Courier Democrat., 1918-01-03

breath.
"Good heavens! yes; now recall
the affair. He is the man Fergus Nc
Cam shot in the hotel restaurant. That
was the accident he speaks Of. Why
this is strange enough to be fiction"
Bascom stood, leaning on his cane,
looking at us, as though failing to COM
prehend what it was we were talking
about. Possibly he did not catch our
words clearly, for his white face ap-
peared puzzled.
("You speak of me?" he asked, 'sof my
difficulty with McCann?'
She looked up at him earnestly.
eyes; it is very strange. You should
know the truth. There We're three of
us who escaped together when the
yacht sank; Mr.. Hollis, myself and
Fergus McCann."
BaScom Strengthened, his lips pressed
tight.
"Ee is here now; a guest on board
my shp?"
Eyes; | Go not know where-sleeping
in one of the staterooms, probably. I
L
| the side"
| BascOH's expression was one of
struggle, as he stared into our faces.
1t was difficult for him to find words;
to even control his mind.
'This-this is a misfortune" he said
| finally. II do not know how it will end.
I have sought to avoid the man. Miss
| tr,1fh of fhof
affair? not the newspaper story, but
the facts?"
She shook her head.
| II only heard that the trouble oc-
Cured over Myra Bradley. Mccain
| found you together, and shot you in
| fit Of jealous rage"
$50 far the story was true; but /
was not at the restaurant with Miss
Bradley. l had never, but once before,
even spoken to her. She called me
to her table that evening, where she
was dining alone, to question me re-
garding some mutual friends in Phila-
delphia. Our brief conversation was
most commonplace. Mccain shot me
without warning; did not even know
he was near until the woman
screamed" 80
But" I said, as he paused, twas
there no trial? That was not the news
paper story"
II know it," bitterly, "and I have
only my word to give you. I could not
defend myself, and no one else made
any effort to do so. Mccain had
money and influence; was lying un7
conscious in hospital. The girl was
shipped off to Europe; a waiter swore
that I drew a revolver, which he after
wards picked up on the floor; the po-
lice exonerated Mccain on the ground|
OF self-defense, and the case never
came to trial.
1 held out my hand.
Having had some experience lately
with McCann," I said heartily, II ami
perfectly ready to accept your version.
His being on board is awkward and
unpleasant, but we must put up with.
it as best we can. Is this your thought,
Mr.. Bascom?"
He did not answer at once; not
until she looked up questioningly. |
''There is nothing else possible" he
said at last, but as though the admis1
sion hurt. "My nature is not revenge;
full, although certainly have no feel
ing of kindness toward this man. How
ever, this is my ship, and he is my;
guest; as long as he remains on board,
I shall treat him as l would any other
under like circumstances"
HI knew Won wOuld saw that" the girl
exclaimed. "Now everything is all
right, Mr.. Hollis?"
GAS nearly so as we can make it,"
answered, assuming an ease 1 was far
from feeling. sNour decision is that
we continue the voyage-to Germany?"
"To wherever Mr.. Bascom desires to
co. ....
Every well. And you appoint me
captain, delegating to me full author
ity?" ...
II do, with pleasure"
held out my hand, surprised to note
the strong grip Of the slender, white
fingers responding to my clasp.
"The matter is settled then, let the
result prove what it may. It is already
growing dusk; will go on deck and
assume command"
| CONTINUED next week)
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