The Huttig news., 1917-09-15

What is your name?'
 Robert Hollis: live in Chicago"
 She nodded, and I imagined the ex- pression of her eyes changed slightly. l The merest semblance of a smile curved her lips
 "l am rather glad you are my dis coyerer," she said quietly. flor I know who you are. You are not altogether a stranger
 ''l am not " I exclaimed in surprise "Oh ! l understand: Seeley has told you of me" Has he indeed! Why Seeley?''
 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 wrong?"
 She laughed-the sound barely au- dible, yet evidence of her swift amuse- ment.
 "1f I did not chance to know better, Mir. Hollis, should almost suspect you of being a lawyer" she said cheer fully. However. in spite of my pres
 
 truthful person. I fear Mir Seeley's in terest in me is altogether, or at least largely, mereenary. I will confide in you, and confess that he has already cost me one hundred dollars. and heaven alone knows how much more water, when l hope to be free from bondage"
 "Good I 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 q falsehood. I am perfectly capable of so doing and had I been eOnyersing with some others on board. I would have chosen to do so.''
 (Which would seem to imply that you possess a measure of confidence in mel"
 1T do, MT. Hollts," quietly.
 "SeeIey must have given me a most excellent reputation, and deserves re- ward"
 .Mr. Seeley gave me your name as one of the passengers, nothing more I cannot at present explain when, or how, acquired my information regard ing you. To you I am a perfect stranger, and must remain so, but by some good fortune, I chance to know enough of you to trust you thoroughly as gentleman. You understand what I mean?'
 Her eyes met mine frankly; they were clear, honest eyes. and l felt that I read their direct challenge.
 "Perhaps so,' answered with feel ing of disappointment. You mean 1 am to ask no further questions? to for get, if possible, your presence on board?"
 "Yes; can you do this?"
 "Well, to be perfectly frank, l am not altogether certain that I can, or that I ought. I am Mir. Carrington's guest, and owe him certain loyalty you admit that?'
 "Yes."
 "Have I right to conceal from my host the knowledge which 1 have dis covered that a strange young woman has been hidden on board his yacht by one of his offieers?"
 That must depend altogether on your sense of duty to both MT. Caring ton and myself" she returned calmly. Do I appear like thief? a conspira- tor? or in any way desperate charac- ter?"
 You appear most charming young woman, whom I should be very glad to know"
 "Thank you," and her lips smiled. .'Then my case is not quite hopeless. As most charming young woman l unreservedly yield myself to your pro- lection. I cannot tell you who I am. nor why am on board the Esmeralda secretly, but l give you my word of honor that no harm shall result from my presence to any of your friends, and l only request you to remain si- lent for few hours longer"
 You intend later to reveal yourself to othersT
 "As soon as the yacht is safely at sea, beyond all possibility of putting me ashore"
 1 confess I was puzzled, uncertain 1; my duty to Darlington seemed clear enough and yet there was that about the girl which gave me faith in her pledge. She read my hesitation.
 You still doubt me, Nr. HollisT'
 "No 1t is not doubt, yet l know so little. You will at least trust me with your name?'
 Her eyes fell, shadowed by their long lashes. For moment she looked out across the rail, at the dark water be- yond,
 "So far as can-yes," she answered soberly. You may call me Vera"
 CHAPTER llI.