Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-12-23

was willing to face the music
and listen to an unpleasant
Il tune. If necessary. The one
thing he would not permit was
being ignored
"keeler / want you to stay here
until | come back" he ordered sharply
after a final glance through the win
dow to make sure that It was dark
outside.
Keller was on his feet instantly.
why, you can't go out Mr..
Traskr'
I'm going. Don't argue. You can
sit around and get put off at Key
West, if you like. 1 won't. If any
one comes inquiring for me tell them
I've retired"
Keller backed against the door and
hesitated.
"Keeler!' cried Trask sharply.
you'd better stand aside! I'm not as
easy as look. I'll stand for no In.
reference"
ITS only you I'm thinking of, sir"
said Keller meekly yet stubbornly.
I'm afraid you're going to do some.
thing rash again, Mr.. Trask."
Perhaps. I don't know. But that's
my affair. l order you to get out
of my way"
Still Keller hesitated. There was
a. look Of deep anxiety in his eyes.
you'll promise, Mr.. Trask, to take
no chances with yourself? I'd never
forgive myself. sir. if ! thought"
"I'll take no chances that aren't
necessary. Come, now, I'm in a
hurry"
Keller drew a deep breath, let it
escape slowly and then stepped aside
from the door.
please be careful, sir" he urged
as he turned the knob. II feel sort of
responsible for you"
Trask nodded shortly and left the
stateroom.
He did not loiter on the deck. Nor
did he make any attempt to use the
stairway leading to the second cabin.
Two-Round Tommy might be a friend
Of Keeler's, but Trask had never en-
joyed even an acquaintance. Besides,
there might be another guardian at
the gate. capable of perhaps more
than two rounds Of combat. Trask
sought no combat at all. Instead, he
walked briskly toward the stern of the
ship. looking neither to the right nor
the left.
He went directly to the rail, where
he had once before made a sensational
disappearance. noted with a swift
glance that he was unobserved and
tnen swung over IL.
This time there was no cry of alarm.
no uproar and running Of feet on the
deck he quilted. With facility born
of his former experience. 'Trask slid
down to the deck below, climbed in
board and began at once to make his
way forward.
Thus far it had been Unexpectedly
easy.
He decided to follow the policy of
going about his business in free and
open manner. For one thing, he did
not feel in a furtive mood, and he
was convinced that his best disguise
lay in an outward air of confidence
and ease. If he encountered Capt
Blodgett himself, he felt sure that he
would not even CULVER an eyelid or
hesitate for fraction of a second in
his step.
His journey took him directly past
the stateroom of Sidney Sands. but
he could see no sign of a light within.
nor any in the adjoining room, where
she was conducting the affairs of her
fathers weather gimcracks. He
walked on steadily, nodding occasion
ally to casual acquaintance whom he
had met that afternoon, but who knew
nothing. he we'll understood, of his
status aboard the Gulf Stream. They
girl. and he was certain she had said
nothing.
Far forward he spied her little fig
ure standing at the rail. and evidently
watching the moon streak on the
water. She was not, however. alone.
Two young men were beside her,
engaged in what appeared to be
desutory conversation. Twice he
caught the echo of her laughter.
Trask waited for no opportunity to
present itself he did not know how
long his stolen liberty would endure.
He made his own opportunity. He
walked briskly over to the trio.
II beg your pardon" he said.
She turned quickly at his voice.
recognized him without any display of
establishment and waited.
II have an engagement with Miss
Sands" he explained to the young
men.
II regret very much to deprive you
of her company. and 1 will promise to
return her to you as soon as possible.
know you will excuse me-"
The young men bowed-and sighed.
wen go now, If you please" said
Trask, addressing the girl for the first