The Huttig news., 1917-09-15

l could better my position. however. and immediately did so. If the second officer really proved to be the accom- plice of the girl, he would very prob ably take rather careful survey of the deck aft before permitting her to venture forth from concealment. If his search disclosed my presence. the young woman would doubtless be or dered to remain below My choice of position was easily determined. The flag locker was unusually commodious as one of Carrington's hobbies was to dress the ship handsomely on every gala occasion. and display the colors of all nations. It was built directly against the after rail, and back into it's protective shadow I silently drew steamer chair, concealed myself be- heath the folds of 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. l heard someone walk hastily across the main deck, and descend through the companion-a seaman dis patched to call the second mate. The two came back together. Five min utes later, with no warning sound of approach, 1 became aware that some one had quietly rounded the end of the hn tn I,, I. few feet, so close, indeed, I 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 disap- peared along the port rail. Fearing he might return, I remained motion less, yet was doubly assured now that my suspicious were about 10 be veri- fed. dared not venture any explo- ration. Thus far my plan had worked nicely. and l could not now afford to risk discovery. She came so silently, like q gray shadow gliding out of the night, that she was actually beside the rail, gazing steadfastly out at the sill very water, before I was even clearly aware of her presence. 1 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 gleam 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, I attained my feet noiselessly. only half determined .n the course had better pursue. However, l was left no choice Something served to  of some other presence on the deck. She turned, still grasping the rail with one hand, and confronted me. l caught a glimpse of her face, white and youth ful, her big eyes staring at me as though in sudden terror. She stepped back. then strengthened slightly, her questioning eyes never leaving my face.
 IT supposed myself to be alone she said, the words uncertain, but the voice clear. You are one of the pas sengers?"
 "Yes; I chanced to be still on deck when you came"
 "Where? You were expecting mef'
 I indicated the chair in the shadow but did not venture to move.
 'I was lying here, covered by rug. but did not see you until you appeared wonder at the rail. Why 3o you ask if was expecting you?'
 She hesitated just an instant, but an- swered frankly.
 There was 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 sureY
 You have guessed the exact truth, I confessed, almost respectfully. "Lasf night it was a mere accident, but to- night my presence here had an object
 Indeed! What interest IS IL or yours?'
 "None directly, except as l am a friend to Mir. Darlington, the owner of this yacht, and also his guest. lie assured me only this morning thal there was no woman on board, ana laughed at me for even imagining sueh thing. Naturally l desired to vindi- cate myself; then besides the mystery also had it's attractions"
 "No doubt! And now that you nave progressed so far, what further do you purpose doing-turn me over to the authorities?"
 sT do not know" said honestly. "But I am in hopes you will trust me ono,ch to oxpjain your object in thus