pe ruined
through any whim OF girl. urge
you to go ahead, not considering me in
the least"
II cannot quite understand so sud-
den change"
Perhaps you do not understand
women" she said, and smiled Surely
xr.l,
mot In the remotest degree"
but we spoke Of him In the boat
Philip Bascom."
My eyes widened, and / caught my
breath.
Good heavens! yes; now l recall
the affair. He Is the man Fergus Nc
Cam shot In the hotel restaurant. That
was the accident he speaks of. Why,
this Is strange enough to be fiction"
Bascom stood, leaning on his cane,
looking at us, as though failing to com
prehend what 1t was we were talking
about. Possibly he did not catch our
peared puzzled.
You speak of me?" he asked, "of my
difficulty with McCann?"
She looked up at him earnestly.
Yes; 1t is very strange. You should
know the truth. There were three of
us who escaped together when the
yacht sank; Mr.. Hollis. myself and.
Fergus McCann.v
Bascom Strengthened, his lips pressed
tight.
He is here now; guest on board
my ship?"
Yes; do not know where-sleeping
In one of the staterooms, probably. I
have not seen him since l came over
the side"
Bascom's expression was one of
struggle, as he stared into our faces.
1t was difficult for him to find words :;
to even control his mind.
"This-this is q misfortune" he said
finally. 81 do not know how 1t will end.
have sought to avoid the man. Miss
Vera, do you know the truth of that
affair? not the newspaper story, but
the facts7"
She shook her head.
II only heard that the trouble oc-
Cured over Myra Bradley. Mccain
found you together, and shot you in II
tt of jealous rage"
80 far the story was true; but
was not ut the restaurant with Miss
Bradley. l had never, but once before,
even spoken to her. She called me
to her table that evening, where she
was dining alone, to question me re-
garding some mutual friends in Phila-
delphia Our brief conversation was
most commonplace. Mccain shot me
without warning; did not even know
he was near until the woman
screamed"
But" / said, as he paused, "was
there no trial? That was not the news
paper story"
II know It," bitterly. land I have
only my word TO give you. 1 could not
defend myself, and no one else made
any effort to do so. McCann had
money and influence; / was lying I'M
conscious in hospital. The girl was
shipped Off To Europe; a waiter swore
that drew revolver, which he after
wards picked up on the floor; the po-
lice exonerated McCann ON the ground
of self-defense, and the case never
came to trial"
held out my hand.
Having had some experience lately
with McCann," I said heartily, ct am
perfectly ready to accept your version.
His being on board is awkward and
unpleasant, but we must put up with
1t as best we can. Is this your thought,
Mr.. Bascomf"