The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1919-08-08

| These are two of my Officers-Senol
Gates, one of your own countrymen
and Manuel Estevan. And now that
1 have answered your questions, what
is it to be between us-peace or WARP
Her eyes dropped, and l could dis
tinctly note the trembling of her sln-
| der figure. When she slowly raised
| her glance once more it rested on my
face as though seeking approval, guild
ance.
'If there be only the one choice"
she said quietly. II accept peace.
cannot live locked in that room alone
haunted by my thoughts and memo
ries. If pledge you my word, senior,
am I to 1joy the freedom Of this
cabin and the deck7"
Estada looked at us, shade of
doubt in his eyes. made no sign, but
Manuel nodded.
"Why not?' he asked in his harsh
croak of voice. $50 long as we be
at sea? What harm can the girl do?"
perhaps none; I will take a half
chance, at least. You shall have the
freedom of the cabin. So long as you
keep your word, while as to the decx,
we will consider that later. Prove you
mean what you say by joining us
here"
My recollection of that meal Is not
of words but of faces. Estada's eyes
sought constantly the girls face, end
to my CONSERVATION exhibited an in
terest in her personality which prom
ised trouble. / know MT whether she
noticed this awakening admiration,
but she certainly played her part with
quiet mOdesty. / believe that even
the Portuguese reached the conclusion
that she was not altogether regretful
for this adventure and that it was safe
for him to relax some degree of vigi. |
lance. His manner became more gra- |
cious. and long before the meal ended |
his language had tendency to COM
Dliment and fiatter. / contented my /
self with occasional sentences. The
Young woman sat directly across from
ne. our words overheard by all, and
IS l knew both men possessed some
slight knowledge of English dare not
Ienture beyond commonplace CONVEX
;ation In that tongue. With quick wit
The took her cue from me, so that
lothing passed between US, either by
word of mouth or glance of eye, to
rouse suspicious.
Believing the feeling of confidence
would be increased by such action,
Gv.e,& - ~ koI L. |
ng my watch below Immediately re-
fred to my room, noisily closing the
DOR after me, yet refraining from let
ing the latch catch, thus enjoying
light opening through which to both
ee and hear. Manuel did not linger
ing, making some excuse to go for
ard, but Estada remained for some
me, endeavoring to entertain. His
yotism made a fool of the man, yet
ven he finally became discouraged of
aking her comprehend his meaning,
nd lapsed into a silence which gave
er an excuse to retire. This was ac-
emphasized so graciously as to leave
} sting, the fellow actually accom- |
inying her to the door of her state |
'om, bowling his compliments as she |
sappeared within. The fool actu- /
ly believed he had made a conquest i
i'd preened himself like turkey /
ok. |
"Gunsaules, you need not lock the /
n0rita in her room or guard her in |:
y way hereafter. She is permitted |:
come and go as she pleases aboard" /
Estada entered his own stateroom, i
wing the door ajar. When he came L
I he had exchanged his coat for a
ugh jacket. Thus attired for a turn L
deck, he disappeared through the L
mpanion.