The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1918-06-15

voice clear. "You are one Of the pas.
sengers?"
Eyes; l CHANGED to be still on deck
when you came"
"Where? You were expecting me?''
indicated the chair in the shadow,
but did not venture to move.
Il was lying here, covered by a rug,
but did not see you until you appeared
yonder at the rail. Why do you ask
If was expecting your"
She hesitated just an instant, but an
swered frankly.
"There was a man here last night,
after the engines stopped. believed
then he failed to see me. Was 1t you,
and are you here again tonight to make
sure?"
You have guessed the exact truth"
confessed, almost regretfully. Last
night it was q mere accident, but to-
night my presence here had an object"
Indeed! What interest is it of
yours?"
friend to Mr.. Darlington, the owner
of this yacht, and also his guest. He
assured me only this morning that
there was no woman on board, and
laughed ut me for even imagining such
a thing. Naturally I desired to vindi-
cate myself; then besides the mystery
also had its attractions"
mo doubt! And now that you have
progressed so far, what further do you
purpose doing-turn me over to the
authoritiesy"
Il 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. If that prove
possible"
She did not answer, apparently hest
tating in surprise at my unexpected
plea, and doubtful as to my sincerity.
"What is your name?"
"Robert Hollis; live in Chicago"
She nodded, and imagined the ex-
preston of her eyes changed slightly.
The merest semblance Of a smile
curved her lips.
Il am rather glad you are my dis
coverer," she said quietly, "for know
who you are. You are not altogether
stranger"
Il am not I" exclaimed in surprise.
"Oh! l understand: Seeley has told
you Of me-"
"Has he indeed! 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 l altogether wrong?"
She laughed-the sound barely au-
dibie. yet evidence Of her swift amuse-
ment.
IF did not chance to know better,
Mr.. Hollis, should almost suspect you
of being lawyer" she said cheer
fully. However, in spite Of my pres
ent position. I am inclined to be
person. fear Mr.. Seeley's in
terest In me is altogether. or at least
largely, mercenary. I 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"
"Good! am encouraged; now You
will tell me more?"
She shook her head.
"Not 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 a
/ am perfectly capable Of
30 doing, and had I been conversing |
with some others on board, ! would !
have chosen to do So"
(which would seem to imply that |
you possess measure Of confidence In |
meT
II do. Mr.. Hollis" quietly.
"Seeley must have given me q most |
excellent reputation, and deserves re-
ward"
'Mr. Seeley gave me your name as |
one Of the passengers, nothing more.
| cannot at present explain when, or
how, acquired my information regard
ing you. To you I am q perfect |