American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1917-09-21
CHAPTER Il.-contlnued.

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Before the party finally broke up 1
had outlined my plan. l was in no
haste to retire, having slept more or
less during the afternoon f; l would re-
main alone on deck, and see what hap
lpened. We were steaming right gal
Aantly now and stars were finding riffs
In the clouds through which to silver
the waves of the Sound. The first Off
Ger was still on the bridge, but Seeley
would relieve him at twelve; there
was nothing for me to do but wait until
then.
1 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 a rather careful survey Of
THE deck aft before permitting her to
venture forth from concealment. If
his search disclosed my presence, the
fyoung woman would doubtless be or
.dered to remain below. My choice Of
position was easily determined. The
flag locker was unusually c%ommodious,
as one of Carrlngton's hobbies was to
dress the ship handsomely on every
Egala occasion, and display the cOlors
of all nations. 1t was built directly
against the after rail, and back into
ITS protective shadow l silently drew a
Steamer chair, concealed myself be-
meath the folds of a rug, and lay there
quietly.
Time dragged, but finally the bell
forward announced the hour for the
kehange of watch. l 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 call the second mate. The
two came back together. Five min
utes later, with no warning sound OF
approach, 1 became aware that some
lone had quietly rounded the end of the
cabin. The mate passed me by within
a few Heet, so close, indeed, l coulc
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 no
even pause In his slow walk, but disap
ipeared along the port rail. Fearing
he might return, l remained motion
less, yet was doubly assured now tina
my suspicious were about to be verl
fed. l dared not venture any explo
ration. Thus fanny plan had worked
nicely, and l could not now afford t.
risk discovery. She came so silently
like a gray shadow gliding out Of tn
night, that she was actually beside tn
rail, gazing steadfastly out at the sill
very water, before I was even clearl,
aware OF her presence. l was s%carcel,
willing to accept the evidence Of m,
own eyes. yet arose slowly to a sittinI
posture to observe better, dropping tn
rug silently onto the deck. She hear
nc sound of the movement, and. wit
no suspicion of any other presenc
near, remained ~motionless, drinking 1
the soft beauty of the night, an
breathing deeply the crisp salt air.
/ could see her plainly, silhouette
against the sky, illumined by the stai
CLEAN which reflected upward from tn
water. her hands clasped on the raj
her form bent slightly forward, he
skirts blowing lightly In the wind. Sh
was slender and young. no doubt as
that, with a certain supple grace to he
figure noticeable even In that quie
posture.
Helped by the support Of the fla
locker. 1 ittained my feet ~noiselessl.
only half determined n the course
had better pursue. However. 1 wa
left no choice. Something served I
startle her. to make her vaguely awar
of some other presence on the decl
She turned, still g%rasping the rail wit
one hand. and confronted me. l caugf
a glimpse of her face, white and you'll
full, her big eyes staring at me @
though in sudden terror. She steppe
hack, then Strengthened slightly, he
questioning eyes never leaving m
face.
II supposed myself to be alone
size said the words uncertain. but ii