Crossville chronicle. [volume] (Crossville, Tenn.) 1894-current, 1917-10-31

voice clear. "You are one of the pas
sengers?"
Eyes; l CHANGED to be still on deck
when you came"
"Where? You were expecting meY
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 appeared
yonder at the rail. Why do you ask
If / was expecting your?
She hesitated just an instant, but an
swered frankly.
after the engines stopped. 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"
1 confessed, almost regretfully. Last
night it was mere accident, but to-
night my presence here had an object"
"Indeed What interest is it Of
yoursT"
"None directly, except as l am
friend to Mr.. Darlington, the owner
Of this yacht, and also his guest. He
assured me only this morning that
there was no woman on board, and
laughed at me for even imagining such
thing. Naturally 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
auth0rities?"
II do not know" l said honestly.
"But am in hopes you will trust me
enough to explain your object In thus
coming unlimited aboard. I 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 name"
Robert Hollis; live in Chicago"
She nodded, and imagined the ex-
preston of her eyes changed slightly.
The merest semblance Of a smile
curved her lips.
II am rather glad you are my dis
coverer." she said quietly, "for know
who you are. You are not altogether
a stranger"
II am notp exclaimed in surprise.
"Oh! understand: Seeley has told
you Of me-"
"Has he indeed! Why Seeley"
because have some reason to be-
lieve that the second officer Is your
special friend on board: that through |
his aid you have found concealment.
Am l altogether wrong?"
She laughed-the sound barely au-
1ible, yet evidence of her swift amuse-
ment.
IF l did not chance to know better,
Mr.. Hollis, should almost suspect you
If being a lawyer" she said cheer
FULLY. However, In spite Of my pres
ent position, am inclined to be
truthful person. fear Mr.. Seeley's in
crest in me is altogether, or at least
argely, mercenary. will confide In
you, and confess that he has already
.ost me one hundred dollars, and
heaven alone knows how much more
will be required before we attain deep
water, when hope to be free from
,ondage."
"Goodl I am encouraged; now you
will tell me more?"
She shook her head.
mot another word, sir. So far, as
hey say in New York, you have the
,oods on me- and denial would be use
ess. OF course, l might have told
alsehood. I am perfectly capable Of
o doing, and had l been conversing
With some others on board. would
ave chosen to do So"
(which would seem to imply that
ou possess a measure of confidence in
ner |,
II do, Mr.. Hollis" quietly. |,
"Seeley must have given me a most
xcellent reputation, and deserves re-
Yard"
"Mr. Seeley gave me your name as
ne of the passengers, nothing more. ,
cannot at present explain when, or ,
ow, l acquired my information regard
IL you. To you l am q perfect