Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise., 1936-10-23
CHAPTER THREE


room. He found Sir Herbert and
Captain Murray seated before hear
ty breakfast.
"Don't Sapologize," said Frawley,
"Your late rising proves the comfort
of the beds on board. How about it,
Captain Murray?"
The captain did not answer, his
mouth was full. But his huge paunch
bobbed rhythmically and a gurgle.
came from his throat. When his
mouth was empty, the gurgle became
loud laugh. He was a sturdy, ty-
pical English seaman, ruddy-faced,
clean-shaven.
"Damme!" he cried. "The gentle
man was impatient, however, to see
the sun rise two hours after midnight.
l saw him pacing from port to star
board like an apprentice taking his
first watch"
"I couldn't sleep right away" Jean
explained, seating himself. II wasn't
accustomed to the sounds of the YES
sci, but Pm used to them now."
"Did you have any dreams?"
eyes, some sort of a nightmare.
which 1 can't remember clearly"
"Nightmares are protests of the
stomach" declared the captain. "You
did not eat enough for supper. I new
er dream"
"Sign of an easy conscience" re-
marked Sir Herbert TRANQUILITY.
Jean glanced at him quickly. Had
he dreamed of what had happened dur
ing the night? Dreams usually do
not have such clear-cut images q. :.
the beautiful girl, Sir Herbert in
such a different form! AS he ate he
studied his host who bore his habitual
expression Of serenity. In spite of
the difference in expression there was
no doubt that he was the same man
Jean had seen during the night.
Sir Herbert was about thirty-five
with the noble features of a Byron.
1t was hard to believe that he could
be two types . one brute who
tormented women; the other, cour-
teous gentleman.
"And did you dream during the
night, Sir Herbert ?"
A shadow passed over the baronet's
face.
Sometimes 1 do" he replied. "I
have not passed the age of love and
suffering. Science and art cannot fill
the heart entirely"
"Really?" cried the captain, "Is it
possible your Lordship has weak
ness for the vexing sex?"
Let that DROP" said Frawley in
sharp tone, Il won't allow anyone to
: speak disrespectfully of women in my
presence"
"Your Lordship isn't married.
was -.
Thank the Lord, 1 find peace on the
deck of the Gypsy!"
Sir Herbert rose and mounted to
the deck.
81 must have been dreaming"
thought the painter with a sigh of
relief. A word from Sir Herbert at
the same moment brought his suspic-
ions to life again.
"By the way" the nobleman was
saying, 81 have given orders to have
you transferred to a cabin nearer
mine and further away from the
engines. which seem to disturb your
rest"
Jean began to protest, but the Eng
lishman cut him short with a gesture.
81 wish my guest to be absolutely
comfortable" he said with chilly pol
iteness. The painter bowed, but his
doubts had returned.
Hes found out about last night"
he thought. "Now he moves me away
from the neighborhood of the girl.
What hypocrite the man isl" He re-
preached himself for having slept.
Something had happened during the
night &. something terrible. Either
the girl had given in or someone was
dead.
Captain Murray had gone to the
bridge. The two men sat in easy
chairs on the rear deck of the yacht,
a canvas awning stretched over them.
The yachts superstructure was white,
her brasswork cleaning. Gulls cried
weirdly as they swooped over the ship
and far away could be seen the smoke
Of various steamers.
Il believe that artists usually
smoke pipes" said Sir Herbert, open
ing box of tobacco which lay on
a smoking table. Jean thanked him
and filled his pipe.
"Will YOU excuse me?n asked the