The Elbert County tribune., 1918-03-15


in the Indian ocean; of strange peoples
met in every quarter Of the earth
of fighting windy gales OF the Allan
tic coast. and the silent desolation of
tropic seas. Breathless with interest.
she questioned me, and answered,
feeling the magic of her eyes on my
face, the soft intoxication of her pres
ence beside me. She was natural,
wholesome, the very sort of woman
had dreamed about, as being some
where in the world, yet had never met
before. Her very presence was inspi-
ration, but beyond this vague impress
sion my dream did not go. Then I
looked aside at her and laughed, realiz-
Ing suddenly how loquacious had
been.
''Really, must have nearly talked
you to Sleep" said regretfully. II do
not know when 1 have before been
guilty of such egotism-"
do not say that 1t was most in
teresting. 1t is nice to be spoken to
as though one was an intelligent hu-
man being-it is quite an experience"
perhaps do not understand"
|
girl, and you tell me you never sought
society. The very nature of your life
has left you frank and straightforward.
You talk to me just as you would to n
man."
"If my frankness has interested
you," ventured, "can you not realize
how much desire to learn more-whO
you are, why you nre here?"
"Of course; but I cannot tell you.
Mr.. Hollis-not yet"
She looked at her wrist watch. hold
Ing 1t out into a star-gleam, which re-
vealed the white shapeliness OF her
arm.
"I dare not even remain here with
you longer"
But you win come again? This Is
not to be our last meetingT
| She hesitated, her eyes meeting
mine almost kindly; then she held out
her hand.
THE last-yes, In this way. You
will meet me again, but not us we are
tonight. have truly enjoyed being
with you, of hearing your story, but
this meeting here alone was not my
choice. You understand could not
avoid 1t, and after / was discovered,
had to remain and win your pledge
to secrecy. You will not forget that?'
"Assuredly not. You will not return
to the deck tomorrow nightT
She laughed softly. and Withdrew
her hand, which / still held.
Tomorrow nightl Oh. I cannot
tell; we may be far enough at sea by
then SO need no longer seek fresh air
by night. 1 told you my concealment
was only temporary. Good night. Mr.
Hollis"
| The gray dress she wore left upon
me the impression that she faded
from sight, her dim outline vanished
so suddenly amid the shadows. took
swift step forward, impelled by an
Irresistible desire to ascertain in what
portion of the yacht she found conceal
ment, yet paused almost as quickly.
Who she was, and why she had chosen
so unconventional a manner of Joining
US, was beyond my guessing. essayed
many a theory, yet one after the other,
all broke down. and left me cropping in
darkness. Only one fact remained
steadfast, to which / could cling with
conference.-the girl was no mere ad-
venturess, no criminal she was doing
nothing of which she was In the least
ashamed, nor had she the slightest
fear the consequences.
/ slept so soundly as to be the last
guest ut the breakfast table the nex1
morning. although MS I sat there alone
Fosdick returned from the deck to the
cabin, seeking raincoat, and report
ing a heavy fog. through which the
yacht was proceeding slowly. The yes
sci was still within easy view of Mon
tauk. or had been before the mist shut
down, but the really important news
had come to Darlington by wireless
positive information of the outbreak
of war. Russia and France were pit
ted against Germany and Austria ir
the death grappIe. The German troop:
had already begun an invasion of Bel
gium on their drive toward Paris. Il
was still unknown what course Eng
land would take.
The nature of this news obscured al
else. and left me unable to complets
my meal. Other messages were mo
mentarily expected, and I dressed has
tily, and Joined the little group on the
deck. just as cabin boy handed Car
rington n new message. He read 1t
crashing his clenched hand down OF
the rail.
TITS all over with now" he ex
claimed. holding the paper aloft, ant
gazing about into our eager faces
England declares war, gentlemen. Sht
will stand by her treaty with Belgium
Here is our opportunity; listen to me
This is going to be the greatest wal
In history; every nation In Europe may