The Pulaskian., 1917-11-09
CHAPTER XIV.
The Measure of Danger.

tain Hollis" she explained quietly, as though in answer to the silent inquiry of my face. q was going on deck for a breath of air, and when I opened the door heard my own name spoken. Quite naturally listened"
 (Which you had every right to do. I endeavored to get from McCann a pledge not to interfere with the dis cipline of the ship, and offered him the freedom of the cabin and after deck, if he would make such a promise.'
 And he refused?"
 'Emphatically he even accused me of unworthy motives-you heard that?"
 She shook her head 1T hardly think so; I heard him offer odds against your ever bringing the Indian Chief into that German port, and-oh, yes, and something about your not getting the girl-what girl?"
 I smiled, decidedly relieved by the lack of embarrassment in her manner.
 "Have we so many of your sex on board" I asked, "as to leave that in any doubt?"
 "He-he referred to me! Why, I thought it might be something which had occurred on shore-in New York. Whatever was it he said?"
 "Why, it seems the fellow guessed who you were in the boat-no doubt had seen you before, and recognized your face as soon as it was daylight Then, however, 1t was too late for him to disguise his real self as he had re- vealed it. His actions had made you despise him, and turn to me for protec- tion. Naturally the man judges my motives from his own standpoint. He Is aware that I am not extremely wealthy-indeed not wealthy at all by his standards, and that you are your fathers daughter. Because I serve you is, to his mind, proof positive of mercenary purpose on my part-that is all."
 Her eyes widened and there was a glow of color in her cheeks.
 'He-hc insinuated that you sought toto win my gratitude for some re- ward?"
 'Yes."
 "That my father would pay for your kindness to me?'
 ''Well, Miss Vera" and I found it extremely hard to choose words, 'his thoughts were more direct"
 Her face frightened, a sudden gleam of humor in her eyes.
 "Oh, that you wanted to marry me Isn't it too funny Do you really think he supposes that true?"
 T would not be at all surprised" answered, not altogether pleased at her reception of this suspicion. 'It is wholly in line with his type. To me, now, the wealth of your father would be the greatest barrier between us."
 There was time when you never knew I had wealthy father, or indeed any other kind."
 Was any the less attentive then?" l retorted. q recall almost an entire night passed on deck in the vague hope of seeing you"
 She laughed, but flashed her eyes up into my face.
 Did you, really? wondered if you were there. But then that was merely curiosity"
 "The mystery was attractive, con fess, but am not at all sure there was not a growing personal interest also. You can scarcely conceive the impress sion you left on me in the moonlight"
 Please, no compliments. I am so accustomed to those in New York l cannot appreciate them any more. You were going on deck?"
 For short time; it would seem beautiful morning."
 We emerged from the companion to- gether, but she fingered at the rail, as l clambered up the ladder and greeted Leayord aft of the wheel. It was a broad seaview revealed on every side, nothing in sight but the crested waves sweeping to the distant horizon. The only men I saw were on the forecastle engaged in clearing up some tackle, excepting fellow high up in the main crosstrees, with binoculars at his eyes.
 You keep a good lookout, see, MT. Leayord," said, peering up at the fig ure outlined against the sky. Nothing reported?"
 Not yet, sir. MT. Olson said it was all quiet while he was in charge"
 He moved over to the starboard rail, With glance at the wheelsman, and 1 Joined him, understanding the move ment.
 Your purpose is to avoid vessels if possible, I presume, captain?" he asked, pointing out across the water Tn pretense of admiring the scene.
 The fewer we meet with the pleas anter our voyage, MT. Leayord," quiet iy By the way, your language is hardly that of a forecastle hand; seem- ingly it has changed over night"
 He permitted smile to curve his lips.
 Environment. sir, no doubt. AS oosun, I was bit careless, but now that I've come aft the speech of a gen.