Meade County news., 1917-11-29

st. Johns is a naval base; the
closer we approach the harbor the
more apt we are to encounter a Brit
ish cruiser"
Her fingers grasped my sleeve.
But, Mr.. Hollis, if all these hopes
fail, and there should be no rescue, is
there not something we can do? Must
we remain here helpless, Just waiting
for death to Gomez"
l took the little hands in mine ten
derly, and, with an effort, controlled
my voice.
Perhaps so, but we cannot be too
cautious. Our only chance is to retain
our freedom, and arouse no suspicion
that we are plotting together. Can you
learn where the others are confined,
and get the word to meT
"Yes," she said. I'll think can"
what is it you think you can do,
Miss Darlington" said a voice quietly.
Mccain stood in the open passage
way leading to the stewards pantry,
less than fifteen feet distant, satiri-
cal smile on his lips, as he observed
cur familiar position. How long he
had been there, and what portion Of
our conversation he had overheard, l
had no means of knowing, and for the
instant 1 stood speechless, my brain
blank. Not so with Vera. With a
laugh, ringing out as naturally as
though in full appreciation of some
sudden CLEAN of humor, she withdrew
her hands from mine, turned and faced
him, executing mocking curtsey.
Hardly fair, Mr.. McCann," she said,
ito steal upon us like that"
Perhaps not" he answered grimly,
but just now 1 am privileged to do
as please on board this ship. Answer
my question-what is, it you think you
can do?"
Perhaps an answer will be embar-
fe<Afing."
"Stop the play-acting," he burst
forth, Advancing about the stair rail.
What WEI" you talking about2 want
direct answ@?"
The girls log lashes shaded her
eyes, but there wt~s not the slightest
falter to her voice.
Captain Hollis" she said softly, al
most regretfully, "had GNSed me if-if
l thought could learn to- like him,
and l said II thought couN. That
that was ALL"
Mccain stared at the innocent,
downcast face as though he half be
lieved the words her lips uttered were
deliberate lies; then he laughed mirth-
lessly.
II see," he said with sarcasm. mo
misfortune along other lines is suffi-
clent to interrupt Mr.. Hollis lnve-mak-
ing. My congratulations, captain, on
even this measure of success"
The hot blood flushed my face, not
so much Mt the words as the tone with
which they were uttered. They con.
veyed to me a deliberate insult, tin.
Cling with q memory of the purpose
he charged me with during our last
Interview. He had not quite under
stood me before, but now he felt con-
vinced that under all the veneer was
his kind; and he instantly felt that
he knew just how to deal with my case.
"Your congratulations are appreci.
ated for what they are WORTH" an.
swered, unable to wholly restrain my.
self. But we will let the discussion
end here"
"Oh, will we9 Well, perhaps you
will recall that circumstances have
changed since our last talk. You are
no longer captain Of this ship-I am;
and / will say what please on board.
The first thing propose doing is to
tell Miss Darlington who and what
you are"
Her eyes flashed over my face, then
sought his.
"Do l understand" she asked clearly,
"that l have been before a topic of
conversation between you? What was
the occasion?"
Mccain laughed, not in the least
embarrassed, and evidently convinced
that his position was sufficiently
strong to give him a clear advantage.
Hollis natural modesty prevents
his answering, but as a disinterested
party, I will take upon myself to ex-
plain. The truth Is 1 comprehended