Sioux County pioneer. (Fort Yates, Sioux County, N.D.) 1914-1929, 1917-12-20
CHAPTER XIV.
The Measure Of DANCER.

Auau AAOiAo, ouc cAplub&eU iluleCly, uS
though in answer to the silent inquiry
of my face. II was going on deck for
a breath of air, and when opened the
door heard my own name spoken. Quite
naturally listened"
(which you had every right to do.
endeavored to get from Mccain a
pledge not to interfere with the dis
cipline Of the ship. and offered him the
freedom Of the cabin and after deck,
II he would make such promise"
"An1 he refused"
"Emphaticully; he even accused me
OF unworthy motlve-you heard
that?"
She shook her head. II hardly think
so; 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 girl7"
I smiled. decidedly relieved by the
lack of embarrassment In her manner.
"Have we so many of your sex on
board" asked, "us to leave that in
any doubt?"
"He-he referred to me! Why, l
thought 1t might be something which
had occurred on shOre-in New York.
Whatever was it 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-
tlOn. Naturally the man judges my
motives from his own standpoint. He
Is aware that I am not extremely
wealthy--indeed not wealthy ut all by
his standards, and that you are your
fathers daughter. Because I serve
you ts 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.
"He--he insinuatcd that you sought
eO-t0 win my gratitude for some re-
Ward?'
Eyes,
'T'rt my father would pay for your
kindh'ss to me?''
I "WHll, Miss Vera" and found it
extremely hard 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 1t too funny! Do you really think
he supposes that true?'
Il would not be ut nil surprised"
answered, not altogether pleased at
her reception Of this suspicion. ut is
wholly in line with his type. To me,
now, the wealth % your father would
be the greatest barrier between u.s."
''There was time when you never
knew had wealthy father, or indeed
any other kind"
'Was any the less attentive them"
retorted. II recall almost an entire
night passed ON deck in the vague hope
o. seeing you"
She laughed, but flashed her eyes up
lrto my face.
did you, really? wondered If you
were there. But then that was merely
curiosity"
The mystery was attractive, I con-
Tess. but am not ut all sure there was
not growing personal interest also.
You can scarcely conceive the impress
son you left on me in the moonlight"
"Please, no compliments. I am so
ANvnnc To l.1
cannot appreciate them any more. You
~ere going on dcck?"
"For short time; 1t would seem q
beautiful morning"
We emerged from the companion to-
gether, but she fingered at the rail, as
clambered up the ladder and greeted
Leayord aft Of the wheel. 1t was q
broad seaview revealed on every side,
nothing in sight but the crested waves
sweeping to the distant horizon. The
only men I 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 good lookout, see, Mr..
.eayord," I said, peering up at the fig
ace outlined against the sky. Nothing
reported?"
mot yet, sir. Mr.. Olson said 1t was
I'll quiet while he was In CHARGE"
He moved over to the starboard rail,
with a glance ut the wheelsman, and /
Joined him, understanding the move
ment.
"Your purpose Is to avoid vessels If
possible, I presume, captain?" 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," qaiet,
". "By the way. your language Is
hardly that Of q forecastle hand; seem
ingly 1t has changed over night"
He permitted smile to curve hi
nI's.
Environment, sir, no doubt. A.
6osun, I was q bit careless, but now
that I've come aft the speech Of a gen
dsman seems more appropriate. Tit
9act u bad TIVE ysafs ct Elton, siI."