The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1917-11-02

"Of capture, and possible imprison-
ment-yes. Probably our lives will
not be in any special peril. We have
no arms with which to resist. If once
overhauled, prize crew would be put
on board, and we would be taken to the
nearest British or French port, as pris-
oners OF war. Our cargo, destined for
the German government, would be am
ply sufficient to condemn us. Under
the circumstances, our own country
would make no effort to protect us.
should not mind, but 1 cannot expose
you to hardship and possible impris-
onment."
Her eyes were shining, and her hand
reached forth, unconsciously, and rest
ed on mine.
"How long would 1t require?"
"Weeks, probably; I should choose
the more northern route, around Scot
land, and then skirt the Norway coast
through the North sea-"
ITO place me on some other vessel
at sea would spoil your plan, Mr.. Hol-
lisp
ut would render our chances of sue
cess much less. The only possibility
would be the meeting of some Ameri-
can ship, homeward bound, whose cap
tain would promise to make no report.
Such a one might be hard to find, espe-
cially IL he suspected we were endeav-
oring to carry munitions Of war to Ger
many"
do you believe the Germans are
right in this war-that you ought to
aid themT
II cannot answer that" / answered
honestly enough, 'for 1 do not fully
understand the conditions. To be per-
fectly frank, however, my sympathies
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 1 could not even dispatch a
message-wireless?"
"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.
1 would not deceive you--the project
is both a desperate and a dangerous
one."
The girl remained silent, her eyes
lowered to the deck. / had said all
possible, determined as / was not to
influence her decision. As she did not
speak, or change her attitude, I arose
and walked across the cabin to where
I could look out forward.
"Mr. Hollis"
"Yes." / turned.
81 must decide this? You mean to
leave 1t all to meT
"There Is no other way"
"But I do not know what to say.
thought at first could answer yess
gladly. am not afraid, not the least
bit afraid; and II I could only get some
word back to my people in New York
that am safe, would almost welcome
the adventure. / am only a girl, you
know, and II like such things. But
they will worry horribly, for they have
no knowledge Of where I am. No one
knows. II have simply disappeared,
and papa will have detectives hunt
ing for me, and will have to tell
mother. They will imagine all sorts
of horrid things. And you say 1t may
be weeks, or even months, before /
could get a message to American
II am afraid so, Miss Vera; / wished
you to understand the exact truth"
"Ohl do not think that would be
right--do your"
II thought you might feel that way,
and so made no pledge before telling
you the story. OF course, / knew moth
ing of how you were situated; or I'M
der what circumstances you had left
home"
II stole away unknown to anyone
IL was just a lark, foolish joke. No
one knows where am. II could only
send them wordp'
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 IN, and
IL we meet an American ship, we can
xr.rvshtv, vor, and than taxa \ chance