The Kendrick gazette. [volume] (Kendrick, Idaho) 1892-1968, 1919-12-26

These are two Of my Oficers-Senor
Gates. one Of your W countrymen,
and Manuel Estevan. And now that
I have answered your questions, what
is 1t to be between us-peace or war;"
Her eyes dropped, and I could dis
tinctly note the trembling Of her slen-
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. I
cannot live locked in that room alone
haunted by my thoughts and memo
ries. If I pledge you my word. senior,
am I to ,njoy the freedom of this
cabin and the deck?"
Estada looked at us, a shade of
doubt in his eyes,. I made no sign, but
Manuel nodded.
"Why notY" he asked in his harsh
croak Of a voice. $50 long as we be
at sea? What harm can the girl dot"
"Perhaps none; l 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 moi
| Of words but Of faces. Estada's eye:
sought constantly the girls face, snG
to my CONSERVATION exhibited an in
teyest in her personality which prom
ised trouble. I know MT whether sht
noticed this awakening admiration
but she certainly played her part will
quiet modesty. I believe that ever
the Portuguese reached the conclusion
that she was not altogether regretfu
for this adventure and that it vas SAT-
for him to relax some degree of vigi
lance. His manner became more gra
cious, and long before the meal endet
his language had a tendency to com
pliment and flatter. I c%0ntented my
self with occasional sentences. TIL
young woman sat directly across iron
me, our words overheard by all, an
as I knew both men possessed som
slight knowledge Of English I dare no
venture beyond commonplace CONVEX
sation in that tongue. With quick wi
she took her cue from me, SO tina
nothing passed between us, either b
word of mouth or glance Of eye, t
arouse suspicious.
Believing the feeling Of conidenc
would be increased by such action,
was first to leave the table, and it bt
ing my watch below Immediately RI
tired to my room, nOisily closing tn
door after me, yet refraining from le
ting the latch catch, thus enjoying
slight opening through which to bot
see and hear. Manuel did not hinge
long, making some excuse to go TO-
ward, but Estada remained for som
time, endeavoring to entertain. hi
egotism made a fool Of the man, "
even he finally became discouraged {
making her comprehend his meaning
and lapsed into a silence which CAV
her an excuse to retire. This "a a
complished so graciously as to leay
no sting, the fellow actually accon
panying her to the door of her stat
room, bowling his compliments as 81
disappeared within. The fool act
ally believed he had made a conQue'
and preened himself like a turke
cock.
"Gunsaules, you need not lock tt
senorita in her room or guard her
any way hereafter. She is permitte
to come and go as she pleases aboard
Estada entered his own stateroor
leaving the door ajar. When he can
out he had exchanged his coat for
rough jacket. Thus attired for a tut
on deck, he disappeared through tt
companion.