Courier Democrat., 1918-02-14

scuttllng OF the ship, and leaving us on
board to drown like rats. That would
be too horrid crime for this ape
White and Liverpool might be brutal
enough, but surely not Fergus Nc
Cann."
"Why not Fergus McCann?'
Ills education, his former life. the
civilization in which he has been
reared; he has lived among gentle
men,"
"Gentlemen" she echoed the word
IN scorn. His associates have been
principally gamblers and FOUNDERS. He
Is notorious in New York, and his
money alone gives him entrance to de.
cent circles. He doesn't know what
the word gentleman means. If there
Is treachery behind this. it will he the
plan Of Fergus McCann."
"You know him better than l."
Il know of him longer; have heard
more tales, yet surely you saw what
he was in the boat?"
You believe, then, the intention is
to scuttle the vessel7"
"Yes. do"
And leave US helpless on board? p"
"Yes. Mr.. Hollis
drew deep breath, at this d,rect
verihcation Of my own secret susn;.
cion.
80 do l." returned in q whisper
although had no thought of telling
you"
"You have some plan, then? You
have considered what to do?"
mo; hardly that. There will be two
days, at least, before we shall be close
enough to the coast for them to take
to the boats. Much may happen with.
IN that time; we may be spoken by
some other vessel, even overhauled by
warship, and manned by a prize
crew."
'You hope for this?"
st. Johns Is a naval base: the
closer we approach the harbor the
more apt we are to encounter a Brit.
ish cruiser"
Her fingers grasped my sleeve.
But, Mr.. Hollis, if all these homes
fail, and there should be no rescue. Is
there not something we can do? Must
we remain here, helpless, just waiting
for death to Gomez"
took the little hands in mine ten.
derly, and, with an effort, controlled
my voice.
perhaps so, but we cannot be too
cautious. Our only chance is to retain
our freedom, and arouse no suspicion
that we are plotting together. Can you
learn where the others are confined,
and get the word to me?"
"Yes," she said. "I-I think I can"
"What is it you think you can do,
Miss Carrington" said voice quietly,
Mccain stood in the open passage.
way leading to the stewards pantry,
less than fifteen feet distant. satiri.
cal smile on his lips, as he observed
our familiar position. How long he
had been there, and what portion of
our conversation he had overheard, ]
mad no means Of knowing, and for the
instant l stood speechless, nv brain
blank. Not so with Vera. With a
laugh. ringing out as naturally as
though in full appreciation of some
sudden gleam Of humor, she withdrew
her hands from mine, turned and faced
him, executing mocking curtsey.
Hardly fair, Mr.. McCann," she said,
ito steal upon us like that"
Perhaps not" he answered grimly,
but just now am privileged to do
as 1 please on board this ship. Answer
my question--what is it you think YOU
can do?"
Perhaps an answer will be embar-
rassing.'
"Stop the play-acting," he burst
forth, advancing about the stair rail.
"What were you talking about? I want
a direct answer?'
The girls long lashes shaded her
eyes, but there was not the slightest
falter to her voice.
Captain Hollis" she said softly, al
most regretfully, "had asked me if-if
thought could learn toto like him,
and said II thought could. That
that was ALL"
Mccain stared at the innocent,
downcast face as though he half be-
lieved the words her lips uttered were
deliberate lies; then he laughed mirth-
lessly
II ,see," he said with sarcasm. mo
misfortune along other lines is suffi-
cient to interrupt Mr.. Hollis lovesmak-
ing. My congratulations, captain, on
even this measure of success"
The hot blood flushed my face, not
SO much at the words as the tone with
which they were uttered. They con-
veyed to me a deliberate insult, tin
Cling with memory Of the purpose
he charged me with during our last
interview. He had not quite under
stood me before, but now he felt con-
vinced that undar all the veneer was
his kind: and he instantly felt that
he knew just how to deal with my case.
"Your congratulations are appreci.
ated for what they are WORTH" an
swered. unable to wholly restrain my
self. "But we win let the discussion