Connecticut western news., 1919-05-22

close to the side walls, lifted the latch noiselessly, and slipped quickly within. There was no light, except a glimmer of stars through a large after port, but against this faint radiance she stood vaguely revealed. Her first thought must have been Estada, for there was a startled note in her chal- lenge.
 "Who are you? Why do you come here?'
 Speak low," I cautioned. "You must know my voice."
 "Geoffry Carlyle!"
 "Yes, but do not use that name-all hope depends on. my remaining un- known. You welcome mel"
 She came straight forward through the dim star shine, spectral figure, with both hands outstretched.
 "Welcome!" her tone that of intense sincerity. "Your presence gives me all the strength I have. But for you I should throw myself through that port into the sea. But l know not how you came hcre-tell me, you are not one of these wretches?"
 "No; you must believe that first of all, and trust me-"
 "I do-but-but tell me all you can."
 ''Is there q divan here, or anywhere we can sit down together? I can see nothing in this darkness"
 "Yes; hold my hand while I guide you; we can sit here."
 IT. of hind int the outer wall. She did not release her grasp, seemingly gaining courage from this physical contact, and my fin gers closed warmly over her own."
 "Now, please" breathlessly, "how is it possible you are aboard this yes sel-an officer"
 I told her the strange story, as swiftly and simply as possible, speak ing scarcely above a whisper, feeling IS I progressed that related dream tather than a series of facts. It seemed to me she could scarcely be ex- pected to believe the truth of what I said, and yet she did, almost unques- tioningly, the clasp of her fingers per ccptibly tightening as I proceeded. She sat so close beside me that I :ould feel her breath upon my cheek.
 "Why, Tiff you had not told me this yourself I could hardly believe alch tale," she exclaimed. "Yet it rust be true, miraculous as it seems. But what is to be the ending? Have you any plan of escape?'
 "Hardly a plan. I have LaJ no op- 1olf6nity even to learn the true na- ture of the crew. Watkins is an hon. est sailor, and he has toll, ne of otn- CTS on whom could rely. There are tilose aboard-but do not know how many-who would mutiny if they had a leader and a reasonable chance of success. I must reach these and learn who they arc. Fortunately the voyage promises to be long enough to enable me to plan carefully"
 "You have discussed the voyage with this man-Estada?
 "He told me what he had decided upon; not to return to their rendez- vous! until after they had captured some prizes and could go with gold chinking in their pockets"
 "Where is their rendezvous?'
 "An island in the West Indies, prob ably not on the chart. They call it Porto Grandc."
 And they will sweep the ocean be- tween here and there seeking victims? :? Unarned merchantment to rob and sink? And you-yOu will be compelled to take part in such scenes, such acts of pillage and perhaps murder?"
 "I presume I must seem to be one of them to avoid suspicion. Have you any suggestions?"
 "There is conspiracy on board al- ready" she said quickly, "that you may not know about"
 "You mean to depose Sanchez?"
 "Yes; you had suspicioned it? They thOu~nt me unconscinnS in t:,S: i;i.,.. ana talked among thcmselves-the two at the stern, Estada and that beast Manuel. I did not understand all they said, but do not think they intend the captain shall recover"
 "You think it best that he should?"
 "Oh, I do not know; there is TO best that can see. Yet would have more faith in being spared disgrace if at the mercy of Sanchez, than his lieutenant. Both may be equally guilty. equally desperate, but they are not tho same men. I may be wrong, for I judge as a woman, yet I would feel safer with Sanchez. The other merely desires with the passions of a brute. No appeal would req oh him; he would laugh at tears and find pleasure in suffering. And yet you would havo me appear friendly with Estada?"
 "We cannot permit him to feel that