Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1930-03-14
CHAPTER VII--Continued

She'll pay?" Bettington thought it
would seem odd if he made no COM
ment on decision which meant a
great deal of money to him. He
started on his career of deception by
smiling at the man he would gladly
have strangled.
ut was Mary Irwin who really
decided her. played those two
trump cards, Sam and Metzger. Metz
ger was watching her like hawk all
through the burial service, and she
noticed him. Metzger has been less
fortunate than 1; he cannot conceal
his emotions. l shall seem to avoid
you. but will come to your room when
dinner is over
Never had Bettington experienced
the sense of shame so keenly as when
he left Clements and entered the
library. Evelyn Railway was walking
up and down. She crossed quickly to
him as he entered and looked into his
eyes without speaking. Then with a
little sudden, spontaneous gesture she
put out her hands to him.
Il believe you are really my friend"
she said.
mo one lives who is more anxious
to help you" he answered. Was not
this the moment, he wondered, to risk
all and tell her of his knowledge of
the plot? Then, suddenly, he called
to mind how Clements had used a
dictagraph to trap those whom he
suspected. Clements might be listen
ing now.
He listened to her description of
the interview with the steward. He
tried to affect wrath and Indignation,
but achieved only inarticulate sounds.
Clements had been right in assuring
him that deception would be easy for
the reason Evelyn Railway believed
in him.
Its robberyl" he declared. "It's
unheard of. Captain Hallett-"
HE must not be told of it," she
retorted. Il want you to promise me
that. Can't you see the danger of let
ting him knowY'
Bettington listened to himself, as
to another man and a stranger, assur-
ing her that he was forced to agree
with the wisdom of her course
"In view of the sort of men they
are" he warned gravely, "you should
be very careful. Have you a weapon
of any sort?"
"No. Do you really think there is
danger?"
Il win lend you an automatic. 1t
is better to take every precaution."
He wondered if his words would be
carried to Clements. They could not
be construed into meaning he was
playing false with him. Although Bet
tington felt for Clements an intense
loathing he believed that, while the
crew was under his orders, the women
would be safe. There would be money
and feminine consolation at the end
of the voyage. AT most four days
would take them back into New York
harbor.
He looked so long at Mrs. Railway
that her eyes fell before his gaze. She
could not doubt his meaning. He
loved her. She felt surrounded by
new senses of strength and security.
Il would give my life for you," he
said in low tone. his voice little
husky. mo matter how strange my
behavior may seem. always believe
that
His words went to her heart. She
was conscious Of closer communion
with him than she had before expert
enced. Not for years had she been so
physically strengthless. She felt that
but for this interview with Bettington
she would have broken down. She
knew herself for a woman who would
never experience the Wilderness and
completeness of life, unless she could
love and trust.
THANK you" she said, in that low
distinct voice which had always
charmed him. Il shall not easily
doubt you" She hesitated moment.
81 thought of asking Captain Hallett,
his nephew and young Irwin to din
ner. Could you come. too? know
it is asking lot, because the captain
is certain to he unpleasant; but on
the other hand. you might get on bet
ter than | expect and, after all. you
four men are united against those