The Elbert County tribune. [volume] (Elbert, Elbert County, Colo.) 18??-1920, 1918-05-10
CHAPTER XIV.


The Measure Of Danger.
We were alone, and Us our eyes met
she advanced toward me across the
deck. her hand extended.
Il was only there for moment. Cap
tain Hollis," she explained quietly. AZ
though In answer to the silent inquiry
of my face. Il was going on deck for
a breath OF air, and when opened the
door heard my own pane spoken. Quite
naturally listened~
switch you had every right to do
I endeavored to get from McCnnn Q
pledge not to interfere with the dis
cipline Of the ship. and offered him the
freedom OF the cabin and after deck,
II he would make such a promise"
"And he refusedT
"Emphaticaily; he even accused me
Of unworthy motives-you heard
that1"
She shook her head. II hnrdly think
10; heard him offer odds against
your ever bringing the Indian Chief
into that German port, and-oh. yes.
and somei hing about your not getting
the girl-wliat girl7"
l smiled. decidedly relieved by the
lack OF embarrassment in her manner.
"Have we so many of your sex on
board" I asked, ms to leave that In
any doubt7"
"He-he referred to mel Why, /
thought 1t might be something which
had occurred on shore-in New York.
Whatever was 1t he said7"
ssxybr coax..e &bo f.y1eux
who you were IN the boat-no doubt
had seen you before, and recognized
your face as soon as 1t was daylight.
Then, however. 1t was too late for him
to disguise his real self as he had re-
venied 1t. His actions Ind made you
despise him. and turn to me for protec-
ton. Naturally the man judges my
motives from his own standpoint. he
Is aware that I am not extremely
wealthy--indeed not wealthy at all by
his standards, and that you are your
fathers daughter. Because serve
you Is. to his mind. prsof positive of q
mercenary purpose 90 my part--that Is
ALL"
Her eyes widened and there was a
glow Of color In her cheeks.
'He-he insInuated that you sought
toto win my gratitude for some re-
wardw
YES"
THAT my father would pay for your
Kindness to me7"
well, Miss Vera" and / found II
extremely hard to choose words, "hls
thoughts were more direct"
Her face frightened, a sudden CLEAN
Of humor in her eyes.
"Oh, that you wanted o marry me
Isn't 1t too funny DO you really think
be supposes that rruef"
II would not oe at all surprised"
answered, not altogether pleased at
her reception Of this suspicion. ut is
wholly in line with his type. To me
now, the wealth of your father would
be the greatest barrier between u.s."
There was a time when you never
knew ! had wealthy father. or indeed
hny other kind"
'Was any the less attentive Them
I retorted. II recall almost an entire
night passed on deck In the vague hope
of seeing you"
She laughed, but flashed her eyes VI
into my face.
did you, really7 I wondered If yor
were there. But then that was merel,
curiosity"
1.-THE mystery was attractive, I con
tess. but am not at all sure there was
not a growing personal interest also
You can scarcely conceive the impress
don you left on me in the moonlight
please, no compliments. I am Sc
accustomed to those In New York
cannot appreciate them any more. 70,
were going on deck7"
For short time; 1t would seem 6
beautiful morning."
We emerged from the companion to
gether, but she fingered at the rail. al
clambered up the ladder and greeted
Leayord aft Of the wheel. It was {
broad seaview revealed on every side
nothing In sight but the crested wave.
sweeping to the distant horizon. TIL,
only men saw were on the forecast,
engaged In clearing up some tackle
excepting fellow high up in the mali
crosstrees. with binoculars at his eyes
you keep a gssod lookout, see. Mr.
Leayord," 1 said. peering up at the fig
ure outlined against the sky. 'Nothini
reported7"
mot yet. sir. Mr.. Olson said 1t wal
all quiet while he was in charge"
He moved over to the starboard rail
with a glance Mt the wheelsman, and
Joined him. understanding the move
menf