Emmons County record. [volume] (Williamsport, D.T. [i.e. N.D.]) 1884-current, 1917-08-23

When he spoke 1t was in a preoc-
cupied tone. "Hope I haven't kept
you waiting"
"Only moment"
He shook his head wearily. II was
detained" For several seconds he
seemed deep in thought. Then his
words came swiftly. "1'm suspected
watched! Did anyone see your
She thrilled deliciously. II think
not. I've been here some time, quite
undlsturbed."
"Good. But they nearly got mel"
"WhO?"
He smiled family. THE other side"
l-ydia's grasp frightened on his
plump fingers. "You-you're not in
danger?"
"Don't be alarmed. They'd never
dare attempt anything aboard this ves-
sci. But I've stolen march on them
and something else. something more
valuable" Straining a dramatic
pause to the swapping point. he eased
1t with word. "Evidence!"
AT this the foghOrn whO0ped like a
demon Of derislOn. Until 1t was quiet
again Craven stood moveless. chin on
bosom. eyes blank with abstraction.
eyes" he affirmed, "dev'lIsh good
evidence! Look here. I'll have to tell
you something. We've been sold out
! mean there's traitor In our CORPS"
"But can't you do something's"
"Rathcr!" Craven laughed shortly.
I'm fact. l hnve done something al-
ready. He won't 90 far; for his word
"a sluealers wOrd-wOn't have much
weight with the other side. lacking
proofs. and I've got the evidence to
discreilt him." he paused ngnin.
touched his breast lightly but effec.
lively. "hcre!"
Again interrupted by the fOghorn, he
started and frowned irritably. SEEM
Ing to detect something snrdOnic in its
accent.
"Well-that's all. You understand
now. The point Is. I'm known to have
-ah-stolen this evidence. But don't
worry. This is where yen come In"
From his coat pocket Craven produced
small, oblong box of inlnid wood.
highly polished. 1--WE managed to pack
the evidence in this. one of those Chi
nese puzzle boxes. II you don't know
the combination. 1t needs an Ak to open
1t. Put 1t away somewhere-your
trunk till we land-but take 1t ashore
in your handbag. A tip from the other
side. you know, and the customs in
spectors'll turn my luggage inside ont:
but you're perfectly safe. you sea
coming in as an alien. They'll pass You
on your declaration"
The girl slipped the box-it was
about large enough to hold deck Of
cards-into the lining pocket of her
cloak. "Tll keep it safe," she said
quietly.
"Dear child! It's so good to have
you to count ont" Craven patted her
cheek afrectionately. "Nothing like
ones own flesh and blood! l thought
I could trust that man: he was my
only aide this trip" He sighed pro-
foundry. and shook doleful head.
"Well-good-night again. I'll go aft
again; you forward. We mustn't he
seen CONTEMPLATING out here at this
hour"
He stepped back two PAGES and van
ished like shape of dream.
For moment or two the girl lin
gered. listening keenly: but. hearing
nothing, not even Craven's retreating
footsteps. she finally took heart and
moved quietly forward beside the rail.
But she had put barely eight PAGES
behind her when she checked smartly.
with an inarticulate gasp. just short
Of one whose burly figure. motionless.
barred her path. And then, as she
stepped back and turned in toward
the superstructure, thinking in her
pnnic to escape by a sudden dash for
the cOmpanionway. some w'hi!:l Of
chance caused the tenant Of the near.
est staterOom to turn on the lights. and
two square windows leaped refulgent
out of the gloom. the nearer silhOuet.
ting the head and shoulders Of another
man into whose embrace. as well, she