The state herald., 1919-09-05

These are two of my oflcerseSenor
Gates. one Of your own countrymen,
and Manuel Estevan. And now that
I have answered your questions. what
is 1t to be between us-peace or war7"
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.
"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. II pledge you my word. senor,
am / to 1joy the freedom of this
cabin and the deck?"
Estada looked at us. a 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
ut sea? What harm can the girl dot"
perhaps none; will take q half
chance, ut 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, and
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 1t 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 u tendency to COM
pliment and fatter. / contented my
self with occasional sentences. The
young woman sat directly across from
me, our words overheard by all, and
us 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, l
was first to leave the table. and 1t be-
ing my watch below Immediately re-
tired to my room, nolsily closing the
door after me. yet refraining from let
ting the latch catch. thus enjoying a
slight opening through which to both
see and hear. Manuel did not llnger
long, making some excuse to 20 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
her comprehend his meaning,
and lapsed into silence which gave
her an excuse to retire. This was ac-
complished SO graclously as to leave
no sting. the fellow actually 10opom-
panying her to the door Of her slate
room, bowling his compliments as she
disappeared within. The fool actu-
ally believed he had made q conquest
and preened himself like turkey
cock.
"Gunsaules. you need not lock the
senorita In her room or guard her In
any way hereafter. She is permitted
to come and go as she pleases aboard"
Estada entered his own stnteroom,
leaving the door ajar. When he came
out he had exchanged his coat for
rough jacket. Thus attired for n turn
on deck. he disappeared through the
companion.