Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1919-04-30
"Peaes Or War;"

~
nave answered your questions. what
IL tito be between us-peaee or WARP
Her eyes dropped, and could dis
tinctly note the trembling of her slen-
der figure. When she slowly raised
her glance once more 1t rested on my
face as though seeking approval, guild
ance.
"Yf 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. II pledge you my word, senior.
am I to enjoy the freedom of this
cabin and the deckY
Estada looked at rs, q shade Of
doubt in his eyes. Imade No sign, but
Manuel nodded.
why notf' he asked in his harsh
croak Of a voice. $50 long as we be
ut sea7 What harm can the girl dor"
"Perhaps none; 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 deck,
We will consider that later. Prove you
mean what you say by joining US
here"
Ny recollection Of that meal is not
Of words but Of faces. Estada's eyes
sought constantly the girls face, Snd
to my CONSERVATION exhibited IN in
terest in her personality which prom
lsed trouble. / know MT whether she
noticed this awakening admiration.
but she certainly played her part with
quiet modesty. I believe that even
the Portuguese reached the conclusion
that she was not altogether regretful
for this adventure and that 1t was safe
for him to relax some degree OF vigil
lance. His manner became more gra-
cious, and long before the meal ended
his language had tendency to COM
pliment and flatteE. contented my
self with occasional sentences. The
young woman sat directly across from
me, our words overheard by all, and
as I knew both men possessed some
slight knowledge of English / dare not
venture beyond commonplace CONVEX
sation in that tongue. With quick wit
she took her cue from me, so that
nothing passed between us, either by
word of mouth or glance Of eye, to
arouse suspicious.
Believing the feeling of confidence
would be increased by such action, !
was first to leave the table. and it be
ing my watch below Immediately re-
tired to my room, noisiiy closing the
door after me, yet refraining from let
ting the latch catch, thus enjoying Q
slight opening through which to both
see and hear. Manuel did not linger
long, making some excuse to 60 for
ward. but Estada remained for some
time, endeavoring to entertain. His
egotism made fool Of the man, yet
even he finally became discouraged OF
making her comprehend his meaning,
and lapsed Into q silence which gave
her. an excuse to retire. This was ac-
complished 50 Eraciously as to leave
no sting, the fellow actually accom-
panying her to the door. of her state
room, bowling his compliments as she
disappeared within. The fool actu.
ally believed he had made a conquest
and preened himself like . turkey
cock.
'Gunsaules, you need not lock the
senorita In her room or guard her In
I any way hereafter. She is permitted
to come and 80 as she pleases aboard
Estada entered his own| stateroom,
leaving the door ajar. When he came
out he had exchanged his coat for 2
rough jacket. Thus attired for turn
on deck. he disappeared through the
4 companion.
ssl tTo Be Continued.)