The Elbert County tribune., 1918-03-15

| then he failed to see me. Was IL Won.
and are you here again tonight to make
sure?"
"You have guessed the exact truth -
I confessed. almost regretfully. Last
night 1t was mere accident, but to-
night my presence here had an object" I"
Indeed What interest is 1t of
yours7"
None directly. except as I am a
friend to Mr.. Darlington, the owner
of this yacht, and also his guest. He
assured me only this morning that
there wns no woman on board, and
laughed ut me Cor even imagining such
thing. Naturally I desired to vindI-
cate myself; then besides the mystery
| hlso had Its attractions"
mo doubt And now that you have
progressed sc fhr, what further do you
purpose doing-turn me over to the
| authoritiesT
II do not know" / said honestly.
"But / am In hopes you will trust me
enough to explain your object in thus
coming unlimited aboard. should pre-
fer being your friend, II that prove
possible"
She did not answer, apparently hesi-
tating in surprise at my unexpected
plea, and doubtful as to my sincerity.
"What is your nameT'
"Robert Hollis; 1 live In Chicago"
She nodded. and imagined the ex-
preston of her eyes changed slightly.
The merest semblance of smile
curved her lips.
II am rather glad you are my dis
coverer." she said quietly. "for know
who you are. You are not altogether
| q stranger"
'I am noti" exclaimed In surprise.
"Oh! I understand: Seeley has told
you OF me-"
"Has he indeedI Why Seeley?"
Because 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 wrongT
She laughed-the sound barely au-
dible, yet evidence Of her swift amuse-
ment.
"If did not chance to know better.
Mr.. Hollis, / should almost suspect you
of being a lawyer" she said cheer
fully. However, in spite Of my pres
ent position, am inclined to be u
truthful person. fenr Mr.. SeeIey's In
terest in me is nlt. s,ether, or at least
largely, mercenary. 1 will confide In
you, and confess that he has already
cost me one hundred dollars, and
heaven alone knows how much more
will be required before we attain deep
water, when I hope to be free from
bondage"
"Goodi am encouraged; now you
will tell me more7"
She shook her head.
mot 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. am perfectly capable OF
SO doing, and had 1 been cqnversinl
with some others on board. l. would
have chosen to do So"
(which would seem to imply tha
you possess q measure of confidence ir
me?"
81 do, Mr.. Hollis" quietly.
"Seeley must have given me mos
excellent reputation, and deserves re
ward"
Mr.. Seeley gave me your name n
one of the passengers, nothing more
, 1 cannot ut present explain when, o
, how, acquired my information regard
ing you. To you I am perfec
3 stranger, and must remain so, but, b.
some good fortune, chance to know
, enough of you to trust you thorough,
as a gentleman. You understand wha
mean?"
Fer eyes met mine frankly; the,
: were clear honest eyes, and felt tha
5 read their direct challenge.
'Perhaps So" answered with feel
r ing of disappointment "You mean
: nm to ask no further questions7 to for
get, If possible. your presence OF
board7"
= "Yes; can you do this?"
"well, to be perfectly frank, I an
not altogether certain that can, o
< that I ought. 1 am,Nr. Darlington
guest, and owe him a certain loyalty
you admit thatl"
"Yes."
"Have I n right to conceal from m
host the knowledge which have dis
covered. that strange young womnl
( has been hidden on board his yacht b.
one of his of1cersf"
: THAT musr depend altogether ol
your sense Of duty to both Mr.. Caring
. ton and myself" she returned calmly
do app~ar like 4 theft . conspira