Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-01-06

a polished. derefential Englishman. one
of those who seem to be citizens OF tbs
world rather than subjects of any par
ticu1ar country.
missed, a Dane. He proved to be one
of the largest planters in the island
already wealthy and destined to be
Weather if real estate advanced. The
other woman, Nanette, was his wife
She was also a peculiarly interesting
type. Frenchwoman from Guade-
loupe. Younger and more yivacious
than her husband. her snappy black
eyes betokened an attractive person
atty.
Leontine Cowell. it seemed. had been
in the islands not long before. had Sc
cured options on some score of plan
tations at a low figure. and made no
secret of her business. When the
American flag at last few over the
islands she stood to win out Of the
increase of land values considerable
fortune.
Erickson also, in addition to his own
holdings, had been an agent for some
other planters and thus had met Leon
tine. who had been the means OF IN
teresting some American capital.
AS for Burleigh. it seemed that he
had made the acquaintance OF Leon
tine in Wall street. He had been In
the Caribbean, and the impending
changes in the Danish West Indies had
attracted his notice. Whether he had
ton or hoped to profit by commissions
derived from sales did not appear. But
at any rate some common bond had
thrown the quartet together
1t must have been the second day out
that I observed Leontine and Sydney
seemed to be quite interested In each
other, though / felt sure that Leon
tine was making a play for him. At
any rate. Burleish was jealous. What
ever might be the scheme, 1t was APP
parent that the young Englishman was
head over heels In love with her.
What did it mean? Was she playing
with Sydney, seeking to secure his in
fiuence to further her schemes? Or did
1t mask some deeper. more sinister
motive2
Busy with my speculations, / was
astonished soon after to realize that
the triangle had be come hexagon. SO
to speak whitson and Nanette Erick-
son seemed to be much in each other s
company But unlike Burleigh. Erick-
son seemed to be either obfiyious or
complacent
Whatever it might all portend.
found that IT did not worry Kennedy,
although he observed closely Burke.
however. was considerably excited and
even went so far as TO speak to sgd
ney, over whom he Ieit u sort of
guardianship. Sydney turned the nat
to watch both of these women closely.
Kennedy spent much time not only
in watching the passengers. but in
going about the ship. talking to the
knew anything about the islands In
fact. he collected enough information
in few days to have satisfied any
ordinary tourist for weeks.
attention, and ] found that he was es-
pecially interested In the rather heavy
shipments of agricultural implements
that were consigned TO various planters
in the ISLANDS,.
1t was the evening after one of Ken
nedy's busy days scouting about that
he quietly summoned both Burke and
Sydney to our cabin.
There's something queer going on
announced Craig. when he was sure
that we were all together without be-
ing observed. Frankly, ! must con-
fess that l don't understand it--yet"
terrupted sydney. hastily. Il can take
care of myself"
Kennedy smiled quietly. We knew
what Sydney meant He seemed to re-
quaintance with Leontine and was evil
IDENTIFY warning US of. Kennedy. how
ever, avoided the subject.
Il may as well tell you" he resumed
that l was quite as much influenced
by rumor that arms were somehow
getting into Mexican ports as 1 was by
your appeal. Burke. in coming down
here. So far I've found nothing that
proves my case. But, as said, there is
something under the surface which !
don't understand. We have all got to
stick together, trust no one but our
selves. and, above all. keep our eyes
open"
1t was all that was said, but was re-
lieved TO note that Sydney seemed greatly
impressed. Still, half an hour later, saw
him sitting in a steamer chair besides
Leontine again, watching the beautiful
play of the moonlight on the now almost
tropical ocean after we had emerged from
the gulf stream.
Seeking Kennedy. found him at last
in the smoking room. to my surprise talk.
ing with Erickson. ! Joined them, wonder