Meade County news., 1917-09-20
CHAPTER II.-continued.

p
Before the party finally broke up
had oullined my plan. was in no
haste to retire, having slept more or
less during the afternoon; I would re-
main alone on deck, and see what hap
pened. We were steaming right gal
lantly now, and stars were finding riffs
In the clouds through which to silver
the waves of the Sound. The first Off
Ger was still on the bridge, but Seeley
would relieve him at twelve; there
was nothing for me to do but wait until
then.
I could better my position, however,
and Immediately did so. If the second
oficer really proved to be the accom-
plice Of the girl, he would very prob
ably take rather careful survey of
the deck aft before permitting her to
venture forth from concealment. If
his search disclosed my presence, the
young woman would doubtless be or
dered to remain below. My choice Of
position was easily determined. The
dag locker was unusually commodious,
as one of Carrington's hobbies was to
dress the ship handsomely on every
gala occasion, and display the colors
Of al nations. It was built directly
against the after rail, and back into
lts protective shadow silently drew q
steamer chair, concealed myself be-
meath the folds Of rug. and lay there
quietly.
Time dragged, bat finally the bell
forward announced the hour for the
change Of watch. ] was sailor enough
to comprehend The meaning Of every
sound. heard someone walk hastily
across the main deck. and descend
through the companaon'-A seaman dis
patched to call the second mate. The
two came back together. Five min-
utes later, with no warning sound of
approach, became aware that some
one had quietly rounded the end Of the
cabin. The mate passed me by within
q few eeet, so close, indeed, could
distinguish the buttons on his uniform,
and the white cap he wore. Nothing,
however, could have occurred to arouse
his suspicious, for the man did not
even pause in his slow walk, but disap-
peared along the port rail. Fearing
he might return, remained motion
less, yet was doubly assured now that
my suspicious were about to be veri-
ded. / dared not venture any explo-
ration. Thus far my plan had worked
nicely, and I could not now afford to
risk discovery. She came so silently,
like q gray shadow gliding out Of the
night, that she was actually beside the
rail, gazing steadfastly out at the sill
very water, before was even clearly
aware Of her presence. I was scarcely
willing to accept the evidence of my
own eyes, yet arose slowly to sitting
posture to observe better, dropping the
rug silently onto the deck. She heard
no sound Of the movement, and, with
no suspicion Of any other presence
near, remained motionless, drinking In
the soft beauty Of the night, and
breathing deeply the crisp salt air.
could see her plainly, silhouetted
against the sky, illumined by the star
gleam which reflected upward from the
water, her hands clasped on the rail,
her form bent slightly forward, her
skirts blowing lightly in the wind. She
was slender and young, no doubt as to
that, with certain supple grace to her
figure noticeable even in that quiet
posture.
Helped by the support Of the flag
locker, tttained my feet nolseiessly,
only half determined m the course /
had better pursue. However, was
left NO choice. Something served to
stArtle her, to make her vaguely aware
OF some other presence on the deck.
She turned. still grasping the rail with
one hand, and confronted me. caught
glimpse Of her face, white and youth
ful, her big eyes staring at me as
though in sudden terror. She stepped
back, then Strengthened slightly, her
questioning eyes never leaving my
face.
IL supposed myself to be alone"
she said, the words uncertain, but the
voice clear. "You are one Of the pas
BengerST
"Yes; CHANGED to be still on deck
when you came"
"Where7 You were expecting meT'
indicated the chair in the shadow,
but did not venture to move.
II was lying here, covered by a rug,
but did not see you until you appeared
yonder at the rail. Why do you ask
II was expecting you"
She hesitated Just an instant, but an
swered frankly.
There was a man here last night,
erter the engines stopped. ] believed