Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-07-10

Again the slight lift Of the shoulder
Conchita's jargon. II speak Castilian,"
she explained.
so you understood US all along" re-
marked Divitt, aware that he had said
nothing to compromise himeslf. He
touched the chest with his foot. What
were you doing in this?"
Hiding" she said simply, and added,
Who are you?"
Chief of the customs Office" replied
Divitt coolly. At which her cloak of
temority fell. Her eyes moved over the
group as il seeking friend, rested an
instant on Gabreau.
You have nothing to fear" Divitt
assured her, IF you will give direct
answers to my questions. What is your
name and why did you leave the Argen-
tine as stowaway?"
Her eyes fell. They had read in
Gabreaus a warning
My name Is Juanita Basara," she
replied. II had ticket but 1t was lost
with my purse and all my money"
You have people in New Orleans?"
asked Divitt.
mo. I did not know where the boat
was"
She stopped. Divitt supplied; "You
did not know for what port the Dolores
was bound?Y
Yes. For Vera Cruz. I have friends
in Vera Cruz
But you failed to get off there"
Il changed my mind. I had made
friends with one of the sailors, Benito
Garcia. He said IL I would come to
New Orleans he would take me to his
Aw@, ~ 11A bar
on the boat-after lost my purse. He
went ashore when the Dolores docked."
Gabreau spoke "Benito Garcia was
drunk in Tonys place this evening"
That was why he did not return!"
the girl exclaimed. And I had paid
him with my emerald ring" Her dark
glance returned to Divitt. II was wait
ing for him when this man" indi-
eating Umberto-"entered where the
chsStS were stored. thought he was
thief, perhaps a murderer. He did not
walk like an honest man. I was afraid
and hid in the chest. I think tainted
there. 1t was very horrible, especially
riding from the boat"
Il don kncw you in da chest" ex-
rlsined Umberto aggrievedly. You get
no beesiness there. anyhow"
Divitt's glance commanded Umberto
to silence.
You will need money in New Or
leans" he said to the girl. Shall I
te,egTa phi your friends in the Argentine
and Vera CRUZ"
A startled look. "I have no people,
Senior That is"
That is you do not wish your where
abouts known. I think we understand
each other, Senorita-. What is the
name?"
"Basara." A sound like the falling
Of leaf. "Juanita BaSara."
"Bssara will do, Divitt answered.
"You have run away frcm home. You
were a stowaway on the Dolores. You
left without money or passage or trunk
from dance. If communicate with
those you left it's all up with you"
Divitt was putting cut feelers. That
the girl should be released into New
orleans was unthinkable. The papers
would chronicle the loss of the two
chests Synchronously with her story.
Yet her reasons for leaving home might
have been innocent enough. Parental
pressure to make her marry some I'M
appealing don. A desire to go into the
movies.
IAN I have to do" he added. watch
ing her, lis to broadcast description
of you and the time of your arrival"
with Snarp cry the girl Spran8
from the chest, flew to the door. Um-
berto was before it, facing her.
Its no use, Senorita," Divitt re-
marked. If you should get into the
court you would find the gates locked.
Besides it is not safe for girls to run
the streets Ct the Vieux Care at this
hour Umberto, give the lady the chair
There now" as she sank shakingly into
the seat. Food and sleep are what you
need, and you will take them better II
you know the facts.
"You are not in the hands Of the law,
Senorita. Quite the contrary. am not
a customs officer, and this lady" indi-
eating Conchita. lis not my chief in
terpreter You are the only individual,
since have had this place, who has
entered without pass and the proper
introduction.
I'VE are all outside the law here,
along with yourself. Therefore We are
your friends. We will not ask further
about you. and you will ask nothing
err,