The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1917-12-27
CHAPTER XIV.
The Measure OF Dancer.

he advanced toward me across the
deck, her hand extended.
Il was only there for moment, Cap-
tain Hollis" she, explained quietly, as
though In answer to the silent inquiry
OF my face. II was going on deck for
breath Of air, and when l opened the
door heard my own name spoken. Quite
naturally listened"
which You had every right to do.
I endeavored to get from McCann q
pledge not to interfere with the dis
cipline of the ship, and offered him the
freedom of the cabin and after deck,
he would make such a promise"
"And he refusedT"
h.mphatically he even accused me
OF unworthy motives-you heard
that1"
She shook her head. II hardly think
80; / heard him offer odds against
your ever bringing the Indian Chief
into that German port, and-oh, yes,
and something about your not getting
the girl-what grip
i smiled, decidedly relieved by the
lack OF embarrassment in her manner.
Have We so many of your sex on
board" ] asked, "as to leave that In
any doubtT
"He-he referred to me! Why, I
Thought 1t might be something which
had occurred on shore-in New York.
Whatever was 1t he said?"
"Why, 1t seems the fellow guessed
who you were In the boat-no doubt
had seen you before, and recognized
your face as soon as it was daylight.
Then, however, 1t was too late for him
to disguise his real self as he had re-
vealed It. His actions had made you
despise him, and turn to me for protec-
tion. Naturally the man judges my
motives from his own standpoint. He
Ii aware that 1 am not extremely
wealthy-indeed not wealthy at all by
his standards, and that you are your
fathers daughter. Because I serve
you is, to his mind, proof positive Of
mercenary purpose on my part-that is
ALL"
Her eyes widened and there was
glow of color In her cheeks.
lilut you Sought
to--to win my gratitude for some re-
wardf-
"Yes."
''That my father would pay for your
kindness to meT
"Well, Miss Vera," and I found It
extremely bard to choose words, "his
thoughts were more direct"
Her face frightened, sudden CLEAN
Of humor In her eyes.
~Oh. that you wanted to marry me !
Isn't II too funny! Do you really think
he supposes that true!
'T would not be at all surprised"
answered, not altogether pleased at
her reception Of this suspicion. ut is
wholly In line with his type. To me-
now. the wealth Of your father would
BE- the greatest barrier between u.s."
"There was a time when you never
knew had a wealthy father. or indeed
any other kind"
"Was any the less attentive theii"
retorted. II recall almost an entire
night passed on deck in the vague hope
Of seeing you"
She laughed, but flashed her eyes up
Into my face.
"Did you, really? wondered If you
were there. But then that was merely
curiosity"
'SThe mystery was attractive, ! con-
fess, but am not at all sure there was
not q growing personal interest also.
You can scarcely conceive the impress
sion you left on me In the moonlight"
"Please, no compliments. / am so
accustomed to those In New York l
cannot appreciate them any more. You
were going on deckT
For a short time; 1t would seen
beautiful morning."
We emerged from the companion. to-
gether, but she fingered at the rail, as
I clambered up the ladder and greeted
Leayord aft of the wheel. 1t was a
broad seaview revealed on every side,
nothing in sight but the crested waves
sweeping to the distant horizon. The
only men ] saw were on the forecastle
engaged In clearing up some tackle,
excepting fellow high up In the main
crosstrees, with binoculars at his eyes.
"You keep q good lookout, see, Mr..
Leayord." said, peering up at the fig-
ure outlined against the sky. Nothing
reportedT
"Not yet, sir. Mr.. Olson said 1t was
all quiet while he was In charge"
He moved over to the starboard rail,
with glance at the wheelsman, and /
Joined him, understanding the move
ment.
"Your purpose is to avoid vessels If
possible. presume, captainT he
asked. pointing out across the water
In pretense Of admiring the scene.
The fewer we meet with the pleas
anter our voyage, Mr.. Leayord." quiet
y. by the way, your language Is
hardly that of forecastle hand; SEEM
tngly II has changed over night"