Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-10-01

claiiy III ne suspected we were enOeav.
oring TO carry munitions Of war to Ger
many"
''Do you believe the Germans are
right In this war--that you ought to
aid them?"
II cannot answer that" answered
honestly enough, "for do not fully
understand the conditions. To be per-
fectly frank, however, my sympathles
are with England and France. In
this case ] am not considering either
side, but the poor devil who owns this
ship and cargo. What we carry on
board here will not be drop In the
bucket, but It's loss will spell ruin to
him, and that is the thought which in
fluences me-"
"And could not even dispatch
message-wirelessr'
1 1.-THE Indian Chief has no equipment.
No, Miss Vera, we shall be absolutely
lost to the world until we are either
captured, or safe In some German port.
I would not deceive you--the project
Is both desperate and dangerous
one"
The girl remained silent, her eyes
lowered to the deck. I had said all
possible, determined as I was not to
influence her decision. As she did not
speak, or change her attitude, / arose
and walked across the cabin to where
I could look out forward.
"Mr. Hollis"
eyes" I turned.
II must decide this? You mean, to
leave it all to me?"
"There IS no other way"
"But do not know what to say. I
thought at first could answer yes,
gladly. am not afraid, not the least
bit afraid; and il I could only get some
word back to my people In New York
that am safe, would almost welcome
the adventure. I am only girl, you
know, and IL like such things. But
they will worry horribly. for they have
no knowledge Of where am. No one
knows. IL have simply disappeared.
and papa will have detectives hunt
ing for me, and will have to tell
mother. They will imagine all sorts
of horrd things. And you say 1t may
be weeks, or even months, before
could get message to America"
IT am afraid so. Miss Vera; wished
you to understand the exact truth"
"Oh! do not think that would be
right-do you2"
IT thought you might feel that way.
and so made no pledge before telling
you the story. OF course, I knew moth
ing of how you were situated; or I'M
der what circumstances you had left
home"
II stole away unknown to anyone;
1t was just lark, foolish joke. No
one knows where am. If I could only
send them word !"
I touched the bent head gently with
my hand.
"Do not worry" I said kindly. 1--WE
will give the scheme up entirely, and
head toward the nearest American
port. Perhaps luck may favor us. and
e we meet an American ship, we can
transship you, and then take a chance,
knowing that you are safely homeward
bound"
'.But I understood you to say that
that would only increase your peril"
"It might, and 1t might not. At least
I will not consent to have you impli-
Gated in the affair any further than you
are now. I will not sacrifice you to
help our friend yonder save his for
tune. I'll give him my answer now"
took step aft, but paused sudden
", for the door of the owners cabin
opened, and he came limping forth,
resting heavily on cane, his white
face clearly revealed in the glare OF
the skylight. stepped back beside the
girl, who. aroused by my sudden move
ment, glanced up and saw him. Almost
instantly she was upon her feet, hest
tated nm instant as though perplexed
at the mans appearance; then adj
vanced and met him.
"Mr. Bascom," she exclaimed, "can
this indeed be you?"
"You speak my name, certainly ne
replied, but gazing into her face SEEM
ingly without recognition. yet / do
not recall" A.
"Oh, yes, you do; surely you must"
she interrupted. "Why, you have
changed more than I. Do you not re-
member the moonlight nights at Palm
Beach? The fishing parties along the
constr"
"vera !" he cried. note Of delight
in his voice. "Of course I remember;
but you have become woman. the
very last person in the world expect
cd to sed And so you are the lady
we were fortunate enough 70 rescue.
Mr.. Hollis never even mentioned your
name"
'"There was no reason why should"
I said, "having no thought Of your pre-
vious acquaintance. The young lady
and have Just been discussing the sit
uation-"
"Wait just moment, Mr.. Hollis"
she Interrupted, her eyes still on Bas-
CONS face. '"Thls discovery changes
everything. Mr. Bascom Is an old
friend"
$50 I Judge; but do not intend to
let that influence your decision"
"But 1t will, and does" certain
impetuous appeal in her voice. Il did
not understand before, as do now.
You are the owner, Mr.. Bascom? This
is your boat and cargo7''
Eyes, Vera; things have not gone
well with me Of late. and my entire for
tune is here" he answered rather bit
terly.