The Pulaskian., 1917-12-07

force once you are ashore. I do not count that a serious danger-only he must not suspect your purpose until too late to prevent his interfering with your action. Nor will you be unsafe with him in the open boat, for the two of you will not be alone. Your great est peril will be while aboard this ship, and completely in MeCann's power"
 "The open boat will not be long at seal"
 Mot to exceed a few hours prob- ably; Liverpool and White are seamen enough to see that it is equipped with a sail, and if the wind be favorable, they will make land quickly. But there is even q chance that you need not take this risk"
 'What chance?" the full measure of her emotions finding evidence in her voice.
 If Leayord or Olson could be se- cretly released, or even if you could be assured that 1 was free to attain the deck at the proper moment, and thus able to release these others, we might best play bold game. By urg- ing some excuse you could delay leav- ing the ship until after all the muti- neers were over the side, and in the boats. MeCann might remain on board with you, but he would be only one man to handle. Once we had control of cfas 4ff,f and prevent those ruffians from return ing on board, at least until they sur rendered all arms, and agreed to such terms as we offered"
 "That-that would be a most despe- rate expedient," she said dejectedly, its success doubtful. You would be terribly outnumbered, and without weapons.n
 1T do not see it so. Outnumbered, yes; but with every advantage of po- sition. Those fellows could not clam Der up the side, unless it be one at a time. Besides, the major part of the crew are doubtless mutineers against their will, and would be glad enough to return to duty if promised protec- tion. I doubt if there be three revolv- CTS on board. I have one of these, and MeCann carries another. Really the plan looks feasible to me-"
 She arose and crossed over to the open port, gazing out in silence across the waste of waters, the wind lifting strands of her ruffied hair. She re- mained there motionless so long I be- came impatient.
 Have you no answer to maker" l questioned at last. You think the scheme impracticable"
 "No; 1t is not that" but without changing posture or glancing about, and I felt there was a deadness in her voice, far from encouraging. But but do not like the part assigned to me-"
 "You fear you might find it difficult to carry out the deceit?"
 She turned and faced me, and there were tears in her eyes, which she swept indignantly away with swift gesture.
 "You have used the right word," she exclaimed, no longer hesitating in speech. q am not accustomed to de- ceit, MT. Hollis; have never learned how to lie, or conceal my true feelings. l am not afraid physically; 1t is not that; but you ask me to permit this fellow to make love to me, and am to encourage his hopes, and pretend to yield to his advancements. You ask me to lower my womanhood, to take my place on a level with a girl of the streets, and pretend to sell my self for price. Is this your concep- tion of my character?'
 It was as though she had slapped me in the face, yet I was ready, half anticipating she might assume this po- sition.
 "No; but I believe you willing to sacrifice your conception of what or dinarily seems right to save this ship, and the lives of those aboard; to pre- serve Philip Bascom's fortune. There need be no love making, no pretense at love. You seemingly yield to force, surrender to fear; that would be the only way in which McCann would ex- pect to gain your consent"
 'You-you wish me to do this?"
 Tt appears to me as our only hope"
 And if do, you will not despise me? You will not feel my action un- womanly?"
 q feel that of youl Never; why, it would be impossible for me to con eeive of your acting unworthilyl"
 She held out her hand.
 'gThen will try" she said simply, her eyes uplifted to mine.
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