Meade County news., 1917-09-20

then he failed to see me. Was It you,
and are you here again tonight to make
SureW
"You have guessed the exact TRUTH"
I 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
yours?"
"None directly, except as I am a
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 fer even imagining such
thing. Naturally desired to vindi-
cate myself; then besides the mystery
also had its attractions"
mo doubti And now that you have
progressed so far, what further do you
purpose doing-turn me over to the
authoritesT
II do not know" I 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 ysur friend, If that prove
possible"
She did not answer, apparently hesi-
tating in surprise at my unexpected
plea, and doubtful as to my sincerity.
"What is your nameT
"Robert Hollis; live in Chicago"
She nodded, and I imagined the ex-
preston of her eyes changed slightly.
The merest Semblance Of q smile
curved her lips.
IT am rather glad you are my dis
coverer," she said quietly, ''for ! know
who you are. You are not altogether
q stranger"
II am notr I exclaimed in surprise.
"Ohi understand: Seeley has told
you Of me-"
HAS he indeedi Why SeeleyT
because I 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 I altogether wrongf"
She laughed-the sound barely au-
dible, yet evidence Of her swift amuse-
ment.
"If did not chance to know better,
Mr.. Hollis, should almost suspect you
of 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
terest in me is altogether, or at least
largely, mercenary. I will conflde in
you, and confess that he has already
cost me one hundred dollars, and
heaven alone knows how much more
will be required before we attain deep
water, when I hope to be free from
bondage"
"Goodi am encouraged; now you
will tell me more"
She shook her head.
"Not another word, sir. So far, as
they say in New York, you have the
goods on me- and denial would be use
less. OF course, I might have told a
falsehood. am perfectly capable Of
so doing, and had been conversing
with some others on board, would
have chosen to do so."
(Which would seem to imply that
you possess a measure Of confidence In
mer
II do, Mr.. Hollis" quietly.
"Seeley must have given ne q most
excellent reputation, and deserves re-
ward"
"Mr. Seeley gave me your name as
one of the passengers, nOthiAg mere.
I cannot at present explain when, or
how, 1 acquired my Information regard
ing you. To you I an q perfect
stranger, and must remain 50, but, BY
some good fortune, chance to know
enough Of you to trust you thoroughly
as q gentleman. Y0u understand what
I meant"
Her eyes met mine frankly; they
were clear. honest eyes, and felt that
I read their direct challenge.
perhaps so," answered with feel
ing Of disappointment. "YOu mean I
am to ask no further questionSf to for
get If possible, your presence on
boardT
"Yes; can you do thlsr
'Well, to be perfectly frank, I am
not altogether certain that 1 can, or
that I ought. I am Mr.. CarTington's
guest, and owe him a certain loyalty
you admit that?"
"Yes."
"Have 1 a right to conceal from my
host the knowledge which have dis
covered, that d strange young woman
has been hidden en- board his yacht by
one Of his ofacers"
~That must depend altogether on
your sense of duty to both Mr.. Caring
ton and myself" she returned calmly.
do appear like theft conspira-