The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1917-10-11

then he failed to see me. Was It you,
and are -7r here again tonight to make
sure?"
"You have guessed the exact truth"
Ieonfessed, almost regretfully. "Last
night 1t was mere accident, but to-
night my presence here had an object"
"Indeedl What interest is It of
yours7"
"None directly, except as I arr
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 fer even imagining such
a thing. Naturally desired to vindi-
cate myself; then besides the mystery
also had Its attractions"
"No Doubt And now that you have
progressed so far. what further do you
purpose dolng-turn me over to! the
authorities2' ~ -a
II do not know" said honestly.
''But am in hopes you will trust me
coming uninvited aboard. should pre-
fer being your friend. IL that prove
possible"
She did not answer, apparently hesi-
tating in surprise ut my unexpected
plea. and doubtful US to my sincerity.
"what is your manner"
"Robert Hollis: live In Chicago"
She nodded, and imagined the ex-
preston of her eyes changed slightly.
The merest semblance Of a smile
curved her lips.
81 am rather glad you are my dis
coverer," she said quietly, "for know
who you are. You are not altogether
a stranger"
II am not I" I exclaimed in surprise.
"Ohi I understand: Seeley has told
you Of me-"
HAS he indeedI Why Seeley?"
Because I have some reason to be-
lieve that the second officer is your
special friend on board: that through
his aid you have found concealment.
Am / altogether wrong?"
She laughed-the sound barely au-
dible, yet evidence of her swift amuse-
ment.
'If I did not chance to know better,
Mr.. Hollis, should almost suspect you
Of being lawyer" she said cheer
fully. However, in spite Of my pres
ent position, I am inclined to be q
truthful person. fear Mr.. Seeley's In.
terest In me Is altogether, or at least
largely, mercenary. 1 will confide In
you, and confess that he has already
cost me one hundred dollars, and
J heaven alone knows how much more
will be required before we attain deer
water, when I hope to be free from
bondage"
\ "Goodi am encouraged; now you
will tell me more"
She shook her head.
"Not another word, sir. So far, as
they say in New York, you have the
goods on me- and denial would be use
less. OF course. might have told Q
! falsehood. I am perfectly capable OF
so doing, and had been conversini
with some others on board, I woult
have chosen to do so."
(which would seem to imply thai
you possess a measure Of confidence In
meT
II do, Mr.. Hollis" quietly.
"Seeley must have given me q mos
excellent reputation. and deserves re
ward"
'.Mr. Seeley gave me your name a!
one of the passengers, nothing more
, cannot Mt present explain when, o.
, how, acquired my information regard
ing you. To you I am perfec
) stranger, and must remain so, but, b!
, some good fortune. I chance to know
enough of you to trust you thorough!
as gentleman. You understand wha
I meanw
Her eyes met mine frankly; the.
were clear, honest eyes, and I felt tina
5 read their direct challenge.
"Perhaps So" answered with feel
r ing of disappointment. "You mean
y am to ask no further questions? to for
get, II possible. your presence ol
y boardT"
Q "Yes; can you do this7"
: swell, to be perfectly frank, I an
not altogether certain that can. o
( that / ought. I am Mr.. Carrington'
guest, and owe him certain loyalty
y you admit thatf"
!, Eyes"
slave I right to conceal from m,
!, host the knowledge which have dis
] covered, that strange young womal
( has been hidden on board his yacht b,
one of his officersT
: "That must depend altogether Of
your sense Of duty to both Mr.. Caring
!, ton and royself," she returned calmly
"Do I appear lika n theft n conzDirB