American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1917-09-21

fOltt CltdIs LOU are Oub VI lut pas
sengers2"
Eyes; 1 CHANGED to be still on deck
when you came"
"Where? You were expecting meT'
l indicated the chair in the shadow,
but did not venture to move.
81 was lying here, covered by a rug,
but did not see you until you appeared
yonder at the rail. Why do you ask
If 1 was expecting your"
She hesitated just an instant, but n
swered frankly.
"There was a man here last night,
after the engines stopped. 1 believed
then he failed to see me. Was 1t you,
and are you here again tonight to make
sure?"
you have guessed the exact truth
l confessed, almost regretfully. Last
night 1t was a mere accident, but to-
night my presence here had an object"
"Indeedl What interest is it of
yoursT
"None directly, except as l am a
friend to Mr.. Darlington, the owner
of this yacht, and also his guest. He
docuLGn IN OnA9 lAAAS AAOA AAh6 mat
there was no woman on board, and
laughed at me for even imagining such
a thing. Naturally l desired to vindi-
cate myself then besides the mystery
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
authorities?'
81 do not know" 1 said honestly.
but l am In hopes you will trust me
enough to explain your object in thus
coming unlimited aboard. 1 should pre-
fer being your friend, if that prove
possible"
She did not answer, apparently hest
tating in surprise at my unexpected
plea, and doubtful as to my sincerity.
"What is your manner"
Robert Hollis l live in Chicago"
She nodded, and l imagined the ex-
preston of her eyes changed slightly.
The merest semblance of a smile
curved her lips.
81 am rather glad you are my dis
coverer," she said quietly, "for l know
who you are. You are not altogether
a stranger"
81 am not" l exclaimed in surprise,
"Oh! understand: Seeley has told
you of me-"
HAS he indeed Why Seeley7"
Because l have some reason to be
lleve that the second officer is your
special friend on board: that through
- - u. hovo found oOnCaa1manf
Am 1 altogether wrongr'
She laughed-the sound barely au
dible, vet evidence Of her swift amuse
ment.
eff 1 did not chance to know better
Mr.. Hollis, l should almost suspect yot
Of being a lawyer" she said cheer
fully. However, in spite Of my pres
ent position, l am inclined to be
truthful person. fear Mr. Seeley's In
terest In me is altogether, or at leas
largely, mercenary. 1 will confide IL
YOU. and confess that he has alread,
cost me one hundred dollars, ant
| heaven alone knows how much NOR
: will be required before we attain deeI
water, when l hope to be free from
q, bondage"
"Goodl 1 am encouraged; now yo'
will tell me moreT'
She shook her head.
mot another word, sir. So far, a
t they say In New York, you have tn
goods on me- and denial would be use
, less. OF course, 1 might have told
falsehood. 1 am perfectly capable o
I so doing, and had l been conversin
with some others IN board, / woul
have chosen to do So"
(Which would seem to imply tina
You possess a measure Of confidence 1
me2'
Z 81 do. Mr.. Hollis" quietly.
"Seeley must have given me a mos
: excellent reputation, and deserves re
4 ward"
"Mr. Seeley gave me your name a
v one of the passengers, nothing more
l cannot at present explain when, Q
" how, l acquired my information regard
e ing you. To you l an a perfeC