Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-10-24

cal smile on his lips, as he observed
our familiar position. How long he
had been there, and what portion of
our conversation he had overheard, ]
had no means Of knowing, and for the
instant I stood speechless, my brain
q blank. Not SO with Vera. With o
laugh, ringing out as naturally as
though in full appreciation Of some
sudden CLEAN Of humor, she withdrew
her hands from mine, turned and faced
him, executing hooking curtsey.
Hardly fair, Mr.. McCann," she said
ITO steal upon us like that"
Perhaps not" he answered grimly,
"but just now am privileged to do
as please on board this ship. Answer
my question-what is It you think you.
can do?"
Perhaps an answer will be embar.
RAISING"
"Stop the play-actfng," he burst
forth, advancing about the stair rail.
'What were you talking about? want
direct answer?"
. The girls long lashes shaded her
eyes, but there was not the slightest
falter to her voice.
Captain Hollis" she said softly, al
most regretfully, "had asked me tiff
I thought could learn toto like him,
and said II thought could. That
that was all"
Mccain stared at the innocent,
downcast face as though he half be-
lieved the words her lips uttered were
deliberate lies; then he laughed mirth-
lessly.
II see," he said with sarcasm. mo
misfortune along other lines is suffi-
cient to interrupt Mr.. Hollis love-mak-
ing. My congratulations, captain, on
even this measure of success"
The hot blood flushed my face, not
so much at the words as the tone with
which they were uttered. They con-
veyed to me a deliberate insult, tin
Cling with a memory of the purpose
he charged me with during our last
interview. He had not quite. under
stood me before, but now he felt con-
vinced that under all the veneer was
his kind; and he instantly felt that
he knew just how to deal with my case.
"Your congratulations are appreci-
ated for what they are WORTH" an
swered, unable to wholly restrain my.
self. HBut we will let the discussion
end here"
"Oh, win wet Well, perhaps you
will recall that circumstances have
changed since our last talk. You are
no longer captain Of this ship-I am;
and will say what I please on board.
The first thing propose doing is to
tell Miss Darlington who and what
you are"
Her eyes flashed over my face, then
sought his.
"Do understand" she asked clearly,
shat have been before a topic of
conversation between you? What was
the occasion1"
McCann laughed, not in the least
embarrassed, and evidently convinced
that his position was sufficiently
strong to give him clear advantage.
Hollis natural modesty prevents
his answering, but as disinterested
party, will take upon myself to ex-
plain. The truth .is comprehended
from the first the real object Of this
fellow in seeking zyour. friendship.
even compelled him to acknowledge
that your fathers money was the main
attraction"
I stepped forward, unable longer to
restrain the action.
"You dog Of liar!" I said fiercely.
Il know you are armed, but"
"Wait, Captain Hollis" and her I'm
gers caught my arm. "This matter in
wolves me, and wish to hear the facts.
Go on, please"
Mccain grinned into my face, but
kept one hand behind him, gripping his
revolver.
tTo Be continuedl