Sioux County pioneer. (Fort Yates, Sioux County, N.D.) 1914-1929, 1917-10-25

| then he failed to see me. Was II Won.
and are YOU here again tonight to make
sure?"
"You have guessed the exact truth"
confessed. almost regretfully. Last
night 1t was mere accident, but to-
night my presence here had an object
Indeed! What interest is it of
yours?"
"None directly, except as 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 ut me for even imagining such
a thing. Naturally desired to vindi-
cate myself; then besides the mystery
also had its attractions"
mo doubt! And now that you have
progressed so fur, what further do you
purpose d0ing-turn me over to the
authorities?"
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. should pre-
fer being your friend, If that prove
possible"
She did not answer, apparently hest
tating In surprise ut my unexpected
plea, and doubtful as to my sincerity.
"What Is your namc?''
''Ilobert Hollis; I live In Chicago"
She nodded, and I 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 I know
who you are. You are not altogether
q stranger"
II am mott" exclaimed in surprise.
ooh! understand: Seeley has told
you of me-" ees'seA
elias he indeed! Why Seeley7'
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 altogether wrong"
She laughed-the sound barely au-
dible, yet evidence of her swift amuse-
ment.
IF I 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, I am inclined to be a
truthful person. fear Mr.. Seeley's in
terest In me is altogether, or at least
largely, mercenary. 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 hope to be free from
bondage"
"Good! am encouraged; now you
will tell me more?"
She shook her head.
mot another word, sir. So far, Us
they say in New York, you have the
goods on me- and denial would be use
less. OF course, I might have told q
falsehood. I am perfectly capable OF
SO doing, and had been converslne
with some others on board, would
have chosen to do So"
(Which would seem to imply that
you possess measure Of confidence IL
meY
II do, Mr.. Hollis" quietly.
"Seeley must have given me a mos
excellent reputation, and deserves re
ward.'
"A1r. Seeley gave me your name Al
one Of the passengers, nothing more
cannot at present explain when. o.
how, I acquired my information regard
ing you. To you I am a perfec
stranger, and must remain so, but, b,
some good fortune, chance to know
enough Of you to trust you thorough.
as q gentleman. You understand wha
I meant"
| Her eyes met mine frankly; the,
were clear, honest eyes, and I felt thu
read their direct challenge.
"Perhaps So" answered with a feel
ing Of disappointment. "You mean
am to ask no further questions? to fol
get, If possible. your presence o.
board7"
"Yes; can you do this?"
swell, to be perfectly frank. al
not altogether certain that I can, O
that ought. I am Mr.. Darlington
guest, and owe him certain loyalty
you admit that7"
!, EYES,"
slave I 9 right to conceal from m
, host the knowledge which I have dil
covered, that u strange young woma
8 has been hidden on board his yacht
one of his officers?"
"That must depend altogether q
your sense Of duty to both Mr.. Carrin
;, ton and myself" she returned calml
DO appear IKE . THEFT Q eonSpir,