Connecticut western news., 1919-05-22

him?"
 "To do so might delay the explo- sion," I replied gravely, "and just now any delay is welcome. I doubt if even Estada will resort. to force on board; indeed force will be the very last card he will care to play in your case. You are English and all the practical sea- men on board are from northern Flu rope English and Scandinavian. These men are not pirates from choice they are prisoners who have taken on to save their own lives. With his bullieS and cutthroatS amidShips he can compel them to work, but he dare not go too far. Once these fellows unite in mutiny they could take the ship. An assault on you would be dangerous"
 Tt is these men you count on?"
 "Yes; but for me to gain their confi- dence and leadership will require time. The slightest slip would mean failure and merciless punishment. At best the situation is absolutely deS- perate-but I see no other solution"
 "And my service is deceit-the act ing of a part to blind the eyes of Estada?'
 'T sincerely believe your greater chance of security lies in this, course. The fellow is a supreme egotist; op- position will anger him, while flattery will make him Subservient. You. have the wit and discretion to hold him within certain limits It is a danger ous game, I admit, and a disagreeable one, but the case requires desperate remedies"
 She lifted her eyes, searching my face through the dim light.
 "Geoffry Carlyle" she said at last a tremor in the low voice, "there is serve my honor. I hate this man; I dread his touch; I shrink froIn con- tact with him as I would from snake, but I am not going to refuse to do my part. If you say this is right and justified I will consent"
 q believe it is."
 sAnd you will not lose faith "a rne?" slle questioned earnestly. "It will not loweS your belief in my wOmanhood?"
 Nothing could do that, Mistress Dorothy, I want you to realize the depth of my interest and respect. Your friendliness has meant much to me, and I would never urge you to lower your ideals. But we must face this situation as it is. We possess but two weapons of defense-leceit or force. A resort to the latter is at present i'm possible. I cannot conceive that you are lowering yourself in any way by using the power you possess to escape violence:
 "The power I possess?"
 "Yes-beauty and wit. These are your weapons, and most effective ones. You can play with Estada and defeat him-temporarily, at least. confess there is danger in such a game-he is wild beast, and his evil nature may overcome his discretion. Take this pistol. Keep 1t hidden about your per- son, but use it only when all else fails. You retain faith in mel"
 tTmplicitly."
 '"And pledge yourself to your part, leaving me to attend to miner"
 Her two hands clasped my fingers, her eyes uplifted.
 "Geoffry Carlyle, I have always be- lieved in you, and now, after the sac rifice you have made to serve me can refuse you nothing you ask. I will endeavor to accomplish all you require of me. God knows how hate the task but-but I will do my best. JOnly-only," her voice sank, Tiff the beast lays hands on me he-he pays the price. I could not do other wise. Geeffry Carlyle-I am a Fair fax"
 Satisfied with my mission and confi- dent nothing more need be said, I arose to my feet.
 "Then we can do nothing further until I learn the disposition of the crew." I said quietly. "Estada is not likely to resort to extreme measures at present. That is why believe you are comparatively safe now-his own position of command is in the bal ance."
 "I will see you again?"
 Perhaps not here; it is too danger ous but I will find means to commu- nicate with you. Good-by."
 We stood with hand darkness. l Thought siIe was going to speak again, bue the wordG failed to come. Then suddenly, silently the door opened a mere crack, letting in a gleam of yellow light from the main cabin, while the crouching figure of a man. like a gliding shadow sliuped through the aperture, closing the door behind him as softly as he had opened 1t. I heard her catch her breath and felt h"" hands grasp my sleeve, but l nevcl stirred. .s.
 Who could he be? What might be | the purpose of his entrance? But one | 4N IL.