The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-08-14

gala OCCASION, and display the colors
of all nations. It was built directly
against the after rail, and back into
its protective shadow l silently drew q
steamer chair, concealed myself be-
meath the folds of q rug, and lay there
quietly.
Time dragged, but finally the bell
forward announced the hour for the
change of watch. I was sailor enough
to comprehend the meaning OF every
sound, heard someone walk hastily
across the main deck, and descend
through the companion-a seaman dis
patched to Gull the second mate. The
two came back together. Five min
utes later, with no warning sound OF
approach, I became aware that some
one had quietly rounded the end OF the
cabin. The mate passed me by within
few seet, 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 dlsap-
peared along the port rail. Fearing
ne might return, remained motion.
less, yet was doubly assured now that
my suspicious were about to be veri-
fled. l 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 a gray shadow gliding out Of the
night, that she was actually beside the
rail, gazing steadfastly out ut the Sill
very water, before I was even clearly
aware of her presence. l was scarcely
willing to accept the evidence Of my
own eyes, yet arose slowly to a 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.
I could see her plainly, silhouetted
against the sky, illumined by the star
CLEAN 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, attained my feet noiselessly,
only half determined IN 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
a glimpse of her face, white and youth
full, her big eyes staring ut 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
sengers?"
"Yes; l CHANGED to be still on deck
when you came" -, ....
"Where? You were expecting met"
l indicated the chair In the shadow,
but did not venture to move.
II was lying here, covered by rug,
but did not see you until you appeared
yonder ut the rail. Why do you ask
II l was expecting your"
She hesitated just an instant, but an.
swered frankly.
'There was a man here last night,
after the engines stopped. l believed
then he failed to see me. Was it you,
and are you here again tonight to make
sure?"
"You have guessed the exact TRUTH"
confessed, almost regretfully. Last
night 1t was mere accident, but to-
night my presence here had an object"
Indeed! What interest Is it Of
yOursY
"None directly, except % am 4
friend to Mr.. Darlington. the owner
Of this yacht, and also his guest. He
assured me only this morning that
there was no woman on board, and
laughed at me for even imagining such
q fh3no Naturally, 7 aooi,oI IN ,,&,rl1