The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1917-10-11
CHAPTER iI.-contlnued.

| CnAF EN- u.-S0nttnue0.
~ .'A2- 49,,
Before the purity finally broke up
had ou,lined my. plan.~ 4 was in no
haste to retire, having slept more or
Jess during the afternoon; j would re-
main alone on deck, and see what hap
bened. 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,
eer wns still on the bridge, but Seeley
would relieve him ut twelve; there
was nothing for me to do but wait until
khen. t,'
\ could better my position, hewever,
and immediately did So. II the second
pnicer really proved to be the accom-
plice of the girl, he would very prob
ably take a rather careful survey Of
The deck aft before permitting her to
venture forth from concealment. II
bis search disclosed my presence, the
young woman would doubtless be or
dered to remain below. My choice of
position was easily determined. The
Nag locker was unusually commodious,
ls one Of Carrington's hobbies was to
hress the ship handsomely on every
gala occasion, and display the colors
pf all nations. It was built directly
against the after rail. and back into
lts protective shadow silently drew a
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. was sailor enough
10 comprehend the meaning Of every
sound. / heard so,ueone walk hastily
across the main deck, and descend
Through the companion--a seaman dis
patched to cnll the second mate. The
two came back together. Five min
utes later, with no warning sound Of
approach, became aware that some
Dne had quietly rounded the end Of the
cabin. The mate passed me by within
y few Feet, so close. indeed, l 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, remained motion
less, yet was doubly assured now that
my suspicious were about to be veri-
ied. i 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 / was even clearly
aware of her presence. was scarcely
willing to accept the evidence of my
pwn 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
the soft beauty Of the night, and
breathing deeply the crisp salt air.
could see her plainly, silhouetted
against the sky. illumined by the star
kleam which reflected upward from the
water, her hands clasped on the rail-
her form bent slightly forward, hel
skirts blowing lightly In the wind. She
was slender and young, no doubt as tc
that, with certain supple grace to hei
ngure noticeable even In that qule'
posture.
Helped 10y the support Of the fiaf
booker, / STAINED my feet noiseless'y
only half determined N the course
had better pursue. However, / was
left no choice. Something served t.
ptartle her, to make her vaguely aware
of some other presence on the deck
She turned, still grasping the rail witt
one hand, and confronted me. ! caught
. glimpse Of her face, white and youth
ful. her big eyes staring at me al
though in sudden terror. She stepped
back, then Strengthened slightly, hel
questioning eyes never leaving m!
face.
"I-I supposed myself to be Alone
she said, the words uncertain. but thu
voice clear. "You are one of the pas
BengersT
"Yes; chanced to be still on decl
when you came"
"Where2 You were expecting me-?
l Indicated the chair In the shadow
but did not venture to move.
II was lying here, covered by rug
but did not see you until you appeare'
yonder at the rail. Why do you asl
was expecting you"
She hesitated Just an instant but an
swered frankly.
There was a man here last night
hftor the euxinen atopDed I believes