The Elbert County tribune., 1918-03-15
CHAPTER ll-contirued.

P
Before the party finally broke up
had oulined my plan. / was In no
haste to retire. having slept more or
less during the afternoon; would re-
main alone on Geek, and see what hap
pened. We were steamlng right gal
iantly now, and stars were finding riffs
In the clouds through which to silver
the wnves Of the Sound. Tho first Off
Ger was still on the bnidge. but Seeley
would relieve him at twelve; there
was nothing for me b. do but walt until
then.
/ could better my position, how ever,
and Immediately did so. If the second
officer really proved To be the accom-
plice of the girl, he would very prob
ably tnke a rather careful survey Of
the deck aft before permitting heI to
venture forth from concealment. If
his search disclosed my presence. the
young woman would doubtless b. Or
dered to remain below. My choice Of
position was enslly 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. 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 rug. and lny there
quietly.
Time dragged. but finally the bell
forward announced the hour for the
sVt,u ~ tn1x nh,
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. became aware Tint some
one had quietly rounded the end of the
cabin. The mate passed me by within
q few seet, so close, indeed, 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, remained motion
less, yet was doubly assured now that
my suspicious were about to be veri-
fed. l dared not venture any explo-
ration. Thus far my plan had worked
nicely. and. could not now afford to
risk discovery. She came SO silently.
like a gray shadow gliding out of the
night, that she was actually beside the
rail. gazing steadfastly out at the ail-
very water, before was even clearly
aware Of her presence. was scarcely
willing to accept the evidence Of my
own eyes, yet arose slowly to 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
uenr, remained motionless. drinking ir
the soft beauty of the night, and
breathing deeply the crisp salt air.
could see her plainly. silhouette6
against the sky, illumined by the star
CLEAN which reflected upward from the
water. her hands clasped on the rail
her form bent slightly forward, hel
skirts blowing lightly In the wind. She
was slender and young, no doubt as t.
that, with certain supple grace to hel
ngure uOtlCeuUle cVcu LII tuut Quie
posture.
Helped by the support of the flai
locker. 1 ttained my feet noiselessly
only hnlf determined N the course
had better pursue. However. I wa
left no choice. Something served t.
startle her, to make her vaguely awsr'
of some other presence on the deck
She turned. still grasplng the rail witt
one hand. and confronted me. caugh
glimpse Qf her face. white and youth
>ful. her big eyes staring at me a
though In sudden terror. She steppe,
back, then Strengthened slightly, he
questioning eyes never leaving m.
face
IL supposed myself to be alone,
she said. the words uncertain, but tn
voice clear. "You are one Of the pas
sengers7"
"Yes; chanced to be still on decl
when you came"
.wheref You were expecting met
Indicated the chair In the shadow
but did not venture to move.
IL was lying here. covered by q rug
but did not sec You until you appeares
yonder at the rail. Why do you nsl
II was expecting your
She hesitated just an instant, but an
swered frankly.
There was . man here last night
s<ssv ~ sasanss stopped ] believes