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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/17765-8.txt b/17765-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7fdc90d --- /dev/null +++ b/17765-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,9090 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, Gordon Craig, by Randall Parrish, Illustrated +by Alonzo Kimball + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: Gordon Craig + Soldier of Fortune + + +Author: Randall Parrish + + + +Release Date: February 13, 2006 [eBook #17765] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GORDON CRAIG*** + + +E-text prepared by Al Haines + + + +Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this + file which includes the original illustrations. + See 17765-h.htm or 17765-h.zip: + (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/7/6/17765/17765-h/17765-h.htm) + or + (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/7/6/17765/17765-h.zip) + + + + + +GORDON CRAIG + +Soldier of Fortune + +by + +RANDALL PARRISH + +Author of "My Lady of the North," "My Lady of the +South," "Keith of the Border," "When Wilderness Was King." + +With Four Illustrations in Color by Alonzo Kimball + + + + + + + +[Frontispiece: I clasped the straying hand and drew her to me.] + + + + + +A. L. Burt Company +Publishers ---------- New York +Copyright +A. C. McClurg & Co. +1912 +Published October, 1912 +Copyrighted in Great Britain + + + + +CONTENTS + + +CHAPTER + + I THE FIRST STEP + II THE CASE OF PHILIP HENLEY + III I ACCEPT THE OFFER + IV AN ESCAPE FROM ARREST + V BEGINNING ACQUAINTANCE + VI WE OPEN CONFIDENCES + VII THE WOMAN'S STORY + VIII FACING THE PROBLEM + IX WE COMPLETE ARRANGEMENTS + X AT THE PLANTATION + XI A PLEASANT WELCOME + XII THE DEAD MAN + XIII I GET INTO THE GAME + XIV THE CONFESSION + XV THE DECISION + XVI COMPELLING SPEECH + XVII CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE + XVIII BEGINNING EXPLORATION + XIX A CHAMBER OF HORROR + XX TAKEN PRISONER + XXI ON BOARD THE SEA GULL + XXII I CHANGE FRONT + XXIII THE SECRET OF THE VOYAGE + XXIV I JOIN THE SEA GULL + XXV THE FREEDOM OF THE DECK + XXVI THE NEW PERIL + XXVII THE TABLES TURNED + XXVIII THE CREOLE'S STORY + XXIX UNDER WAY + XXX WE MAKE THE EFFORT + XXXI THE OPEN BOAT + XXXII A TALK IN THE NIGHT + XXXIII WE UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER + XXXIV THE REVENUE CUTTER + XXXV THE DECK OF THE SEA GULL + XXXVI IN POSSESSION + XXXVII A HOMEWARD VOYAGE + + + + +ILLUSTRATIONS + + + I clasped the straying hand and drew her to me . . _Frontispiece_ + + I read it over slowly, but it appeared innocent enough + + He gasped a bit, rubbing his bruised wrist + + "Give me back those papers" + + + + +GORDON CRAIG + +SOLDIER OF FORTUNE + + +CHAPTER I + +THE FIRST STEP + +I had placed the lumber inside the yard as directed, and was already +rehitching the traces, when the man crossed the street slowly, +switching his light cane carelessly in the air. I had noticed him +before standing there in the doorway of the drug store, my attention +attracted by the fashionable cut of his clothes, and the manner in +which he watched me work. Now, as he rounded the heads of the mules, I +straightened up, observing him more closely. He was forty or +forty-five, heavily built, with a rather pasty-white face, a large +nose, eyes unusually deep set, and a closely clipped mustache beginning +to gray. His dress was correct to a button, and there was a pleasant +look to the mouth which served to mitigate the otherwise hard +expression of countenance. As I faced him in some surprise he looked +me fairly in the eyes. + +"Been at this job long?" he asked easily. + +"Three days," I replied unhesitatingly, drawing the reins through my +hands. + +"Like it?" + +"Well, I 've had worse and better," with a laugh. "I prefer this to my +last one." + +"What was that?" + +"Ridin' blind baggage." + +It was his turn to laugh, and he did so. + +"I thought I was not mistaken," he said at last, sobering. "You are +the same lad the train hands put off the Atlantic Express at Vernon a +week ago." + +I nodded, beginning to suspect him of being a fly-cop who had spotted +me for a pull. + +"I never noticed the name of the burg," I returned. "Why? were you +there?" + +"Yes, I came in on the same train. Just caught a glimpse of your face +in the light of the brakeman's lantern. How did you get here?" + +"Freight, two hours later." + +"You 're not a bum, or you would n't be working." + +I put one foot on the wheel, but he touched me on the sleeve with his +cane. + +"Wait a minute," and there was more animation in the tone. "I may have +something better for you than this lumber wagon. I 'm right, ain't I, +in guessing you 're no regular bum?" + +"I 've bummed it most of the way from Frisco; I had to. I was homesick +for the East, and lost my transportation." + +"Your what?" + +"Transportation; I was discharged at the Presidio." + +"Oh, I see," smiling again, and tapping the wheel with his stick; "the +army--foreign service?" + +"The Philippines three years; invalided home." + +"By God, you don't look it," his eyes on me. "Never saw a more perfect +animal. Fever?" + +"No, bolo wound; got caught in the brush, and then lay out in a swamp +all night, till our fellows got up." + +He looked at his watch, and I climbed into my seat. "See here, I have +n't time to talk now, but I believe you are the very fellow I am +looking for. If you want an easier job than this," waving a gloved +hand toward the pile of lumber, "come and see me and we 'll talk it +over." He took a card out of a morocco case, and wrote a line on it. +"Come to that address at nine o'clock tonight." + +I took the bit of pasteboard as he handed it up. + +"All right, sir, I 'll be there on time." + +"Come to the side door," he added swiftly, lowering his voice, "the one +on the south. Give three raps. By the way, what is your name?" + +"Gordon Craig," I answered without pausing to think. His eyes twinkled +shrewdly. + +"Ever been known by any other?" + +"I enlisted under another; I ran away from home, and was not of age." + +"Oh, I see; well, that makes no difference to me. Don't forget, Craig, +the side door at nine." + +I glanced back as we turned the corner; he was still standing at the +edge of the walk, tapping the concrete with his cane. Out of sight I +looked curiously at the card. It was the advertisement of a clothing +house, and on the back was written "P. B. Neale, 108 Chestnut Street." + +The mules walked the half dozen blocks back to the lumber yard, while +my mind reviewed this conversation. There was a bit of mystery to it +which had fascination, because of a vague promise of adventure. +Evidently this man Neale had need of a stranger to help him out in some +scheme, and had picked me by chance as being the right party. Well, if +the pay was good, and the purpose not criminal, I had no objections to +the spice of danger. Indeed, that was what I loved in life, my heart +throbbing eagerly in anticipation. I was young, full-blooded, strong, +willing enough to take desperate chances for sufficient reward. There +was a suspicion in my mind that all was not straight--Neale's +questions, and the private signals to be given at a side door left that +impression--yet I could only wait and learn, and besides, my conscience +was not overly delicate. I had lived among a rough, reckless set, had +experienced enough of the seamy side of life to be somewhat careless. +I would take the chance, at least, in hope of escape from this routine. + +All the rest of the day, for this meeting had occurred early in the +afternoon, I labored quietly, loading and unloading lumber, my muscles +aching from a species of toil to which I had not yet become accustomed, +my mind active in imagination over the possibilities of this new +employment. I was not obliged to live this sort of life, but the +uneasy spirit of adventure held me. My father, from whom I had not +heard a word in two years, was a prominent manufacturer in a New +England village. The early death of my mother had left me to his care +when I was but ten years old, and we failed to understand each other, +drifting apart, until a final quarrel had sent me adrift. No doubt +this was more my fault than his, although he was so deeply immersed in +business that he failed utterly to understand the restless soul of a +boy. I was in my junior year at Princeton, when the final break came, +over an innocent youthful escapade, and, in my pride, I never even +returned home to explain, but disappeared, drifting inevitably into the +underworld, because of lack of training for anything better. This all +occurred four years previous, three of which had been passed in the +ranks, yet even now I was stubbornly resolved not to return +unsuccessful. Perhaps in this new adventure I should discover the key +with which to unlock the door of fortune. + +I possessed a fairly decent suit of clothes, now pressed and cleaned +after the rough trip from the coast, and dressed as carefully as +possible in the dingy room of my boarding house. A glance into the +cracked mirror convinced me, that, however I might have otherwise +suffered from the years of hardship, I had not deteriorated physically. +My face was bronzed by the sun, my muscles like iron, my eyes clear, +every movement of my body evidencing strength, my features lean and +clean cut under a head of closely trimmed hair. Satisfied with the +inspection, confident of myself, I slipped the card in my pocket, and +went out. It was still daylight, but there was a long walk before me. +Chestnut Street was across the river, in the more aristocratic section. +I had hauled lumber there the first day of my work, and recalled its +characteristics--long rows of stone-front houses, with an occasional +residence standing alone, set well back from the street. It was dark +enough when I got there, and began seeking the number. I followed the +block twice in uncertainty, so many of the houses were dark, but +finally located the one I believed must be 108. It was slightly back +from the street, a large stone mansion, surrounded by a low coping of +brick and with no light showing anywhere. I was obliged to mount the +front steps before I could assure myself this was the place. The +street was deserted, except for two men talking under the electric +light at the corner, and the only sound arose from the passing of a +surface car a block away. The silence and loneliness got upon my +nerves, but, without yielding, I followed the narrow cement walk around +the corner of the house. Here it was dark in the shadow of the wall, +yet one window on the first floor exhibited a faint glow at the edge of +a closely drawn curtain. Encouraged slightly by this proof that the +house was indeed occupied, I felt my way forward until I came to some +stone steps, and a door. I rapped on the wood three times, my nerves +tingling from excitement. There was a moment's delay, so that I lifted +my hand again, and then the door opened silently. Within was like the +black mouth of a cave, and I involuntarily took a step backward. + +"This you, Craig?" + +"Yes," I answered, half recognizing the cautious voice. + +"All right then--come in. There is nothing to fear, the floor is +level." + +I stepped within, seeing nothing of the man, and the door was closed +behind me. The sharp click of the latch convinced me it was secured by +a spring lock. + +"Turn on the light," said the voice at my side sharply. Instantly an +electric bulb glowed dazzling overhead, and I blinked, about half +blinded by the sudden change. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +THE CASE OF PHILIP HENLEY + +It was a rather narrow hallway and, with the exception of a thick +carpet underfoot, unfurnished. Neale, appearing somewhat more slender +in evening clothes, smiled at me genially, showing a gold-crowned tooth. + +"Did not chance to hear your motor," he said easily, taking a cigarette +case from his vest pocket. "You are a little late; what was it, tire +trouble?" + +"I came afoot," I answered, not overly-cordial. "It was farther across +town than I supposed." + +"Well, you 're here, and that is the main point. Have a cigarette. +No?" as I shook my head. "All right, there are cigars in the room +yonder--the second door to your left." + +I entered where he indicated. It was a spacious apartment, evidently a +library from the book-shelves along the walls, and the great writing +table in the center. The high ceiling, and restful wall decorations +were emphasized by all the furnishings, the soft rug, into which the +feet sank noiselessly, the numerous leather-upholstered chairs, the +luxurious couch, and the divan filling the bay-window. The only light +was under a shaded globe on the central table, leaving the main +apartment in shadows, but the windows had their heavy curtains closely +drawn. The sole occupant was a man in evening dress, seated in a +high-backed leather chair, facing the entrance, a small stand beside +him, containing a half-filled glass, and an open box of cigars. Smoke +circled above his head, his eyes upon me as I entered. With an +indolent wave of one hand he seemingly invited me to take a vacant +chair to the right, while Neale remained standing near the door. + +This new position gave me a better view of his face, but I could not +guess his age. His was one of those old-young faces, deeply lined, +smooth-shaven, the hair clipped short, the flesh ashen-gray, the lips a +mere straight slit, yielding a merciless expression; but the eyes, +surveying me coldly, were the noticeable feature. They looked to be +black, not large, but deep set, and with a most peculiar gleam, almost +that of insanity, in their intense stare. Even as he lounged back amid +the chair cushions I could see that he was tall, and a bit angular, his +hand, holding a cigar, evidencing unusual strength. He must have +stared at me a full minute, much as a jockey would examine a horse, +before he resumed smoking. + +"He will do very well, Neale," he decided, with a glance across at the +other. "Possibly a trifle young." + +"He has roughed it," returned the other reassuringly, "and that means +more than years." + +The first man laughed rather unpleasantly, and emptied his glass. + +"So I have discovered. Have a cigar, or a drink, Craig?" + +"I will smoke." + +He passed me the box, watching me while I lighted the perfecto, Neale +crossing to the divan. + +"How old are you?" + +"Twenty-four." + +"I thought about that. What part of the country do you hail from?" and +I noticed now a faint Southern accent in the drawl of his voice. + +"New England." + +"Ever been south?" + +"Only as far as St. Louis. I was at Jefferson Barracks." + +"Neale said you were in the army--full enlistment?" + +"Yes; discharged as corporal." + +"Ah; what regiment?" + +"Third Cavalry." + +His black eyes swept across toward Neale, his fingers drumming +nervously on the leather arm of the chair. + +"Exactly; then your service was in Oregon and the Philippines. Tramped +some since, I understand--broke?" + +"No," shortly, not greatly enjoying his style of questioning. "I 've +got three dollars." + +"A magnificent sum," chuckling. "However, the point is, you would be +glad of a job that paid well, and would n't mind if there was a bit of +excitement connected with it--hey?" + +"What is your idea of paying well?" + +"Expenses liberally figured," he replied slowly, "and ten thousand +dollars for a year's work, if done right." + +I half rose to my feet in surprise, believing he was making sport, but +the fellow never moved or smiled. + +"Sit down, man. This is no pipe dream, and I mean it. In fact, I am +willing to hand you half of the money down. That 's all right, Neale," +he added as the other made a gesture of dissent. "I know my business, +and enough about men to judge Craig here for that amount. That we are +in earnest we have got to assure him someway, and money talks best. +See here, Craig," and he leaned forward, peering into my face, "you +look to me like the right man for what we want done; you are young, +strong, sufficiently intelligent, and a natural fighter. All right, I +'m sporting man enough to bet five thousand on your making good. If +you fail it will be worse for you, that's all. I 'm not a good man to +double-cross, see! All you have got to do to earn your money is obey +orders strictly, and keep your tongue still. Do you get that?" + +I nodded, waiting to learn more. + +"It may require a year, but more likely much less time. That makes no +difference--it will be ten thousand for you just the same," his voice +had grown crisp and sharp. "What do you say?" + +"That the proposition looks good, only I should like to know a little +more clearly what I am expected to do." + +"A bit squeamish, hey! got a troublesome conscience?" + +"Not particularly--but there is a limit." + +He slowly lit a fresh cigar, studying the expression of my face in the +light, as though deciding upon a course of action. Neale moved +uneasily, but made no attempt to break the silence. Finally, with a +more noticeable drawl in his voice, the man in the armchair began his +explanation. + +"Very good; we 'll come down to facts. It will not take long. In the +first place my name is Vail--Justus C. Vail. That may tell you who I +am?" + +I shook my head negatively. + +"No; well, I am a lawyer of some reputation in this State, and my +entire interest in this affair is that of legal adviser to Mr. Neale. +With this in mind I will state briefly the peculiar circumstances +wherein you are involved." He checked the points off carefully with +one hand, occasionally glancing at a slip of paper lying on the table +as though to refresh his memory. I listened intently, watching his +face, and dimly conscious of Neale's restlessness. "Here is the case +as submitted to me: Judge Philo Henley, formerly of the United States +Circuit Court, retired at sixty-four and settled upon a large +plantation near Carrollton, Alabama. His wife died soon after, and, a +week or so ago, the Judge also departed this life, leaving an estate +valued in excess of five hundred thousand dollars. Philo Henley and +wife had but one child, now a young man of twenty-five years, named +Philip. As a boy he was wild and unmanageable, and, finally, when +about twenty years old, some prank occurred of so serious a nature that +the lad ran away. He came North, and was unheard-of for some time, +living under an assumed name. Later some slight correspondence ensued +between father and son, and the boy was granted a regular allowance. +The father was a very eccentric man, harsh and unforgiving, and, while +giving the boy money, never extended an invitation to return home. +Consequently Philip remained in the North, and led his own life. He +became dissipated, and a rounder, and drifted into evil associations. +Finally, about six months ago, he married a girl in this city, not of +wealthy family, but of respectable antecedents. Her home, we +understand, was in Spokane, and she had an engagement on the stage when +she first met Henley. He married her under his assumed name and they +began housekeeping in a flat on the north side." + +He paused in his recital, took a drink, his eyes turning toward Neale; +then resumed in the same level voice: + +"The Judge learned of this marriage in some way, and began to insist +that the son return home with his wife. Circumstances prevented, +however, and the visit was deferred. Meanwhile, becoming more +eccentric as he grew older, the father discharged all his old servants, +and lived the life of a recluse. When he died suddenly, and almost +alone, he left a will, probably drawn up soon after he learned of his +son's wedding, leaving his property to Philip, providing the young man +returned, with his wife, to live upon the estate within six months; +otherwise the entire estate should be divided among certain named +charities. Three administrators were named, of whom Neale here was +one." + +I glanced back at the man referred to; he was leaning forward, his +elbow on his knees, and, catching my eyes, drew a legal-looking paper +from his pocket. + +"Here is a copy of the will," he said, "if Craig cares to examine it." + +"Not now," I replied. "Let me hear the entire story first." + +Vail leaned back in his chair, a cigar between his lips. + +"The administrators," he went on, as though uninterrupted, and +repeating a set speech, "endeavored to locate young Henley, but failed. +Then Mr. Neale was sent here to make a personal search. He came to me +for aid, and legal advice. Finally we found the flat where the young +couple had lived. It was deserted, and we learned from neighbors that +they had quarreled, and the wife left him. We have been unable to +discover her whereabouts. She did not return to, or communicate with, +her own people in the West, or with any former friends in this city. +She simply disappeared, and we have some reason to believe committed +suicide. The body of a young woman, fitting her general description, +was taken from the river, and buried without identification." + +"And young Henley?" I asked, as he paused. + +"Henley," he continued gravely, "was at last located, under an assumed +name, as a prisoner in the Indiana penitentiary at Michigan City, +serving a sentence of fourteen years for forgery. He positively +refuses to identify himself as Philip Henley, and all our efforts to +gain him a pardon have failed." + +"But what have I to do with all this?" I questioned, beginning to have +a faint glimmer of the truth. + +"Wait, and I will explain fully. Don't interrupt until I am done. +Here was a peculiar situation. The administrators are all old personal +friends of the testator, anxious to have the estate retained in the +family. How could this be accomplished? Neale laid the case before +me. I can see but one feasible method--illegal, to be sure, and yet +justifiable under the circumstances. Someone must impersonate Philip +Henley long enough to permit the settlement of the estate." + +I rose to my feet indignantly. + +"And you thought I would consent? would be a party to this fraud?" + +"Now, wait, Craig," as calmly as ever. "This is nothing to be ashamed +of, nor, so far as I can see, as a lawyer, does it involve danger. It +will make a man of Henley, reunite him with his wife if she still +lives, and give him standing in the world. Scattered about among +charities the Lord knows who it would benefit--a lot of beggars likely. +We are merely helping the boy to retain what is rightfully his. Don't +throw this chance away, hastily--ten thousand dollars is pretty good +pay for a couple of months' work." + +I sank back into my chair undecided, yet caught by the glitter of the +promise. Why not? Surely, it would do no harm, and, if the +administrators were satisfied, what cause had I to object. They were +responsible, and, if they thought this the best course, I might just as +well take my profit. If not they would find someone else who would. + +"But--but can that be done?" I asked hesitatingly. + +Vail smiled, confident of my yielding. + +"Easily," he assured. "Young Henley has been away five years; even +before that he was absent at school so much as to be practically +unknown except to the older servants. These have all been discharged, +and scattered. The wife is entirely unknown there. Anyone, bearing +ever so slight a resemblance, would pass muster. All you need do is +read the father's letters over, post yourself on a few details and take +possession. We will attend to all legal matters." + +"Then you consider that I resemble Henley?" + +"No," coolly, "not in any remarkable manner, but sufficient for our +purpose--age, size, general appearance answers very well; nose, eyes +and hair are alike, and general contour of the face is similar. There +is not likely to be any close scrutiny. Here is young Henley's +photograph." + +He picked it up from among the papers, and handed it over to me. There +was a resemblance, recognizable now that my attention had been called +to it, certain features being remarkably similar, although the face in +the picture wore a hard, dissipated look utterly at variance with my +own. I glanced at the endorsement on the back. + +"He was going to send this photograph to his father." + +"Yes, but never did. Apparently there is no flaw in our plan." + + + + +CHAPTER III + +I ACCEPT THE OFFER + +I do not know how others might have looked upon such a proposition as +this, but it never occurred to me at the time to doubt the honesty of +Vail's statement, nor could I perceive any great wrong in the action so +calmly proposed. This was Philip Henley's property; his father +undoubtedly intended he should inherit it, and the poor devil was +utterly unable to comply with the terms of the will. The very fact +that he possessed sufficient pride to part with the inheritance rather +than openly reveal his disgrace, appealed strongly. That sort of +fellow must have a strain of manhood in him. If I could serve him, +save the property for him, at almost no danger to myself, and make a +tidy sum of money doing it, why shouldn't I consent? I saw no reason +for refusal. To be sure the method was not lawful, yet was advised by +a lawyer, and agreed to by the administrators. Besides, the keeping of +a few promiscuous charities out of such a gift did not seem especially +wrong--I knew nothing, cared nothing for their loss. They were but +names of no significance. Vail, watching the expression of my face in +the light, seemed to divine my thoughts. + +"Evidently you are recovering your good sense," he remarked easily. +"There is no use acting like a fool in a matter of this kind. You are +lucky to fall into such a chance. You 'll act, I take it?" + +"Yes," the word was out almost before I was aware of speaking. + +"Sensible decision, my man," his face lighting up. "Now there is no +need of our meeting again, or being seen together. The more quiet we +can keep our plans, the better it will be for all concerned. Neale, +hand Craig your copy of the articles of administration, and of the +will." + +I took these and read them over carefully, yet without fully +comprehending the legal phraseology. They were apparently genuine, and +I gathered from them that the facts were exactly as stated. Peter B. +Neale, of Birmingham, was named one of the administrators. The two men +watched me read, and when I laid the papers down Vail was ready with +others. + +"Here is a small packet of letters from Judge Henley to his son," he +said, in a business-like way, "which you had better read, and so +familiarize yourself with local names, and conditions. I have also +drawn up, and had typed, a brief sketch of young Henley's life, which +will aid you in playing the part. You will need a new outfit of +clothes, I presume?" + +"This is my best suit." + +"I thought it probable. Now, if you will sign this paper, I will hand +you a liberal advance." + +I read it over slowly, but it appeared innocent enough. Of course they +would require some guarantee that my work would be performed. Yet +certain questions arose to my mind. + +[Illustration: I read it over slowly, but it appeared innocent enough.] + +"As soon as the property is legally in my possession I am to deed it +over to you?" + +"Certainly; I represent the administrators, and the rightful heir." + +"That will involve forgery on my part." + +He waved his hand, as though brushing away an insect. + +"Technically, yes; but under legal advice, my dear boy, and agreement +of the officials interested in proper settlement of the estate. There +is no danger whatever." + +I was not assured as to this, and yet the man's easy manner, and smooth +speech, served to ease my conscience. + +"And the ten thousand dollars?" I asked. + +"A thousand will be handed you tonight; the remainder may be retained +at the final settlement, together with the compensation of the woman. +You make your own terms with her; so you see you cannot lose. Sign +here." + +"I had forgotten the woman. Is she necessary?" + +"It will be better to have one, as they know down there young Henley +was lately married. Any good-looker, with an easy conscience, will do. +You could coach her on the train." + +"But I don't know a young woman in town," I admitted soberly, "except +my landlady's daughter, and she 's the limit." + +Vail and Neale both laughed. + +"You 're slow, Craig," the former said good-humoredly. "I thought +better of you than that. However, you will have all day tomorrow. Get +on your new clothes, and look around. There 's plenty would jump at +the chance." + +I shook my head. + +"That's altogether out of my line," I averred. "I 'd rather go alone." + +"Well, we 'll not war over that. You can leave your wife North if you +wish. I tell you what you do. Think it over, and call me up by 'phone +about three o'clock tomorrow--here's the number. If you decide on +taking a woman along I know one who will answer, and will have her at +the train." + +"I am to leave then tomorrow night?" + +"Yes, over the Eastern Illinois, at 8:10." + +There was a moment's silence; then he rustled the paper on the table, +and held out a fountain pen. + +"Sign here." + +I was not hypnotized, or unduly controlled; my mind seemed clear, but I +yielded without a word and wrote my name at the bottom of the sheet. +Vail blotted it carefully, folded the paper, and placed it in a drawer +of the table. Then he handed me two bills. + +"There is a thousand dollars there, Craig, and I will send you a +typewritten memoranda of instructions, covering all points in the game. +Where can I be sure of finding you at three o'clock tomorrow?" + +"At 407 Green Street." + +"All right; as soon as you read those instructions call me up by +'phone, and let me know what you have done regarding a woman, and ask +any questions you may desire. That will be all now. Neale, you might +show Craig the way out." + +He put out his arm, and we shook hands, although he did not arise from +the chair. It had all been accomplished so suddenly that I felt +confused, uncertain as to what I had best do. Only the feel of those +bills in my pocket seemed real, and made me fully aware that I was +pledged to the service. Neale stepped into the hall, and I followed +him. The entry way was in darkness, and the man went to the side door +without switching on the light. + +"Is this Mr. Vail's house?" I questioned, and he drew the latch. + +"Yes, and, by the way, it will be as well for you to go out cautiously, +and not be seen. We want to play safe, you know." + +The door opened and closed, leaving me outside in the house shadow. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +AN ESCAPE FROM ARREST + +It was then that the power of thought returned to me. However glibly +those two conspirators might gild over the affair it nevertheless was a +criminal matter to which I had blindly committed myself. Neale's +parting words of warning alone made that clearly evident. They +understood the risk of discovery, and now I also comprehended it with +equal clearness. Fraud and forgery were contemplated, had been coolly +planned, and it occurred to me that I was the one selected for +sacrifice in case of discovery. Vail and Neale were probably safe +enough, as it would be easy for them to deny any participation, but +they had me bound fast. However, I had no thought of withdrawal from +the contract, for, while I saw the danger involved, and realized the +illegality, yet I failed utterly to perceive any real evil. I did not +doubt the truth of all that had been told me, and was willing to assume +the risk. I fingered the crisp bills in my pocket, and the words "ten +thousand dollars" kept repeating themselves over and over. Of course I +would do it; I should be a fool not to. It would be "easy money," and +my earning it could harm no one. + +Not a glimmer of light appeared from within the house I had just left, +and I drew my cap down over my eyes, and stared about, listening. The +hour could not be far from midnight, the night dark, the air heavy with +mist. Glancing out between the houses I caught a glimpse of asphalt +pavement glistening with moisture, and the distant electric light above +the street intersection appeared blurred and yellow. Here, in the +heart of the residential district, the last belated cab had already +drifted by, leaving the silence profound, the loneliness complete. Two +blocks away a trolley-car swept past, an odd, violet light playing +along the wire, grotesque shadows showing briefly amid the enveloping +folds of vapor. The discordant clang of the gong died away into the +far distance. Crouching there in the shade of the wall I felt like a +criminal. Then, angry at myself, I advanced slowly forward, yet +keeping well under cover. + +The light fell slanting across the stone steps in front, and revealed a +narrow opening through the brick coping beyond. I must pass that way +in reaching the street, but hesitated to go forward boldly. I could +see only a few feet in any direction, as the fog was thickening, +driving along the soaked pavement in dense gray clouds, already +beginning to blot from view the houses opposite. Another trolley-car, +dismally clanging its gong, paused a moment at some near-by corner, and +then passed noisily on. The way seemed clear, the street utterly +deserted, and, nerving myself to the effort, I crept cautiously +forward, until I crouched behind the brick coping. There was not a +disturbing sound, and I straightened up, essaying the first quick step +forth into the full gleam of the light. Like some confronting ghost, +scarcely more real than a phantom of imagination, I came face to face +with a woman. + +She had turned swiftly into the narrow gateway leading through the +brick coping, hurrying silently as if pursued, her foot barely planted +upon the step when we met. I stopped, speechless, rigid, my +outstretched hand gripping the rail, but the woman drew hastily back, +her lips parted in a sudden sob of surprise, one hand flung out as if +in self-protection. It was instantaneous, yet before either could move +otherwise, or utter a word of explanation, a heavy footfall crunched +along the walk, and a burly police officer, his star gleaming ominously +in the dull light, rounded the corner a dozen feet away. Neither of us +stirred, staring into each other's bewildered faces, and before either +fully realized the situation, the strong, suspicious hand of the law +had gripped my shoulder. + +"Here, now, an' what the hell are ye oop too, me fine buck?" he +questioned roughly, swinging me about into the light. "Give an account +o' yer-self moighty quick, 'er I 'll run ye in." + +Startled, recalling the money hidden in my pocket, the last injunction +of Neale, I could think of no excuse, no explanation. The girl, still +staring blankly at me, must have perceived how I instinctively shrank +back, my lips moving in an impotent effort at speech. Some sudden +impulse changed her fright into sympathy. However it was the officer +who impatiently broke the silence, swinging his night stick menacingly: + +"Come on now, me lad, hav' ye lost yer voice entoirely? Spake oop +loively--whut ther hell are the two ov' yer oop to, onyhow?" + +She started forward, just a step. + +"Nothing in the least wrong, officer," her voice trembling slightly, +yet sounding clearly distinct. "He--he was merely accompanying me home +from a dance." + +"Whut dance?" + +"Over--over there on 43rd Street." + +"An' do yer live here?" the gruff tone still vibrant with suspicion. +"Fer if ye do, yer 're sure a new gurl," and he peered at her shadowed +face in the dim light. She drew in her breath sharply. + +"No," her voice steadying, now she realized she must carry out the +deception. "My place is three blocks yet, around the next corner." + +"Thet 's a prutty thin story, Miss. Then whut wus the two ov' yer +doin' in here?" + +She clutched the brick coping with one hand, never glancing toward me, +her eyes fixed imploringly on the glistening face of the questioning +policeman. Yet she responded instantly with the quick wit of a clever +woman. + +"I had my foot on the step, tying my shoe," she explained simply. "You +don't arrest people for that, do you?" + +It was plain enough the officer was puzzled, yet he reluctantly +released his grip on my arm, boring the end of his club into the brick +wall. + +"It's half Oi' belave yer stringin' me roight now," he announced +doubtfully, "but Oi 'll give yer ther benefit ov' the doubt; only the +two ov' yer better kape on a-goin' till yer git under cover. Don't let +me run across yer along this beat agin ternight. Be gory av yer do, Oi +'ll let yer explain to ther sargint over at ther station. Go on now!" + +I felt her hand touch my sleeve timidly, and caught a swift glimpse of +her eyes. We must carry out the deception now, and go away together. +There was no other choice. The policeman stared after us through the +mist, rolling his night stick in his hand. I heard him mutter to +himself: + +"It 's a rum go o' sum koind. Thet guy ain't dressed fer no dance. +But, dom me, if she 's the koind o' female ter run in aither. Lord, +but she 's got a foine pair o' eyes in the face ov' her." + +Close together, without venturing to speak or glance around, we walked +forward into the enveloping mist. Her fingers, for appearances' sake, +barely touched the rough cloth of my sleeve. All this had occurred so +swiftly, so suddenly, that I was yet bewildered, unable to decide on a +course of action. The girl, I noticed, was breathing heavily from +excitement, her eyes cast down upon the wet pavement. Once, beneath +the glow of the lamp at the first corner, I ventured to glance slyly +aside at her, in curiosity, mentally photographing the clear outline of +her features, the strands of light brown hair straggling rebelliously +from beneath the wide brim of the hat. I was of rather reckless +nature, careless, and indifferent in my relationship with women. A bit +of audacious speech trembled on my lips, but remained unuttered. My +earlier conception that she was a woman of the street died within me. +There was more than a mere hint of character about that resolute mouth, +the white contour of cheek. She glanced furtively back across her +shoulder--evidently the policeman had disappeared, for she released her +slight grasp of my arm, although continuing to walk quietly enough by +my side, her face partially averted. The night was deathly still, the +sodden walk underfoot scarcely echoing our footfalls, the weird mist +closing denser about us, as we advanced. + +At the second street intersection she turned east, advancing toward +where passing trolley-cars promised some life and activity even at that +late hour. Helpless to do otherwise I moved along with her in the same +direction, our grotesque shadows dimly discernible beneath the yellow +mist of light. Impulsively she stopped, and faced me, her hands +clasped. + +"I--I--please--I will say good night, now," she said, endeavoring to +speak firmly, yet with no uplifting of the eyes. + +Hesitatingly I stood still, feeling strangely embarrassed by this +sudden curt dismissal. + +"Do--do you mean you wish me to leave you alone on the street at this +hour?" I questioned uneasily. "At least permit me to see you home +safely. I will not hurt you, or speak a word." + +There was a tone of earnestness in my plea but she only shook her head +decisively, lips pressed close together. The faint glow of the +overhead light rested on the slightly uplifted face, and the sight of +her features yielded me fresh confidence. + +"You have no cause to feel afraid of me," I went on soberly, in the +silence. "Can't you tell that by my face?" and I removed my cap, +standing before her uncovered. She lifted her lashes, startled and +curious, gazing at me for the first time. I met her glance fairly, and +the slight resentment in her eyes faded, her clasped hands moving +uneasily. + +"I--I am not afraid of--of you," she returned at last doubtfully. "It +is not that, but--but really I cannot permit you to accompany me +farther." + +"Only to the place where you said you lived," I urged eagerly. "I +promise not even to take note of the number, and will never bother you +any more." + +Her fine eyes hardened; then sank slowly before mine. + +"That--that was a lie also," she acknowledged, half defiantly. "I--I +do not live about here." + +I stared at her in sudden doubt, yet remained loyal to my first +impression. + +"All the greater reason then for not leaving you here alone." + +She laughed, a faint tinge of bitterness in the sound. + +"Surely you cannot imagine I would feel any safer in company with a +burglar?" she asked sharply. My face flushed. + +"Why accuse me of that?" I asked quickly. "Merely because I was in +that yard?" + +She drew back a step, one hand grasping her skirt. + +"Not altogether. You were hiding there, and--and you were afraid of +the policeman." + +I could not explain; it would require too long, and she would in all +probability refuse to believe the story. Besides, what difference +could it make? She had as much to explain as I; no more reason to +suspect me than I had her. Let us meet then on common ground. + +"If I grant your hasty guess to be partially correct," I returned +finally, my voice deepening with earnestness, "and confess I was +avoiding observation--what then? Can you not also believe me a man +capable of treating you honorably? Is it totally impossible for you to +conceive of circumstances so compelling, as to cause one to avoid the +police, and yet involve no real loss of manhood?" + +She bowed her head slightly, lowering her eyes before mine. My +earnestness, my apparent education, were clearly a surprise. + +"Yes," she confessed reluctantly enough. "I--I believe I can. There +was a time when I could not, but I can now." + +"Then yield me the benefit of such charity of judgment," I went on. +"At least do not altogether condemn me on mere circumstantial evidence, +and before you learn what has led up to the events of the night. At +least give me opportunity to exhibit my gratitude." + +She remained silent, motionless. + +"Why not? Is it because you have no confidence in me?" I insisted. + +She put out one hand, grasping the iron rail of a fence, and I thought +I could see her form tremble. + +"Oh, no! it--it is not that exactly," she explained brokenly. "I +believe I---I might trust you, but--but of course I do not know. I +think you--you mean well; your words sound honest, and your--your face +inspires confidence. Only I have found so much deceit, so much cruelty +and heartlessness in the world I have become afraid of everyone. But +I--I simply cannot let you go with me--oh! please don't urge it!" + +I leaned forward, my face full of sympathy, my voice low and earnest. + +"And do you suppose I will consent to desert you after that +confession?" I questioned, almost indignant. "I would be a brute to do +so. You saved me from arrest just now; for me to have been taken to +the station house and searched would have put me in a bad hole. It was +your wit that saved me, and now I am going to stay and help you. I 'll +not leave you alone here in the street at this hour of the night." + +She looked at me, her eyes wide open, shining like stars, her face +picturing perplexity, not unmixed with fear, one hand yet gripping the +supporting rail, the other pressed against her forehead. + +"Oh, but you must! indeed, you must!" the words scarcely more than +sobs. "I--I have no place to go!" + + + + +CHAPTER V + +BEGINNING ACQUAINTANCE + +I drew in my breath sharply, my lips set in a straight line. Already +had I half-suspicioned this truth, and yet there was that about the +girl--her manner, her words, even her dress--which would not permit me +to class her among the homeless, the city outcasts. + +"You mean that you are actually upon the streets, with--with no place +to _go_?" + +She did not answer, her head bowed, her face suddenly showing white and +haggard. I stared at her with swift realization. + +"My God, girl! and--and I actually believe you are hungry!" + +Her eyes uplifted to my face dumb with agony, her hand grasp upon the +rail tightening. Then she pitifully endeavored to smile. + +"I--I am afraid I am, just a little." She acknowledged slowly, as +though the words were wrung out of her. + +I straightened up, with shoulders flung back. All that was strong, +determined in my nature, came leaping to the surface. It was my time +to act. + +"Then that settles it. You are coming with me. No! don't shake your +head; I shall have my way this time. There is a respectable all-night +place over there on Desmet Street. I ate there once a week ago. We +'ll go together." + +She drew back, still clinging helplessly to the rail, her eyes on my +face. + +"Oh! you must not--I--" + +My hand touched her arm. + +"Yes, but I shall," I insisted, almost sternly. "Good Heavens, do you +suppose I will leave you here on the street hungry? I 'd never rest +easy another night as long as I lived. You are going with me." + +Feeling my determination she made no further resistance, and I half +supported her as we moved slowly forward through the mist, her face +turned away, her arm trembling beneath the firm clasp of my fingers. +As we advanced I became conscious that my own position was an awkward +one. I had no money of my own with me--not a cent other than those two +five-hundred dollar bills handed me by Vail. The uselessness of +attempting to pass one of these was apparent; it would be better to +plead lack of cash, and put up some security if the man in charge +refused credit. At whatever cost the girl must have food. + +It was much brighter on Desmet Street, numerous electric signs, +advertising various places of business, even at this late hour, +continuing to exhibit their rotating colors, while not a few of the +shop windows remained brilliantly illuminated. Occasionally a belated +pedestrian passed, while trolley-cars clanged their way through the +fog, approaching and vanishing in a purple haze. Three doors around +the corner was the all-night restaurant, through the glass front +revealing a lunch counter, and a number of cloth-draped tables awaiting +occupants. A few of these were in use, a single waiter catering to the +guests; a woman was scrubbing the floor under the cigar stand, while a +round-faced, rather genial-looking young fellow, stood, leaning +negligently against the cashier's desk. Rather doubtfully I glanced +uneasily up and down the deserted street, and then aside into the still +averted face of my chance companion. I had no desire she should +comprehend my dilemma. + +"Would you mind waiting out here on the step a moment?" I questioned +awkwardly, attempting to explain. "Only until I make sure who are +inside. There are some fellows I am not friendly with, and I am not +hunting a rough house with a girl to look after. You won't care for +just a minute, will you?" + +"No," wearily, "I won't mind." + +"You 'll promise not to go away?" + +She shook her head, her eyes staring dully into the mist. + +"No; I won't go away. Where could I go?" + +Scarcely satisfied, yet feeling obliged to take the chance, I stepped +within, and advanced across the room toward the man at the cashier's +desk. He glanced up curiously as I approached, and spoke low, so as +not to attract the attention of others. + +"Pardner, is my credit good for two meals?" I asked genially. "I guess +you 've seen me in here before--I drive for the Wooster Lumber +Company." A night cashier in that neighborhood becomes early +habituated to tales of hard luck. It requires but a few lessons to +render suspicion paramount. The round-faced man, all geniality +vanished, stared directly into my face. + +"Oh, yes, I 've seen you before, I reckon," he acknowledged +noncommitally. "But that does n't necessarily mean we are ready to do +a credit business. Been fired?" + +"No; just happen to be short of cash, and need to eat. I 'll hand it +to you tomorrow." + +"I 've heard that song before. I reckon you 'll have to try your luck +somewhere else, unless you 've got the price." + +"That's the last word, is it?" + +"Sure thing," indifferently. "Nothing doing." + +Realizing the utter uselessness of argument, or of exhibiting my large +bills, I reached inside my coat, unpinned, and held before him on the +desk a bronze medal, fastened to a colored ribbon. + +"Well, is this good for the price?" I questioned. "There 's two of us." + +The round-faced cashier bent forward to look, his eyes widening with +aroused interest. Then he glanced up inquiringly into my face. + +"Yours?" he asked in open suspicion. + +"Ought to be; cost me a Mauser bullet, a dozen bolo cuts, and eight +weeks' hospital." + +The cashier was visibly impressed, turning the medal over in his hands. + +"So! Where was all this?" + +"Down in a rice paddy; place called Baliancan." + +"What regiment?" + +"Third Cavalry." + +The cashier's black eyes flashed, and he extended a cordial hand. + +"Put her there, Amigo," he broke forth warmly. "Lord! but maybe I +don't remember! Say, but you fellows were a husky lot o' bucks. Knew +ye? I rather guess I did. I was bunkin' then with the First Nebraska. +Sure, I 'll stand ye for the meal. Put back yer plaything, and bring +in yer pardner--this spread is on the house. The Third Cavalry has +divided chuck with me mor'n once, an' I ain't goin' back on one of the +boys for the price of a meal." + +Our hands met, clasped closely lying across the desk, our eyes glowing +with suddenly aroused memories of comradeship in a foreign land. Then +I repinned the medal to the front of my rough shirt, gulping a bit as I +strove to speak calmly. + +"It's a woman," I explained, nodding toward the door. "I found her out +there hungry. Could we have that table yonder behind the screen?" + +"Sure; and don't be afraid to order the best in the house. Damn me, +but that was some fight we had at Baliancan, even if the history folks +don't say much about it. I can see you Third Cavalry fellows goin' in +now, up to yer waists in water, an' we wa'nt mor'n a hundred feet +behind. Did you see them Filipino trenches after we took 'em?" + +I shook my head. + +"No; I was down and out long before then." + +"Hell of a sight, believe me--jammed full o' little brown men, deader +than door nails. They died a fighting, all right, an' they sure gave +us a belly full that day. Lost sixteen out o' my company." + +Our eyes lingered an instant on each other's faces; then I turned away, +and walked to the door. She was waiting motionless, her back to the +window, and, when I spoke, followed me in without a word. I led the +way to the secluded table behind the screen, seated her, and took the +chair opposite. Without questioning her wishes I ordered for both, the +girl sitting in silence, her face bent low over the menu card, a red +flush on either cheek. Still obsessed with vague suspicion of her +character I could not forbear a suggestion. + +"What will you have to drink?" I asked, as the waiter turned aside. "I +'d rather like a cocktail to drive the wet out of my system. Shall I +make it two?" + +She glanced up quickly from under shading lashes, her eyes, big and +brown, meeting my own. + +"I prefer coffee; that will be quite sufficient." + +I ran my hand through my hair. + +"Don't you ever drink anything stronger?" I asked, almost tempted to +apologize. "You know lots of women do." + +"I have never formed the habit." + +"Cocktail for you, sir?" said the waiter briskly, flipping his towel on +the table. "Martini, or Manhattan?" + +I dropped my gaze from the girl's face to the menu card. It seemed to +me her eyes had pleaded with me. + +"No; make mine coffee too," I replied gravely, "and hurry the cook up, +will you." + +We sat there waiting without further speech, she nervously fingering +the card, her eyes veiled by lowered lashes. I glanced cautiously +across at her, conscious of my cheap clothing, and vaguely wondering +why my usual off-hand address had so suddenly failed. I felt +embarrassed, unable to break the silence by any sensible utterance. My +eyes rested upon her hands, white, slender, ringless. They were hands +of refinement, and my gaze, fascinated by the swiftly recurring memory +of other days, arose slowly to a contemplation of her face. I had seen +it heretofore merely in shadow, scarcely with intelligent observation, +but now, beneath the full glare of electric light, its revealment awoke +me to eager interest. It was a womanly face, strong, true, filled with +character, not so apt, perhaps, to be considered pretty, as lovable--a +face to awaken confidence, and trust; a low, broad forehead, shadowed +still by the wide-brimmed hat, and the flossy brown hair; the skin +clear, the cheeks rounded, and slightly flushed by excitement; the lips +full and finely arched; the chin firm and smooth. Her greatest claim +to beauty was the eyes, now securely veiled behind long, downcast +lashes. Yet I recalled their depth and expression with a sudden +surging of red, riotous blood through my veins. As I sat there, +uncertain how I might break the embarrassing silence, she suddenly +glanced up questioningly. + +"You--you do not at all understand my position, do you?" she asked +timidly. "I mean why I should be homeless, on the street, alone at--at +such an hour?" + +"No," I responded, surprised into frankness, "you do not seem like that +kind." + +A wave of color flooded her clear cheeks, the brown eyes darkening. + +"And I am not that kind," she exclaimed proudly, her head flung back, +revealing the round, white throat. "You must comprehend that fact at +once." + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +WE OPEN CONFIDENCES + +I bent my head, impressed by her earnestness, every instinct of a +gentleman born, returning instantly. + +"I do comprehend," I admitted seriously. "Believe me I have felt the +truth of this ever since I first saw your face. You have ample reason +for misjudging me, for believing me a criminal, but I possess no excuse +for even questioning you. Shall we not permit the whole matter to rest +there, and pretend at being friends for the moment? You have already +acknowledged being both homeless and hungry. What more do I need know +to be of assistance? The cause of such a condition is no business of +mine, unless you choose to tell me voluntarily. You may not consider +me a gentleman," and I glanced down at my cheap suit. "Yet surely you +cannot regard me as a mere brute." + +She continued to gaze at me, her eyes misty, yet full of wonderment. +My language was not that of the slums, nor were my manners. To her I +must have seemed as strange a character, as she appeared to me. We +were both advancing blindly through the dark. + +"You are also," she affirmed finally, as if half regretting the words. +"You are just as penniless as I." + +"Why should you say that?" + +"Because I know," and by now her eyes were blinded by the tears +clinging to her lashes. "You--you humiliated yourself to serve me; +you--you were obliged to pawn something in security for this food. +I--I saw you--your excuse for leaving me outside was just a sham. You +had no money. I watched through the window, and--and I almost ran +away, only my promise held me." + +I laughed uneasily, yet sobered almost at once, leaning across the +table, all earlier embarrassment vanished. + +"Well, even at that, it would not be my first experience," I said +swiftly. "Poverty is extremely unpleasant, but not a crime. Do not +let that unfortunate condition of my exchequer spoil your appetite, my +girl. I can assure you that is among the least of my troubles. In +fact I have of late become hardened to that state of affairs. My life +has been up and down; I 've ridden the top wave of prosperity, and have +knocked against the rocks at the bottom. Lately I 've been on the +rocks. But good luck, or bad, I am not the sort to desert a woman in +distress." + +"You are a man of some education?" + +"Two years at the University." + +"And now?" + +I smiled grimly, determined to admit the worst. + +"Little better than a tramp, I suppose, although I have held a job +lately--driving for a lumber yard across the river." + +A moment she sat in silence, her eyes lowered to the table. + +"What--what was that you offered the man for security?" she asked +quietly. + +"Oh, nothing much. It had no intrinsic value, and the fellow would not +even accept it. He was willing to trust me." + +"Yes, but tell me what it was? Something you valued highly?" + +I felt my cheeks reddening, yet there was no reason why I should not +answer. + +"It was a medal, an army medal." + +"You were in the army then?" + +"Yes, I served an enlistment in the Philippines, and was invalided +home; discharged at the Presidio. Someway I have been up against tough +luck ever since I got back. I think the climate over there must have +locoed me; anyhow the liquor did. Tonight the pendulum is swinging the +other way." + +"Why do you think that?" + +"I have met you, have I not?" + +There was no brightening of her eyes, no acknowledgment of the words. + +"To have the misery of another added to your own requires no +congratulations," she said gravely. "But I am glad you told me. I +know there are many who return home like that. I can understand why +much better now than I could once. I have had experience also. It is +so easy to drift wrong, when there is no one to help you go right. I +used to believe this world was just a beautiful playground. I never +dreamed what it really means to be hungry and homeless, to be alone +among strangers. I had read of such things, but they never seemed +real, or possible. But I know it all now; all the utter loneliness of +a great city. Why it is easier to fall than to stand, and, oh! I was +so desperate tonight. I--I actually believe I had come to the very end +of the struggle. Whatever happens--whatever possibly can happen to me +hereafter--I shall never again be the same thoughtless creature, never +again become uncharitable to others in misery." Her eyes dropped +before mine, yet only to uplift themselves again, shining with brave +resolution. "Would you care to tell me what it is with you? What it +is you fight?" + +"I am afraid I do not fight, except physically," I confessed soberly. +"Probably that is the whole trouble. If I have ever had a grip I 've +lost it. However I 'm willing to tell my story, although it's a poor +one, just the uninteresting recital of a fool. My home was in New +England, my father a fairly successful manufacturer. My mother died +while I was a child, and I grew up without restraining influence. I +led an ordinary boy's life, but was always headstrong, and willful, +excelling physically. My delight was hunting, and the out-of-doors. +However I kept along with my studies after a fashion, and entered the +University. Here I devoted most of my time to students' pranks, and +athletics, but got through two years before being expelled. +Interesting, is n't it?" + +"Yes," she said. "It is what I wish to know." + +"This expulsion resulted In a row at home," I went on, disgusted at +myself. "And I took French leave. For six months I knocked about, +doing a little of everything, having rather a tough time, but too +obstinate to confess my mistake and return. Of course I naturally fell +in with a hard set, and finally enlisted. My regiment was sent to the +Philippines, where we had some fighting. I liked that, and was a good +enough soldier to be promoted to a sergeantcy. I reckon I had better +have remained in the service, for when I was sent back to Frisco, +because of wounds, and then discharged, I went to hell." + +"And your father does n't know?" + +"Not from me. I had money at first, and transportation to Chicago +where I enlisted. I blew in the cash, and lost the other. Then I +started in to beat my passage east, working only when I had to. I was +thrown off a train about twenty miles west of here, and came into this +burg on foot. It was tough luck for a day or two until I caught on to +a lumber yard job. I 've been working now for a couple of weeks. Nice +record, is n't it?" + +Her parted lips trembled, but those questioning brown eyes never +deserted my face. + +"It is not as bad as I feared, if--if you have told me all." + +"I have confessed the worst anyhow. I 'm a rough, I suppose, and a +bum, but I 'm not a criminal." + +"Why were you at that house? and so afraid of the police?" + +"Well, that is a long story," I replied hesitatingly. "I had been +talking with some men inside, who had offered me work, and good pay. +There was a reason why I did not wish to be seen coming out at that +hour." + +"Not--not anything criminal?" + +"No; I 've confessed to being a good-for-nothing, but I 'm clear of +crime." + +She drew a long breath of relief. + +"I do not quite believe," she said firmly. "You--you do not look like +that." + +I laughed in spite of my efforts. + +"I am delighted to have you say so. No more do I feel like that now. +Yet so the record reads, and you must accept me just as I am, or not at +all. I have nothing else to offer." + +She lowered her eyes, her fingers still nervously fumbling the menu +card. + +"Perhaps I have no more." + +"I have asked no explanation of you." + +"True; yet you cannot be devoid of curiosity. You meet me after +midnight, wandering alone in the streets; you see me boldly, +shamelessly, interfering to prevent the arrest of a strange man; you +hear me deliberately falsify, again and again. What could you think of +such a woman? Then I accept your invitation, and accompany you here, +believing you a criminal. What possible respect could you, or any +other man, entertain for a girl guilty of such indiscretion?" + +"You ask my individual judgment, or that of the world?" + +"Yours, of course; I know the other already." + +I extended my hand across the table, and placed it over her own. A +swift flush sprang to her cheeks, but she made no effort to draw away. +The action was so natural, so unaffectedly sincere, as to awaken no +resentment. + +"I am a young man," I said earnestly, "but I have seen all kinds of +life, both right and wrong, upper and lower. I can realize how easy it +is to sit in a club window, and criticize the people passing along the +street. That is an amusement of fools. The inclination to become one +of that class left me long ago. Now I do not understand why you were +upon the street tonight unattended; why you came to my assistance, or +why you are here with me now. I have no desire to pry into your +secret. I am content to remain grateful, to count this a red-letter +day, because somehow, out of the mystery of the dark, we have thus been +brought together. An old professor used to say all life hinges on +little things, and I believe our chance meeting is going to change both +our lives, and for the better. Without asking a question, or harboring +a suspicion, I have faith in you--is that enough?" + +"You mean, you accept me upon trust?" + +"Certainly; even as you must accept me. I have no letters of +recommendation." + +She was again looking directly toward me, her brown eyes earnest and +fearless. + +"I--I confess I like your face," she admitted, "and I believe you have +tried to tell me the truth about yourself, but our situation is so +peculiar, so different from what I have been taught was proper." She +smiled sadly, her eyes misting. "I am afraid you will not understand. +You can scarcely appreciate how strictly I have been brought up, or +what such an unconventional meeting as this means to me. I ought to be +ashamed of myself." + +"But are you?" + +"Really I--I do not seem to be. It almost frightens me to realize I am +not, I do not understand myself at all. Why should I talk thus frankly +with you? Why feel confidence in you? It is not in accordance with +the rules of my old life, nor of my nature. Such actions would shock +those who know me; they ought to shock me. Am I in a dream, from which +I am going to awaken presently? Is that the explanation?" + +I shook my head. + +"No, not in that sense, at least. Rather the other way around. You +have been in a dream all your life--a dream that some social code +somewhere constituted the real world. Under these petty regulations of +conduct you were not yourself at all, only a make-believe. Something +serious has occurred in your life, and changed all in an instant. You +have been thrown against the real world. You find it not to be what +you supposed. It is no cause for shame or regret; womanhood lies +deeper than any pretense at gentility. Men seldom fail to recognize +this fact--their lives of struggle compel them to, but a woman finds it +hard to understand." + +"To understand what?" + +"How any man meeting her as I have you--in the street at night, under +conditions society would frown at--can still feel for her a profound +respect, and pay her the deference which a gentleman must always extend +to one he deems worthy." + +For a long moment she did not speak, but withdrew her hand from beneath +mine, resting her chin in its palm. + +"What is your name?" she asked finally. + +"Gordon Craig." + +The lashes drooped quickly, securely shadowing the brown depths, the +flush deepening on her cheeks. In the momentary hush which followed +the waiter came shuffling forward with our order. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +THE WOMAN'S STORY + +I had never supposed I lacked audacity, yet I found it strangely +difficult to again pick up our conversation. This woman puzzled me; +was becoming an enigma. She encouraged me, and yet something about her +precluded all familiarity. I was haunted by the vague suspicion that +she might be "stringing" me; that she was not as innocent as she +pretended. Her eyes again glanced up, and met mine. + +"It is a terrible experience being penniless, and alone," she said with +a shudder. "I can never condemn some forms of evil as I once did, for +now I have felt temptation myself. I--I have even learned to doubt my +own strength of character. I walked past a great hotel last evening, +and looked in through the windows, at the dining-room. It was +brilliant with electric lights, in rose globes over the spotless +tables, and hundreds of people were gathered about eating and drinking. +I had been there myself more than once, yet then I was alone outside, +in the misty street, penniless. I had no strength left, no virtue--I +was in heart a criminal. Have you ever felt that?" + +"Yes," I acknowledged, hopeful she would explain further. "I +comprehend fully what you mean. Nature is stronger than any of us when +it comes to the supreme trial." + +"I had never known before. It is strange to confess such a thing, but +it is true. I--I do not believe I am weak as compared with others. +Never before have I had any occasion to question the supremacy of my +will, yet I learned a lesson last night--that I am not a saint. I +actually faced crime, and it did not even look horrible to me! it +appeared justified. Even now, sitting here with you, I cannot believe +I was wicked. You will not misconstrue my words, but--but life is not +always the same, is it? How inexpressibly cruel a great city may be +with glaring wealth flaunting itself in the pinched face of poverty. +How can I help being rebellious now that I have seen all this through +hungry eyes?" + +Her hands were clasped above her plate, the slender fingers +intertwined. I was looking at her so intently forgot to answer. + +"I--I am glad I met you," she said frankly. "I--I think you have saved +me from myself." + +"You asked me my name," I broke in eagerly. "Would you mind telling me +who you are?" + +"I?" the clear cheeks reddening. "Why, I am only a fool." + +"Then there is, at least, one tie between us. But, if we are to remain +friends I must know how to address you." + +Her red lips parted doubtfully, her brow wrinkling. + +"Yes, and we cannot afford to be conventional, can we? I am Viola +Bernard." + +"I knew a girl once by that name; ages ago it seems now. A little +thing in short skirts, but I thought her rather nice. I believe we are +inclined to like names associated with pleasant memories. So I am glad +your name is Viola." + +"It was my mother's name," she said quietly, her eyes downcast, "and I +am not sorry you like it." She stirred the coffee in her cup, watching +the bubbles rise to the surface. "I feel more confidence in you than I +did, because you have been so honest about yourself." + +"I have told you the truth. I think I comprehend one trait, at least, +of your character--you would never again trust one who had deliberately +deceived you." + +She did not remove her eyes from the cup, nor appear to note my +interruption, but continued gravely: + +"I must tell my story to someone; I can fight fate alone no longer. +Perhaps I may not confess everything, for I do not know you well enough +for that, but enough, at least, so you will no longer suspect that I--I +am a bad woman." + +"I could never really believe that." + +"Oh, yes, you could. I have read in your face that my character +puzzles you. You invited me to drink a cocktail to try me. Don't +protest, for really I do not wonder at it, or blame you in the least. +How could you think otherwise? My position was a strange one, bound to +awaken suspicion; my conduct immodest. Yet you must accept my +explanation, for I shall tell the truth. I was never guilty of such an +act before--never! Perhaps because I was never tempted. There is a +home I could return to, and a mother, but they are more than a thousand +miles from here. But I cannot go, even if I possessed the means, +because of my pride--my false pride possibly. I have chosen my course, +and must abide by it to the end." + +She drew a long breath, speaking very slowly. + +"It is a hard story to tell, for the wound is still fresh, and hurts. +I was upon the stage--not long, but with sufficient success so that I +had become leading woman with one of the best stock companies. It was +against my mother's wish I entered the profession, and she has never +become reconciled to it, although our relationship remained pleasant. +A few months ago, while playing in Omaha, I met Fred Bernard. I knew +little of him, but he appeared gentlemanly and well-to-do, and was +presented to me by one in whom I had confidence. He was pleasant, and +apparently in love with me; I liked him, was flattered by his +attentions, and discouraged in my ambition. When he asked me to marry +him conditions were such that I accepted, even consented, under his +urging, to an immediate ceremony. We came to this city, were quietly +married here, and occupied a flat on the north side. My husband did no +work, but received remittances from home, and apparently had plenty of +means. He told me little about himself, or his condition, but promised +to take me to his people in a little while. He said his father was +wealthy, but eccentric; that he had told him of our marriage, but there +had been a quarrel between them, and he could not take me there without +an invitation. I was never shown the letters, but they bore Southern +postmarks." + +She paused, hesitating, her eyes full of pain. + +"I--I was afraid to question, for--for he proved so different after our +marriage. He was a drunkard, abusive and quarrelsome. I had never +before been in intimate contact with anyone like that, and I was afraid +of him. Whatever of love I might have felt died within me under abuse. +He struck me the second day, and from that moment I dreaded his +home-coming. For weeks I scarcely saw him sober, and his treatment of +me was brutal." + +Tears were in her eyes, but she held them back, forcing herself to go +on. + +"Then he was gone two days and nights leaving me alone. He reappeared +the third evening in the worst condition I had ever seen him. He acted +like a veritable savage, cursing and striking at me, and finally drove +me from the house, flourishing a revolver in my face, and locking the +door behind me. I--I sat there on the steps an hour, and endeavored to +go back, but there was no response. I walked the streets, and +then--having a little money with me--found a place to lodge. The next +day I went back, but the flat was locked still, and neighbors said my +husband had left with a traveling bag. I--I was actually thrown out +upon the streets to starve." + +Her voice lowered, so that I was compelled to lean closer to catch the +rapidly spoken words. + +"At first I--I was not altogether sorry. I thought it would be easy to +find work. I was not afraid of that--but--but it was not easy. Oh! +how hard I tried. I faced open insult; cowardly insinuation; brutal +coarseness. I never dreamed before how men could treat women seeking +honorable employment. Scarcely a courteous word greeted me. Refusal +was blunt, imperative, or else, in those cases where vague +encouragement was given, it was so worded as to cause my withdrawal in +shame. If I had been skilled in any business line my reception might +have been different; if I possessed recommendations, or could have +frankly confessed the truth, perhaps I might have been given a chance. +But as it was everywhere, suspicion was aroused by my reticence, my +inability to explain, and the interview ended in curt dismissal, or +suggestive innuendo." + +She paused again, her bosom rising and falling, her cheeks flushed. + +"Go on," I said, encouragingly. "Do not fear I shall misunderstand. I +have been through the same mill." + +She gave me a quick glance of gratitude, pressing back a straggling +strand of hair. + +"But you were not a woman," she insisted, "and could defend yourself +from insult. I endeavored so hard to discover some opening; I even +sought domestic service, and was examined as though I was a horse on +sale. I walked the streets; I refused to despair, or permit myself to +believe failure possible. I went home at night, tired out, to a little +rented room in Forty-Ninth Street, prayed as I used to when a child, +cried myself to sleep, only to wake up the next morning determined to +continue. I was not weak then; I was as strong as any girl could be; +I--I fought it out to the very last," her head suddenly drooping, +"but--but the end came just the same. Perhaps I should never have hung +on so long; perhaps it would have been better to have sent word to my +mother, and asked help to go home. But--but I kept hoping to succeed, +until it was too late. I spent all the little money I had, and pawned +my rings. I had married against my mother's wish. I could not turn to +her for help. Oh, I was tempted; I think you must know what I mean! +You realize what temptation is; how it weakens, and conquers the soul?" + +I closed my hand firmly over hers. + +"Yes, I know." + +Her sensitive face brightened; her eyes clearing of mist. + +"It is a comfort to speak with a gentleman again. I--I had almost +begun to believe there were none left in the world. You give me +courage to go on, to acknowledge everything. Mr. Craig, I was a soul +tottering on the brink when I met you out yonder; a desperate, +disheartened girl, tempted to the point of surrender. I had lost hope, +pride, all redeeming strength of womanhood. I scarcely cared whether +death, or dishonor, claimed me. I do not know what fateful impulse +moves me now, but I can look into your eyes without sense of shame, and +confess this. I was, in all essential truth, a woman of the +street--not yet lowered utterly to that level, not yet sacrificed, but +with no moral strength left for resistance. No fear, no horror. Oh, +God! it seems like some awful dream--yet it was true, true! I had +ceased to struggle, to care; I had begun to drift; I had lost +everything a woman prizes, even my faith in God. I know you cannot +comprehend what this means--no man could. But I want you to try. +Think what it would mean to your sister, to some pure friend in whom +you have implicit trust. Oh, I know what the world would say--the +well-fed, well-clothed, well-housed, sneering world--but it is to you I +appeal for some slight mercy. You have also suffered, and grown weak, +and, because you told me your story first, I dare now to tell mine. I +was a soul on the brink, and--God forgive me!--not afraid of the rocks +below. Like one stupefied I looked down, hated myself and laughed." + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +FACING THE PROBLEM + +My fingers closed yet more tightly over the small hand, but her face +remained rigid, the lines deep about the mouth. + +"The landlady had turned me out," speaking now bitterly and swiftly, +"retaining my few belongings, and calling me a foul name which made me +cower away like a whipped child. I had nothing left--nothing. For a +week I had listened to no kind word, met with no kind act. I was upon +the street, alone, at night, purposeless, homeless, wandering aimlessly +from place to place, weakened by hunger, stupefied by despair. Men spoke +to me, and I fled their presence as though they were pestilence; women, +painted, shameless creatures, greeted me in passing as one of their own +class, and I sought to avoid them. Once I mustered sufficient courage to +ask help, but--but the man only laughed, and called me a foul name. I do +not know where I went, what the streets were called. I remember the +brilliantly lighted hotel: the theater crowds jostling me on the +sidewalks; the saloons where I saw women slipping in through side +entrances, the strains of piano music jingling forth on the night air. +I--I knew what it meant, and lingered, faint and trembling, before one +illuminated front, like a fascinated bird, until a drunken man, reeling +forth, laid hand on my shoulder with proposal of insult. I broke away +from him, and ran into the dark, every nerve tingling." + +She shuddered, catching her breath sharply. + +"Then--then I found myself out among the residences, where everything was +still and lonely, walking, walking, walking, every shadow appearing like +a ghost. I sat down to rest on the curbing, but a policeman drove me +away; once I crept into a darkened vestibule in a big apartment building, +but another discovered me there, and threatened to take me to the +station. I did n't care much by that time, yet finally he let me go, and +I crept miserably on. I became afraid of the police; I felt as I suppose +criminals must feel; I slunk along in the dark shadows like a hunted +thing. The night grew misty and damp, but I found no shelter. I had no +will power left, no womanhood, no remorse; I had become a thing to play +with, a body without a soul. I had ceased to care, to think, to even +remember; I only wanted to drop the struggle, and have it over with. +Perhaps I should have taken my own life, had I only known how to +accomplish it--it seemed infinitely worse to live than to die. It was +thus I came there, to that corner. I heard the policeman approaching +along the side street, and, terrified, sprang into the yard to +escape--then--then, I met you." + +Someone laughed at one of the other tables, and I wheeled about in my +chair. For an instant I believed her voice had been overheard, but +instantly realized the mistake and turned back, noticing how she was +trembling. + +"Tell me," I questioned earnestly, "what caused you to interfere between +me and the officer?" + +"What! Oh, I hardly know," a touch of hysteria in the nervous +exclamation. "It was just a natural ending to all the rest, I suppose. +I was a criminal in heart, a fugitive; I hated the law, and was afraid of +the police. I merely did what occurred to me first, without thought, +volition, purpose. I was compelled to choose instantly between his mercy +and yours; the--the difference seemed small enough then, but--but I +realized you were frightened also, and--and so I preferred to trust you. +That was all; it was my fate, and--and, well I did n't care much how it +ended." + +"But you endeavored to escape from me; you sought to compel my leaving +you?" + +She lifted her face again, flushing, saddened, slightly indignant, the +brown eyes widening. + +"Perhaps the soul was not all dead," she returned gravely. "Perhaps +womanhood was not all gone. I did not know you; I was in terror." + +"And now?" + +Our eyes met, her own cleared of tears, gazing frankly at me. + +"I am not afraid; I believe I have found a man, and a friend." + +I was conscious of a sudden wild throb of the heart, a swift rush of +blood through my veins. + +"I might have doubted that myself a while ago," I acknowledged almost +bitterly, "but now I am going to make good. Lord! how a fellow can run +to seed when he lets himself go. Don't you know you are helping me, as +much as I am you? You didn't find much out there--only a drunken +discharged soldier, an ex-hobo, with a laborer's job. I 've wasted my +chance in life, and been an infernal fool. I can see that plain enough, +and despise myself for it. I knew it before you came--the difference was +then I did n't care, while now I do. You have made me care. Yes, you +have, girl," as she glanced up again, plainly startled by this unexpected +avowal. "You care, and because I know you do, things are different. I +mean it; this is no word play. I tell you when a man has been steadily +dropping, in his own estimation, as well as the social scale; when he has +just about lost his pride, his self-respect, his realization of right and +wrong; when he sees nothing ahead worth fighting for; when he seeks +happiness in drink, and makes companions out of crooks and hobos, that is +when it amounts to something to have a real woman like you come into his +life, and hear her speak of trust and friendship. Lord! it 's like a +breath of pure air amid the foulness of the pit. I believe in _you_, and +I have n't believed in anybody for a long while. Perhaps you didn't +wholly mean all you said to me; perhaps you 'll forget about it when your +luck changes, but it 's a thing that is going to stay with me; you can +bet on that! I guess it was what I 've been hungry for; the loss of it +had taken the very heart out of me," I paused, fearful I might be going +too far, yet given fresh courage by the expression of her face. "You see +you belong to my class, little girl, and--and you are the first of them +to speak a kind word to me in five years. It's--it's a bit tough to be +cut dead by your own class." + +It was her hand, white and slender, which reached shyly across the table, +and touched mine, but her eyes alone made answer. + +"That is all right," I continued, my voice shaking. "I understand how +you feel. Anyhow you 've made a new man out of me; maybe the stuff is +n't much, but there is a soul in it somewhere, and you 've given that +soul something to get a grip on. That was all I needed, just to get my +teeth set. But what about you? This is no fit place for your kind--you +better go home to your mother." + +She shook her head with decision. + +"Why not? is she hard?" + +"Yes, she would be very hard with me." + +"Do you mean you would rather risk it here with--with me, than go back, +and face her?" + +"Yes, even that," she replied soberly. "I have courage to fight it out +here, but not there. I know what it will mean if I go back--reproaches, +gossip, ostracism--all the petty meannesses of a small town. I loathe +the very thought. I am strong again, and I will not go. It is between +God and me, this decision; between God and me." She drooped her head, +hiding her face upon her arms, her shoulders trembling. "You--you may +despise me; you may think me the lowest of the low, but I--I am going to +stay here." + +I sat in silence, amazed, puzzled, gazing across at her, my face sober, +my hands clinched. + +"You actually mean you dare risk yourself here--with me?" + +"With your help; with you as a friend to talk to--yes." + +I drew in my breath sharply, my forehead beaded with perspiration. + +"But stop and think what I am," I urged recklessly. "A mere hobo." + +She raised her face, the flushed cheeks wet, the brown eyes glowing +indignantly. + +"No," she said earnestly. "You are not that; you are a man." + +For a long minute I did not answer, unable to determine what to do, how +to act. We had both finished our meal, and there was no excuse for +lingering longer at the table. + +"You will go with me, then?" + +"Yes." + +I pushed back my chair, and she arose also, following me without question +as I passed across to the door. The cashier nodded to my good night, and +I opened the door for her passage to the street. The mist of the cloudy +night had been blown away by an increasing breeze. The air was warm, and +the sky brightening in the east. I glanced aside into her face, and led +the way into a near-by park, the two of us trudging along a well-kept +gravel path, until I discovered a bench hidden from observation amid +surrounding shrubbery. + +"I 've simply got to think this whole matter out," I explained simply. +"It's happened so unexpectedly. I 'm stumped as to what had better be +done." + +She remained standing, resting one hand on the back of the settee, a +slender figure, neatly enough dressed, yet exhibiting evidence of her +long night's wandering. + +"You mean I am a problem? You--you do not know what to do with me?" + +I glanced at her, surprised by the change in her voice. + +"Naturally; a young woman is usually a problem, isn't she? This +particular one has come with a suddenness sufficient to jar anybody's +nerves. Three hours ago I was without responsibility, a mere log adrift +on the current. I 've hardly wakened up yet to the change in conditions. +Here I am a fellow so utterly worthless that I have n't even been able to +take decent care of myself alone, yet all at once the duty fronts me to +double my responsibilities." + +Her cheeks reddened. + +"No, you are not! Is that then your conception of me? Let me tell you +differently. Just so soon as this city wakes up, I am going to start +forth again and seek work." + +The smile I was attempting faded. + +"Seek work! I understood you confided yourself to my care." + +"Not--not in that way--never!" indignantly. "You had no right to so +construe my words. You--you know I am not like that. I trusted you as a +man; I--I gave you my--my confidence as a friend," her speech growing +swift, and impetuous. "Do not make me sorry. I will not accept your +money; I will never remain dependent upon you, or a burden. I have +regained my courage, and am no longer afraid. All I needed was to know +that I was not all alone--I can fight for the rest." + +"Mrs. Bernard," I began quietly, realizing her spirit. "You have given a +wrong meaning to my words; I respect you, believe in you, and merely +desire to help you to the best of my ability. Sit down here, and let us +face this thing squarely together. We must n't act like children, or +close our eyes to facts. For instance--we have both been up all night. +That is n't specially new for me, but it is to you, and the exposure and +strain shows. You are not fit to go out hunting employment." + +"Poverty has no choice," bitterly. "The fact that I am tired does not +matter." + +"Oh, but it does. Now I am not quite so badly off as you suppose. All I +ask is a chance to think, to arrange some plan. Won't you sit quietly +there until I puzzle it out?" + +She sank down wearily upon one end of the settee, and I took the other, +leaning forward, my face in my hands. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +WE COMPLETE ARRANGEMENTS + +For a few moments as I sat thus in silence the obvious way out never +once occurred to me. Somehow the memory of my own position had become +blotted out in contemplation of the serious predicament of my +companion. How could I assist her in spite of her pride, and her +determination to continue the struggle alone. I could not take her to +my boarding house, which was exclusively for men, nor did I have any +acquaintance able to furnish her employment. I shoved my hands deep +into my pockets, and my fingers touched the two bills handed me by +Vail. For an instant I failed to realize their significance, and then +the recollection of my own engagement came swiftly back. At first the +memory was a disgust; the very presence of the girl, and her tale of +struggle, made me realize the sordidness of this plot in which I was +involved. Somehow it struck me then as a dirty, underhanded scheme. +Yet, as I reviewed the details, this conception largely vanished. We +were defrauding no one, merely protecting a man helpless to protect +himself, backed by legal advice, as well as by the desire of the +administrators of the will. The comparatively large sum of money +offered me for the service was not excessive considering the amount +involved, or the way in which I physically resembled the party +represented. The feeling of resentment died away, but I doubted if she +could be made to look at it in the same light. I glanced across to +where she sat, the gray dawn giving me clear view. Her head rested +back upon one arm, and she was asleep. Uncomfortable as she looked, +she was still resting, the tired lines of her face less noticeable. I +had no heart to awaken her, and remained motionless, thinking it all +over carefully in detail. + +We remained undisturbed, our settee removed from the main pathway, +along which a few early workmen passed. She was the very one to act +the part of Philip Henley's wife, if she would consent. Her +refinement, the clear innocence of her face, would be convincing, and I +began already to long for her company. Yet she would have to be told +every detail, convinced the apparent fraud was justifiable. I rather +dreaded the look in her eyes when she first heard the proposal, and her +questioning me. While I still hesitated, fearful of refusal, the sun +shining upon her face awoke her suddenly. She straightened up +instantly, but her eyes smiled as they met mine. + +"I was asleep," she said in surprise. "For how long?" + +"Nearly two hours." + +"And you have sat there quietly all that time?" + +"That is nothing. I was tired, but not sleepy. Besides, I had so much +to think about." + +"You mean regarding what you shall do with me," and she arose to her +feet. "It is time now I did something for myself." + +"Wait, please," and I extended my hand, almost forcing her back upon +the settee. "Let me say a word first before you decide to go. All I +told you last night about myself is true, with one exception. I have +money, and profitable work in view--see!" and I held before her the two +bills. + +She gazed at them with wide-open eyes, half convinced of some +legerdemain. + +"A thousand dollars," she exclaimed bewildered. "_You_! why, what does +it all mean?" + +"Yes, and nine thousand more promised, when I complete work that ought +not to require to exceed two months. I was not without money in the +restaurant, only I could not ask the cashier to change so large a bill. +Sit down again, please, and let me tell you the story." + +She did so, almost reluctantly, as though doubting my sanity, but I +could note a change in the expression of her face as I proceeded. I +told it slowly, carefully, pausing to explain each detail to her +questioning, yet was not interrupted more than once or twice. Somehow, +as I thus repeated the proposed scheme to another it did not appear +quite as easy, or honorable, as when I faced it alone. However, I +struggled through, painting the affair as well as I could, but without +daring to propose her cooperation. Her wide-open eyes on my face gave +me a thrill of apprehension I could not analyze. + +"That 's the whole story," I ended, rather lamely. + +"What do you think of it?" + +"I--I hardly know," with slow hesitation. "It is very strange. Tell +me the young man's name again." + +"Henley--Philip Henley." + +"And the town?" + +"Carrollton, Alabama." + +"And he is in prison for crime, you say--what crime?" + +"Forgery, a fourteen-year sentence." + +"Did they tell you when he was sent there?" + +"No; I believe not." + +"And his wife has disappeared? They can find no trace of her?" + +"So both men assured me." + +"And this one named Neale--are you certain he is an administrator?" + +"Yes, I was shown a certified copy of the will; everything seemed to be +exactly as represented." + +She pressed one hand to her forehead, her eyes on the ground. I +watched her, an unasked question trembling on my lips. Suddenly she +looked up again, her cheeks flushed. + +"You were going to suggest that I go with you, were you not?" she asked +swiftly. "That I play the wife's part? Why did n't you ask it?" + +"Because I lacked courage," I replied frankly, yet leaning eagerly +toward her. "I was afraid you would take such a proposition wrongly." + +"Then you retain some respect for me; some faith in my character?" + +"I certainly do," earnestly. + +"And you see nothing wrong in carrying out your part? You mean to go +to Carrollton with someone--a woman?" + +"I--I agreed to the terms--yes." + +She drew a long breath, her eyes upon mine. + +"Then I will go also," she said soberly, and held out her hand. + +"You mean that?" + +"Yes--why not? Surely it is as right for me as for you. You wished me +to say yes, did you not?" + +My face must have answered, as my lips failed, but she went on swiftly: + +"Then I will go; only remember it is acting, a mere play in which I +have a certain part to perform. We are to be friends throughout it +all--actors on the stage. There must be no misunderstanding about +this." + +I had recovered my voice now, realizing all she meant, and anxious to +reassure her. + +"Certainly. There will be no mistake, Mrs. Bernard. That was why I +hesitated to ask you, for fear you might misinterpret my purpose. You +are the very woman to do this. I dreaded to have with me the kind Vail +would have sent. I am delighted--truly I am, and nothing shall occur +to cause you any regret." + +"We go tonight?--I shall need clothing." + +"Of course; that was what this money was advanced for, to outfit us. +How much will you need?" + +She thought a moment, a little line of perplexity between her eyes, +finally naming a sum which surprised me. + +"Not more than that?" I exclaimed. "Surely that is not enough." + +"Oh, yes, it is," laughing. "There will be no dressing. All I need do +is appear neat." + +We sat there and talked it over, deciding exactly our course of action. +At nine o'clock I left her, hunted up the nearest bank and got change +for my bill. Then I gave her the amount asked, and we separated, to +meet again late that afternoon at the depot. I felt no doubt as to her +being there on time. My day was a busy one, as I had to visit my +boarding house, buy needful clothing, and arrange for transportation. +At the moment specified I called up Vail on the phone, and he responded +instantly, the very tone of his voice evidencing the relief he felt at +hearing from me. + +"Began to think I had skipped with the thousand?" I asked. "Well, I +have n't, for the other nine looks too good." + +"You are going, then?" + +"Sure; all packed, and transportation bought. Best of it is I 've +found the right woman to go along with me. + +"Good; I didn't know what to do about that--the one I had in mind is +out of town. Who is she?" + +"Oh, never mind her name; she is all right, a friend of mine." + +"Not likely anyone I know. Where are you?" + +I told him, and he agreed to send over certain papers to me by +messenger. These arrived promptly, and I studied them carefully until +nearly train time, getting all the facts firmly implanted in my mind. +Then, my heart beating somewhat faster than usual, I took cab to the +depot, more deeply interested I fear in again meeting Mrs. Bernard, +than in the adventure itself. We met beneath the grim shadow of the +train shed. + + + + +CHAPTER X + +AT THE PLANTATION + +The events of the day had changed her greatly. At first, as she came +toward me through the crowd near the gate, holding out a neatly gloved +hand, I could scarcely realise that this well-dressed, soft-voiced lady +was the homeless creature I had consorted with the night before. Her +eyes laughingly challenged mine, while the hours since had given her +back perfect control. + +"So you did not even know me," she said pleasantly. "Oh, but you did +not--you were passing by when I spoke. Don't apologize, for really I +take it as the highest compliment. You are wonderfully improved +yourself. If I had ever doubted your claim to having been well born I +would realize the truth now. That is something not easily +counterfeited." + +"And something evidently you need never try to counterfeit," I added, +forgetful of our peculiar relations, as I gazed at the arch face under +the broad hat brim. "Pray how did you work such a marvelous +transformation on so small a sum? I had a theory marriage was +expensive." + +Her cheeks flamed. + +"That depends," she replied; "I had excellent training. The marvel is +even greater than you suppose, for behold this case also filled with +necessities. Is this our train?" + +"Yes," and I took up the grip she designated as hers. "Let us get +settled and into the diner, for I am hungry as a wolf." + +I had procured opposite sections, and, before retiring, we studied the +papers, together with Vail's letter of instruction, and thus came to a +complete understanding. She was quick-witted, and spoke frankly, and +yet, when I finally lay down in my berth I felt less well acquainted +with her than before. Somehow, in a manner inexplainable, a vague +barrier had arisen between us. I could not trace it to any word or +action on her part, and yet I felt held away as by an invisible hand. +Her very cordiality exhibited a reserve which made me clearly +comprehend that the slightest familiarity would be checked. Evidently +she had determined coolly to carry out the deceit, to act her part to +perfection, because of the reward, and she meant I should comprehend +her exact position. I fell asleep dissatisfied, half believing she was +also playing a part with me, although it was impossible to conceive her +purpose. The conception even came that she was herself an adventuress, +yet I throttled the thought instantly, unwilling to harbor it. + +It was at the close of the following afternoon when our train reached +Carrollton. The depot must have been a mile from the town, and very +few people were upon the platform, two drummers and ourselves the only +ones to disembark. The traveling men hastened to the nearest hack, +while I glanced about in search of a conveyance. The only other +vehicle present was a two-seated surrey, driven by a rather +disreputable negro. I approached in some doubt. + +"No, sah," he said, grinning. "Dis yere am my own curridge, sah; +tain't nuthin' ter do wid de Henley plantation. I reckon dey done did +n't git no telegram. Dey sure did n't less dey wus oxpectin' one, an' +cum inter town after it. Yes, sah, I know whar de place am all right. +I done worked dar onct. I reckon you 'se Massa Philip Henley, sah; +though you 've sure growd some since I saw you de las' time. I 'se ol' +Pete, sah; I reckon you remembers ol' Pete." + +"Of course I do," I returned heartily, encouraged by his words to +believe I would pass muster. "Can you drive us out?" + +The negro scratched his head. + +"I reckon as how I can, sah, leastwise so far as ther gate. It's going +to be plum dark when we gits dar, an' dis nigger don't fool round dar +none in de dark." + +"Why, what's the trouble, Pete?" + +"Cause ol' Massa Henley's ghost was hangin' round, sah. I ain't nebber +seen it myself, an' I don't want to, for he was sure bad 'nough alive, +but dar 's niggers what has." + +"Oh, pshaw," I laughed, turning toward the silent girl. "We will risk +the ghost if you 'll drive us out. Put in the grips." + +"Yes, sah. I reckon this yere am de new missus." + +"Yes," and I assisted her into the rear seat. "That's all; now jog +along." + +He climbed into his place, but with no special alacrity; but whipped +his team into a swift trot, evidently anxious to complete the trip as +early as possible. I glanced aside at my companion, observing the +paleness of her face. + +"Surely you are not afraid of the negro's ghost?" I questioned. + +"Oh, no, but the strangeness of it all has got on my nerves. I did not +suppose it would be so hard, and--and I am not so sure now that we +ought to do this." + +"But that is foolish," I insisted, a bit angrily. "We talked it all +over, you know, and no harm can be done, except through our discovery. +Don't fail me now." + +"Oh, I am not going to fail," indignantly. "The ride will steady my +nerves," she leaned forward whispering, her head inclined toward the +front seat. "Perhaps he can tell us who we shall meet there?" + +"Pete," I asked, "who is out there now?" + +The negro turned, so I could see the whites of his eyes. + +"At de Henley plantation, sah? Why, I reckon de oberseer an' de +housekeeper--both white folks. I done don't know just who dey am fer +shure, cause dey don't stay long no more. I reckon dey can't abide dat +ghost, sah, an' de field han's dey won't stay on de place at all affer +dark." + +"The overseer and housekeeper then are newly employed?" + +"Dem am de fac's, sah. Deh ain't been dar no time at all, an' I reckon +as how dey won't stay long, though de niggers say de oberseer am a hell +ob a man." + +Here was a pleasant situation surely. While the conditions were +favorable enough so far as our purpose was concerned, yet I fervently +wished we had postponed our arrival until daylight. While the negro's +ghost had no terrors for me--indeed, merely afforded amusement--I +realized my companion was not so indifferent. She pressed closer to me +in the narrow seat, her eyes on the dusky shadows. I endeavored to +laugh away her fears, but got little response. The road was a lonely +one, although apparently well traveled, bordered by rail fences and, +deserted-looking fields. Once we passed through a swamp, and skirted +the edge of timber. Then we turned to the right into a branch track, +where low bushes brushed our wheels. By this time it was quite dark, +and Pete was obliged to hold in his horses. There was a quarter moon +in the sky, just enough to give everything a spectral look, with no +human habitation visible, and owls hooting dismally in the distance. +It was uncanny in the extreme, and even I felt the desolation, and +became silent. Pete whistled stoutly, but without enthusiasm, +occasionally turning his head to make sure we were still there. I +could hear her quick breathing, and feel an occasional clutch of her +fingers on my sleeve at some unusual sound. Suddenly the negro pulled +up before a high hedge, and I perceived the white glimmer of a gate +opposite us, the black shadow of trees beyond. + +"Here we am, sah," he whispered, glancing about fearful, "an' de good +Lord knows I 'se glad tain't no furder. You just han' me a dollar, +sah, an' den I 'se goin' fur to git out o' dis." + +"Is that the house in there?" + +"Suah, you ought for to know dat. Tain't changed none, 'cept run down +a bit, far as I know. Here am your grips, sah." + +We had no sooner alighted than he wheeled his team, and departed, +whipping the horses into a run. I felt her hand grip my sleeve, and +glanced aside into her face. + +"Frightened?" I asked, endeavoring to speak easily. "Don't let that +fellow bother you; surely you do not believe in spooks?" + +"No," her voice trembling, "but it is all so desolate. I--I wish we +had waited until daylight." + +"Well, frankly, so do I," I responded, "but the thought comes too late. +There is nothing left us but to try the house; we cannot pass the night +out here." + +"No, oh, no!" + +"Then come on," and I picked up the suit cases. "We will probably be +laughing at ourselves in five minutes. You will have to unlatch the +gate." + +It was held in place by a sagging rope, but opened noiselessly, and we +advanced onto a brick walk, so little used as to be half hidden by +weeds growing in the crevices. The moon dimly revealed rank vegetation +on either side, while ahead, beneath the tree shadows, the darkness was +profound. There was no sound, no faintest gleam of light to indicate +the house, and I was compelled to advance cautiously to keep to the +path, which apparently wound about in the form of a letter "S." We +were at the foot of the front steps, the building itself looming black +before us, almost before we realized its nearness. I could perceive +the outlines indistinctly, and the deserted desolation affected me +strangely. Perhaps some of the negro's superstition had got into my +blood, for I felt my heart leap when the girl suddenly sobbed, +clutching me in an agony of fear. Yet the very knowledge of her fright +stiffened my resolution, and I dropped the grips to clasp both her +hands. + +"Don't!" I insisted. "I know the place looks leery enough, but Pete +said the overseer and housekeeper were here. Doubtless they are in the +back rooms. Wait here until I go up and rouse them." + +"Oh, no; I could not stand it to be left alone." + +"All right; here, take my hand, and we 'll go up together." + +They were broad wooden steps, leading to a wide porch, the roof +supported by heavy columns. Beyond was the dark bulk of the house, +shapeless in the gloom. We were within a single step of the top when a +man--seemingly a huge figure--suddenly emerged from the shadow of a +column, and confronted us. + +"What ther hell," he ejaculated sullenly, "are you doin' here?" + +I paused with foot uplifted, too astounded at the apparition to +respond, conscious my companion had shrunk behind. + +"Well, speak up!" growled the voice. "What 's wanted?" + +It was not in my nature to fear men, and this was evidently a man. I +could feel the warm blood surge back to my heart. + +"You surely startled me, friend," I explained. "Are you the overseer?" + +"I reckon I am, but what I want to know is, who you are?" + +"I?" striving to regain my wits. "Why, I am--am Philip Henley; we--we +have just got in from the North." + +"How did you git out yere?" + +"A negro drove us from the station--old Pete who worked here once; +maybe you know him?" + +The man grunted. + +"What become of the nigger?" + +"He simply dumped us out at the gate, and drove back as though the +devil was after him. He said the place was haunted." + +"And he hit it about right at that, as ye'r' likely to find out afore +mornin'. Is that a woman with you?" + +"Yes--may we come in?" + +"Oh, I reckon I ain't got no license to turn yer away, if yer mind ter +risk it. Lord knows I 'm willin' 'nough to hav' company. Git yer +duds, an' I 'll light up, so yer kin see a bit." + +He disappeared, and I lugged the grips to the top of the steps, where +we waited. Then a faint light streamed out through the open door, a +moment later outlining his figure. + +"Come on in," he said, still gruffly. "Yer don't need be afeerd o' me, +mam, and the housekeeper be yere directly." + +I confess I entered the dim hall reluctantly, obsessed by some strange +premonition of danger, but Mrs. Bernard clung to me, and the sight of +her white face gave me new courage. + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +A PLEASANT WELCOME + +It was an old-fashioned living room into which we entered, the floor +unswept, the chairs faded and patched. Curtains were drawn closely at +the windows, while the single oil lamp stood on a center table littered +with old newspapers. I dropped the grips on the carpet, not so much +interested in my surroundings as in the appearance of the man in +charge. The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the +fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his +face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could +scarcely perceive its outline. He appeared a typical rough, wearing +high boots, with an ugly-looking Colt in a belt holster. + +"Where are you from?" I asked, surprised at this display of firearms. + +"Texas," with a grin, not altogether pleasant. "That's an ol' friend." + +"No doubt, but I see no sense in wearing it here. What are you afraid +of?" + +He stroked his mustache, eyeing me. + +"Wal, personally, stranger, I ain't greatly feerd o' nuthin', but I wus +hired fer to keep people outer this shebang. There ain't no work goin' +on, so I don't hav' no niggers to keep folks out." + +"Who employed you?" + +"That don't make no difference. Those wus my orders--not to talk, nor +let enybody hang 'round except you folks." + +"Then we were expected?" in surprise. + +"Sure; I reckon yer 'd a been hoofin' it up the road long afore this +otherwise. Still, I dunno," with a suggestive wink, "I 've got a +likin' fer pretty girls." + +I glanced at her, where she had sank down on a dilapidated sofa, but no +expression of her face told me she had overheard. It was the man's +wink, more than his language, which angered me. + +"Cut out your references to the lady," I said in a low tone, "unless +you are starting in for trouble." + +"Oh, skittish, hey! Wal, stranger, I never run away frum no troble +yet, an' I reckon I don't begin now. Besides, yer need n't ride no +high hoss with me. I 'm on ter your game." + +His words sufficed to silence my batteries. I felt no fear of the man, +big as he was and armed, but the thought that he might have been sent +there by either Neale or Vail, and informed of the conspiracy, made me +cautious about angering him. I must discover first the exact situation +before locking horns with this Texas steer. + +"Oh, do you!" I returned carelessly. "All right, then, we 'll let it +go at that; only please remember the lady is under my protection. What +is your name?" + +"Coombs," in better humor, feeling he had bluffed me. "Bill Coombs." + +"Can we have a bit of lunch?" + +"I reckon yer can. Ol' Sally is a rustlin' some grub now. I stirred +her up when I furst cum in." + +He sat down cross-legged on a chair the other side the littered table, +and stared at us, his hat still drawn down over his eyes. Whether the +fellow knew no better or was deliberately insolent, I could not clearly +determine. However, it was easy to perceive the girl was alarmed, and +my thought was with her. This unmannerly brute could wait until we +were alone for his lesson. I had handled worse men than him in my +time, and I proposed finding out before we retired who was master. So +when he even rolled and lit a cigarette, eyeing me closely during the +operation, I pretended to take no notice, but spoke to her quietly, in +a voice which would not carry across the room. + +"Don't mind him," I whispered. "He's only a rough-neck trying to bully +a bit. I'll teach him his place before tomorrow." + +"It is not the man so much," she replied, giving me a glimpse of her +eyes. "But it is all so desolate and gloomy. I have never been +superstitious, but that negro's fear actually gave me the creeps. I +have been seeing shadows ever since." + +I laughed lightly, touching her hand. + +"Still we 've found nothing else than live ones. Shadows won't hurt +us, and this place will look better by daylight." + +"You have n't any nerves." + +"Oh, yes, I have; only they are trained. I didn't anticipate an easy +job when I came down here. It's assumed a different form, that's all." + +"You do not like it?" + +"Not altogether," I admitted. "I am beginning to wonder if those +fellows were square, if they gave me the straight story. Coombs' words +would seem to indicate that he knows I 'm a fraud. Perhaps he did n't +mean that, but it sounded so. Why should they tell that rough-neck +their plans, and send him down here? I 'll find out what he knows, and +how he knows it, before another ten hours. If he 's here to spy on us +I 'll make him earn his money." + +She did not look around. + +"Are--are you just beginning to doubt what those men told you?" + +"Doubt!" in surprise. "No; I don't know that I do. But I don't like +to be mistrusted and watched. Why? Do you think they are +double-crossing us?" + +"I 've--I 've taken your word," she said quickly. "But it has never +seemed quite right to me. I--I hardly know why I consented to come, +only I was so miserable, anything seemed better than the life I was +leading." + +"You saw all the papers," I interposed, "and they bear out every +statement." + +"Yes, but could they not be forged? Why should any honest lawyer +advise a client to undertake such a fraud?" + +"Why, really I do not know," I returned, looking at her in +astonishment. "Of course it does seem queer, but the case is a +peculiar one, and, perhaps, can be solved in no strictly legal way. If +you felt so about it, why did you not say so before?" + +"Don't get angry--please. I hardly think I was myself then. It was +just an impulse I could not resist to get away from the past. I was +desperate enough then for anything. I don't think I cared whether it +was right or wrong. But on the train I lay awake and thought it all +over, and--and I would have gone back then if I could. I am sorry, so +sorry, but I am thoroughly ashamed of myself--here, as I am." + +"You mean, pretending to be my wife?" + +"Yes; that--that is bad enough, surely. I must have been crazy to ever +consent. Even if the truth is never known I can no longer respect +myself. But--but that is not all--we are actually criminals, engaged +in a criminal plot. Because the plan was concocted by a lawyer makes +no difference. We could be arrested, imprisoned." + +"I supposed you understood." + +"No doubt I did, but my brain was numbed; I could not comprehend. It +was not your fault, but mine; I do not blame you. Only, must we go on?" + +"We shall have to play out the game tonight, at least," I said, +startled by her earnestness. "I will talk with Coombs, and will tell +you the result tomorrow. Your nerves are all unstrung, and the affair +may appear different by daylight." + +She put her hand in mine, her eyes on my face. + +"No; it is not my nerves. See, my hand does not tremble; I am not +afraid physically. I 've simply come to myself; I 'm convinced we 're +doing wrong." + +"But you will wait until morning? until I have talked with Coombs?" I +asked anxiously. + +"Yes," after an instant's hesitation. "There is nothing else I can do." + +The Texan got noisily to his feet, and swaggered across the floor. + +"If you all hav' got through yer whisperin'," he said roughly, "I +reckon Sally 's got ther grub laid out." + +I bit my lips to keep back a hot reply, feeling the restraint of her +eyes, and we followed him into the next room. The table was set for +two, and I could distinguish the shadow of a woman standing motionless +in the farther corner. The dim light barely revealed her outlines. + +"Yer kin talk it out yere," announced Coombs, waving one hand, "cause I +won't be present, havin' et already. I reckon Sally won't interfere +none." + +He slammed the door viciously going out, causing the lamp to sputter. +Then the woman came silently forward, a coffeepot in her hand. She was +a mulatto perhaps sixty years of age, her face scarred by smallpox, and +with strangely furtive eyes. Somehow she fitted into the scene, and I +saw my companion gazing at her almost with horror, as she flitted about +us silently as a specter. I endeavored to talk, while eating heartily, +for I was hungry, but found it difficult to arouse Mrs. Bernard to any +response, and she merely toyed with her food. In despair I turned to +the other, hopeful that a question or two might dissolve the spell. + +"You are the housekeeper, I believe?" + +She favored me with a single glance of surprise. + +"Yes." + +"Have you been here some time?" + +"No." + +"You probably knew the old Judge?" + +"No." + +Her monosyllabic answers were perfectly colorless, and, with this last, +she picked up an empty dish, and vanished. I endeavored to laugh, but +there was no response in the eyes of the woman opposite. She dropped +her fork, and pushed back her chair. + +"Oh, I simply cannot stand this place!" she exclaimed. "There is +something perfectly horrid about it, and--and the people. How shall I +ever get through the night?" + +"That is nothing," I soothed, although hardly at ease myself. "She is +evidently of the taciturn sort. We don't need to keep these servants, +you know. I 'll hunt up some more cheerful in town tomorrow. Why, by +Jove, it's ten o'clock already. Have you finished?" + +"I could n't choke down another mouthful." + +"Well, don't be afraid. They mean well enough, no doubt. Sallie!" + +She came gliding in, her back to the door. + +"Are you the one who is to show us to our rooms?" + +"Yes." + +She picked up the lamp and went out, and Mrs. Bernard followed +instantly, evidently afraid to be left in the dark. I followed with +the grips, trailing up the stairs, having seen nothing of Coombs in the +front room. In the upper hall our guide threw open two doors, going +into the rooms and lighting lamps, thus giving glimpses of the +interiors. The one in the corner was the larger, and better furnished. + +"This will be yours," I said, placing her valise on the floor. "You +can feel safe enough there with the door locked--yes, there is a +key--and I will be right opposite if you need anything." + +She gave me her hand, but I felt it tremble. + +"You are still afraid?" + +"Yes, I am--but--but I am not going to be such a fool." + +As her door closed I turned to the mulatto, who still stood there, lamp +in hand. I was not sleepy, and I wanted most of all to have an +understanding with Coombs. I could not talk with the fellow in the +presence of Mrs. Bernard, for he was the kind to be handled roughly for +results, but now I was ready to probe him to the bottom. "Is the +overseer downstairs?" + +"No." + +"See here, Sallie," I insisted warmly, "I 'm master of this house and I +want some kind of answer besides yes, and no. Where is he?" + +"Ah reckon he's out in one o' ther cabins, sah--he done don't sleep in +the house nohow." + +"He does n't sleep here! Why?" + +"Ah spect it 's cause he 's afeerd too, 'sah," she replied, her snaky +eyes showing. "Ah 's a voo-doo, an' ah don't care 'bout 'em tall, but +good Lor', dar ain't no white man wants ter stay in des yere house +mor'n one night." + +She laughed, a weird, grating laugh, and started downstairs. I stood +still, watching her light disappear. Then, swearing at myself for a +coward, stepped back into my own room, and closed the door. + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +THE DEAD MAN + +This revealment of conditions left me thoroughly puzzled. I was not +frightened at the situation, for I largely attributed the fear shown by +both Pete and Sallie to negro superstition. I could have dismissed +their faith in a haunted house with a smile, and gone to sleep myself +with an easy conscience, confident that a noisy wind, or a hooting owl, +was the sum and substance of all the trouble. But Bill Coombs was a +very different proposition. He was of the hard-headed kind, not to be +easily alarmed by visionary terrors, and yet he was manifestly afraid +to sleep in the house. I was sufficiently acquainted with his type to +comprehend there must be some real cause driving him to retreat to the +negro cabins for rest. He was a rough of the Southwest, illiterate of +course, but a practical fellow, and, without doubt, a gun-fighter. He +had been employed because of these very characteristics, and it would +require surely a very real ghost to drive him away. + +I sat there for some time smoking, endeavoring to think it all over +coolly, and listening intently. At first I could distinguish the +rattle of dishes downstairs, as Sallie cleared the table, and, a little +later, heard Mrs. Bernard moving about uneasily in her room across the +hall. But at last these sounds ceased, and the house became still. I +removed a portion of my clothing and lay down on the bed, a certain +uneasiness preventing me from undressing entirely. I was tired, but +with little inclination for sleep. The room was large, the furniture +of old style and well worn, the light of the small hand lamp leaving +much of the spacious apartment in shadow. It was not only imagination +which kept me wakeful, but the dim suspicion engendered in my mind by +what Mrs. Bernard had said below. Could there be any truth in her +questioning of the motives actuating the man who had sent us here? Had +we come--mere pawns in some game of crime--deceived, perhaps betrayed +to arrest? Was Coombs here merely to watch us, and report to Neale and +Vail how we carried out our part of the bargain? The affair certainly +looked altogether different now I was upon the ground, although I could +figure out no possible object those men could have. At least they +could accomplish nothing without my cooperation, and, if I discovered +any evil afoot, I could block them instantly. I was there to save this +property for the rightful heir, and was determined now to see that +Philip Henley received all that was due him. It was after one o'clock +before I fell into a drowsy sleep. + +Indeed, it hardly seemed to me that I had entirely lost consciousness, +when I was jerked bolt upright by the sharp report of a firearm. For a +single instant I imagined the shot fired within my room; then I sprang +to the door, and flung it open, peering out into the hall. Everything +was still, the rays from my lamp barely extending to the head of the +stairs. I could neither see, nor hear anything, and yet I had a +strange premonition that I was not alone. There was an automatic +revolver in the pocket of my coat, and I stepped back after it, picking +up the lamp on my return, determined on a thorough examination of the +upper story. There was no doubt about the shot--the sound was no +effect of a dream. I wondered if the girl had been awakened by the +report, and paused to listen at her door, but no sound reached me from +within. The thought that she might have discharged the weapon occurred +to my mind, but was as instantly dismissed, as I was convinced she +possessed nothing of the kind. + +I moved down the hall cautiously, regretting the need of a lamp, but +the place was strange, and I dare not venture about in the dark. Old +as the house was, there was no creaking of boards underfoot, and, +strain my ears as I would, not the slightest sound reached me. + +The first doors I came to were ajar, but the moon was at the back of +the house, and I was obliged to enter each apartment, and flash my +light into the corners to make sure they were vacant. These were +medium-sized bedrooms, comfortably furnished, although containing +nothing new. Only one exhibited any evidence of late occupancy, being +in considerable disorder, the bed unmade, some discarded garments +strewn about the floor. I prowled about within this room for some +time, even invading the closet, but discovered nothing more suspicious +than a loaded revolver in a bureau drawer, together with some torn +letters, and an old newspaper. This was a local sheet, containing a +notice of the death of Judge Henley, which I took time to read. The +letters were in such scraps I could not even decipher the address. + +One fact, however, was revealed--some man had been sleeping up here +lately, and it was not Coombs, but a much smaller Individual. This +knowledge made me even more cautious, as I tiptoed down the hall, now +narrowed by the back stairway. The first door opened into a bath-room, +the tub half full of dirty water, a mussed towel on the floor. The +last door, leading to a room apparently extending clear across the rear +of the house, was tightly closed. I set my lamp down well out of +sight, and gripped my revolver, before attempting to manipulate the +knob. It opened noiselessly; moonlight streamed through one window, +where the curtain was not closely drawn, but the gloom was too dense to +reveal much of the shrouded interior. I could dimly perceive a table, +and some chairs, one overturned. There was no movement, however; no +sign of present occupancy. Convinced as to this, I slipped back for my +lamp, shading the flame so the light was thrown forward into the room. +A single glance revealed everything. The table, a common deal affair, +contained two bottles, one half filled, and three dirty glasses, +together with a pack of disreputable-looking cards, some of these +scattered about the floor. There was no other furniture, and the walls +were bare, a dirty gray color. But what my eyes rested upon in sudden +horror, was the body of a man, curled up in a ball on the floor as a +dog lies, his face hidden in his arms. That he was dead I knew at a +glance. + +I had seen violent death often, but this was different, and I shrank +back, staring at that motionless form as though stricken by paralysis. +There was no movement in the room, no sound except the fluttering of a +curtain. With effort I gained control over my nerves, and moved slowly +forward, placing my lamp on the table, so as to have both hands free. +This murder--or was it suicide?--had occurred within ten minutes. I +turned the man over, revealing a bearded face, the features prominent +but refined. He was no ordinary rough, and his clothing was of +excellent material. He had been shot in the back of the head. + +It was murder then--murder! In an instant I pictured the tragedy +exactly as it must have occurred--the open window, the overturned +chair, the scattered cards, telling the whole story. Just what was the +fellow doing here alone at that hour? Why should he have been killed? +Even as I struggled with the horror, a sudden gust of wind extinguished +the lamp, and I gripped the table, staring about in the haunted +darkness. A moment and my eyes adapted themselves to the new +environment, the moonlight streaming through the open window, and +across the man's body. With heart quaking like a frightened girl, I +stole across the floor, and glanced out. A single story extension, +probably the kitchen roof, was below. Kneeling upon this the assassin +could easily fire into the room. Beyond, the pale moonshine revealed a +patch of grass, a weed-entangled garden, and behind these a dense +forest growth. To the right of the garden I could dimly distinguish a +row of small cabins, the negro quarters. Coombs would be occupying one +of these, and they were so close that, even if asleep at the time, he +could scarcely fail to hear the report of the gun in the silent night. +Yet there was no light along the row of huts, no sign of human presence. + +All this was but a rapid survey, for I dare not remain there, my back +to that black interior. The body of the dead man huddled on the floor, +the unknown mystery of the dark house, filled me with an awful dread. +Seized by sudden terror I caught up the extinguished lamp, scarcely +breathing until again outside in the hallway, the door closed behind +me. Trembling in every limb I felt my way along through the darkness, +guiding myself by the wall. What could I do? What ought I to do? I +knew nothing of the house, or where to find the woman; I was not even +sure of her presence. Indeed, the very memory of her snaky eyes gave +me new horror. And Coombs! Suspecting him, as I did, it would be the +height of folly to seek him out yonder in the dark. There was nothing +left but to await daylight; to remain on watch, endeavoring alone to +formulate some plan of future action. + +Accustomed as I was to danger, the situation set my pulses +throbbing--the intense blackness, the silence, the memory of that dead +face, utterly unnerving me. I imagined things--a presence in that +deserted hall through which I groped. Some unknown horror close at +hand, even a spectral passing down the stairs. I listened, clinging to +the banister-rail, feeling again helplessly for matches. Perhaps the +faint scuffling was some scurrying rat, or some puff of wind in a +chimney hole, but God only knows how glad I was to discover the open +door to my own room again. There were matches there on the table, but +my hand trembled so I struck three before the wick of the lamp caught +fire. When I ventured to look out again, holding the light so as to +see, the hall was desolate. I tiptoed across, and listened at her +door; there was no sound within. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +I GET INTO THE GAME + +I crept back, closed the door behind me, and sat down facing it. My +hand shook as I lit a cigar. This was becoming serious, a ghastly +tragedy, in the playing of which I scarcely knew my part. The whole +affair had seemed so simple at first, almost humorous. The earliest +impression being that it was no more than a good joke. I was willing +enough to be an instrument for keeping certain unknown institutions out +of a legacy bequeathed them by a crazy man, and saving the property to +his rightful heirs. Why not? especially as the very administrators +themselves considered it the proper thing to do. Of course a technical +crime was involved--I must pretend to be another, even forge that +other's name, but for no criminal purpose. I was merely paid for the +risk assumed, and it was easy money. Perhaps the years of rough life I +had led had blunted my sensibilities to large extent--had left me less +capable of distinguishing between right and wrong, yet, not until Mrs. +Bernard had so unexpectedly voiced her doubt did I so much as suspicion +I was being made a catspaw of for a criminal end. I was not willing to +confess as much even now, but I saw the affair from a new viewpoint. I +was not so sure, so certain, that I understood the entire truth. + +Coombs was no plantation overseer, but a mere Texas bully. The very +appearance of the man told that, and those neglected, weed-grown fields +were another proof. What was he here for, then? And Sallie! Lord, I +could despise that Texas rough, but the snaky eyes of the woman made me +shiver, and look about apprehensively. Then there was the dead +man--the _dead man_. There echoed into my brain the woman's whisper in +the parlor below, "I 'm not afraid, but I am beginning to believe we +'re doing wrong." There was wrong somewhere surely--cowardly crime, +murder! But were we connected with it? Was it also part of the plot +in which we were employed? I could not understand, yet resolved one +thing clearly--I would find out tomorrow, early, before she had to be +told the ghastly discovery of the night. With the first return of +daylight I would seek out Coombs, tell him what I had seen, and compel +him to confess the truth. Then I should know how to act, how to +approach her, and explain. My nerves steadied as I sat there in the +silence, and my mind drifted to the woman sleeping across the hall. +Then, my cigar smoked out, I also fell asleep in the chair. + +The gray of dawn was on the windows when I awoke, my body aching from +its unnatural position. For the instant I imagined some unusual sound +had aroused me, yet all was quiet, the only noise the twittering of +birds from without. I closed my eyes again, but a ceaseless train of +thought kept me wide awake, and, finally, I got upon my feet and looked +out into the dawn, determining to explore our strange surroundings +before any others were astir. With loaded revolver in my pocket, I +slipped into the hall. The faint light revealed its shabbiness, the +grimy rag carpet, and discolored walls. Some spirit of adventure led +me the full length until my hand was upon the latch of that last door. +I could not resist an impulse to look upon the dead man again by +daylight, and thus assure myself of the reality of what seemed only a +dream. I opened the door slowly, noiselessly, and peered cautiously +within. The light was strong there, revealing clearly every nook and +corner of the room. All was exactly as I recalled it to memory--the +stained walls, the dirty floor, the table littered with cards, the +overturned chair and the motionless body of the dead man. I ventured +half way to the window, staring about at every sign revealed in the +glare. From the wound in the head a dark flow of blood stained the +floor, and, as I bent closer, noticed the eyelids were lowered over the +dead eyes. Shot as he had been, killed instantly, the hand of the +assassin must have performed this act. Then surely this killing had +been no common quarrel, but a planned assassination, the culmination of +some prearranged plot. + +This knowledge, while it set my heart throbbing in realization of new +danger, yet served also to stiffen my nerves. What had we blindly +drifted into? What was behind this lawlessness which could make murder +commonplace? What mystery lurked about this haunted, hideous house +where death skulked in the dark? My thought was not so much concerned +with myself, and my own danger, as with that of the young woman whom I +was bound to protect. She had come innocently, driven by desperation, +to play a part she already loathed in this tragedy, and now I alone +stood between her and something too awful to contemplate. Now, before +she awoke I must discover the truth, and thus be prepared to get her +safely away. + +I closed the door on the silence, and stole quietly downstairs. There +was no movement, no sound in the great house. The front room, hideous +in its grimy disorder, was vacant, and I opened the front door +noiselessly, and stepped forth into the spectral gray light of the +dawn. The first glimpse about was depressing enough. I had no +conception of what I was confronting, or of what was to be revealed by +my explorations, but the dismalness of the picture presented to that +first glance gave me a shock impossible to explain. The house itself, +big and glaring as it was, was nevertheless little better than a ruin, +the porch beams rotten, the front blinds sagging frightfully, the paint +blistered by the sun. Several of the windows were broken, and the +steps sagged and trembled under my weight. The front yard, a full half +acre in extent, was a tangled mass of bushes and weeds, a high, +untrimmed hedge shutting off all view of the road. The narrow brick +path winding through this mass of vegetation was scarcely discernible, +apparently seldom, if ever, used. I was unable to determine the +position of the gate so luxuriant was the weed growth, and thick the +shrubbery. From the foot of the steps a narrow passage trampled into +the dirt circled the corner of the house, disappearing within a few +feet. This was the only sign visible of human occupancy. + +Convinced that this must lead to the rear, and possibly the negro +cabins where Coombs slept, I followed its tortuous windings, although +half afraid to desert my guardianship of the house even for this +purpose. Still there was little to be feared so long as Mrs. Bernard +remained securely locked in her room. I was freer for exploration now +than I would be later, and must know at once the conditions with which +we had to contend. Beyond doubt the woman was still asleep, and, +perhaps, by the time she aroused and appeared below stairs I could find +a reasonable explanation of all this mystery--something to smile over, +rather than fear. While this was but a vague hope, it still yielded me +a measure of courage as I picked my way cautiously along the south side +of the house, avoiding the windows as much as possible, until I emerged +into a somewhat clearer space of ground at the rear. The kitchen was +an ell, constructed of rough boards, but with shingle roof. The door +stood ajar, and I glanced in, only to find the room empty, the pots and +pans used the night before still unwashed. + +There was nothing there to interest me, and I crossed a narrow space of +grass to where a broken picket fence was visible amid a fringe of +weeds. No description can fitly picture the gloomy desolation +surrounding that ramshackle place. It got upon the nerves, the decay, +the neglect apparent on every side. The very silence seemed +depressing. Evidently this fence, now a mere ruin, had once served to +protect a garden plot. But I saw merely a tangled mass of wild +vegetation, so thick and high as to obstruct the view. Narrow +footpaths branched in either direction, and I chose to follow the one +to the right, thinking thus to skirt the fence, and learn what was +beyond, before approaching the negro cabins on the opposite side. To +my surprise, I found myself suddenly standing on the bank of a narrow +bayou, the water clear, yet apparently motionless, the opposite shore +heavily timbered. Owing to a sharp curve I could see scarcely a +hundred yards in either direction, yet close in beside the shore a +light boat was skimming over the gray water. Even as I gazed, the +fellow plying the paddle saw me, and waved his hand. In another moment +the bow grounded on the bank and its occupant came stumbling up the +slight declivity. + +He was a medium-sized, wiry-looking fellow, with olive skin and small +mustache, dressed in brown corduroy, a colored handkerchief wound about +his head in lieu of a hat. As he came to the level where I stood, he +stopped suddenly, staring into my face. + +"Sacre! I thought eet vas Coombs. Who are you, M'sieur?" + +"I came in last night," I replied evasively, "and was just looking +about a bit." + +"So! you know Coombs, hey?" + +"I 've met him--yes." + +The black eyes searched my face, and I noted his right hand touch the +hilt of a knife in his belt. + +"What water is this?" I asked, ignoring his action, "bayou?" + +"Oui, M'sieur." + +"Are we near the sea?" + +"Twenty-seex mile. You not know where you are? 'Tis odd you not know, +M'sieur." + +I laughed, enjoying his bewilderment, yet not realizing how to turn it +to better account. + +"Oh, no. I came by train in the night, and am a little hazy as to +location. You live about here?" + +"Som'time; then off again--sailor." + +I nodded to prove I understood, but the man stopped uneasily. + +"Whare Coombs? You know, M'sieur?" + +"_No_, I don't," I acknowledged. "Asleep in his cabin likely." + +The Creole, for such he undoubtedly was, made a swift resolve. + +"'Tis like, M'sieur. I find out, maybe you come too!" + +The last was more of an order than a question, and the fellow stepped +back slightly in a manner almost a threat. Understanding the +significance of the gesture I gave it no apparent heed, but turned in +the direction of the cabins. I had no reason to avoid Coombs; indeed, +I desired to see him, and I had no intention of permitting this lad to +suppose that I feared his veiled threats. Without so much as glancing +back at him I advanced along the footpath, my hands in my pockets. Yet +my mind leaped from point to point in eager speculation. The whole +thing was puzzling. I had come expecting a mere bit of play-acting, +with all details left in the control of others. I anticipated no more +than a few weeks of idleness, with, perhaps, the overseeing of a +plantation, to partially keep my time occupied. Instead I found myself +instantly involved in a network of mystery where even murder was part +of the play. Little as I liked Coombs, this Creole was even more +dangerous. The one was a rough, the other a venomous snake. So far as +the original purpose of my adventure was concerned it had already +largely faded from recollection. The swift recurrence of more +startling events dominated. The spirit of adventure, with which I was +liberally endowed, was fast taking possession of all my faculties. +Whatever mystery surrounded this house, whatever of crime lurked in the +neighborhood, I became determined to solve. For the moment I forgot +even Mrs. Bernard, and my own assumed character, in the excitement of +this new chase. + +"Ze right; turn to ze right, M'sieur," said a voice behind me, and then +I saw Coombs standing before the door of the second cabin. Half +dressed as he was, his ever-present "gun" hung low at his hip, and his +face scowled in surprised recognition. + +"What does this mean, Broussard?" he growled savagely. "Where did you +pick up that fellow?" + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +THE CONFESSION + +I caught the wicked, snaky gleam of the Creole's eyes. All his early +suspicion of me had revived instantly. + +"At the landing," he hastened to explain. "How could I tell? He said +he knew you, M'sieur." + +"Oh, he did, hey! Well, all I know about him is that he blew in here +last night with a woman; claimed to be young Henley, and took +possession of the place. I reckon it 's about time I saw some papers +to prove what yer are, young feller, 'for yer go snoopin' round at +daylight. What's yer game enyhow?" + +The man's bluster gave me my clew. The thought suddenly occurred to me +that, for some reason, he was more afraid of me than I of him. And if +I met him on the same ground he was of the disposition to give way +first. + +"You can see my authority, Coombs, any time you are ready to exhibit +your own," I returned coolly, leaning back against the side of the +cabin, and staring him straight in the eyes. "I 've got more occasion +to question you, you big brute, than you have me. Who is going to +prevent my walking about these grounds? You? Just try the experiment, +and see how it comes out. If you are the overseer here, then it is my +money that is paying your wages, and from the look of things," and I +swept my hand toward the surrounding weeds, "you 'll not hold the job +long at that." + +Coombs did not cringe, but my tone brought him uneasiness. + +"The niggers won't work," he returned gruffly. "Thar ain't a nigger on +the place." + +"Apparently white men enough hanging around. What 's the matter with +the negroes?" + +"Ghosts," and the fellow laughed. "Maybe yer've seen sum?" + +I straightened up, stung by the sneer in his voice. + +"No; but I 've seen something more to the point--a murdered man." + +"What?" + +"Just what I said. There was a man killed last night in that back room +upstairs. Shot in the head through the window. I heard the shot and +investigated. His body lies there now." + +I saw Broussard's snaky eyes flash across toward Coombs' face, but the +latter remained motionless. + +"It's a damn lie!" he ejaculated roughly. "There is no body there." + +"Easily settled. Come with me, and I 'll show you." + +Rather to my surprise neither objected to the test, and we tramped in +single file toward the house. Some precaution kept me at the rear, and +I followed silently when Coombs entered the open door of the kitchen. +Unknown to me there was a narrow back stairway, and we mounted this +without exchanging a word. In the upper hall Coombs threw open the +rear door, and, stood aside, not even looking within. + +I glanced past him. There was the furniture as I remembered it, the +dirty walls, the opened window. But the overturned chair stood against +the wall, the cards were stacked on the table, and there was no body +lying on the floor. So startled was I by this discovery that I could +scarcely credit my eyesight, but was brought to a realization of the +truth by Coombs' harsh laugh. + +"Well, where 's yer dead man? I reckon ye don't see none, hey!" + +"No," I insisted, "but I did see one--twice. The body lay there where +the stain shows on the floor. It has been carried away within half an +hour." + +"A likely story. Who could do the job? Nobody round this shebang but +Sallie an' me. I sure ain't been in yere, an' I reckon it wan't +Sallie. So cut it out, young feller. After breakfast you an' I 'll +hav' a talk, an' find out a few things. Come on, Broussard, an' let 's +talk over that matter o' ours." + +The two went down the stairs together, and I closed the door of the +rear room, and stepped out into the hall. Sallie was in the kitchen, +for I heard her voice questioning the men as they passed through. Out +of the window I caught a glimpse of them both disappearing through the +weeds toward the bayou. As to myself I was more at sea than ever. The +sudden disappearance of the body had left me bewildered, yet more +strongly convinced than before that this was no ordinary affair. +Evidences of a plan, of cooperation, rendered the situation serious. +That dead body had not moved itself; human hands had accomplished the +deed during the brief period of my absence outside. Whose hands could +have done it? Not those of Coombs, surely, for he could not have +passed me and attained the house while I was in the garden unseen. Nor +Sally, for she possessed no strength to more than drag the dead man to +some near-by covert. With the possibility of this in mind I searched +the vacant rooms of that floor, closets and all, thoroughly, but to no +result. There was, therefore, but one conclusion possible--unknown +parties were involved. We were not alone in the house in spite of its +apparent desertion. + +I paused in doubt before Mrs. Bernard's door, convinced this was the +truth. Should I tell her frankly the story of the night, my vague +discoveries, my suspicion? I surely had no right to deceive the woman, +or keep her with me. I had determined myself to face it out, to risk +life if need be, to learn the truth. But I had no right to further +involve her. She had accompanied me thus far innocently enough, +accepting my explanation, driven to acquiescing by the desperate +situation in which she found herself. Already she regretted her hasty +action. To involve her still deeper would be heartless. I could not +do it, at least not without full confession. + +I rapped at the door twice before there was any movement within. Then +her voice asked who was there, and at my answer she came out fully +dressed, fronting me with questioning eyes. + +"The night has rested you," I said smilingly, my heart beating in swift +appreciation of her beauty. "Are you ready for breakfast?" + +"For anything to escape the loneliness of that room," she replied +seriously. "If I really look rested, it is not from sleep for I have +passed the night in terror." She held out her hands as though seeking +to assure herself of my real presence. "Tell me what is wrong with +this house? What occurred last night?" + +"I am not altogether sure myself," I said, striving to speak quietly, +and holding her hands tight, "But I will tell you all I know, after you +have explained. Were you disturbed?" + +"Yes, but I hardly comprehend what was reality, and what dream. I +slept some, I am sure, lying pressed upon the bed. At first I thought +that was impossible, I was so frightened, and I had so much to think +about, but found myself too utterly exhausted to keep awake. Yet my +slumber was fitful, and filled with dreams. But I am sure of some +things--my door was tried twice, and I heard someone prowling about the +hall--" + +"That might have been me," I interrupted, "as I was out there during +the night, but I certainly never tried your door." + +"You had a light?" + +"Yes." + +"I saw that shining over the transom; it was much later when my door +was tried; not long before daylight I think. Whoever it was, passed +out the front hall window onto the porch roof. My light was burning, +although turned low, and no doubt he saw me sitting up, wide awake on +the edge of the bed, for he had disappeared by the time I gained +sufficient courage to approach the window and look out." + +"Climbed down the trellis, probably," I said, deeply interested. "It +appears strong enough to support a man. I wish you had got sight of +the fellow." + +She lifted her hands to her head. + +"But I was so frightened. My head throbs now with pain. I cannot +explain, but--but I had begun to hate this mission of ours before we +ever reached here, and then this awful house, and that man and woman. +I almost begged you not to leave me alone, yet I conquered that +weakness, and said good night, and locked my door. You never realized +how I felt." + +"No, not entirely, although I did comprehend you were sorry you had +consented to come." + +"Not that altogether," and her eyes uplifting met mine, "I was +frightened last night in the darkness. I confess I completely lost my +nerve, and would have run away if I could. Perhaps I even said things +which made you believe I regretted my action in coming with you. But I +am more myself now, and I mean to remain, and discover what it all +means. Can you guess why?" + +"No; I would naturally suppose the night would have added to your +terror, your desire to get away." + +"Then you do not suspect even now who I am?" + +"Who you are? Only as you have told me." + +"And I told you only a half truth. I am the wife of Philip Henley." +Her cheeks flushed, a touch of passion in her voice as she faced me. +"That is the truth. Do you suppose that I would ever have come here +with you otherwise? No matter how desperate my condition was that +would have been impossible. I should have despised myself. Even as it +was I have been thoroughly shamed to have permitted you to think of me +as you must. Now I tell you the truth--I consented to come because I +am Philip Henley's wife." + +My surprise at this swift avowal kept me silent, yet I could not +conceal the admiration from revealment in my eyes. She must have read +aright, for she drew back a step, grasping the knob of the door. + +"I--I wanted to tell you yesterday--all the way coming down here. I +felt that I could live the deceit no longer. I do not blame you, Mr. +Craig, for you are a man, and you had every reason to believe that you +were doing nothing really wrong. I wanted to learn all I could before +I confessed my identity, and--and I wanted to discover just what you +were like." + +"You mean whether I could be trusted?" + +"Yes; I--I could not tell at first. We met so strangely, and merely +because I liked you from the beginning was not enough. You understand?" + +"Yes, and now?" + +She looked at me frankly. + +"Now I am simply going to trust you fully. I must; there is no other +way. I thought it all over and over again last night, and determined +to confess everything as soon as we met this morning. I am Viola +Henley, Mr. Craig, and I need you." + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +THE DECISION + +I had had time to think, swiftly to be sure, yet clearly enough. +Surprised as I was by her statement, yet the truth as thus revealed +failed to startle me seriously. Vaguely I had suspicioned the +possibility before, not really believing it could be so, and yet struck +by the similarity in circumstances of the two women. Consequently the +shock of final discovery was somewhat deadened, and I retained the pose +of thought. Moreover, to know her identity was an actual relief. +Before, I had half doubted the righteousness of my cause, at times +almost felt myself a criminal. Now that I could openly associate +myself with Philip Henley's wife, in a struggle to retain for her what +was justly her own, all feeling of doubt vanished, and I became grimly +confident of the final result. Perhaps the relief I felt found +expression in my face, for the woman exclaimed: + +"I believe you are actually glad; that it pleases you to know this." + +"It certainly does," I replied swiftly, "for now I can work openly, +knowing exactly what I ought to do. I have felt like a rat skulking in +a hole. I believed what those men told me; they convinced me with +proofs I could not ignore, but they must have lied. In some details, +at least, they must have deceived. How would it be possible for Philip +Henley to be in a penitentiary convicted of crime?" + +"It would not be," she returned firmly. "There was no time after I +left him for an arrest and conviction. That alone is sufficient to +convince me of fraud and conspiracy. More than that, Philip Henley was +not one to commit a crime of that nature, and there was no reason why +he should. His remittances were amply sufficient. Under the influence +of liquor he might commit assault, or even murder, but never forgery." + +"Then what do you think has occurred?" + +"Either one of two things," she said soberly. "He is dead, or +helplessly in the power of those men who sent you here. There is no +other conclusion possible. They had possession of his papers--even his +private memoranda. They knew more of conditions here than I had ever +been told. In my judgment, he is dead. Otherwise I cannot conceive it +possible they would dare attempt to carry out such a conspiracy. The +very boldness of their plan convinces me they believed no one lived to +expose them. They knew he was dead, and believed, if I still lived, +that I knew nothing of this inheritance. The telegram announcing the +Judge's death I never saw. It must have arrived while Philip was too +intoxicated to grasp its meaning." + +"You know nothing then of the two men, Neale and Vail?" + +"No; there is a Justus C. Vail, a lawyer in the city. I found the name +in the directory, and called at his office. He was away making +political speeches; had been gone two weeks." + +"Then the fellow assumed that name, thinking I might be familiar with +it, and thus be impressed with the legality of the transaction. As to +Neale, I will go to the courthouse in this county, and find out about +him. Only first of all we must understand and trust each other. We +have got some shrewd villains to fight, men capable of resorting to +desperate measures. You have told me the whole truth about yourself +now?" + +"Absolutely, yes. I told you the truth before, except only my real +name. I was married to Philip Henley. Wait, here is my marriage +certificate; I have always kept it with me, for I have been afraid of +him almost from the first. I gave you the name Bernard unthinkingly, +as that was the name he insisted upon living under. He explained his +father required this, or else would stop his remittances. I had to +humor him, although I thought it most strange. Is that all you wish to +know?" + +"All now, yes. I must have time to think, and plan what is best for us +to do. I can already see my duty sufficiently clear, but not how to go +at it. The fact is, Mrs. Henley--" + +"Would it not be better for you to call me Viola?" she interrupted. +"Someone might overhear, and we must continue to carry out the +deception, I suppose." + +"It will be safer, if you do not object." + +"I? Oh, no; I shall not care in the least. You were saying?" + +"This, Viola," and her eyes suddenly flashed into mine, "the conditions +I have already discovered here--in this house--are no less strange, and +dangerous than the mission which brought us here. Everything looks +bad. You ought to know it, and you are strong enough to be told. I do +not know who tried your door last night, and later escaped down the +trellis. If I did I could determine what action to take. But one +thing I do know--there was murder committed in this house." + +"Murder!" her face went white, her fingers clasping my sleeve, "Who was +killed? Coombs? That woman?" + +"Neither. A man I never saw before. I heard the same shot which +frightened you; took my lamp and investigated. I found him lying dead +on the floor of the rear room. He had been shot in the back of the +head through an open window." + +"Merciful God! and the body still there." + +"No, but its disappearance only adds to the mystery. I dared not +create an alarm at once, as we were in a strange house, and I had no +means of knowing where to find either Coombs or the housekeeper. Nor +did I venture to leave you alone unguarded. As soon as daylight came I +went in there again to convince myself the murder was not a dream. The +man's body lay there undisturbed. I turned him over, and examined the +wound. Then I went out and found Coombs, who sleeps in one of the +negro cabins. He sneered at my discovery, but finally accompanied me +back to the house. I could not have been absent to exceed thirty +minutes, and yet, when we opened the door of that rear room, the body +had disappeared--vanished completely. Not a thing remained to tell of +any tragedy." + +"It had been dragged into some other room; hidden away in some closet. +The woman did it." + +"That was my thought at first. As soon as I got free from Coombs I +searched this floor, every inch of it, and found nothing, not even so +much as a stain of blood. The dead man was heavily built, and Sallie +could never have lifted him alone. There were others--men--concerned +in the affair." + +"And you saw none?" + +"Only a Creole who came down the bayou by boat just as I reached the +bank. He had some message for Coombs--a snaky-eyed little devil--but +he had nothing to do with the removal of the body, for he was not out +of my sight after he landed." + +Bewildered consternation was clearly manifested in the girl's white +face, and yet there was a firmness to the lips that promised anything +but surrender. I was sufficiently a fighting man to comprehend the +symptoms, and my own heart throbbed in quick response to her +anticipated decision. For an instant she seemed to struggle to regain +her breath. + +"Oh, how terrible! I can scarcely realize that all you have told me +can be fact. It sounds incredible, monstrous. Why, it is as if we +lived in a wild land, and another century. No novelist could conceive +of such a horrible condition. There were pirates along this coast +once--I have read of them--but now, in our age of the world, to even +dream of such a state of affairs would be madness. What can it mean? +Have you any theory?" + +"Absolutely none; I am groping in the dark, without a single clew. All +I know is that Coombs is a big ruffian, but too cowardly to commit +murder. The Creole might, and I would n't trust Sallie with a knife on +a dark night, but, in my judgment, there are others involved about whom +we know nothing." + +"You mean there is a band? that we have stumbled into a rendezvous of +outlaws?" + +"I suspicion so. This plantation has been practically abandoned for +years. Even when the Judge was alive he lived in town, and could get +no negroes to work out here because they believed the place was +haunted. A bayou comes within a hundred yards of the rear of the +house, so concealed by trees and weeds as to be almost invisible until +you stand on the banks. We are only a little over twenty miles from +the Gulf. Altogether this would make an ideal hiding place for Mobile +or New Orleans thieves. I don't say this is the solution, but it may +be. More likely they will prove to be a local gang, smugglers, or +moonshiners with a touch of modern piracy on the side." + +"What do you mean to do?" + +The question was asked quietly, and I glanced at her, noting the color +had returned to her cheeks. + +"I? Why remain and ferret it out, I suppose," and I laughed. "I was +never very good at running away, and really I must get at the bottom of +this affair. Coombs is going to have a talk with me later--intends to +make sure who I am, no doubt--and I may learn something from him during +the interview. Anyhow, I am just obstinate enough to stay it out." + +"What about me?" + +"You better return to town; a traveling man on the train said there was +a good hotel. Probably Coombs has some kind of a rig we can drive down +in. I 'll ask him after breakfast." + +"Is it because you do not wish me with you?" + +I hesitated slightly, confused by such direct questioning. + +"I shall feel more free alone," I replied at last, "for I shall have +only myself to guard. I am used to taking care of myself. Besides, +this is likely to prove a rather unpleasant situation for a lady. You +must remember I propose to fight this thing out now in the open. I am +going to be Gordon Craig, and not a make-believe Philip Henley. The +scene has changed, and I 'm glad of it. I feel more like a man +already." + +"And you conclude I can be of no help, no assistance--" + +The cracked voice of Sallie came to us up the stairs, the unexpected +sound startling both. + +"I reckon you all better com' down an' eat." + +She stood in the light of the front door watching us, and we descended +the flight of steps without exchanging a word. The woman turned and +walked in advance into the dining-room. + +"Where is Coombs?" I asked, looking about curiously. + +"He done eat already, but I reckon he 'll be 'round 'gain after a +while. You all just help yerselves." + +We endeavored to talk as we sampled the meal, directing our +conversation into safe channels, both obsessed with a feeling that +whatever we said would be overheard. The woman vanished into the dark +passage leading toward the kitchen, but no sound of labor reached us +from that direction, which made me suspicious that she lingered not far +from where we sat. I caught Mrs. Henley's eyes occasionally straying +in that direction uneasily. Yet she managed to keep up a sprightly +conversation, largely relating to the country we had traveled over. +Neither of us ate heartily, merely toying with the rather unpalatable +food, and, as soon as we dared, pushed back our chairs. It was a +relief to get out of the room, but as we stood a moment in the front +doorway, breathing in the fresh air, I noticed a giant form approaching +the house through the weeds. + +"Coombs is coming already for his interview," I said hastily. "As it +may be stormy perhaps you had better retreat upstairs." + +She glanced in the direction of his approach, and drew slightly back +into the shadow of the hall. There was a flush on her cheeks, and her +eyes met mine almost defiantly. + +"I will go," she said quickly, "but I shall not leave this house while +you remain." + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +COMPELLING SPEECH + +She was gone before I could speak, before I could even grasp the full +purport of her decision. I followed the flutter of her skirt up the +stairs, half tempted to rush after, yet as instantly comprehended the +uselessness of any attempt at influencing her. Even the short space of +our acquaintance had served to convince me that she was a woman of +resource, of character, and determination. If she felt it right to +remain no argument would be effective, or have the slightest weight. +Perhaps another night would change her mood, but now, in the sunshine, +her courage would hold steadfast. Even as these considerations flashed +across my mind, I heard the thud of Coombs' feet upon the steps of the +veranda. That he had been drinking I realized at a glance, and it was +equally evident that he planned to overawe me by brutal domineering. +In spite of every effort to control my expression I could not restrain +a smile at the manifest bluster of his approach. + +"So yer 've got through eatin', hey," he began coarsely. "Whar 's the +female? Thought I saw her here." + +"You did," I returned coldly, "but Mrs. Henley has returned to her +room." + +"Mrs. Henley, huh! Think yer kin pull thet bluff over me!" + +"What bluff?" + +"Aw, this Henley racket you sprung last night--'bout yer being young +Phil Henley come back." + +"Did I say that?" + +"Yer shure did," eyeing me in some surprise. "I reckon my ears heard +all right. Why, what are yer this morning?" + +"If I ever made any such claim as that, Coombs, it was merely to assure +our admittance. You were not overly-cordial, you know, and I did n't +propose having the lady walk back to town. It's different this +morning, and I am going to be just as frank with you as you are with +me. Is that square?" + +"I reckon," uneasily, not yet able to gauge my purpose, and feeling his +bluff a failure. "I ain't got nothin' ter lie about so fur as I know. +Let's go inside, whar we kin have it out quiet like." + +I followed him into the front room, and he kicked out a chair so as to +bring my face to the windows. As I sank into it I noticed a dusty +mirror opposite which gave me a dim reflection of the entire room. +Coombs shut the door leading to the back of the house, and sat down +facing me, his big hands on his knees. His effort to look pleasant +only made him appear uglier than usual. + +"Wal, go on!" he said gruffly. + +I crossed my legs comfortably, and leaned back in the chair, quite +conscious of thus adding to his irritation. If I could only anger the +fellow sufficiently he might blurt out something of value. Anyhow, my +best card was cool indifference. + +"There is not much to say," I replied deliberately. "I 'll answer your +questions so far as I think best, and then I 'll ask a few of you. The +lady upstairs is Viola Henley, the wife of Philip Henley. She has come +down here to take legal possession of this property. That is the +situation in a nutshell. I am merely accompanying her to make sure +that she gets a square deal." + +His jaw sagged, and his eyes wandered. + +"Oh, hell," he managed to articulate. "What is your real game?" + +"Exactly as I have stated it, Coombs. To the best of my knowledge +Philip Henley is dead--at least he has disappeared--and his widow is +the rightful heir to this estate." + +"Wal, I reckon he ain't dead--not by a jugful." + +I felt the hot blood pump in my veins. Did the man know this to be +true, or was he merely making the claim for effect? + +"That, of course, remains to be proven," I returned smilingly. + +"Oh, does it, now! So does this yer wife business, to my thinkin'. +Wal, it won't take long ter settle the matter, believe me. Who are you +enyhow?" + +"My name is Craig--Gordon Craig." + +"A lawyer?" + +"Not guilty." + +"A damn detective?" + +"Same plea." + +I thought he gave a grunt of relief; anyhow there was more assurance in +his manner, a fresh assumption of bullying in his voice. + +"All right, then; I reckon I got yer number, Craig. Yer after a little +easy money. Somehow yer caught onto the mix-up down yere, an' framed +up a scheme to cop the coin. Might hav' worked too if I had n't been +on the job, an' posted. Damn nice-lookin' girl yer picked up--" + +"Drop that, Coombs!" I interrupted sharply, leaning forward and staring +him in the eyes. "Let loose all you care to about me, but cut out the +woman!" + +"Oh, too nice, hey!" + +"Yes, too nice for you to befoul even with your tongue. If you mention +her name again except in terms of respect there is going to be trouble." + +He laughed, opening and closing his big hands. + +"I mean it," I went on soberly. "Don't think I am afraid of you, you +big slob. No, you keep your hands where they are. If it comes to a +draw you 'll find me quick enough to block your game. Now listen." + +Had I been less in earnest, or less puzzled as to the real situation, I +would have laughed at the expression upon the man's face. With hat +pulled over his eyes, he sat stiff, staring at me, his fingers +twitching nervously, unable to determine just the species confronting +him. I made no display of a weapon; he could not be sure that I was +armed, yet my right hand was hidden in the side pocket of my coat. I +could read the doubt, the indecision in his mind, as plainly as though +expressed in words. The brute and the coward struggled for mastery. + +"I 've told you the truth about who we are, and our purpose in coming +here," I went on slowly and clearly, "because I have decided to fight +in the open. Now I want to know who you are? What authority you have +on the Henley plantation? Speak up!" + +The reply came reluctantly, but there must have been a sternness in my +face which compelled an answer. + +"I told yer--I 'm the overseer." + +"A fine specimen, from the looks of the place; what was you ordered to +grow--weeds?" + +"Thet 's none o' your business." + +"It 's the business of the lady upstairs, Coombs, and I am representing +her at present. It will be just as well for you to be civil. Who +appointed you to this position--the administrators?" + +"I reckon not." + +"Ever hear of a man named Neale, P. B. Neale?" + +"No." + +"Or Justus C. Vail?" + +He shook his head. + +"No one sent you any word then that we were coming? or gave you any +orders to look after us?" + +The blank expression of his face was sufficient answer. I waited a +moment, thinking, endeavoring to determine my next move. This +knowledge made one thing clear--we were playing a lone hand. As well +planned as was the scheme of those two conspirators they had reckoned +without sufficient knowledge of the existing conditions here. But was +this true? Would villains as shrewd as they be guilty of such neglect? +Besides, they had assured me that the overseer would be notified of our +coming. Suddenly there flashed back to my memory a picture of that +murdered man in the rear room. Could he be the connecting link? the +overseer sent by Neale? If this horrible suspicion was correct it only +proved the desperate character of those against whom I contended. And +if true only the harshest measure would compel Coombs to acknowledge +the truth. I drew in my breath, every nerve braced for action. Then I +jerked the revolver from my pocket, and held it, glimmering ominously +in the light, across my knee. + +"You probably have some reason for lying to me," I said coldly, "and +now I am going to give you an equally good reason for telling the +truth. What do you know about the administrators of this estate?" + +He was breathing hard, his eyes on the shining barrel. + +"There is one named Neale, is n't there?" + +"I--I reckon so." + +"How do you know?" + +"Wal," feeling it useless to struggle against the argument presented by +the blue steel barrel, "Hell, all I know is a fellow com' 'long yere a +while back with a paper signed Neale, thinkin' ter take my job." + +"What happened to him?" + +"Oh, he just nat'ally got kicked out inter the road, an' I reckon he 's +a running yet. He was a miserable Yankee runt, an' I did n't hurt the +cuss none to speak of. What yer askin' all this fer enyhow," he +questioned anxiously, "an' a drawin' that gun on me?" + +"It seemed to be the only available method for extracting information. +Pardon my insistence, Coombs, but was n't that dead man up there the +fellow Neale sent?" + +"Not by a damn sight," and I could see the perspiration break out on +his forehead. "Why, there wan't none enyhow. That guy skipped out +North agin." + +"All right; we'll let it go this time. Now one more question and I am +done. Under whose orders are you in charge here?" + +He was so long in answering, his eyes glaring ugly under heavy brows, +that I elevated my weapon, half believing he meditated an attack. + +"You 've got to answer, Coombs," I said sternly, "or take the +consequences. I 'm in dead earnest." + +Suddenly I became aware that his glance was not directly upon me, and I +lifted my own eyes to the surface of the tarnished mirror behind where +he sat. It reflected the large portrait of the late Judge Henley +hanging on the opposite wall, and--by all the gods!--I thought I saw it +move, settle back into position! I was upon my feet instantly, +swinging aside into a better situation for defense. Perhaps that +seeming movement, swift and elusive, might be a figment of imagination, +a mere trembling of the glass. But I was taking no chances. The very +conception of some hidden peril threatening me from behind awoke the +savage in me instantly. Before Coombs could realize what had occurred +I had the gun muzzle at the side of his head. + +"Now answer," I commanded sharply. "Whose orders put you here?" + +He choked, shrinking back helpless in the chair. + +"By God! you won't always have the drop on me--" + +"Well, I have now. Speak up; who is the man?" + +His eyes ranged along the wall, an expression in them like that of a +whipped cur. + +"Philip Henley," he whispered, so low I scarcely caught the name. + +"What!" + +"Wal, I told yer," he growled resentfully. "Yer kin believe er not +just as you please, but, so help me, that's the truth. I reckon I +know." + +As I stared at him, half believing, half incredulous, I became +conscious that she stood in the hall doorway. Coombs lifted his head, +glad of any respite, and I glanced aside also, dropping the revolver +back into my coat pocket. + +"You--you were quarreling?" she asked, coming into the room, "you were +so long I became anxious, and came down." + +"Nothing serious," I assured her, smilingly. "Coombs here was a little +reluctant to impart information, and I was compelled to resort to +primitive methods. The result has been quite satisfactory." + +"Kin I go now?" he asked uneasily. + +"Yes, by way of the front door." + +I watched his great hulking figure until he disappeared along the path +leading around the house. I had no fear that he would ever face me +openly; all I needed to guard against was treachery. Then I turned and +looked into the questioning eyes of the woman. + +"What did you learn? What did he say?" + +"Only one thing of real importance," I answered in subdued tone, "and I +dragged that out of him by threat. He was not employed by Neale, and +the fellow who was sent down here to assist us was disposed of in some +way." + +"Killed, you mean?" + +"I suspect as much, but Coombs claims he was kicked off the place, and +returned North." + +For a moment she stood silent, breathing heavily, her eyes on my face. +In the pause I saw again the picture of the old Judge, and remembered. + +"Why is he here then? What authority has he?" + +"Come outside into the garden, and I will tell you the whole story. +Somehow I feel here as though we were being watched every minute. +Never mind a hat; we will find shade somewhere." + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE + +In front of the veranda, and to the right of the brick walk, the +latticework of a small summerhouse could be discerned through a maze of +shrubbery and weeds. No path led toward it, yet we made the difficult +passage, by pressing aside the foliage, and discovered a rustic seat +within, where we were completely screened from observation. I felt the +slight trembling of the woman's form from suppressed excitement, but +the adventure with Coombs had only served to stiffen my nerves. With +flushed cheeks, and eyes bright and questioning, she could scarcely +wait for me to begin. + +"Now tell me; surely we are out of sight and hearing." + +"I do not think I shall ever be entirely assured as to that until I +know more of our exact situation," I replied, speaking cautiously. "We +may have been seen coming here, and those weeds would easily conceal an +eavesdropper. The truth is, I have gained very little information of +value, and am as mystified as ever. If that fellow told the truth it +is beyond my understanding." + +"But you are sure he knows nothing of those men who sent you here?" + +"Yes, he had never heard of Vail, and all he knew about Neale was that +name was signed to the orders of the new overseer." + +"Under what authority is the man acting?" + +I hesitated, not venturing to look at her, conscious of a personal +feeling which I must conceal. + +"Do you not wish to tell me?" + +"It is not that," I hastened to explain, but finding the words hard to +speak. "I think he lied, and yet cannot be sure. He claims to be +working under the orders of Philip Henley." + +"What! Impossible!" + +"So I felt, and consequently hesitated to tell you, but now that I have +been compelled to do so, I will explain in full. He said this under +the menace of a revolver, a condition which often inspires men to speak +the truth. I can scarcely imagine his making up such a story, for he +is a dull-witted fellow, and even before he had threatened to test your +claims to be Henley's wife." + +"You told him, then?" + +"Everything, except the original cause of our being here. I determined +this morning to fight in the open, under my own name. That is the +right way, is it not?" + +"Yes, I think so," and she lifted her eyes to mine. + +"I like you better for that." + +"I think I like myself better also," I said with a laugh. "I confess I +did n't care much at first. The whole affair merely represented a +lark, an adventure with me. But after what you said the night of our +arrival I began to view the thing in a new light, and to despise my +part in It. Yet even then I felt bound to carry out my agreement. It +was only when you told me your identity, that I felt free to decide +otherwise." + +"Why should that make such a difference? If I had not been the one, +then it would have been some other woman defrauded." + +"True, but a mere unknown, a shadow. Besides, I had no reason +previously to know that a fraud was contemplated--those rascals told a +most plausible story, leaving me to believe I served the real heirs. +Now I comprehend their true purpose and--and, well, knowing you it has +become personal." + +"I do not altogether understand." + +"Why, it is simply this," I went on desperately, "I want to serve you, +and I want you to respect me. Down in your heart you have n't really +been assured that I was not one of that gang of conspirators. You came +down here to watch me. Now I am going to stand up as Gordon Craig, and +fight it out for you." + +There was a knot of blue ribbon at her throat, and I reached out and +unpinned it before she had time to protest. + +"See, there are your colors, and I do battle under them. Whatever the +final results you are never going to doubt me any more--are you?" + +Her eyes were veiled by long lashes, and I could see the heaving of her +breasts. + +"No--no. I scarcely think I ever did doubt you, only it was all very +strange. Nothing seemed real; it was more like a stage-play in which I +acted a part--our first meeting, our being thrown together on this +quest. I have not known what to think, even of myself." + +"We are both getting our heads above the mist now," I interrupted +gently, "and deep as the mystery appears, when finally solved it will +likely prove a very sordid, commonplace affair. The main thing is for +us to thoroughly understand and trust each other." + +"You need not doubt me." + +"I have already learned that. It is more important that you fully +trust me." + +"I do," and both her hands were impulsively extended. "I have from the +very first. I did not come here to watch, but because I believed in +you. Truly this was my motive rather than any thought of the property. +Indeed I hardly realized at the start that this was my affair; I merely +had a feeling that you needed me. That--that morning on the bench," +she paused, her voice choking in her throat, her eyes misted, "why, +I--I was scarcely rational; my mind could not even grasp clearly what +you endeavored to tell. I was so far from being myself that I failed +to recognize my own name. Perhaps that was not strange as I always +lived under another. So it was not that, not any selfish motive, which +impelled me to accompany you. I came because--because I knew you +needed me. I had an intuition that you were going into danger, into +some trap. I cannot explain, no woman can, how such knowledge lays +hold upon her. I merely acted instinctively. It was not until that +afternoon that I realized clearly what this all meant to me personally. +I seemed to wake up as from a dream. Then I sat down in the rest room +of one of those big department stores, and thought it all out. At +first I determined to tell you everything, but I did--did not know you +at all. I trusted you, I believed in you; you had impressed me as +being a real man. But this was merely a woman's intuition. There were +circumstances that made me doubt, that compelled caution. I--I had to +test you, Gordon Craig." + +"My only wonder is that you retained any confidence." + +"Oh, but I did," she insisted warmly. "That alone brought me here. I +thought of appealing to a lawyer, to the police, and then your face +rose up before me, and my decision was made. I came back to you that +night because--because I believed you to be a gentleman." + +"And now? henceforth?" + +Her eyes never wavered, although there was a high color in her cheeks +as my hands clasped her own more closely. + +"I am convinced I chose aright. You are the man I thought you to be. +I am glad I came." + +For an instant the hot blood coursed through my veins; I seemed to see +only the beauty of her flesh. Wild words leaped to my lips, only to be +choked back unspoken, although I scarcely knew what strength combined +to win the swift struggle. Impulse, made with sudden revelation of +love, swept me perilously near to outburst, yet reason held +sufficiently firm to restrain; the flood of passion. I knew I must +refrain; I read it in the calm depths of those eyes fronting me in +frank friendship. A word, a single, mad, ill-considered word, would +sever the bond between us as though cleft by a sword. With any other I +might have dared all, but not with her. Reckless as my nature had +grown in the hard school of life, I shrank from this test, dreading to +see her face change, her attitude harden. And it would; there had +already been sufficient revealment of her character to make me aware of +how firm a line she drew between right and wrong. It was not in her +nature to compromise. She trusted, me--yes! But as a "gentleman." +Should I fail in that test of her faith I could never again hope to +regain my place in her esteem. I have wondered since how I ever won +that swift, deadly battle; how I ever crushed back the wild passion, +the mad impulse to clasp her In my arms. Yet, under God's mercy I did, +my voice emotionless, my face white from restraint, my lips dry as with +fever. The one thing I was sure about just then was that we must break +away from this personal conversation; flesh and blood could stand the +strain no longer. + +"Let's not talk of ourselves then," I said, releasing her hands, "but +of what we must face here. We trust each other; that is enough for the +present surely. You will not leave, and let me ferret out the mystery +alone, so we must work together in its solution. I have told you that +Coombs claims to be working under the orders of your husband. Is that +possible?" + +"I cannot conceive clearly how it could be, and yet he might have +received notice of his father's death in time to assume control of the +estate by telegraph, or even by letter." + +"I hardly think Coombs has been here so short a time." + +"He might have been the old overseer, however, and retained." + +"True; yet how could Philip Henley know that he had inherited the +property?" + +She thought a moment seriously, a little crease in the center of her +forehead. + +"Of course, I can only guess," she hazarded at length, "but it would +seem likely he was notified of his father's death by one of the +administrators, and doubtless told at the same time of his inheritance. +He was the only son, and there were no other near relatives. It would +be only natural for him to retain the old servants until he could come +here and select others." + +"There is only one fact which opposes your theory," I acknowledged, +"otherwise I would accept it as my own also. Coombs plainly threatened +to confront you with Henley to test your claim to being his wife." + +She pressed her hand to her temple in perplexity. + +"Even that would not be impossible," she admitted reluctantly, "for he +must have known of the Judge's death even before--before I left. Only +I do not believe it probable, as he was in no condition to travel, and +had very little money. Besides," her voice strengthening with +conviction, "those men who sent you here--Neale and Vail--would never +have ventured such a scheme, had they been uncertain as to Philip +Henley's helplessness. I believe he is either in their control, or +else dead." + +"Then Coombs lied." + +"Perhaps; although still another supposition is possible. Someone else +may claim to be the heir." + +This was a new theory, and one not so unreasonable as it appeared at +first thought. Still it was sufficiently improbable, so that I +dismissed it without much consideration. She apparently read this in +my face. + +"It is all groping in the dark until we learn more," she went on +slowly. "Have you decided what you mean to do?" + +"Only indefinitely. I want to make a careful exploration of the house +and grounds by daylight. This may reveal something of value. Then we +will go into Carrollton before dark. I cannot consent to your +remaining here another night after what has occurred. Besides, we +should consult a lawyer--the best we can find--and then proceed under +his advice. Do you agree?" + +"Certainly; and how can I be of assistance?" + +"If you could go back to the house, and keep Sallie busy in the kitchen +for an hour; hold her there at something so as to give me free range of +the house." + +"With Sallie!" she lifted her hands in aversion. "It does n't seem as +though I could stand that. But," she added, rising resolutely to her +feet, "I will if you wish it. Of course I ought to do what little I +can. Why, what is this? a seal ring?" + +She stooped, and picked the article up from the floor, out of a litter +of dead leaves, and held it to the light between her fingers. As she +gazed her cheeks whitened, and when her eyes again met mine they +evidenced fear. + +"What is it?" I asked, when she failed to speak. "Do you recognize it?" + +She held it out toward me, her hand trembling. + +"That--that was Philip Henley's ring," she said gravely. "Family +heirloom; he always wore it." + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +BEGINNING EXPLORATION + +This apparently convincing evidence that Henley was not only alive, but +had preceded us to Carrollton, left us staring into each others' faces, +more deeply mystified than ever. + +"He must be here," she articulated faintly. + +"At least it would seem that he has been. The seal is a peculiar one, +not likely to be duplicated. But I doubt if he is here now, for he +could have no reason for avoiding us, unless--" + +"I know what you mean," she replied, as I hesitated, "unless he +intended to repudiate me, to refuse me recognition." + +"Is he that kind of a man?" + +"No; not when sober. Under the influence of liquor he becomes a brute, +capable of any meanness." + +"Perhaps that may be the secret then. The others here may be keeping +him intoxicated, and hidden away for purposes of their own. However, +this need not change our plans. Will you go in to Sallie?" + +"Yes; it will be a relief to be busy, to feel that I am accomplishing +something." + +I stood upon the bench, from where I could look out above the weeds and +tangled bushes, and followed her course to the house. At top of the +steps she paused an instant to glance back, and then disappeared +within. I waited patiently, knowing that if she failed to discover the +housekeeper, she would give some signal. Meanwhile I watched the +weed-grown area about me carefully in search of any skulker observing +our movements. I could see little through the tangle, yet succeeded in +convincing myself that I was alone, and free to begin my explorations. +Yet I faced this work with less enthusiasm than I felt when first +proposing it. The knowledge that Philip Henley was alive; that any +discoveries I might make would benefit him even more than his wife, had +robbed me of my earlier interest in the outcome. Nothing I had heard +of the man was favorable to his character. I felt profoundly convinced +that whatever affection his wife might have once entertained for him +had long ago vanished through neglect and abuse. My sympathies were +altogether with her, and I had already begun to dream of her as free. +She had come into contact with my life in such a way as to impress me +greatly; we had been thrown together in strange familiarity. Little by +little I had grown to appreciate her beauty, not only of face, but also +of womanly character. Already she swayed and controlled me as no other +of her sex ever had. I thrilled to the touch of her hand, to the sweep +of her dress, and the glance of her eye. Not until now did I realize +fully all she had unconsciously become to me, or how I dreaded the +reappearance of Henley. Would she return to him? Would she forgive +the past? These were haunting questions from which I found no escape. +I could not be ignorant of the fact that she liked me, trusted me as a +friend. But beyond this rather colorless certainty I possessed no +assurance. I thought I had read a deeper meaning in her eyes, enough +to yield a flash of hope, but nothing more substantial. And now--now +even this must be rubbed out. She was not the kind to ever compromise +with duty, nor to pretend. No love for me, even if it had already +begun to blossom in her secret heart, would make her disloyal to sacred +vows. I knew that, and deep down in my own consciousness, honored her +the more, even while I struggled against the inevitable. Yesterday I +might have spoken the words of passion on my lips, but now they were +sealed, and I dare not even whisper them to myself, yet it was out of +this very depth of impossibility that I came to know love in its +entirety, and realize what Viola Henley already was to me. + +But I was never so much a dreamer, as a man of action, and the +necessity of active service forced me to cast aside such thoughts +almost instantly. There was work, and danger, ahead, and I welcomed +both eagerly. This was the way to forget. Aye! and the way to serve. +I felt the revolver in my pocket, took it out and made sure it was in +readiness; then advanced cautiously toward the house. The hall was +empty, and so was the front room. The latter appeared desolate and +grim in its disorder and dirt. My thought centered on that picture of +Judge Henley hanging against the further wall. Perhaps it had not +moved; the supposition that it did might have been an illusion, +produced by some flaw in the mirror opposite, or by a freak of +imagination. Yet I could never be satisfied until I learned absolutely +what was concealed behind that heavy gilded frame. There was mystery +to this house, and perhaps here I had already stumbled upon the secret. +I opened the door leading to the rear, silently, and listened. There +were voices talking at a distance, two women, one a pleasant contralto, +the other cracked and high pitched. The lady was doing her part; I +must do mine. I closed the door gently, and stole over toward the +picture, half afraid of my task, yet nerving myself for the ordeal. + +A black haircloth sofa, with broad mahogany arm, offered two easy +steps, enabling me to tip the heavy frame sufficiently so as to peer +behind. The one glance was sufficient. Underneath was an opening in +the wall, much less in width than the picture, yet ample for the +passage of a crouched body. The arm of the sofa made egress +comparatively easy, while the frame of the picture, though appearing +heavy and substantial, was in reality of light wood, and presented no +obstacle to an active man. The passage was black, and I thrust my head +and shoulders in, striving to discern something of its nature. For +possibly three feet I could trace the floor, but beyond that point it +seemed to disappear into impenetrable darkness. This line of change +was so distinct that I surmised at once it marked a descent to a lower +level, either by ladder or stairs. Well, this would benefit me, rather +than otherwise, for if anyone was concealed therein it would be down +below, where the light streaming into the upper passage, as I pressed +back the frame to gain room for my body, would be unnoticed. There was +no hesitancy as to what I must do. Now I had discovered this secret +passage it must be thoroughly explored. The safest way was to burrow +through the dark, trusting to hands and feet for safety, and prepared +for any encounter. Whoever might be hidden away there would certainly +possess some light, sufficient for any warning I needed. Every +advantage would remain with me concealed by darkness. + +If I felt any premonition of fear it was not serious enough to delay +progress, nor did I pause to consider the possible danger. Wherever +Coombs had gone, he was not likely to remain absent for long, nor could +I expect Mrs. Henley to remain with Sallie a moment longer than she +deemed necessary. This was my opportunity and must be utilized +promptly. Standing on the sofa arm I found little difficulty in +pressing my body forward into the aperture, until, extending at full +length, the picture settled noiselessly back into place against the +wall, excluding all light. After listening intently, fearful lest the +slight scraping might have been overheard, I arose to a crouching +position, able to feel both the sides and top of the tunnel with my +fingers. Inch by inch, silently, my soft breathing the only noticeable +sound, I worked forward, anxiously exploring for the break in the +floor, which I knew to be only a few feet distance. Even then I +reached it unaware of its proximity, experiencing a sudden, unpleasant +shock as my extended hand groped about touching nothing tangible. + +I was some time determining the exact nature of what was before me. +There were no stairs, nor did any shafts of a ladder protrude above the +floor level. Only as I lay flat, and felt cautiously across from wall +to wall, could I determine what led below. All was black as a well, as +noiseless as a grave, yet there was a ladder exactly fitting the space, +spiked solidly into the flooring. My groping fingers could reach two +of the rungs, and they felt sound and strong. With face outward I +trusted myself to their support, and began the descent slowly, pausing +between each step to listen, and gripping the side-bars tightly. The +blackness and silence, combined with what I anticipated discovering +somewhere in those depths below, set my nerves tingling, yet I felt +cool, and determined to press on. Indeed, deep in my heart I welcomed +the adventure, even hoped it might end in some encounter serious enough +to arouse me to new thoughts--especially did I yearn to learn something +definite about Philip Henley. This to me was now the one matter of +importance; to be assured that he was living or dead. Nothing else +greatly mattered, for nothing could again efface from my memory the +woman he had called wife. Right or wrong, I knew she held me captive; +even there, groping blindly in that darkness, every nerve strained to +its utmost, my thought was with her, and her face arose before my +imagination. Unexpectedly, unexplainably love had come into my +life--the very love I had laughed at in others had made me captive. +And I was glad of it, reckless still as to what it might portend. + +I counted twelve rungs going down, and then felt stone flags beneath my +feet, although the walls on either side, as I explored them with my +hands, were still of closely matched wood. The passage, now high +enough to permit of my standing erect, led toward the rear of the +house, presenting no obstacle other than darkness, until I came up +suddenly against a heavy wooden door completely barring further +progress. As near as I could figure I must be already directly beneath +the kitchen, and close in against the south wall. No sound reached me, +however, from above, nor could I, with ear against the slight crack, +distinguish any movement beyond the barrier. Cautious fingering +revealed closely matched hard wood, studded thickly with nail heads, +but no keyhole or latch. Secure in the feeling that no one else could +be in this outer passage, and completely baffled, I ventured to strike +a match. The tiny yellow flame, ere it quickly flickered out in some +mysterious draft, revealed an iron band to the left of the door, with +slight protuberance, resembling the button of an electric-bell. This +was the only semblance to a lock, and I was in doubt whether it would +prove an alarm, or some ingenuous [Transcriber's note: ingenious?] +spring. There was nothing for it, however, but to try the experiment, +and face the result. + +Almost convinced that the pressure of my finger would ring an electric +bell, I drew my revolver, and crouched low, prepared for any emergency, +as I pressed the metal button. To my surprise and relief the only +thing to occur was the slow opening of the door inward, a dim gleam of +light becoming visible through the widening crack. The movement was +deliberate and noiseless, but I dropped upon hands and knees in the +deepest remaining shadow and peered anxiously into the dimly revealed +interior. It was a basement room, half the width of the kitchen +overhead, I should judge; the walls of crude masonry, the floor of +brick, the ceiling, festooned by cobwebs, of rough-hewn beams. The +light, flickering and dim, came from a half-burned candle in an iron +holder screwed against the wall, revealing a small table, two chairs, +one without a back, and four narrow sleeping berths made of rough +boards. This was all, except a coat dangling from a beam, and a small +hand-hatchet lying on the floor. There was, in the instant I had to +view these things, no semblance of movement, or suggestion of human +presence. Assured of this, although holding myself alert and ready, I +slipped through the opening. Even as I stood there, uncertain, and +staring about, a sharp draught of air extinguished the candle, and I +heard the snap of the lock as the door behind blew back into position. +About me was the black silence of a grave. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +A CHAMBER OF HORROR + +I backed against the wall, crouching low, revolver in hand, scarcely +venturing to breathe, listening intently for the slightest sound to +break the intense silence. My heart beat like a trip-hammer, and there +were beads of cold perspiration on my face. The change had occurred so +swiftly as to leave me quaking like a coward at the unknown terrors of +the dark. Yet almost within the instant I gripped my nerves, +comprehending all that had occurred, and confident of my own safety. +There must be another opening into this underground den--one leading to +the outer air--judging from that sudden and powerful suction. The very +atmosphere I breathed had a freshness to it, inconceivable in such a +place otherwise. With the first return of intelligence my mind gripped +certain facts, and began to reason out the situation. That sudden +sweep of air could only have originated in the opening of some other +barrier--a door no doubt leading directly to the outside. I had seen +no occupant of the room; without question it was deserted at my +entrance. Yet someone had been there, and not long before, as was +evidenced by the burning candle. Nor, by that same token, did this +same mysterious party expect to be absent for any length of time. +Apparently I had intruded at the very moment of his departure. +Wherever that second passage might be, the former occupant of this +underground den had evidently entered it previous to my opening the +inner door. Still unaware of my presence he had unfastened some other +barrier, and the resultant draught had extinguished the candle, and +blown shut the door at my back. This seemed so clearly the truth that +I laughed grimly behind clinched teeth. The solution was easy; I had +but to discover the extinguished candle, relight it, search out the +second passage, and waylay the fellow when he returned unsuspicious of +danger. + +Confident as to the correctness of my theory, and eager for action to +relieve the tension on my nerves in that black silence, I began feeling +a way along the wall toward the right, in the direction where I +remembered the iron light bracket to be situated. The rough stone +surface was unbroken, and I encountered no obstacles under foot, my +groping search being finally rewarded by touch of the iron brace. I +could clearly trace the form of the bracket, and determine how it was +fastened into place, yet to my astonishment there was no remnant of +candle remaining in the empty socket. Grease, still warm to the touch, +proved conclusively that I had attained the right spot in my search, +yet the candle itself had disappeared. Beyond doubt the draught of air +had been sufficiently strong to dislodge it from the shallow socket, +and it had fallen to the floor. I felt about on hands and knees, but +without result, and finally, in sheer desperation, struck my last +match. The tiny flare was sufficient to reveal the entire floor space +as well as the wall, but there was no remnant of candle visible. I +held the sliver of wood, until the flame scorched my fingers, staring +about in bewilderment. Then the intense darkness shut me in. + +I crouched back to the wall, revolver in hand, and it seemed as though +the blood in my veins had turned to ice. What legerdemain was this! +The candle was there, and not half burned, when I entered. I saw it +with my own eyes. How then--in the name of God--could it have vanished +so completely? There was no germ of superstition in my nature, and, +had there originally been, it could never have out lived the practical +experiences of the past few years. There was but one way to account +for this occurrence--some human, aware of my presence, had removed the +candle, had stolen through the pitch darkness silently, and as swiftly +disappeared. I was locked in, trapped, and not alone! + +I confess for an instant I was panic-stricken, shrinking back from the +horror of the black unknown which enveloped me. I could see and hear +nothing, yet I seemed to feel a ghastly presence skulking behind that +impenetrable veil. My first inclination was to creep back to the door, +and escape into the outer passage. Yet pride restrained me, pride +quickly supplemented by a return of courage. It was a man surely, a +thing of flesh and blood, I was called upon to meet. He was no better +armed than myself, and he possessed no advantage in that darkness, +except his knowledge of surroundings. I straightened up, and advanced +slowly, testing the wall with my hand, every muscle stiffened for +action, listening for the slightest sound. I encountered nothing, +heard nothing, until my groping fingers touched the rough plank of a +sleeping berth. I explored this cautiously, lifting the edge of a +coarse blanket, and reaching up to make sure the one above was also +unoccupied. Satisfied that both were empty I worked my way blindly +along to the second tier. As I reached into the lower of the two bunks +my finger came in contact with some substance that left the impression +of a human body beneath the blanket. I jerked away, startled, +expecting my light touch would arouse the occupant. There was no +movement, however, nor could I distinguish any sound of breathing. + +Convinced I had been mistaken, I reached in once more to assure myself +of the truth, and my hand touched cold, clammy flesh. The shock of +discovery sent me reeling backward so suddenly that I slipped and fell. +It was a man--a dead man! In imagination I could see the wide-open, +sightless eyes, staring toward me through the dark. Trembling with the +unreasonable terror of unstrung nerves, I yet managed to regain my +feet. It was not the dead body, so much as the black gloom, which +robbed me of manhood. I could not see where to go, how to escape. At +whatever cost I must procure light. The very desperation yielded me +reckless courage. Shaking as with palsy, yet with teeth clinched, I +reached forward, groping my way back to the side of the bunk. I +touched the edge of the blanket, and thrust it away, feeling the body. +The man was fully dressed, lying upon his back, and I experienced no +difficulty in attaining the pockets of his coat. In the third I found +what I sought--a box of matches. + +Never before, or since, have I experienced such relief, as when my +fingers closed over this precious find. I struck one, and as the +phosphorus head burst into flame, stared about the vacant room, and +then down into the dead face within the bunk. The man had been killed +by the stroke of a hatchet, and was almost unrecognizable. Not until +the blazing match had burned to my finger tips was I sure of his +identity--then, to my added horror, I recognized Coombs. I struck a +second match, assuring myself beyond doubt, and drew the blanket up +over the disfigured face. As the brief light flickered and died, I +grasped the full significance of the man's death, the probable reason +for his being stricken down. Whoever had been hidden behind that +picture, crouching in the passage, had overheard his confession to me. +This was vengeance wreaked upon a traitor, the executed death sentence +of desperate men. And it had just been carried out--within the hour! +The murderers might be even now lurking within the shadows watching my +every motion. + +Again a slender match flared into tiny flame, casting about a dim +radius of light, partially reassuring me that I was alone. Before it +flickered out into darkness my eyes made two discoveries--the opening +of a dark passage to the left of the bunks, and a ghastly hand +protruding from the upper berth. I was scarcely sure this last was not +a vision of my half-mad brain, but a fourth match revealed it +all--above the murdered Coombs, hidden beneath blankets, was the body +of the strange man shot in the upper room. My God! the place was a +charnel house! a spot accursed! I crept back from that ghastly scene +of death as though invisible hands gripped my throat. I fairly choked +with the unutterable horror which overcame me. And yet I knew I must +act, must go on to the end. Even as I crouched there, trembling and +unmanned, seeing visions in the darkness, hearing imaginary sounds, my +thought leaped back to the girl upstairs. It was the one remembrance +which kept me sane. It was not the dead, but the living, I had to +fear, and it was not in my nature to shrink back from any man. I could +feel the courage returning, the leap of hot blood through my veins as I +straightened up. + +I risked one more match to make certain of the opening through the +wall, dimly glimpsed beyond the berths. My eyes were not deceived; +here was a second wood-supported passage, unblocked so far as I could +perceive, but black as pitch. I held the flaming splinter aloft, +anxiously scanning the few feet thus revealed, but as it sputtered out, +the red ash dropping to the floor, I felt renewed confidence that I was +alone, unobserved. Whoever those assassins might be, they had +departed, leaving only the helpless dead behind. No doubt they would +come again to remove the bodies, to seek refuge in this hidden hole. +But for the moment I was there undiscovered, and must utilize each +precious instant for discoveries and escape. Wild recklessness, a +desire to break away from those grewsome surroundings, overcame all +caution. Swiftly as I dared in the dense blackness I crept forward, +feeling the smooth wall with eager fingers, my right hand still +nervously gripping the revolver butt. Then I came to the door, similar +to the other, although no groping about would reveal the catch, or +enable me to force it open. + +Again I struck a match, guarding the infant flame with both hands +against a slight draught which threatened its extinction. There was no +sound, no warning of imminent danger. All my coolness had returned, +and my every thought centered on quickly discovering the lock of the +door. Yet, even in that instant, I caught glimpse of a shadow on the +wall, and made one swift, automatic effort to leap aside, dropping the +fatal match. The movement was too late! Something descended crashing +upon my head, and I pitched forward into unconsciousness. + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +TAKEN PRISONER + +It must be I lay there practically dead for some time. I had no +knowledge of being approached, or handled, and yet every pocket was +rifled, the revolver jerked from my hand, and my coat ripped from my +body. Like so much carrion the fellows had flung me back against the +wall, so as to make room for the swinging open of the door. I lay +there huddled up in shapeless disfigurement, blood staining the stones, +one arm twisted above my head. Consciousness returned so slowly, the +benumbed brain began to flicker into activity before a stiffened muscle +relaxed. I was awake, able to perceive dimly, and to realize my +situation, before my body responded to action. Returning life seemed +to sweep downward as the mind grasped the realities, bringing +consciousness of pain, throbbing head and aching muscles. Little by +little, silently, comprehending now what had occurred, and warned by +the sound of voices not far away, I changed posture slightly, +straightening out cramped limbs, and so turning my head as to enable me +to see along the passage where a ray of light streamed. There was a +mist before my eyes, but this lessened, and I began to view +intelligently the scene. + +I lay twenty feet from the entrance to this habitation underground, +thrust into the black shadow behind the door which stood partially +ajar. My position precluded any possibility of learning what was +beyond that wooden barrier, but I could plainly view the entire north +portion of the interior, although the only light radiated from a +flickering candle. One edge of the table came within my vision, a man +sitting beside it, his back turned toward me. I made out little of +this fellow's characteristics, as I saw only a pair of broad shoulders, +encased in a rough shooting coat, and a fringe of black whiskers. He +was smoking a short-stemmed pipe, and contented himself with a +growling, indistinct utterance when addressed. Opposite, however, was +a man of a different type, slender and active, his hair very dark and +inclined to curl, a rather long face, slightly olive-hued, with a small +mustache waxed at the ends. His black, sparkling eyes attracted me +first, and then his long, shapely hands. These grasped a sheet of +paper, and I noticed others, including several unopened envelopes, +lying before him on the table. He laughed a bit unpleasantly, a row of +white teeth visible beneath the dark mustache. + +"It's just as I thought, Herman," he said genially. "The fellow is a +mere adventurer. There will be no one to take his disappearance +seriously. Look at this document." + +He held out a half-printed, half-written sheet which I instantly +recognized as my discharge, but the big man only nodded, his hands in +his pockets. + +"I not read English--you know dot," he said placidly. + +"True, I had forgotten. This is the fellow's army discharge; only +issued six or seven weeks ago at Manila. He was serving in the ranks +over there. Got back to this country broke, most likely, and fell into +the hands of those schemers up North, willing enough to do anything for +a bunch of coin. The poor devil probably has n't got a friend on +earth." + +"But someone know he come here." + +"Only the two who sent him, and they 'll never dare tell, and the +woman. She is safe enough. Nigger Pete drove them out here, and we +can close his mouth easily enough. It's been easy, Herman, and now +with these two settled it leaves me a clear field." + +"Maybe so--yes. But vat you think it all mean? I would know how eet +vas dey come." + +The younger man shuffled the papers restlessly, his eyes on the face of +the other. + +"I confess there are some details missing, Herman," he said slowly, +"but in the main it is clear enough. I take it this man Neale is a +damned rascal. He went North to find the heir, discovered that he was +either dead, or had disappeared, ran into some scamp of the same kidney +as himself, and, between them, determined to cop the coin. That's my +guess. Then they picked up this penniless soldier, who, by the way, +resembles the missing son a bit, and sent him down here to play the +part. Wrote him out full instructions," tapping the papers +suggestively, "and then sat down there to wait results." + +"Vel, maybe so--but vat about the girl, hey?" + +"Someone they picked off the streets. He 's told to do it in this +letter. They thought it best to prove their man married, and so had to +procure a woman. We won't have any trouble with her." + +"Vat you do to be sure?" + +"Turn her loose in New Orleans with a few dollars," carelessly. "All +she knows about the affair can't hurt us if she does squeal. There are +plenty of ways to shut her mouth. I 'll know better how to handle her +case right when I see her. Broussard is a long time at his job." + +"Perhaps she fight heem--hey?" + +"The worse for her--that Creole is a wild-cat. But I wish he would +hurry, so we can get through the Gut on the flood tide; that boat draws +more water than is comfortable in this lagoon." + +"You need not worry," said the German, placidly looking at his watch. +"I take eet through safe. She dam good sea boat, an' where I come in I +can go out. Ach! 'tis the fellow come now." + +The newcomer passed so close beside me I could feel his foot touch +mine. As he hurried forward I realized the eyes of the two men would +be upon him, and that any movement of mine would be unobserved. The +door remained ajar, and, if escape was possible, now was the time. +With head reeling dizzily, I crept through the opening, yet held the +latch, fascinated by the first spoken words within. + +"Well, Broussard, what is it?" + +"All seen to, sir." + +"The bodies are planted then?" + +"The men attended to that." + +"And the woman?" + +"On her way; there was no trouble. Sallie had her doped, sir." + +"I expected she would. Then that finishes our job here, Herman, and +the quicker we are off the better." The two men arose to their feet, +Herman grumbling something in German, but the younger man interrupted. + +"We got the fellow after you left, Broussard; hit him a bit too hard it +seems, but no one will ever investigate, so it's just as well. +Adventurer named Craig, just discharged from the army." + +"Where is he?" + +"Lying there in the passage behind the door. Have Peters and Sam bury +him along with the others, and then join us. We 'll go aboard." + +I shut the door, and started down the passage. For a dozen steps it +was black as night; then there was a sharp swerve to the right, and a +gleam of daylight in the far distance. Already they were at the +barrier, and I ran forward recklessly, eager to escape into the open. +The way was clear, the floor rising slightly, yet without obstructions. +I could hear voices, the pounding of feet behind, and I made desperate +effort to outdistance my pursuers. That they were merciless I knew, +and my only hope lay in attaining some hiding place in the weeds before +they could emerge into the daylight. I thought of nothing else. But +as I burst, straining and breathless into the open, hands gripped me +from both sides. An instant I struggled to break free, fighting with a +mad ferocity, which nearly accomplished the purpose. I had one down, a +bearded ruffian, planting my fist full in his face, and sent the other +groaning backward with a kick in the stomach, when the three from +within burst forth and flung me face down into the earth, and pinned me +flat beneath their weight. An instant later Broussard's belt was +strapped tightly, binding my hands helplessly to my sides, and I was +hurled over so that I stared up blindly into the face of the fellow in +command. His black eyes were sneering, while the unpleasant smile +revealed a row of white teeth. + +"Great God, man," he exclaimed, "you must have the skull of an +elephant. Are you actually alive?" + +"Very much so," I gasped, defiant still. + +"Maybe I finish heem, Monsieur," questioned Broussard, with knee still +planted on my chest. "Then he not talk, hey?" + +The leader laughed, with a wave of the hand. "You take the fellow far +too seriously. Let him up. I 'll find a way to close his mouth if it +ever be necessary. Besides, he knows nothing to do any harm. A bit +groggy, my man. Hold him on his feet, you fellows." + +I stood helpless, my arms bound, gripped tightly on either side, gazing +full into the villain's face; out of the depth of despair and defeat +there had come an animating ray of hope--they were going to take me +with them. Even as a prisoner I should be near her. Would yet be able +to dig out the truth. + +"You take heem along, Monsieur?" It was Broussard's voice. "Zat vat +you mean?" + +"Certainly--why not? There's plenty of work for another hand on board. +Trust me to break him in. Come, hustle the lad along, boys. I 'll be +with you in a minute." + +They drove me forward roughly enough, the German marching +phlegmatically ahead, still silently puffing at his pipe, and leading +the way along a narrow footpath through the weeds. This wound about in +such crazy fashion that I lost all sense of both direction and +distance, yet finally we emerged into an open space, from which I saw +the chimneys of the old house far away to our left. The path led +onward into another weed patch beyond, down a steep ravine, and then +before us stretched the lonely waters of the bayou. Hidden under the +drooping foliage of the bank was a small boat, a negro peacefully +sleeping in the stern, with head pillowed on his arm. Herman awoke him +with a German oath, and the way the fellow sprang up, his eyes popping +open, was evidence of the treatment he was accustomed to. A hasty +application of an oar brought the boat's nose to the bank, and I was +thrust in unceremoniously, the three others following, each man +shipping an oar into the rowlocks. Herman alone remained on shore, +scattering the embers of a small fire, and staring back toward the +house. A few moments we waited in silence, then the slender figure of +the one who seemed the leading spirit, emerged from out the cane. He +glanced at the motionless figures in the boat, spoke a few words to +Herman, and then the two joined us, the latter taking the tiller, the +former pushing off, and springing alertly into the bow. + +Lying between the thwarts, face turned upward, all I could see +distinctly was the black oarsman, although occasionally, when he leaned +forward, I caught glimpses of the fellow I believed to be the captain +of the strange crew. Our boat skirted the shore, keeping close within +the concealing shadows, as evidenced by overhanging trees. The only +word spoken was a growling command by Herman at the rudder, and the +oars were noiseless as though muffled. Yet the men rowed with a will, +and scarcely twenty minutes elapsed ere we were scraping along the side +of a vessel of some size, and then came to a stop at foot of a +boarding-ladder. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +ON BOARD THE SEA GULL + +The Captain--for so I must call him--went up first, after hailing the +deck in French, and receiving some answer. Then, under Herman's +orders, I was hustled roughly to my feet, and bundled aboard. My head +still reeled dizzily, and the two men gripping my arms, hurried me over +the rail so swiftly my first impressions were extremely vague. I knew +the sides of the vessel were painted a dull gray, as nearly an +invisible color as could be conceived; I recall the sharp sheer of her +bow, the clearness of her lines, and the low sweep of her rail. Less +than a 1,000 tons burden, I thought, and then, as my eyes swept aloft, +and along the decks, I knew her for either a private yacht, or tropic +fruit steamer. + +"First stateroom, second cabin," said a new voice, sharply. "Lively +now." + +"Shall we unloose the ropes, sir?" + +"Yes; fasten the door, and leave a guard. Stow away the boat, +Broussard. Everything ready, Captain." + +I went down a broad stairway, shining brass rails on either side, which +led to a spacious after-cabin. A table extended its full length, +already set for a meal, and a round-faced negro, in white serving +jacket, grinned at me, as the men pressed me between them into a narrow +passage leading forward. A moment later I was unceremoniously thrust +into a small apartment on the right, the ropes about my wrists +loosened, and the door shut and locked behind me. For perhaps five +minutes I lay where I had been so unceremoniously dropped, weakened by +loss of blood, and dazed by the rapidity of events. I found it hard to +adjust my faculties to this new situation. I knew what had occurred, +but into whose hands I had fallen, and what was the purpose of this +outrage, was beyond my comprehension. One thing, however, was +sufficiently clear--these men were playing for big stakes, and would +hesitate at nothing to accomplish their purpose. They had already +killed without remorse, and that I still survived was itself a mere +accident. Yet the very fact that I lived yielded me fresh confidence, +a fatalistic belief that my life had thus been spared for a specific +purpose. It might yet be my privilege to foil these villains, and +rescue Mrs. Henley. It was my belief she was also on board this +vessel. I had no reason to assume this, except the wording of +Broussard's report which I had overheard. But she was a prisoner, and +this vessel would be the most likely place for her to be confined. I +sat up, my flesh burning, and stared about. The light shining through +the single closed port was dim, convincing me the sun had already set, +yet I could perceive the few furnishings of that interior. These +consisted merely of a double berth, a blanket spread over the lower +mattress, and a four-legged stool. Hooks, empty, decorated the walls, +and a small lamp dangled from the overhead beam. As I got to my feet I +could feel a faint throb of the engine, and realized we were moving +slowly through the water. The glass of the porthole was thick, but +clear. I knelt on the berth, and looked out, dimly perceiving the +shore-line slipping past, with an ever-broadening stretch of water +intervening. Then I sat down helplessly on the stool, and waited for +something to occur. Escape was impossible; I could only hope for some +movement on the part of my captors. + +I had little enough to think over, for the few words spoken in the +cellar had furnished no clew. My purpose there was known, and these +men had considered it worth while to put me out of the way, and to pick +up my companion also, yet I could not directly connect this action with +Judge Henley's will. We might have merely crossed their path, +interfered with their criminal plans. If so, then it was more than +likely our release would not be long delayed. Indeed, the man who +appeared to be the chief, had already said he would turn the girl free +in New Orleans, where she could do them no harm. New Orleans then was, +doubtless, the port for which we sailed. My knowledge of distance was +vague, yet that could not be a long voyage, nor one involving any great +danger. It was clear they meant no personal harm to her, and they +would never have brought me on board alive, if they had deemed it +necessary to otherwise dispose of me. These considerations were in the +main reassuring, and as I turned them over in my mind I drifted into +better humor. Besides, my head had ceased to ache, and a little +exercise put my numbed limbs into fair condition. + +It was fully an hour after the coming of darkness before I was +disturbed. Then the door opened, and the entering gleam of a light +swinging in the passage revealed the grinning negro steward bearing a +well-filled tray. This he deposited in the berth, while applying a +match to the lamp overhead. I saw no shadow of any guard outside, but +the fellow made no effort to close the door, and I did not move, +confident he was not alone. As he turned to go, however, curiosity +compelled me to question him, his good-natured face provocative of +courage. + +"Say, George, what boat is this?" + +"Mah name is Louis, sah." + +"All right, Louis, then; what's the name of this vessel?" + +"She am de _Sea Gull_, an' a mighty fin' boat, sah." + +"So I judge; what is she, fruiter, or private yacht?" + +"I reckon I don't just know," and he grinned. + +"Perhaps then you will inform me where we are bound--I suppose you know +that?" + +"No, sah; de captain he nebber done tol' me, sah, nothing 'bout his +personal plans. All he done said wus fer me to hustle sum grub in +yere." + +"But surely," I Insisted warmly, "you know what voyage you signed on +for?" + +"Wal, boss, I did n't sign on fer no vige. I 'se de steward, sah, an' +I just naturally goes 'long where ebber de ship does. 'T ain't rightly +none o' my business what de white folks 'cides to do. Good Lor', dey +don't never ask dis nigger nuthin' 'bout dat. All I got ter do is just +go 'long with 'em--dat's all." + +The shadow of a man blocked the doorway. He was one of those who had +been in the small boat, and I noticed a revolver at his waist. + +"That's enough, boy. Come, now, out with you," he commanded gruffly. +"Never you mind the door; I 'll attend to that." + +He pulled the door to after the retreating form of the negro, and I +heard the sharp click of the latch, and then his voice, muffled by +intervening wood, ordering the steward aft. There was no appearance of +any lock on the door; probably there was none, as otherwise it would +not have been necessary to post a guard. However, this was clearly no +time to experiment and I was hungry enough to forget all else in the +appetizing fragrance of the meal waiting. I fell to eagerly, convinced +there was a good cook on board, and enjoying every morsel. This did +not look as though I was destined to suffer, and merely being confined +in these narrow quarters for a few hours was no great hardship. +Probably the girl was receiving very similar treatment, and, as soon as +the _Sea Gull_ made whatever port was aimed at, we would both be put +ashore, and left to proceed as we thought best. Indeed, sitting there +alone, under the inspiration of choice food, well cooked, I became +quite cheerful, dismissing altogether from my mind any apprehension +that this attack upon us had any connection with the inheritance of +Philip Henley. These people were lawless enough, without doubt--the +murders already committed were evidence of that--but all they desired +so far as we were personally concerned, was to get us safely out of the +way, where we could no longer interfere with their plans. What those +plans might be I could merely conjecture, with little enough to guide +my guessing. They might be filibusters, connected with some revolution +along the Central American coast, smugglers, or marauders of even less +respectability. Their methods were desperate enough for any deeds of +crime. Without doubt they utilized this comparatively forsaken lagoon +as a hidden rendezvous, and the deserted Henley plantation--from which +even the negroes had been frightened away--was an ideal spot for them +to meet in, plan their raids, or secrete their spoils. These fellows +were doubtless the ghosts which haunted the place, and had given it so +uncanny a reputation throughout the neighborhood. They would naturally +resent any interference, any change in ownership, or control. +Possibly, if they were thieves, as I more than half suspected, they had +loot buried nearby, and were anxious to get us out of the way long +enough to remove it unobserved. This appealed to me as by far the most +probable explanation. + +I had cleaned the dishes, and was sitting on the stool, leaning back +against the wall, already becoming sleepy, listening to the rhythmic +pulsation of the engines at low speed, when the door opened again, and +the guard stood revealed before me in the glare of light. + +"The old man wants you," he explained brusquely, waving his hand aft as +though specifying the direction. "Come on, now." + +"What does he want?" + +"How the hell do I know! But let me tell you, his orders go on this +boat." + +I preceded him along the narrow passage, utterly indifferent to the +threat in his manner, but still conscious that one hand gripped the +butt of his revolver. Without doubt the fellow had orders to be +vigilant, and, perhaps, would even welcome some excuse for violence. I +gave him none, however, hopeful that the approaching interview might +yield new information. The cabin was unoccupied, the table swung up +against the beams of the upper deck, the heavy chairs moved back +leaving a wide open space. The furnishings were rich, in excellent +taste, the carpet a soft, green Wilton; the hanging lamp quite ornate, +while a magnificent upright piano was firmly anchored against the butt +of the aftermast. It was a yacht-like interior, even to the sheet +music on the rack, and a gray striped cat dozing on one of the softly +cushioned chairs. Gazing about, I could scarcely realize this was an +abode of criminals, or that I was there a captive. It was the sudden +grip of my guard which brought the truth relentlessly home. + +"This is no movin' picture show," he muttered. "Hustle along thar, in +back o' that music box. See--the way I 'm pointin'." + +There was but one door, evidence that a single cabin occupied the +entire space astern, and I stopped before it, my companion applying his +knuckles to the wood, but without removing his watchful eyes from me. +A muffled voice asked who was there, and at the response replied: + +"Open the door and show him in, Peters, and remain where you are within +call." + +I entered, conscious of a strange feeling of hesitancy, pausing +involuntarily as I heard the door close, and glancing hastily about. I +had expected a scene of luxury, a counterpart of the outer cabin. +Instead, I stood upon a plain, uncarpeted deck, the white walls and +ceiling undecorated. On one side was a double tier of berths, lockers +were between the ports, and heavy curtains draped the two windows aft. +Opposite the berths was an arm rack, containing a variety of weapons, +and the only floor covering was a small rug beneath a desk near the +center of the apartment. This latter was littered with papers, among +them a map or two, on which courses had been pricked. Beyond these all +the room contained was a small bookcase, crowded with volumes, and a +few chairs, only one upholstered. The only person present occupied +this, and was seated at the desk, watching me, a cigarette smoking +between his fingers. It was the olive-hued man of the cellar, the one +I had picked as leader, and his teeth gleamed white in an effort to +smile. In spite of his skin and dark eyes, I could not guess at his +nationality, but felt an instinctive dislike to him, more deeply rooted +than before, now that I comprehended how completely I was in his power. + +"Take a seat, Craig," he said, speaking with a faint accent barely +perceptible. "The second chair will be found the more comfortable. +Now we can talk easily. May I offer you a cigarette?" + +I accepted it more to exhibit my own coolness than from any desire to +smoke, but without other response. The man had sent for me for some +specific purpose, and I desired to learn what that might be before +unmasking my own batteries. + +"A smoke generally leaves me in more genial humor," he continued, +ignoring my reticence. "Mere habit, of course, but we are all more or +less in slavery to the weed. I trust you have been fairly comfortable +since coming on board the _Sea Gull_." + +"As much so as a prisoner could naturally expect to be," I replied +indifferently. "This vessel then is the _Sea Gull_?" + +He bowed, with an expressive gesticulation of the hand. + +"At present--yes. In days gone by it has been found convenient to call +her the _Esmeralda_, the _Seven Sisters_, and the _Becky N_. The name +is immaterial, so long as it sounds well, and conforms to the manifest. +However, just now the register reads _Sea Gull_, Henley, master, 850 +tons, schooner-rigged yacht." + +"You are under steam?" + +"Exactly; auxiliary steam power." + +"In what trade?" + +"Operated for pleasure exclusively," a slight tone of mockery in the +soft voice. "A rather expensive luxury, of course, but available all +the year around in this latitude." + +"I failed to catch the captain's name--yours, I presume?" + +He laughed, pausing to light another cigarette. + +"Still it is one you seem fairly familiar with--Henley, Philip Henley." + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +I CHANGE FRONT + +This statement of his identity, spoken calmly, and smilingly, was such +a surprise that I could but stare at the man, half convinced I had +misunderstood his words. + +"You see, Craig," he continued quietly, apparently comprehending my +state of mind, "your little game is up. Not a bad plan +originally--something of a criminal genius that fellow Neale--but he +failed to count on the fact that I was very much alive, and fully +capable of attending to my own affairs. By the way, what part did the +girl play in this little conspiracy? Merely a friend of yours, who +came along for company?" + +"Certainly not," I replied indignantly. "Have you seen her?" + +"Not yet; I preferred coming to an understanding with you first." + +"A condition you may not find as easy as you anticipate," I retorted, +angered at his cool insolence. "If you are Philip Henley, then the +lady you are holding prisoner is your wife." + +He laughed, leaning back again in his chair. + +"Well, hardly. I rather surmised that was the idea from a sentence or +two, in these instructions," and he touched a bundle of papers on the +desk. "Careless way to carry such evidence around--shows the amateur. +Thought it would add to the appeal to justice for Henley to have a +wife, I presume. Why not a child also? Permit me to state, my dear +sir, that I possess no such encumbrance." + +"It happens," I contended coldly, "that I have seen the marriage +certificate." + +He sat up stiffly, the sarcastic grin leaving his face, and replaced by +an expression of vindictiveness. + +"Oh, you have! As much a forgery as some of these other precious +documents. You will certainly grant that I ought to know whether I am +married or not?" + +"I made no assertion relative to that." + +"What did you assert?" + +"That Philip Henley was married, and that his wife--or widow, as the +case may be--is the lady who accompanied me to Carrollton." + +He leaned forward, both arms on the desk, his black eyes narrowed into +mere slits. + +"Oh, I see," finally. "Driven out of one position, like a good +general, you have another in reserve. You are more of an antagonist +than I had supposed, Craig. So now it is the widow who claims the +ducats. Am I also to understand that you are prepared to submit proof +of the death of Philip Henley? By the saints; I am becoming +interested." + +"Naturally, if you claim to be the man. I have not said he was dead, +for I do not know. I came down here believing him alive. His wife is +almost convinced otherwise. All I am actually certain about now is +that you are not the man." + +"You are extremely free-spoken for a fellow in your condition. You +will at least confess that I am master on board this ship; that my word +here is law, and you are in my power." + +"Yes." + +"Then why expose yourself, and that young woman, to unnecessary danger? +To be frank, Craig, I sent for you just now in a friendly spirit. You +can be decidedly useful to me, and I can afford to pay well for +services rendered. Now wait! don't break in until I am through. I +know who you are, and how you originally became involved in this +affair. You have no personal interest in the final outcome, so you +receive the amount promised. You are a mere soldier of fortune, an +adventurer. Good! Then it is certainly to your interest to be on the +winning side. What did Neale, and that other fellow--Vail--offer?" + +I sat looking at him steadily for a moment. That he was a shrewd, +scheming villain I had no doubt, but the one question which controlled +my answer was the thought of how I could best serve her. If I followed +my inclination, told him frankly that I had already deserted my +allegiance to those men in the North, and only remained loyal to the +woman, the confession would possibly react upon us both. We would be +held prisoners indefinitely. If, on the other hand, I appeared to +hesitate, a way of service might be opened before me, and, with it, a +path to freedom, for us both. The decision had to be made quickly. + +"Never mind the sum," I said soberly. "I am not altogether mercenary, +although I need money. I 'll say this, however, and you can take it +for what it may be worth. I originally came into this game believing I +was doing a kindness to a helpless man who was being defrauded of his +rights. There is no necessity of my going into details, but Neale told +me an apparently straight story, and convinced me my part was a mere +form. Later I learned different, and promptly quit. I have n't sent +in a line of report to my employers." + +"What convinced you of the fraud?" + +"A conversation with Mrs. Henley." + +"Oh, the woman, hey!" his tone again sarcastic. "Always the woman; +more to be valued than great riches, aye! even than fine gold. Good +Lord, Craig, don't be a wooden-headed fool. I tell you plainly Philip +Henley was never married, and I know. This girl is a mere adventuress +unworthy of any consideration." + +"You claim still to be Henley?" I asked, stifling my indignation. + +"Not only claim, but am. My identity is already firmly established in +court. Lawyers have the final papers ready to file." + +"You do not in any way resemble the photograph shown me of the man." + +"A fake picture; we have known something of Neale's plans from the +first." + +The man was apparently so confident, that I began to doubt my own +conclusions, and yet I could not doubt her. Whatever other falsehoods +might compass me about, she was to be implicitly trusted. + +"Is the woman on board?" I questioned. + +He hesitated just an instant. + +"Yes." + +"Will you have her brought here?" + +He walked across the cabin twice, turning the proposition over in his +mind. Apparently concluding that the ordeal might as well be over with +first as last, he opened the door, and gave an order to Peters. Then +he returned to his seat at the desk. + +"This is all silly enough, Craig, but I might as well convince you both +now, as later, that I hold the cards. The lady may try a bluff, if she +is that kind, but it will be soon over." + +We waited silently, and I endeavored swiftly to formulate a +satisfactory course of action. In spite of all my faith in her--which +could never waver--it was clearly evident this fellow had us helpless +in his grasp. If I was to become free to act it could only be by +yielding to his expressed desires, and apparently accepting his claims. +That this would separate me for the time from Mrs. Henley, alienate her +friendship, was a certainty. Yet I must risk all this even to be of +real service. The end would justify the means. We were confronted by +no common scoundrel, and here was a case where fire could only be +fought with flame. I did not for an instant believe he was Philip +Henley, yet he was apparently fortified with strong evidence to sustain +that claim. The very fact that he so strenuously denied that Philip +was married, convinced me he was an impostor, that he had never even +heard of this secret wedding. Probably the Judge had not mentioned it +while living, nor written any memoranda concerning it. Yet Neale knew, +and there could be no question as to the truth of the matter. In view +of all I decided openly to cast my fortunes with the man, and appear +angry at the deceit with which she had ensnared me. I dreaded the +result, the expression my apparent desertion would bring to her face, +but this seemed the only was possible for me to unmask the fellow. He +had clearly enough catalogued me in his own class, as one who would +serve any master for sufficient reward. Very well, let him so continue +to think, until I could turn the tables, and pay him back in his own +coin. And the quickest way in which to convince him that I was +altogether his man, was to denounce the girl in his presence, and +frankly avow myself on his side. Difficult as this task would +prove--at least until I could make some explanation to her--it was the +sensible course to pursue. I hardened myself to it, my eyes on the +outlines of the man's face, as he shuffled the papers on his desk. + +"Do you mind telling me where this vessel is bound?" I asked, not only +curious to learn, but also anxious to break the silence. + +"No objections whatever, Craig, if I knew myself," he answered +carelessly. "The _Sea Gull_ being my property sails on my orders, and, +at present, those orders are merely to put out to sea." + +"You spoke of leaving the lady ashore at New Orleans." + +"Oh, back at the house? You overheard that? Well, I am not above +changing my mind in such matters. From what you have just told me I +infer the young woman is more dangerous than I had supposed. Perhaps +some foreign port would be the safer landing place. I shall determine +that after our coming interview. This will be the lady now." + +We both arose to our feet as she entered, glancing about her curiously +at the rather strange surroundings, then stopping irresolutely, +apparently recognizing neither of us. The light from the hanging lamp, +waving somewhat from the movement of the vessel, served to soften the +lines of her face, and reveal the delicate beauty. About her were no +signs of fatigue or fear. Suddenly the light of recognition leaped +into her eyes, and she took a quick step forward. + +"Mr. Craig--you here? Why, I can hardly understand. Were you made +prisoner also?" + +"I suppose that to be my status, although I hardly know," I answered, +yet unable to refrain from accepting the extended hand. "I was +certainly brought aboard in chains, and much against my will. I +presume you know this person?" + +She swept my face with a swift, questioning glance, and then looked +beyond me at the man standing beside the desk. + +"No, I do not," slowly. "I have no remembrance of ever seeing him +before." + +"Is that not rather strange," I asked, steeling myself to the task, +"after asserting that he was your husband? He is the owner of this +vessel--Philip Henley." + +She reached out gropingly, and grasped the back of a chair, staring at +his face, and then glancing into mine, as though bewildered, suspecting +some trick. I could see her lips move, as if she endeavored to speak, +but could not articulate the words. Henley---for I must call him +that--advanced a step toward us, his thin lips fashioning themselves +into an ironic smile. + +"You receive this information about as I supposed you would, Madam," he +said coldly. "I was doubtless the very last person you expected to +encounter. Your accomplice here informs me that I am supposed to be +dead. I am inclined to think you were both mistaken--but not more so +than in regard to my marriage." + +She straightened up, her eyes shining. + +"You are not Philip Henley," she said firmly. "He is my husband." + +The smile widened, revealing the cruel white teeth. + +"I expected heroics. It was hardly to be supposed that you would +confess your fraud at once, and--before your lover." + +She shrank back, her hands still extended. + +"My--my lover--" + +"Now stop!" I broke in, every nerve tingling, as I stepped between +them. "Another insinuation like that, and you will learn what I can +do. You may be captain of this boat, but you are alone with us now, +and I can kill you before you could utter a cry. So help me God, I +will, if you dare insult her again." + +He reeled back against the desk, although I do not think I touched him, +and his hand sought an open drawer. I knew him instantly for a coward, +and gripped his wrist, hurling him from me half across the room. + +"I 'll stand here, and you over there. I prefer dealing with your kind +with bare hands. Now if you have any reply to make to this lady's +assertions put it in decent language." + +He gasped a bit, rubbing his bruised wrist, his eyes shifting to the +closed door as though contemplating an alarm. But I stood where I +could block any effort, and I doubt if he liked the expression on my +face. + +[Illustration: He gasped a bit, rubbing his bruised wrist.] + +"There is no use going off at half cock, Craig," he snarled. "I did +n't mean any insult. And I 'll get you for that some time. You 'll +learn yet what the _Sea Gull_ is." + +"No doubt," I coincided, tired of his threats, and awakened to the fact +that this quarrel was not likely to help our chances. "But for a few +minutes it will be worth your while to listen to me. I am not +defending this woman from anything but unnecessary insults. If she has +deceived me I want to find it out. If you are Philip Henley, as you +claim to be, you must have evidence to prove it. Convince me that her +assertions are false, and you will not find me unreasonable." + +"Gordon Craig, do you mean--" + +I turned to her, steeling myself to look into her appealing eyes. + +"I have been honest with you from the beginning," I Interrupted +abruptly. "Now, if I discover that your statements are false, the +inducements are all the other way. I am a soldier of fortune." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +THE SECRET OF THE VOYAGE + +Henley laughed, the sound grating harshly on my nerves, yet I made no +movement of protest as he stepped silently back to his desk. I was no +longer afraid of the fellow, even although he might have a weapon +concealed in one of the drawers, for I knew I had drawn his fangs. +This open avowal on my part was sufficient to convince one of his +stripe that I was concerned only with my own interests. Whatever +suspicion he may have previously entertained regarding my relations +with the lady were now thoroughly evaporated. Assured in his own mind +that Philip had never been married, he was now easily convinced that I +had merely associated myself with a girl from the streets, whom I was +only too glad to desert upon any plausible excuse. His words confirmed +my judgment. + +"Well said, my man. Now we begin to understand each other. Of course +I have the proofs. I would be a fool to sit in such a game without a +winning hand. Sit down, both of you, while we talk this over. There +is no reason why the three of us should not be friends, providing you +are sensible." + +She had never removed her gaze from me, standing white-faced and rigid, +as though unable to fully comprehend. I doubt if she heard, to +distinguish, a syllable he spoke, her every thought centered on my +renunciation. + +"But--but I am his wife," she panted indignantly. "Philip Henley's +wife. I--I showed you our certificate." + +"A fake, a forgery," asserted the other roughly, before I could find +voice. "You had it framed up all right, if you had never run across +me. Show me the paper." + +"I cannot, for it is not here. I placed it in my valise back at that +house." She stepped forward with hands held out toward me. "But you +know--Gordon Craig, you know. I could not have forged that; I had not +time; no information which would have led to such an act. You tell him +so." + +"I hardly think he will, Madam," returned the Captain shortly, +evidently feeling it better not to let me speak. "And there is no use +going on with this any farther. Answer me a question or two, that is +all. Did n't Craig tell you why he was coming down here?" + +"Yes," the single word scarcely audible. + +"He explained to you in detail what was expected of him?" + +"Yes." + +"Some hours before you left, was n't it?" + +"Yes." + +"Then you had sufficient time, and knowledge to complete your plans. +When did you first tell Craig you were Philip Henley's wife?" + +I clinched my hands at the bewildered embarrassment in her eyes, at the +sneer in the voice of the questioner, yet held myself silent. + +"It was after we came here; when I was frightened, and felt that I must +confess the truth. I--I had begun to trust him." + +"Oh, indeed, and you failed to tell him at first because you did not +trust him." + +"Partially that--yes. Although I do not think the name Henley was even +mentioned during our first interview. I am sure I did not realize it +was my husband's father who was dead until later." + +"Exactly; you picked up a strange man on the street; agreed to go off +on a criminal mission with him, and now expect us to believe you +perfectly innocent of any wrong intent." + +"That will be enough," I interrupted, unable to remain quiet any +longer. "The motives of the woman, and how we chanced to meet, are no +concern of yours. If you are Philip Henley, prove it, and let it go at +that. I have told you plainly enough where I stand." + +He gazed with black eyes narrowed into slits at the two of us, too +pleased with himself to doubt his success. The sarcastic smile curling +his lips caused me to swear under my breath, but I had gone too far now +to retreat. + +"Just as you say, Craig," affecting an easy good nature. "That is +perfectly agreeable to me. However, as it makes no difference what the +late Mrs. Henley thinks, we will dismiss her from the case, and settle +the affair quietly between ourselves. I 've got a proposition which +will interest you." He touched a button, and I heard the sharp tingle +of a bell outside. Almost instantly the door in the cabin opened. +"That you, Peters? Conduct the woman back to her stateroom, lock the +door, and bring me the key." + +He bent forward, searching for something in a pigeonhole to his right, +and I caught her eyes, touching my lips with my fingers to signal +silence, while an inclination of the head told her to go without +resistance. The swift change of expression on her face proved her +instant comprehension, as, without uttering a word of protest, she +turned, and disappeared. Henley never glanced up from his work of +selecting papers from a bundle under his hands, nor did I move, until +after Peters returned with the key. Henley dropped it into his pocket. + +"That will be all," he said; "you can go." + +"You mean I am off duty, sir?" + +"Certainly; you understand English, don't you? There will be no more +guard work tonight." + +As the door closed again behind Peters the fellow rose to his feet, and +held out his hand. "You are the kind I like, Craig," he said +cordially. "At first I had my doubts about you, and no doubt have been +harsh. To be perfectly honest I thought you would be all right under +ordinary circumstances, but was afraid the girl had a sentimental hold +on you which would make you difficult to handle. Lord, she thought so +too. Did you see her face when you first sided in with me? She wilted +completely. Well, that will make the rest easy. Sit down again, and I +will explain what I want you for." + +I accepted the chair indicated, but was not yet altogether ready to +hear his proposition. + +"Just a moment," I said firmly. "I may be the man you want, and all +that, but I have got to be convinced first that I am not making another +mistake. I came down here originally believing myself an agent of +justice, only to discover I had been duped. This time I insist on the +truth. I may be a soldier of fortune, but I prefer choosing the side +on which I fight." + +"You mean you wish to assure yourself I have the right of it," he asked +smilingly, "before you enlist? There is nothing unreasonable to that. +Unfortunately, however," and he picked up the papers from the desk, "I +can only furnish you corroborative proofs now. Still, I think these +will be convincing. The legal papers, which absolutely establish my +identity as Philip Henley, are in the hands of lawyers, who represent +me at Carrollton. The case will not come up for adjudication for +several weeks yet," speaking slowly, and with careful choice of words, +"but my contention as heir to the property is thoroughly established. +It had to be, for as you know the Judge's son had been away from this +neighborhood for years, practically ever since boyhood. He was almost +unknown to the local inhabitants, even to the servants. He was even +reported as being dead. This state of affairs made identification the +most important thing to be considered. Consequently all documents +bearing directly on that point are, at present, out of my reach. You +understand?" + +"Yes; only you must have retained something to substantiate your word." + +"Precisely. I was coming to that. I have letters from my father which +should be sufficient. You have seen Judge Henley's writing?" and he +handed me a half dozen missives. They were without envelopes, each +beginning simply, "My Dear Son," relating principally to local +conditions on the plantation, and occasionally expressing a desire for +the wanderer to return, and assume the burden of management. Instead +of names, initials were employed to designate individuals referred to, +and it was evident the recipient had been addressed at various places. +That they were in the crabbed and peculiar handwriting of the old Judge +was beyond all question, and the dates covered several years. I read +them through carefully, puzzled by their contents. + +"There are no envelopes?" + +"No; I never keep them--why?" + +"Only that no name is mentioned; they begin all alike, 'My Dear Son.'" + +"I never thought of that," he, admitted, simulating surprise, "but can +supplement by showing you this picture, taken three years ago at +Mobile. Of course you will recognize myself, but may never have seen a +photograph of Judge Henley." + +"I never have." + +"Well, that is his likeness, and there are those on board who will +identify it. Does this satisfy you that I am what I claim to be?" + +In truth it did not, for I would have believed nothing in opposition to +the positive statement of the woman that he was not Philip Henley. Her +simple assertion weighed more with me than any proofs he might submit. +Yet his coolness of demeanor, and the tone of the letters, evidently +written in confidence from father to son, were unanswerable. Under +other conditions--divorced from what I knew--they would be conclusive. +Now I could only wonder at them, groping blindly for some solution. +Were they really addressed to him, or had he stolen them? If the +latter, then how had he succeeded in getting his picture on the same +plate with Judge Henley's? And what were those other more important +documents on which he rested his claim? These considerations flashed +through my mind, yet I was sufficiently aroused to answer quickly, +aware that even the slightest hesitancy might awaken suspicion. + +"It would seem to be unanswerable," I replied, replacing letters and +photograph on the desk. "What hurts my pride is to have been made such +a fool of." + +"That's nothing, Craig; we have all had that experience. You merely +fell into the clutches of some shrewd men, and a designing woman. +Fortunately you have discovered the truth before any great harm has +been done, and I stand ready to give you a chance now on the winning +side. I would rather have you with me than opposed, and there will be +more money in it for us both. What do you say?" + +"I should prefer to know more about your proposition." + +"It has nothing whatever to do with the Henley matter," he exclaimed, +leaning back in his chair, and surveying me shrewdly through his dark +eyes. "That is practically settled already, so you will not be further +involved with the girl." + +"You would oblige me by leaving her name out of the discussion then," I +interposed coldly. "Even her presence on board is distasteful under +the circumstances." + +He chuckled, well satisfied with his diplomacy. + +"I understand that; however, we cannot obliterate her entirely. Pretty +enough to be useful too, I imagine, if she can ever be brought to view +this affair from the right angle. Could n't you be induced to attempt +a little, missionary work? Love-making at sea is said to be especially +pleasant." + +I shook my head, gazing directly into his eyes, barely able to keep +from throttling him. + +"Drop it," I said sternly. "The girl is to be left alone if I have any +part in your scheme. Now I want to know what is expected of me; may I +ask questions?" + +He lit another cigarette, calmly indifferent to all outward appearance. + +"Certainly--fire away." + +"Where are we bound?" + +"Spanish Honduras," lazily, but spreading out a map, and tapping it +with his finger. "Perto Cortez, if we can make that port safely; if +not then somewhere along the coast between there and Trupillo. There +will be signals." + +I leaned forward, startled out of my self-restraint. "Honduras! Good +Lord! what are you--a filibuster?" + +"Hardly," with a short laugh. "That is too dangerous a job, and not +money enough in it. I prefer to do my revoluting through others, and +cop the swag. That is the safe end of the game. It happens to be +Honduras just now; I have been equally interested in other downtrodden +countries. In truth, friend, I am a patriot for revenue only." + +"You mean you furnish arms?" + +"For a suitable consideration--yes. In strict confidence I will state +that securely packed away in the hold of the _Sea Gull_--largely in +boxes labeled machinery--are twenty thousand rifles, six rapid-fire +guns, and a sufficiency of ammunition for a small army. Once safely +landed the profits of the voyage will total one hundred and fifty +thousand dollars, gold. A rather tidy sum, hey?" + +I grasped the idea swiftly enough, and it cleared up some of the shadow +of mystery. But the situation was rendered no more pleasant for us. + +"Then you are not sailing for New Orleans?" + +"Not until my hold is empty. We cleared from there, light, three weeks +ago." + +"You mean to retain the lady on board?" + +"Unless she prefers to jump overboard." + +"And what have I to do with all this? You said you had use for +me--what use?" + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +I JOIN THE SEA GULL + +I can see the fellow still, as he sat there smiling, his teeth revealed +under his mustache, his eyes filled with cunning. + +"You! why you chance to be the very sort of man I need. The devil +could not have sent me a better," he said, with some enthusiasm. "You +are an American soldier, the best-drilled men in the world for +irregular service. You can understand that the longer I can keep those +fellows down there fighting, the more I will sell. Good! that is part +of my business. And the better they are drilled, the longer they will +keep it up. That is what I want you for--to help make that mob of rags +into an army. By God! you can do it, and I am willing to pay the +price." + +I got up, and walked across the cabin, apparently struggling with +temptation, arguing the matter over with myself. In very truth, +however, there was little choice. Either I must coincide with his +desire, or be thrust helplessly back into my old quarters, under guard. +There was no mercy, no weakness, behind the smile with which he watched +me. The man was a tiger who would kill me with as little remorse as he +would brush a mosquito from his cheek. If I yielded, if I exhibited a +willingness to fit into his plans, well and good. But if I decided +otherwise the jaws of the trap would close. I did not care so much for +myself--it would be a pleasure to defy him--but the memory of the girl +was vivid. What would happen to her, alone on this lawless ship, +surrounded by the gang of wolves with which it was manned? The thought +sickened me. Even already I had imagined a gleam of lust in the eyes +of the fellow when he glanced covertly at her, and distrusted him as I +would a snake. And he was owner and captain, his word on board the +supreme law, even unto death. There was nothing left me but to agree +to his proposition, and thus purchase freedom. Yet I must not appear +too eager. + +"I perceive your point," I said at last, facing him. "But what is +there in it for me?" + +"A good round sum," he replied. "More than you ever made before, I +warrant, not excepting the promises made you in this Henley will case. +We 'll talk the details over later." + +"Who is responsible for my pay?" + +"See here, Craig, the case stands like this. The revolutionists down +there asked me to find them a competent drill-master, and they will pay +royally. They 've got the money, too, scads of it. There will be no +trouble on that score. Besides, I need a reliable man ashore to look +after shipments. We have to land our goods in a hurry, you understand, +at night, without checking up. I can afford to hand you something +pretty nice on the side to assure myself a square deal. I had a fellow +picked out for the berth--a retired German officer---but he failed to +show up when we sailed. Now I have run across you I am damned glad he +did. You are more the style of man I want. Come, now, I don't believe +you can afford to turn this offer down." + +"It looks good," I confessed, but still hesitating. "Only I shall have +to have it in writing, and more in detail." + +"We'll talk that over in the morning; it's late now. Take the third +stateroom starboard: it's all ready for you." + +"Then I am no longer to consider myself a prisoner onboard?" + +"Certainly not. Practically you are one of us." + +"And I have the freedom of the deck?" + +He smiled grimly, gazing intently at me. + +"That is safe enough, I reckon, even if I questioned your interest in +this adventure. There must be ten miles of water already between us +and the coast. There are no limits on your liberty, but I would n't +advise your going forward at present--not until the men understand the +situation--they 're a hard lot." + +"Revolutionists?" + +"Hell, no; plain New Orleans wharf rats, the scouring of the Seven +Seas." + +"Who is first mate--the German?" + +"Yes, Herman, a fine sailor; was with the Hamburg people until he had a +wreck. The Creole Broussard is second, and the two of them together +could tame a cargo of wild-cats. Is that all, Craig?" + +"All at present." + +"Good night then; think this over, and we 'll have another talk +tomorrow. The third starboard stateroom is yours." + +I took his hand, feeling the sinewy grip of his lean, brown fingers, +and turned to the door, cursing myself under my breath for a weakling, +and yet utterly unable to perceive how I could choose otherwise. The +single lamp in the main cabin was turned low, only faintly illuminating +the interior. In the quiet I could feel the movement of the vessel, +and realized there was some sea on, although the engines were being +operated only at half speed. This seemed odd, if speed was desirable, +as I supposed it must be on a voyage of this nature. However that was +none of my affair, and, heaven knows, I had enough to consider in my +own situation. I was not in the least sleepy, and sank down in the +first chair to think, my eyes on the Captain's door. But I was not +disturbed. If this was my case exclusively I doubt if it would have +greatly worried me. Indeed, I might have rejoiced over the outlook, +welcoming the excitement, and rough experience promised in a new land. +I possessed the adventurous spirit, and the position offered had its +appeal. But the girl stood directly in the way. What Henley meant to +do with her was problematical--I had not thought to ask--but he either +intended putting her ashore in Honduras, or else holding her prisoner +on board until the _Sea Gull_ returned North. Either contingency was +bad enough, and the suspicion flashed suddenly across me that the final +decision would depend on how kindly she might receive the attentions of +the Captain. Nor did I question the result. I had not known the lady +long, but, in that brief time, our relations had been sufficiently +intimate to yield me a good insight into her womanly character. There +would be no yielding, no compromise. Neither threats nor promises +would change her attitude in the least. Not only did she know the +fellow to be a lying knave, but he was not of the sort to ever +influence her in the slightest degree. I could imagine how she would +look at him, with those searching eyes burning in indignation, and her +instant squelching of his first protestations. There would be no need +of my help to repel the insults of such a beast. But afterwards there +would, for I realized also what he would become after such a repulse--a +cold, sneering Nemesis, revengeful, ready to crush even a woman +remorselessly. And he possessed the power, the means to make that +revenge complete. I felt my teeth lock, my hands clinch in sudden +anger. Perhaps I could accomplish little in her defense, but I +intended to be free to do that little. Whatever fate might be in store +for us, that sneering, olive-hued devil should receive his deserts if +ever he attempted wrong to her. That had become the one purpose of my +heart, for I realized here skulked the real danger, the deeper peril of +our situation. + +I may have remained there for a quarter of an hour, motionless, +thinking over every incident, and reviewing carefully, and in detail, +the various happenings which had led to our present condition. The +only result was to enlist me yet more strongly to her service. +Believing her statement I could see nothing in her conduct to +criticize, and she appealed to me in all womanhood. I would be a +dastard to doubt, or desert, her cause now, and the warm blood throbbed +in my veins responsive to the memory of what had already been between +us. No one disturbed me, the Captain was still in his stateroom, +where, once or twice, I imagined I heard him pacing the floor. The +steward had apparently retired for the night, although it was not late, +as a glance at my watch proved. My eyes traced the doors on either +side, ten altogether, each plainly numbered, and I opened the one +assigned to me, and glanced within. Except that it was more +commodious, and contained a washstand at one corner, it did not differ +greatly from the other forward where I had been held prisoner. + +I wondered which of these others might be hers, and passed silently +from door to door, vaguely hoping for some sign of guidance. They were +all tightly closed, and I dare not try the locks, as I was certain one, +at least, of the under officers would be sleeping below. My round had +brought me to the second door on the port side when, in the dim light, +I perceived something lying at my feet, and stooped down to better +determine its character. It was the end of a very narrow light blue +ribbon, apparently caught beneath the door. Assured that she was the +only one of her sex aboard, I drew the strip forth, fondled it, +imagined I had seen it before, struggling with a desire to make myself +known. The door before which I hesitated was numbered "5." Whether by +accident, or design, she had left the one clew I most needed. Indeed, +at the moment, I believed the ribbon had been purposely dropped. That +last meeting of our eyes had reassured her of my loyalty; with the +quick intuition of a woman she had comprehended the truth, and this +ribbon, apparently carelessly dropped, was for my guidance. I thrust +it into my pocket, but the soft touch of the silk seemed to bring back +to me a sense of caution. I knew the door was locked, and assured +myself there was no space beneath. If I was to communicate with her, +other means must be employed. What? This was the second stateroom on +the port side. Judging from my own, the width of each room would be +about six feet. There ought to be no difficulty in locating her +porthole from the deck above, nor in attracting her attention. + +The one thing I desired now was to reëstablish myself fully in her +confidence, assure her I was at liberty on board, able and willing to +be of service. This necessity overshadowed all else. If I could +discover means of communication we could plan hopefully, assured of +cooperation. And this seemed possible, the way to its accomplishment +open. Shadowed from observation by the thick butt of the after-mast, I +wrote a few lines hastily on the back of an envelope, thrust it into my +pocket, and ventured up the companion stairs. Reaching the top, and +stealing to one side out of the dim range light, I took hasty survey of +the deck. It was a dark night, although a few stars were visible, and +the _Sea Gull_ was steaming slowly through a fairly rough sea, pounding +against her port quarter. Little twinkles of light were visible off +the port side, so numerous as to make me suspicion land, while a narrow +strip of moon, barely exposed beneath an edge of cloud, convinced me +our course was almost directly east. This was strange if the boat's +destination was Spanish Honduras, and the Captain was, as he contended, +desirous of making a swift passage. I recall this flash of thought, +yet my attention almost instantly reverted elsewhere. The closer we +hugged the shore the greater the opportunity for escape, the more vital +the necessity of immediately establishing communication with the fair +prisoner below. + +A glance sufficed to convince that I was alone, and unobserved. The +deck was unobstructed aft, except for a small boat swung to davits +astern, and the cabin transoms. These last were elevated some three +feet, but considerable space separated from the rail. I slipped into +this opening on the port side, crouching in the dense shadow, until +again assured I was alone. My position afforded as good a view forward +as the darkness would permit, and likewise enabled me to see into the +dimly lit cabin below. The fact that Henley--for whatever his name +might be, this was the one to which he laid claim--had not left his +stateroom, or made any effort to observe my movements, was a decided +encouragement. Beyond all question he believed me safely in his grasp, +and his promise of liberty on board was being substantiated. I was not +to be watched, or spied upon. For the first time I began to feel a +true sense of freedom. + +The deck forward of the main mast was too dark for observation, +although I was certain of a group of men gathered in the waist to +leeward. Occasionally the sound of a voice was blown back, and I could +perceive the dull, red glow of a pipe or two. The main body of the +watch these would be, and even as I stared at the lumping shadow, a +command was roared from the bridge, and two shapeless figures detached +themselves from the mass, and ran forward. The bridge itself was +partially outlined against the lighter sky, giving me a vague glimpse +of two figures, one standing motionless, as though gripping the rail, +and peering straight ahead into the smother, the other striding back +and forth. The last appeared a huge shadow, his coat flapping in the +wind, and I knew he must be the German first mate, Herman. + +Satisfied on these points, and with a glance below at the unoccupied +cabin, I stepped back and paced off the distance, until convinced that +I had safely located where the porthole of number "5" should be. I +leaned over, seeking to trace its outline by some reflection of light +from within, but the receding side of the vessel baffled me. Yet, +assured that I must be correct in my measurements, I marked the spot on +the rail, and began search for some means by which I could open +communication with the girl below. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +THE FREEDOM OF THE DECK + +The flag locker was astern, and standing on it I could feel inside the +boat swung to the davits. It was a small, light boat, fashioned like a +cutter, a good sea-going craft for its size. Two oars and a short mast +together with a roll of canvas were stowed on top the thwarts, and +secured by lashings. I cut one of these, and drew forth about three +fathoms of line, sufficiently pliable for my purpose. The severed end +of cord I thrust down out of sight, where it would escape any +superficial examination. Anxious as I was to carry out my plans +rapidly I could not refrain from passing my hands over the boat, +impressed by its lightness and sea-going qualities, and inspired by the +thought it might eventually aid in our escape. It hung ready for +launching, the falls easily unhooked, and two pair of hands would be +sufficient to lower it into the water. There was a locker forward I +was unable to reach, but two water kegs, filled, were strapped under +the stern sheets, leading me to believe the craft was fully equipped +for immediate service. My mind filled with a daring hope by this +discovery, I fastened the note to the end of the cord, weighted it with +a bunch of keys, and crept back to where I had marked the rail. Inch +by inch I payed out the line, leaning well over. At last my ears +detected the dangling of the metallic keys against glass, and, by +manipulating the rope, managed to make them sound with clear +insistence. I repeated the effort several times before there was any +response. Then the port seemed to be opened cautiously, although no +gleam of light shot forth. She had evidently extinguished her lamp +before venturing to answer the signal, but I felt her grasp on the +cord. Then it was left dangling against the closed port, leaving me to +infer that she was reading the hasty note. + +I must have hung there gazing down into the black shadows for two or +three minutes, before my line was again hauled taut, but, as I +straightened up, prepared to haul up the returning message, I saw the +shadow of a man passing across the cabin below. He was already at the +foot of the companion stairs; in another minute would be on deck. +There was no time to do otherwise, and I released my grasp of the rope, +letting it drop silently into the water. I had barely turned my back +to the rail when Henley emerged within six feet of me. For an instant +his gaze was forward, and then, as his eyes accustomed themselves to +the darkness, he turned slightly and perceived me, peering at me in +uncertainty. + +"Who is this? Oh, you, Craig," he questioned sharply. "Not asleep +yet?" + +"Not even drowsy," I said, pretending an ease I was far from feeling. +"The crack on my head yesterday pains considerable, and besides I +wanted to think over your proposition a bit." + +"You must have the skull of an elephant, or a negro, to have any head +at all," he agreed, apparently satisfied. "But I would advise sleep +nevertheless. You think favorably of my plan, I hope." + +"I see no reason to refuse, if the pay is all right." + +"It will be; trust me for that. A beautiful night this--the air as +soft as June. I was about to turn in, but decided to take a whiff on +deck first." + +"Rather a captain's duty, is it not?" + +"I believe so, in regular service, but this is decidedly irregular. +The fact is, that while I am the owner of this vessel, and technically +in command, I am no navigator. I merely give my general orders, and +trust the seamanship to Herman. He is perfectly trustworthy and +capable, and I never interfere. The last voyage I doubt if I was on +deck twice, although, of course," he added soberly, "my word goes if I +should care to exercise authority." + +I remained silent, staring out across the water, endeavoring to +reconcile his statements, and wondering what message it was I had +dropped into the deep. + +"What are those lights off yonder?" I asked, at length, pointing. + +"Shore lights." + +"Then we are steering east?" + +"A bit south of east, yes; odd course for Honduras, you think?" + +I nodded, willing enough to let him talk. + +"We are playing the game safe, Craig; that's all," he explained, both +hands gripping the rail. "You see we cleared for Santiago, and are not +anxious to be seen and reported by any west-bound ships. We are +keeping well to the north of their course now, and tomorrow will be +hidden among the islands off the west Florida coast. Then, as soon as +it is dark, we will shoot out under full steam, into the Gulf. The +chances are we 'll cross the lane unobserved; if we should intercept a +liner, she won't identify us in the dark, as we burn no lights. By +daylight we 'll be well beyond their look-outs, and can steer a +straight course." + +Vague as my memory was regarding the Gulf and its surrounding coast +line, this explanation seemed reasonable enough, and I remained silent, +gazing off across the water. He did not speak again, yet the very +proximity of the man irritated me, my dislike and distrust of him so +deep rooted that I could scarcely bear his near presence. I wanted to +be alone, where I could think out some feasible scheme of escape. + +"I have had enough for tonight," I said finally, "and am going to turn +in." + +"Best thing you can do," he coincided, but without looking toward me. +"Will follow suit as soon as I smoke a cigarette. See you tomorrow." + +I went down the companion stairs directly to my stateroom, not even +glancing aside, feeling confident that he would be watching me from +above. I had every reason to believe I had won his confidence, that he +counted me as already among those he controlled and commanded, yet he +was not a man who would ever rise above suspicion, and his trust would +always be limited. Without lighting a lamp I lay down, still partially +dressed, on my bunk, my mind busily occupied with desperate plans, none +of them satisfactory. We would not be far from land, according to his +statement, until late the following night. The small boat hanging +astern was fully capable of transporting the two of us safely, and I +was sufficiently acquainted with such a craft to feel no doubt of my +ability to navigate it if once afloat. But unless Mrs. Henley was also +given her freedom on board, I could perceive no means of reaching her. +With her stateroom key hidden in the Captain's pocket, any plan I might +formulate was useless. Nor was it at all probable she would be +released until we were well at sea. Baffled by these conditions I +tossed and turned for an hour, hearing Henley return to his cabin, and +marking a swifter pulsation of the engines. Finally worn out mentally, +as well as physically, I fell asleep. + +When I awoke the sun was shining through the glass of my porthole, and +glancing forth I caught the dazzle of the water. The vessel was +motionless, apparently riding at anchor, the sea barely rippled by a +gentle breeze. Refreshed by sleep and more eager than ever to be in +action, I dressed hurriedly, and stepped forth into the cabin. The +breakfast table was set for one, and the black steward was lolling +lazily in a chair. At sight of me he got to his feet. + +"Ah suah thought you was n't nebber goin' ter wake up, sah," he said +genially, showing his teeth. "Ah bin waitin' fer yer mor'n two hours, +Ah reckon." + +"For me! Have the others eaten then?" + +"Mostly, sah, mostly. De Captain he nebber eat no breakfast; he say et +ain't good fer his libber--yaw; yaw!--but de mates dey both bin down." + +"What time is it?" + +"Most ten, sah." + +"I did sleep, that 's a fact, Louis. However, I 'll try and do full +justice to anything you got," and I seated myself at the table. "Has +Mrs. Henley breakfasted yet?" + +"Who, sah?" + +"The lady you have on board." + +He scratched the wool on his head vigorously, glancing behind the mast +as though uncertain what he had best answer. + +"Ah suah nebber know'd dat wus her name, sah; no sah, Ah nebber done +suspected it. Yes, sah, she had her breakfast, but, Ah reckon she did +n't eat much." + +"You served her here at the table?" + +The negro, apparently anxious to escape from the topic, shook his head. + +"No, sah; in her room, sah," his voice low. "De Captain, he unlock de +doah, an' then lock it agin. He say she done gone crazy, but Lor' she +don't look dat-a-way to me. You like sugah in your coffee, sah?" + +In spite of the seeming geniality of the steward, and his eagerness now +to question me, I realized that he was thoroughly dominated by personal +fear of the man aft. The less I questioned him the better, probably, +as there was a strong possibility that he would be interviewed later +relative to our conversation. Henley was only testing me, and would +use the darky, if he could, to learn more of my plans. So, although, a +number of questions trembled on my lips, I left them unasked, and +finished my meal in silence. Louis hovered around, dropping a sly hint +now and then, which only served to increase my suspicion that he might +have received instructions to draw me out. If so, the experiment was a +failure, and, after a light meal, I lit a pipe, and, ignoring him +completely, strolled out on deck. There was evidently no hope that the +woman would be released at present, and I could formulate no plan of +communicating with her, but I was no less anxious to view our +surroundings. + +I found the after-deck entirely deserted, and there was no one visible +on the bridge. Two or three sailors--the anchor watch--were forward, +engaged in some service about the capstan, and a fellow was swabbing +the deck amidship. I heard Broussard's voice at a distance, but could +not locate him. However, no one paid the slightest attention to me, as +I stood smoking, and gazing curiously around. Everything appeared +peaceful enough. We were lying in a small harbor, within a hundred +feet of the shore, completely concealed on the sea side, by a thick +forest growth lining the higher ridge, of what appeared a narrow +island. The _Sea Gull's_ fires were banked, only a thin vapor arising +from the stack which instantly disappeared. In the opposite direction +there was a wide expanse of water, quiet as a mill-pond in spite of a +fresh breeze, revealing in the distance the faint blue blur of a +far-off coast line. Nothing broke the vista except the white sails of +two sloops, evidently fishing boats, far off on the horizon. It was an +ideal spot in which to lie--to quietly hide in during the hours of +daylight, probably never approached but by stray fishermen. Ashore +everything appeared primitive and uninhabited, except for one of the +_Sea Gull's_ small boats beached directly opposite, the crew hidden in +the brush. + +I walked leisurely around the cabin transom, peering into the boat +swung astern, so as to better familiarize myself with its equipment, +meanwhile keeping a wary eye on the cabin below, where the negro was +clearing the table, and then, satisfied I had everything photographed +upon the mind, sauntered forward toward the bridge, aiming to exchange +greetings with the Creole mate. Broussard was not a man to expect +favors from, and I had hated him with the first glimpse of his face, +yet he possessed his racial characteristic of impulsive speech, and was +thus far more approachable than the gruff German first officer. +Perhaps, if he believed me an accomplice, he might be led to talk, and +even be induced to let drop some hint which would later prove useful. +I met him just forward of the chart-house, and the manner in which he +eyed me was immediate proof that he remained uninformed as to my new +status on board. + +"How you com' on ze deck, M'sieur?" he asked, his eyes threatening. +"By Gar, I thought you down below, locked in all tight," and he waved +an expressive hand aft. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI + +THE NEW PERIL + +I laughed, but without paying him the compliment of looking at him. + +"I 've changed allegiance, that's all, Broussard. It's money which +makes the mare go with all of us, eh? The Captain turned me loose last +night." + +"You wif us? You go volunter?" + +"Well, something like that. I 'm to be drill-master, or general, for +those tattered battalions down in the jungles. What do you think of +the job?" + +He shrugged his shoulders, and then grinned. + +"What ze dif!" and he swept his hands about in expressive gesture. +"Sea--land, if only one gets the price, M'sieur. But for me I like to +go, to move; not lie still an' rot." + +"Of course," falling into his mood, "that's in your blood, I reckon, +but the Captain said we were only to hide here for a day." + +"Maybe day, maybe week. No one knows how long. We wait till the sea +is clear. Bah! the man 'fraid of shadow. He give me sheep, an' I show +heem." + +"You 'd take a chance?" + +"Oui, M'sieur. I wait till dark, no more, den I take ze chance. But +ze Capitaine, he no sailor, M'sieur; I know heem long while." + +"How long?" + +"Oh, seek, eight year." + +"Then you can tell me if he is really Judge Henley's son?" + +"Oui, M'sieur; 'tis sure I can. I hav' been with heem there," his +brown hand outstretched landward, "where we got you, hey, many the +time; besides, the Judge he been on zis sheep. Of course he was son; +why you think not?" + +I shook my head, unwilling to discuss the affair with the fellow, yet +impressed by his statement. + +"I am beginning to believe I do not know very much about it, +Broussard," I explained briefly, moving aside to the rail. "I came +down South with another story pumped into me, that's all." + +"And ze young woman," he persisted, following me closely, "why she +come?" + +"For the same reason I did." + +He laughed, his eyes sparkling. + +"More like 'cause she love you, hey! Sacre, she was fine-lookin' girl, +but," shrugging his shoulders, "'t is the Capitaine, not ze mate, who +may admire." + +I turned on the fellow, my blood boiling. + +"What do you mean by that! That Henley will dare intrude himself?" + +"_Sacre_, an' why not, M'sieur! He is ze Capitaine; nobody tell him +not on ze _Sea Gull_. I know him seek, eight year, an' he devil with +women. She not ze furst to be on board ze sheep. Zar no use you be +mad, M'sieur; he laugh at you." + +"Then for once he will laugh at the wrong man, Broussard," I said +soberly. Regretting the threat even as I uttered it, I left him and +walked aft, aware as I turned of the sneer on his face. Yet even then, +although burning with anger, I knew better than to remain. I dare not +speak the bitter words on my tongue, feeling certain that whatever I +said would be repeated to Henley. I despised Broussard, and would have +taken the rat by the throat, but for a wholesome fear of his master. I +knew men well enough to understand the character of the _Sea Gull's_ +Captain. With unlimited power in his hands he was not an antagonist to +be despised. He was a cruel, merciless coward, and, in spite of my +boast, I realized how helpless I was to oppose his will, here, in the +midst of men who would obey his slightest command. Nor did I doubt his +purpose; now that he had seemingly won me over to his scheme, he would +turn his attention to her, feeling secure from interference. I had +permitted him to believe that she was but a chance acquaintance, in +whom I felt little interest, and he would consequently anticipate no +serious protest from me. Even if I did intervene he possessed the +power to render me helpless. And he was Judge Henley's son, or, at +least, so these men believed who had been associated with him for +years. The situation grew more and more complicated; it was no longer +merely her word against his, and yet I could not doubt the truth of any +statement she had made to me. There was a mystery here unexplained, +involving the dead, and strangely complicating the lives of the living. + +I paced the deck undisturbed, struggling vainly to evolve some +solution. Broussard stared in my direction for a moment, but made no +effort to follow, and finally disappeared forward. There was nothing +on sea or land to distract my attention, and I felt that I would be +nearer to her below in the cabin than on deck. The skylight was +closed, although even then it gave me a partial view, and, as I gazed +through the clouded glass, I perceived a shadow pass. The next instant +the negro steward emerged from the companion. Some swift impulse led +me to crouch instantly out of sight, until the sound of his feet on the +deck convinced me the fellow was going forward. I watched him +cautiously; he stopped twice to glance back, but, perceiving nothing, +finally vanished into the forecastle. While I in no way connected his +actions with myself, yet the disquieting thought as instantly occurred +to me that the negro's going forward had left the Captain and Viola +Henley alone below. If the steward was acting under orders his being +dispatched from the cabin at this hour was for a purpose. Determined +to learn what this purpose might be, I crept to the door of the +companion, and then down the stairs. + +The main cabin was vacant, but the door of number 5 stateroom stood +slightly ajar. Assured I should find it empty, my heart already +beating furiously, I took a swift glance within. It in no way differed +from the room which had been assigned me opposite, and everything was +in perfect order. Evidently the girl had departed without a struggle, +and with full expectation of an early return. Her small hand-bag lay +on the berth unlatched, and a handkerchief, together with a pair of +gloves, were upon the chair. That she had not gone on deck was a +certainty, while the deserted cabin led me irresistibly to suspect the +Captain's quarters. He had dismissed the steward on some excuse, +opened her door, and, using some pretense, or authority, had impelled +her to accompany him. She had no means of resistance even if she had +suspected his purpose, and the probability was the fellow had been +plausible enough to achieve his point without violence. This was all +clear enough to my mind, but what I could do to help her, to overcome +him, was not so evident. I was alone, unarmed, surrounded by men under +his command. + +Possibly, even now, I was under surveillance. The negro had left the +cabin, I knew, but where was Herman? Broussard was in charge of the +deck, and hence this would be the first mate's watch below. Impressed +with this disconcerting thought, I emerged again into the main cabin. +The stateroom doors were all closed, and I had to guess which was the +German's. I was sure, however, that Broussard occupied the first on +the port side; I had heard him open that door while talking to the +steward, and it was highly probable the first mate had the apartment +opposite. Judging from the position of the doors these would be larger +than the other staterooms, and, if Herman was the real navigator of the +boat, he would require good quarters. I listened at the door, but +heard nothing; then, rendered desperate by the delay, tried the knob +cautiously. The door was unlocked, opening noiselessly. A glance +convinced me the room was unoccupied, and I stepped inside, gazing +about in surprise. It was nearly twice the size of my own apartment, +containing a wide single berth, several comfortable upholstered chairs, +and a large desk, on which stood a sextant, besides several charts, one +unrolled. To my left, close against the side of the vessel was a +narrow door standing ajar, and through the opening I caught sight of a +porcelain bath tub. + +Instantly my mind leaped to a conclusion--the first mate was not on +board; he was ashore with the boat party, and that beast Henley, was +entirely alone. He had taken advantage of the opportunity. But what +in God's name could I do! If I broke down the door into his cabin, the +noise would be heard on deck, and besides, the fellow was armed. The +only result of such an effort would be my own imprisonment, leaving her +in more helpless stress than before. Without knowing why, I stepped +around the desk, and peered into the bathroom. It was small, but +perfect in arrangement, and, to my surprise, revealed a second door. +In an instant I understood--this was not Herman's private bath, but was +also used by the Captain; that second door led to the after-cabin. I +was there in two strides, my ear at the crack listening. Nothing +reached me but the murmur of a voice, the words indistinguishable, yet +this was sufficient to convince me that I was on the right trail. The +two were together, and here was an opportunity for me to reach them +unobserved. Slowly, using every precaution to avoid noise, I turned +the knob, and opened the intervening door a scant inch. I could hear +the voice now plainly, but my view was blocked by a heavy curtain. +Breathless, I drew a fold aside, and caught a glimpse of the interior. + +Neither occupant was facing in my direction, and both were too deeply +interested to observe. Besides, the possibility of intrusion was not +in their minds. Henley stood beside his desk, the same sneering smile +I had learned to hate, curling his lips, his eyes on her face in a gaze +that was insult. The girl, evidently retreating before him, alarmed by +some word he had uttered, or by his approach, had reached the door, and +grasped the knob. The expression on her face told me she had +discovered it locked, herself a prisoner, and that she had turned in +desperation. Her first, swift, unrestraining speech gave me full +understanding of her despair. + +"You have trapped me here--you--you brute," she burst forth. "What you +said out yonder was all a lie to--to get me to come with you!" + +"Well, what of it?" insinuatingly. "All is fair in love and war, I +have heard, and this is either the one or the other. Why should n't it +be me, my dear, as well as the other?" + +"What do you mean? Do you connect me with Gordon Craig?" + +"Of course," and he laughed. "Why shouldn't I, please? You came with +him from the North, did you not--traveling as his wife? Picked the +fellow up on the street, did n't you? My dear, this assumption of +outraged virtue is all thrown away on me--I happen to know your +history." + +She took a deep breath, standing straight before him, her cheeks +burning. + +"Perhaps you think you do," she said, now in full control of herself. +"But you are going to learn your mistake. I am here under unpleasant +circumstances, yet, I am not subject to your insult. I refuse to +answer you, or remain in your presence," she stepped aside, leaving +free passage. "You will unlock that door." + +"Hardly that," and I could see his fingers shut down on the top of the +desk. "It takes more than a few words to change me. Really, I like +you better than I did. You are decidedly pretty now you are angry. +Besides, what have I to be afraid of? There is no one but us in this +part of the ship; I fixed that up before I went after you; even your +friend Craig is mooning around somewhere on deck, dreaming about a +fortune. If you cry out, no one will hear you, and if they did, God +pity the man who attempted to come in here. I 'm Captain of the _Sea +Gull_, and there 's not a rapscallion on board who would risk his skull +to help you. Even Craig would n't; Lord, he even told me himself you +were nothing to him." + +"He--he told you that!" + +"He certainly did, in this room. Come, now, what is the use of being +such a cat? I 'm not a bad fellow if I am treated half-way decent. I +'ve got money to spend, and know how to spend it." He took a step +forward, but she never moved. + +"Don't touch me," she said in a tone that stopped him. "I am a woman, +but I can defend myself." + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII + +THE TABLES TURNED + +There was that about her attitude, and the expression of her face, which +restrained the fellow. No doubt he suspected for a moment that she might +be armed, for his quick glance swept her from head to foot. Then his +eyes hardened. + +"That is the worst thing you can do--threaten me," he said sharply. "I +never take that from man or woman. See here, do you realize where you +are? how completely you are in my power? Do you?" + +She did not quail, or look aside; nor did she answer, standing straight, +her eyes on his face, her bosom rising and falling from swift breathing. + +"I doubt if you do," he went on, angered by her contempt. "Well, think +it over. This is my ship, and we 're at sea. I 'm owner and captain, +and my word on board here is the law. More than that, there is n't a +man-jack of the crew aft of the main mast. They are forward on my +orders, and they 'll stay there until I send for them. You could scream +your head off, my beauty, and no one would hear you, or dare interfere. +Now do you perceive why it is to your interest to be kind to me?" + +"I do not." + +He laughed, rendered ugly by her open defiance. + +"Then I 'll teach you. You are not the first of your kind I have tamed, +young lady. The door is locked, and you have n't any weapon; don't try +to fool me!" + +"I have told you once," she said earnestly, "not to touch me." + +He glanced about sneeringly, yet impressed by her manner of speaking. + +"Good Lord! do you mean Craig? A lot that fellow will help you. But we +'ve had enough of this. Will you come over here to me?" + +"No!" + +"Then I'll take a chance; damn me, but you're worth it!" + +Neither one saw me, yet I was across the room before he had taken the two +steps forward, and gripped her arm. I saw her struggle to break free, +and then, out of the shadow I leaped at him, both hands seeking his +throat. There was to be no alarm, no shooting, if it could be avoided. +While it might be true, as he had boasted, that the crew was forward, we +could afford to take no chance. The very impetus of my rush sent him +staggering, and left her helpless on the deck; yet I got grip on his +collar, choking back the first cry, and struck him once, a half-arm jolt, +which would have sent him sprawling, but for the cabin wall. Yet he +rallied so quickly as to overcome this advantage. Judging him from his +size I had underrated his fighting ability, for he was all muscle, swift +in movement as a cat, squirming out of my grasp before I could close +firmly. His contact with the wall helped him to keep his feet, yet, +quick as his recovery was, he failed to break my grip, and we struggled +fiercely for advantage. He recognized me, and understood instantly. He +was a wrestler, while I must rely upon sheer strength to overcome his +tricks. Even as he adventured first I had him pinned tight, and we +strained back and forth across the cabin deck, neither able to throw the +other, in grim, relentless struggle. My fingers were wrenched from his +throat, yet the fellow made no outcry, realizing doubtless he would not +be heard. His eyes blazed with hate, merciless, vindictive, and he +struggled like a fiend to break free. I saw the girl, still dazed from +her fall, struggling to her feet, with face uplifted, then my every +consideration was riveted on my antagonist. This was to be no boy's +play, no easy victory; his muscles were like iron, his movements so quick +and unexpected as to put me on the defensive. I could only hold tight, +braced for the strain, yet forced back in spite of every effort, inch by +inch across the floor, my feet tangled in the rug. Neither could strike, +nor kick; I was weaponless, and I dare not release his arms for fear he +might possess a gun. Once I bent him back until he seemed helpless, yet, +by some trick, he wiggled free, and thrust me against the desk, its +corner gouging into my side. The pain gave me superhuman strength, and I +swung him sideways, the two of us tripping over the chair, and coming +down heavily on the deck. By some luck I landed on top, and, before he +recovered from the shock, had wrenched one arm free, locking my fingers +in his throat. + +He squirmed under me like an eel, but could not break the grip, his face +purpling, until he lost all power. Fierce as the battle had been I +retained sufficient sense to loosen my death grip while the man still +breathed, lifting my head sufficiently to glance about. My own breath +came in sobs, and the perspiration almost blinded me. + +"Bring me something to tie him with," I said brokenly. "Anything; yes, +that belt will do." + +She tore it from the hook on the wall, and thrust it into my hands. With +a single movement I had it buckled securely about his arms, and was free +to sit up, and stare about. A cord from the portière curtain draping the +bathroom entrance completed his lashings. With wicked eyes he stared up +at me, unable to move a muscle. + +"By God, Craig!" he snarled, "you'll both wish you 'd killed me before ye +'re done with this job." + +I made no reply, using the corner of the desk to help me get to my feet. + +"Do you hear!" he shouted. "What chance have you got to get away?" + +"That is for me to decide," I answered. "But if you open your mouth +again I 'll gag you. Now stop it; the first word you utter will mean a +handkerchief in your mouth." + +I stooped down, and dragged him to one side. As I straightened up again +she was facing me, her eyes frankly meeting mine. + +"You--you know how I came here?" she asked, as though that was the most +important. + +"Of course; I overheard most of the conversation." + +"How did you find out? how did you get here?" + +"Your door was left ajar, and I found my way through the connecting +bathroom yonder." + +"Then--then, we can escape in the same manner." + +"I hardly think that will be necessary. I 'll go through our friend's +pockets for his keys." I turned him over, and began the search. "Ah, a +revolver; I thought probable--in protection against a woman, you cur. +Here are keys; now let's see what they fit." + +The third one tried unlocked the door, but even as I tried them in the +lock, my mind swiftly reviewed the situation in which this affair left +us, and leaped forward toward a possible solution. It must be open war +from now on. No pretense on my part would ever again win me the +confidence of the man I had fought and conquered. Henceforward, we could +expect no mercy on board. Yet how was it possible to escape, or avoid +discovery? To attempt leaving the _Sea Gull_ before dark would be +suicidal; no boat could be lowered unseen, and even if one reached the +surface of the water, we would surely be overtaken, and brought back. +Yet there was a chance that what had occurred in this cabin could be kept +concealed for a few hours, until darkness gave us better opportunity for +successful action. The memory of what Henley had said to me the evening +before--that he was only technically in command; that for days at a time +he never appeared on deck in person, gave me the clew. If he could be +kept absolutely secure in his cabin, unable to create any alarm, we would +be free to plan our escape. There were but two points of danger to be +guarded against--Herman and the steward. The former, when he returned +from shore, might seek him for final orders, and the latter, if he failed +to appear in the cabin for the regular meal, would endeavor to learn his +desires. I would have to guard against these contingencies, and, with +the first in mind, I stepped across to the bathroom, and was gratified to +learn that the door leading into the mate's stateroom could be locked on +the inside. With this private approach barred I felt confident of being +able to guard the single entrance remaining. I met her waiting for me as +I stepped out from behind the curtain. + +"Well, what can we do?" + +"Keep the fellow tied, and wait for night," I answered soberly. "That is +our only chance. The mate is ashore--we are lying in the cove of a small +island off the Florida coast, waiting for darkness, and a chance to slip +through into southern waters." + +"Do you know where this boat is bound?" + +"Yes--Spanish Honduras; we are loaded with munitions of war," I laughed. +"I was to be a general down there." + +"You!" + +"Yes; swift promotion, was n't it! Our friend yonder promised the job; +all I had to do was to desert you, and join his outfit." + +"And you consented?" + +"With a mental reservation. It gained me a few hours' freedom at least, +and surely has done you no harm. Did you doubt me?" + +"Oh, I hardly know. I was so miserable locked up alone, unable to even +learn where we were going, that I lost faith in everyone. You acted so +strange." + +"I had to play my part. But you received my note?" + +"Yes, and it helped me wonderfully, although even then I scarcely +comprehended why all this pretense was necessary. Surely you do not +believe this man is Philip Henley? that--that I have told you a lie?" + +"No, I do not," I answered earnestly. "It is my absolute confidence in +you which has held me steadfast. He has shown me evidence of his +identity which would have convinced me under other circumstances--letters +and pictures; I will show them to you, for I know where they are kept in +the desk--but in opposition I had your word, and I believed in that. No +evidence would shake my faith in you, and I am certain now there is fraud +here--some devilish plot concocted to steal Judge Henley's fortune." + +"What letters? What pictures were they?" + +"Letters from the Judge to his son--intimate, family letters, and a +photograph of the father and this man taken together." + +"And were the letters addressed to Philip?" + +"The envelopes had been destroyed, and no name was mentioned, but the +photograph was endorsed in the Judge's handwriting." + +She sank down on a locker, and hid her face in her hands. The pitiful +dejection in her attitude compelled me to bend over her in quick sympathy. + +"Please do not take it like that," I urged. "We shall find a way of +escape if we keep our courage, and work together." + +"Oh, it is not that," and she looked up into my face. "I am not afraid. +Only I cannot bear the thought that you doubt me ever so little. I know +I have been indiscreet, that you might justly deem me an adventuress. +But I am not, Gordon Craig; I am a good woman left to fight alone, and I +must have your faith, or break down utterly." + +"Why do you suppose you have not?" I asked, grasping her hands in +complete forgetfulness. "We are together now in open fight against these +villains. There is no longer any purpose in acting a lie." + +"It was a lie?" + +"A bare-faced one. Never for an instant did I intend deserting you, or +becoming that man's tool." + +"And you believe me--all I have told you; that I am really the wife of +Philip Henley?" + +"Yes," I answered through clinched teeth, struggling to control myself. + +For a moment she sat in silence, and, while I dare not look at her, I +knew her eyes were upon my face. + +"Then I will do whatever you say, go wherever you tell me," she promised +gravely. "I cannot decide for myself. I am too confused to think +clearly, but I trust you as a friend." + +"Is--is that all?" I stammered, unable to restrain the words. + +"All! What do you mean? is that not enough?" in surprise. + +My eyes met hers, and I cursed myself for a fool. + +"Yes--I--I meant nothing," I managed to explain lamely. "That was a slip +of the tongue. Please forget it, and keep faith in me." + +I drew aside the curtain draping one of the after ports, and glanced out, +eager for anything to distract attention. Through the clear glass I +could see the curve of shore-line forming the little cove. Just within +the foam of the breakers a half dozen men were launching a small boat. I +stared at them an instant, before realizing what it meant. Then I +dropped the curtain. + +"The mate is coming aboard," I said swiftly. "You must go to your room; +here is the key; lock yourself in, and only open when you hear my voice." + +"And you--?" + +"I must take care of myself; don't worry about me." + +She hesitated, yet the expression of my face decided her, and she held +out her hand. + +"I--I said I would do whatever you told me to, and here I am questioning +the first thing. Forgive me." + +Without so much as a glance at our prisoner, she opened the door, and, +with a swift look about the outer cabin, disappeared. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII + +THE CREOLE'S STORY + +My time of preparation was brief, yet I already had a plan of operation +outlined. In truth, there was small choice left me. I must keep +Henley concealed and silent until darkness rendered our escape +possible. In order to accomplish this it would be necessary to prevent +either the steward or the mate from entering the after cabin. All +peril from the negro I dismissed quickly, confident that his knowledge +of my standing on board would impel him to accept any explanation I +might make. But with Herman the situation was not so clear. Whether, +or not, the Captain had informed him that I was a volunteer on their +lawless expedition, I did not know. We had not met since coming +aboard, and, unless he had received direct orders regarding my status, +any interference on my part would be apt to arouse instant suspicion. +Nor was he the kind to brook any assumed authority. I had him placed +as a gruff, hard-fisted sea-dog, who would strike first, and +investigate later--one in dealing with whom either diplomacy or force +might prove equal failures. Yet I possessed this advantage--I could +deal with him alone. With but two watch officers on board, only one at +a time could leave the deck, and Broussard, I felt assured, had no +privileges in the Captain's cabin. From what I knew of Henley I +doubted if even the first officer felt privileged to invade the privacy +of his chief without some special reason. There was discipline on +board, strict discipline; there had to be to control such a crew, and +it was my impression Henley was the very kind to insist on every +privilege of his station. Herman was of value merely for his ability +as navigator; socially, the Captain and he had nothing in common. It +was on this theory I decided to work. + +As I lifted the helpless Captain into his berth, his eyes glaring at me +in impotent rage, my ears could distinguish the sound of oars as the +small boat rounded the stern of the _Sea Gull_. Much as I despised the +fellow, I hated to gag him, yet our safety depended on his silence, and +I dare not neglect the precaution. Even as the boat grated along the +side, I stepped forth into the main cabin, and sat down to wait. To my +surprise and relief, it was Broussard who came down the companion +stairs, driving the steward before him. + +"Vat for you loaf, hey!" he snapped fiercely. "By Gar, I teach you. I +work four--seek--hour an' nodding to eat. You say ze Capitaine send +you; bah! eet vas not so--nevaire! Vat you hav'--hey?" + +The negro mumbled something through thick lips, and the irate mate +gripped him by the collar of his jacket, shaking the fellow as he might +a dog, and hurling him half across the deck. + +"Sacre! I keel you for five cent. Queek now--jump! Put all on right +way, by Gar, or I show you. Here you--ze brandy furst." + +The steward slunk into the passage leading to the pantry, and the +Creole, turning, saw me. + +"Ah, M'sieur; I saw you not. Pardon ze roughness, but consider, no +dinare, an' I been on deck seek hour; no sleep, no eat, only work. I +lose ze tempair, M'sieur." + +"That is not to be wondered at," I answered, affecting good humor. +"Has the first mate been ashore?" + +"Oui, M'sieur; asleep in the sun, I bet you. Bah! any man could watch +the sea from the cliff. Dat job not need ze furst officer. Sacre! but +'t is a dog's life at sea." + +I nodded my head, too busily engaged with my own thoughts to give much +consideration to his troubles. Still, this situation, as revealed by +Broussard's complaints, would afford us a respite of at least four +hours. If this was the Creole's watch below, then Herman would keep +the deck. Even lying there at anchor those fellows would not leave the +crew alone. There was too much at stake, and besides there must still +remain a look-out ashore. However it was a relief to know that the +German had nothing of importance to communicate to Henley, no occasion +even to come below. Broussard sank back into a chair, watching the +frightened negro hurry back and forth. At last, satisfied that +everything available had been produced, the former strode across to the +table, jerked out a chair, and waved his hand toward me in invitation +to join him. + +"The lazy dog! 'T is likely all you will get, M'sieur. Maybe you eat +with me--hey? Or would you wait for ze Capitaine?" + +"I 'll take pot-lunch with you, Broussard," I agreed genially, speaking +loud enough so the negro would overhear. "I 've got to get accustomed +to camp fare, and am hungry enough to begin. Besides, Captain Henley +is laid up in his berth with a sick headache, and does n't wish to be +disturbed. He told me to tell you, Louis." + +"Yes, sah! Shall Ah make you sum coffee, sah? Massa Broussard he +don't nebber drink none." + +"Yes, and, by the way, Louis, take a lunch in to the lady; fix up +something neat if you can, and let me know when it is ready. All +right, Broussard, a nip of that brandy would help me." + +He passed the bottle, and a clean glass across the table, watching me +pour out the liquor with a sarcastic smile. + +"You know ze Capitaine before, maybe?" he asked. + +"No," I answered, wondering what he could be aiming at, but willing to +give him a free rein. "Only since he tapped me on the head back in the +cellar. However, he has been square with me, and seems to be a pretty +good fellow." + +"You think so--hey! Maybe so while he get you with heem. Den he ze +devil. I know, M'sieur. I see heem for long while on ze ocean; zat +whar' you fin' out." + +I began eating slowly, exhibiting an indifference I was far from +feeling, yet swiftly determining that no matter how much antagonism +might exist between the two men, I would never trust the Creole. Still +I might use him to advantage; induce him to talk freely under the spur. + +"What has he done to you?" I asked carelessly. + +"By Gar!--what!" firing up at the recollection. "Get out o' here, yer +damn coon!" turning fiercely upon the steward, and then leaning across +the table, lowering his voice, which yet trembled with passion. +"Sacre, M'sieur, it was I do his dirty work five--seek--year. He no +sailor, but I sail ze sheep for him--see? Tree, four time I sail ze +sheep, an' he make ze money. Vat he geef me? Maybe one hundred ze +month--bah! eet was to laugh. Zen he fin' zat Dutch hog, Herman, an' +make of heem ze furst officer. He tell eet all me nice, fine, an' I +tink maybe eet all right. You know he promise beeg profit--hey! an' I +get ze monies. Oui, it sound good. But Herman big brute; he gif me ze +ordaire, and I not like eet. I tells ze Capitaine, an' by Gar! he keep +me tied up before ze port watch. You stan' zat, M'sieur?" + +I shook my head, uncertain just what stand to take. + +"Nevar!" he went on, barely pausing for breath. "I show ze damn +half-breed; you vait, I git heem." + +"What do you mean by half-breed, Broussard?" I questioned, surprised. + +He laughed, but not pleasantly. + +"He vas ze mongrel--sure; you know not zat? Sacre, I tell you zen. +What you zink him, white man? Pah! you see hees mother--she mulatto. +Ze damn dog!" + +"How do you know that?" + +"How I know! I tell you I sail with heem long while. He nevar tell, +but I fin' eet out. I listen, I hear ze talk, but I say noddings, +M'sieur. Vat I care while he treat me right? But now I show heem vat +I know. He not lord eet over me ven ol' Sallie vas his mother--by Gar! +no!" + +"Sallie! You cannot mean that mulatto woman back on the plantation?" + +"Sure, the ol' rip." + +"Then his name is not Henley?" + +"Why not, M'sieur? The ol' Judge was his father." + +The whole thing came to me in a flash, as I stared across at the mate, +who scarcely realized yet the revelation made. He was brooding over +his wrongs, and how he was to be avenged. + +"Good God!" I breathed, "so that 's the way of it!" + +Broussard looked up, a cunning smile on his face. "By Gar, I forget," +he said softly. "You vas after ze monies too, hey! Bah! eet make no +difference vat you know. He haf you here all right, var' you keep +still or--" and he drew the back of a knife across his throat. "I +vonder he not keel you furst, M'sieur; maybe he use you, an' then, hav' +you shot in ze South. Oui, zat be ze easy vay. Why you ever cum down, +an' claim to be Philip Henley--hey?" + +"That was all a mistake," I returned deliberately. "I came merely to +look after his interest?" + +"Interest! Why a dead man hav' interest?" + +"Do you mean Philip Henley is dead?" + +"You pretend not know? By Gar, eet queer. Vell, I tell you, M'sieur. +Ze hole back ov ze picture; I lie there one night an' leesten, week, +ten days ago. Ze Capitaine talk with Sallie. He hav' letter from +North--one, two sheet paper--an' eet tell heem how eet all vas. +Someone write heem--I link maybe Pierre Vonique who went way long time. +No matter; vat he told was zat M'sieur Philip die--die queek frum +accident. Nevah speak, an' when zey pick heem up, zar was noddin' in +hees pocket. See, M'sieur! He vas robbed. Vonique he hear about eet, +an' fin' ze body. No one know who ze man is, but Vonique know. To +prove eet he send ze ring--ze signet ring--off ze finger. Zen he +write, 'Look out, someone has ze papers. Watch who comes.' Zat vas +true, M'sieur." + +I hung on his words, fascinated, never doubting, the very thought of +her freedom obscuring all else. It was only as he stopped speaking, +and resumed his meal, that I gained control of my voice. The affair +was clear enough now, except for some few corroborative details. + +"And someone did come, Broussard?" + +"Oui, damn queek--a fellow with a letter from Philip; eet was sign hees +name, hees handwrite, appoint heem overseer." + +"And what became of him?" + +The Creole shrugged his shoulders. + +"'T is not my business, M'sieur. He go way somewhere queek. Maybe he +not like ze place." + +The dead face of the bearded man in the rear room rose before me. But +Broussard went on. + +"Zen you came, M'sieur, 'long wiz ze girl. Ze Capitaine he laugh, eet +was so easy. Why ze girl, M'sieur?" + +"Philip Henley was married." + +"Non, non, impossible; eet cannot be shown. 'T is not of ze record. +Ze Capitaine not 'fraid any more; he just play wiz you like ze cat wiz +ze mouse. He know Philip dead; he has ze proof, an' now he breaks ze +will, an' gets ze monies. Ze damn dog rich now; zen he be more rich." + +"Do you know an executor of the will named Neale--P. B. Neale?" + +"Oui, M'sieur." + +"Who is he? What does he look like?" + +"He vas a planter two mile west Carrollton. I see heem maybe ten days +ago--leetle short man wif bald head." + +He poured out another drink of brandy, and, downing it, pushed back his +chair. + +"By Gar, I talk too mooch, maybe," he said, yawning. "But eet make no +dif. Ze Capitaine he cop ze monies just ze same, an' eet better you +know. Now I turn in an' sleep." + +He crossed the cabin to his stateroom, and closed the door. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX + +UNDER WAY + +The negro brought the girl's lunch on a tray, and I took it in to her, +barely pausing long enough to speak a few encouraging words, for fear +of some interruption. Then I sat down and watched while the remnants +of our meal were being removed. Except for an occasional footstep on +the deck above, and the swift movements of the steward, nothing +interrupted my thoughts. After Louis had carried the last dishes into +his pantry, and run the table up on its stanchions, he also +disappeared, and in the silence I could hear the heavy breathing of the +sleeping mate. For the first time I comprehended clearly the entire +situation, and I could face it with understanding. Broussard's anger +had served me well, and it never occurred to me to doubt this story, +told under the inspiration of liquor. It dovetailed in with all I +previously knew. + +The facts were clear. Philip Henley was dead, killed while +intoxicated, either accidentally, or for purposes of robbery. And he +had been robbed when picked up by the police, nothing to identify him +being found. Beyond doubt this half-breed brother had dispatched a man +North to look him up--possibly to assassinate him if necessary. The +fellow had either done the job, or been anticipated in his purpose. In +either case he was present to identify the body, and had written at +once, enclosing the signet ring as proof. That was the same ring we +had round in the arbor, and which Viola had instantly recognized. And +those men who had made a tool of me were the robbers. They had found +papers and letters which opened before them this scheme of fraud; then, +with his residence address, using his keys, they had learned everything +necessary for the completion of their plans. A copy of the Judge's +will must have been in Henley's possession, and, no doubt, some +lawyer's letter, describing the situation, received since the departure +of his wife. Apparently everything two clever crooks needed to know +was in their possession. All they needed to do was pull the strings, +using a figurehead to represent Philip Henley. That was the part for +which I was chosen. They had to construct a lie in order to interest +me, yet that was comparatively easy, and there was a strong probability +of success but for peculiar conditions of which they could know +nothing. The half-breed had never been mentioned; he was the monkey +wrench thrown unexpectedly into their well-oiled machine. Yet, even +without him, the reappearance of Philip Henley's wife was sufficient to +cause disaster. + +Philip Henley's wife! The magic of the words halted me. Then now, if +all I had learned was true, she was his widow. What would that mean to +me! The swift beating of my heart answered. As I sat there alone, in +the silence I forgot everything save her, and my mind dwelt upon every +word and look which had passed between us. These had been innocent +enough, and yet, to my imagination, stimulated by this discovery, +formed the basis of a dream of hope. I knew this, that however +sincerely she might have once supposed she loved Henley, his neglect, +cruelty, dissipation, had long ago driven all sentiment from her. +Before we met, her girlhood affection had been utterly crushed and +destroyed. Loyal, she was, and true to every tradition of her +womanhood. No audacity, no boldness, could penetrate her reserve, or +lower her self-respect. Before I knew who she was, when I had every +reason to doubt and to question, I was still restrained by an invisible +personality which kept me helpless. It was to guard his interest, not +her own, that she had accompanied me on this expedition, risking her +good name in the belief that he was unable to care for his own. What +would she do now? how would she feel toward me? What change would it +make in the friendly relationship between us? I longed to tell her, +and yet shrunk from the task. She could not fail to know how much I +cared; careful as I had been in word and action, yet a dozen times had +my eyes revealed the secret. I had seen her draw back from me, half +afraid, had her restrain me by a gesture, or a word. This could be +done no longer--we were free now, I to speak, she to listen, but I +could only guess the result. Back behind the rare depth of those eyes +her heart was hidden, and thus far I had probed for its secret in vain. + +The sunlight streaming in through the upper transom told me the sun was +dipping into the west. If we were to get away when night came there +were many things to consider first; especially was I obsessed now with +a desire to overhaul the Captain's papers, and secure those which would +be of benefit. We must possess more proof than the garrulous talk of +the second mate, and surely that proof would be discovered in the after +cabin. The noise of the steward's dish-washing had ceased, and +cautious investigation discovered him sound asleep, curled up like a +dog, on the deck. Assured as to this, I ventured up the companion +stairs, and indulged in a glance forward. Except for a group of +sailors doing some sail patching in the shade of the charthouse, no one +was visible. The vessel rocked gently, and far forward there was a +sound of hammering. The mate would be there, overseeing the job +whatever it might be. There was a dark cloud overshadowing the eastern +horizon, with zigzag flashes of lightning showing along its edge, but +the sea was barely rippled. There was no sign of any boat along the +beach of the cove, and the fishermen had disappeared, not a glimmer of +white sail showing above the waters. Surely no better opportunity than +this could be given. + +I stole back, silent and unobserved, listened an instant to Broussard's +steady breathing, then unlocked the Captain's door, and entered his +cabin. His wicked eyes, blazing with hate, glared at me as I +approached, and, inspired by some sudden feeling of sympathy, I bent +over, and removed the gag from his mouth. The result was an outburst +of profanity, bristling with threats, but these as instantly ceased as +I picked up the cloth again. + +"It's just as you please," I said soberly. "Either lie quiet, or have +this back--it's up to you." + +"Do you mean to kill me?" + +"Not unless I have to, but I hold some things more valuable than your +life. Just at present I mean to look over your papers." + +He must have realized I was beyond playing with, and impervious to +threats, for he lay quiet, but with glaring eyes following my every +movement, as I threw open the drawers of the desk, and began handling +their contents. For some time I discovered nothing of special +interest, only an accumulation of business letters, manifests and old +sea charts, showing that the _Sea Gull_ had been concerned in a vast +variety of enterprises. It was only after I had thus emptied the +unfastened drawers that I came upon one securely locked. I tried key +after key before discovering the right one, realizing from Henley's +squirming that I must be drawing near the goal. The first paper +touched was a copy of the will, and a little further rummaging put me +into possession of various documents which, I believed from a cursory +glance at their contents, were of utmost value. These I hastily +transferred to my coat pocket, making sure I had the original letter +descriptive of Philip Henley's death, as well as the copy of a +memorandum which the half-breed had evidently drawn up for the +convenience of his lawyers. I ran through this last swiftly, surprised +at its frankness, and convinced that the attorneys employed must be as +great rascals as the man who commanded their services. Evidently they +had requested full particulars so as to be prepared for any emergency. + +I presume this search, swift as I endeavored to conduct it, occupied +fully a half hour, every nerve strained by fear of interruption. +However, I could not desist until I had handled every scrap of paper, +and the result well repaid the risk. Once I heard steps above on the +deck, but, so far as I knew, no one entered the outer cabin. + +"I think I've got your number," I said finally, wheeling about to look +at him. + +"You 've got to get away first," he sneered defiantly, "and you 'll not +find that so easy. My turn will come yet, you spy, and then you 'll +learn how I bite." + +I laughed, feeling no mercy. + +"All in good time, friend; I think you have had your innings; now it's +mine. So you are Charles Henley?" + +He did not answer. + +"The illegitimate son of Judge Henley and a negro mother. That's a +clever forgery, that paper of legal adoption, I admit. Must have had +legal advice for that. What did you pay the lawyers?" + +He stared at me with compressed lips. + +"Not ready to confess yet? Well, you will be. By the way, who was +that Pierre who wrote telling you of Philip's death? Not Vonique, was +it?" + +"You damn white devil!" he burst forth, tortured beyond resistance. +"What do you know about him? Who told you?" + +"You 'll learn it all soon enough." + +"You 're a sneaking detective!" + +"Oh, no, Henley; I 'm merely a man who drifted into this adventure +blindly, but now I am going to fight it out for sake of the woman. +It's a pity for you that you did n't tap me on the head a bit harder +back in the cellar." + +His teeth ground together savagely, and he burst into a string of oaths. + +"That's enough," and I got to my feet. "I see I 'll have to gag you +again." + +"Where 's the steward?" + +"Asleep in the pantry when I came in here." + +"And Herman--has n't he got on board yet?" + +"Oh, yes; two hours, or more, ago. He has the deck watch, while the +Creole is below. Anything else you desire explained?" + +"You think you 're smart, but you 'll sing a different song before I 'm +through," he snarled. "I 'm hungry, and I want to know why that +Dutchman did n't come down here and report." + +"You 'll have to stand the hunger for awhile. As to Herman, I suppose +he had nothing to tell. Well, I 've wasted time enough." + +I replaced the gag, and took a survey of the cabin to make sure all was +secure. Uncomfortable as the man was, he was not in the slightest +danger, and I felt little tenderness. He would not remain long +undiscovered after we got away, and our only possible safety required +harsh methods. Nothing had occurred in the outer cabin during my +absence, but the growing shadows evidenced the approach of twilight. +In those waters night came quickly. Locking the Captain's door, I +entered my own stateroom, and sat down on the lower berth to wait, +leaving my door slightly ajar. The cabin grew constantly darker, +although outside, through the open port, I could still distinguish +gleams of light along the water surface, and the heights of the island. +Herman came down, and entered his stateroom, but without closing the +door. He remained but a moment, or two, and then hurried back on deck. +Suddenly a gust of wind blew in through the port, and it began to rain +gently, but in huge drops. Far away was the rumble of thunder, echoing +across the open sea. The storm was evidently coming up slowly from the +east, as all the western sky was clear, and streaked with golden red. + +Then a sailor--I thought he was Peters, but could not tell--came +shuffling down the companion stairs, his oilskins rustling, and pounded +on the second mate's door. + +"All hands, Mr. Broussard!" + +There was a muffled response, and the Creole, buttoning his jacket as +he passed, followed the other on deck. A moment later I heard the slow +throb of the engines, and glanced out to note the shore-line slipping +past into the gloom. The _Sea Gull_ was under way. + + + + +CHAPTER XXX + +WE MAKE THE EFFORT + +It would be some time yet--fifteen or twenty minutes at the +best--before I dared attempt to carry out my plan of escape. In spite +of the overspreading cloud, and steady rainfall, daylight lingered in +the west, and a spectral glow hung above the ocean. It was a peculiar, +almost ghastly light, yet of sufficient intensity to render objects +visible for a considerable distance. However, there were preliminaries +to be attended to, and I was eager to be busy. + +The steward had aroused from his nap, and I watched him lower the +table, and spread it with a white cloth. Now the distant clatter of +dishes proved him to be in the pantry. He could be dealt with there +even to better advantage than in the cabin, and, noncombatant as he +undoubtedly was, I felt it safer to place him beyond power to create +any alarm. The task confronting me was far too serious to leave our +rear unguarded. I slipped silently along the short passageway, and, +watching his back closely, investigated the lock on the pantry door. +It was of the spring variety, easily set to fasten, and could not be +operated from the inside. As I pressed in the catch there was a +clicking sound, which caused the negro to turn around, the whites of +his eyes gleaming oddly. + +"Oh, my Lordy! I nebber heard you, Massa Craig. By golly, sah, dis +yere niggah sure thought he was shot." + +"Not yet, Louis," I replied quietly, standing in the opening, one hand +still on the latch. "But it is just as well for you to be serious +about it--I 've got the weapon all right--see," and I pushed the +revolver butt forward into his range of vision. "I don't mean to hurt +you so long as you keep still." + +"What--what you a-goin' fer to do, sah?" + +"Get away from this ship if I can, and you are going to help by +remaining right where you are, boy. First, what's in that small boat, +hung to davits astern--provisions, I mean?" + +His teeth chattered so he could hardly answer, but finally words came +through his lips. + +"Thar 's a breaker of fresh water, an'--an' a package o' sea-biscuit, +sah. Ah--Ah reckon that's all." + +"Good; do you happen to know how far we are away from the main coast?" + +"A a-bout thirty-five mile, sah." + +"Florida?" + +"Yes, sah." + +"What is the nearest town?" + +"Ah--Ah reckon it would likely be Carlos, sah, but it don't 'mount ter +much." + +"Can you tell me the compass point?" + +He scratched his head, his confidence that he was not going to be hurt +returning, as I questioned him. + +"Wal', sah, I ain't no sailor man myself--no, sah; but de second mate +he done point it out dis mohnin' when Ah was on deck, an' he say it lay +nor'east by east, sah. Ah members dat distinctly." + +"That will be all, Louis. Now listen to me. I am going to shut this +door, and lock you in. I 'll be on board here for an hour yet, and if +you utter so much as a whimper I 'll come down here, and fill you full +of lead. Are you going to keep still?" + +"Ah--Ah sure am, sah; my Lordy! Ah don't want fer to be no dead +niggah." + +"Well, you will be if I hear a peep out of you." + +I closed the door, testing it before turning away, smiling grimly to +myself at recollection of those white eyeballs glaring at me through +the gloom. Louis was evidently not the stuff of which martyrs are made. + +There was a small tell-tale compass fastened to a beam over the table. +I unscrewed this without difficulty, and dropped it into my pocket. It +would be a dark night with that cloud shutting out the sky, with +probably not a shore light visible. Then I climbed the companion +stairs to take a survey of the deck. As the cabin lights had none of +them been lit, I could stand in the shadow of the hood without fear of +being seen, and my eyes, accustomed to the slow approach of darkness, +could see fairly well. No attempt had been made to spread sail, +although doubtless a closely reefed jib helped to steady the vessel, +which was advancing steadily under medium engine power. Quietness, and +secrecy was clearly the aim sought, for the stacks discharged only a +faint haze of smoke, instantly disappearing into the cloud mass above, +while the sound of the revolving screws was scarcely discernible. +Nevertheless we were slipping through the water at fair rate of speed, +leaving a very perceptible wake astern. Judging from our present +progress the _Sea Gull_ would prove herself a clipper once under full +steam. The open decks glistened with water, although the rainfall was +light and intermittent; thunder rumbled to the northward, with +occasional flashes of lightning. Even as I stood there, staring +forward, endeavoring to make out certain objects in the gloom, the +overhanging cloud seemed to close in across the western sky, instantly +plunging us into night. Like a spectral ship we swept through the +slight smother, gently lifted by the long swell, without a light +burning fore or aft. I heard no movement of men, no voice shouting +orders, yet before that last gleam faded, I had seen outlined several +figures on the bridge. To better assure myself that no watch was upon +the after deck, I circled the cabin, and then, crouching in the shadow +of the rail, advanced even with the chart-house. From this point I +could distinguish voices in conversation, but the forms of the men +could not be discerned. Still, without accurately locating them, I had +ascertained all I required to know, and made my way back along the +slippery deck. All hands were on duty forward, and would be held there +for a time, at least, while the _Sea Gull_ was slipping through the +danger zone. But supper had not been served, and one of the watches +might be piped down at any moment. This would bring one of the mates +aft to the cabin. + +Driven by the thought, I rapped softly on her door, and she came forth +instantly, fully dressed. + +"You are ready?" + +"Yes." + +"You 'll need a waterproof of some kind--it's raining outside. Wait a +moment; there will be a coat in some of these staterooms." + +I found one, a fisherman's slicker, and wrapped her in it. It was a +world too big, but I tightened the belt, and turned up the skirts, so +she managed to walk. It would serve to keep her dry, although worn +under indignant protest. + +"Oh, I can't," she proclaimed. "Why, I must be a perfect fright." + +"Not to me; besides, it's dark as Erebus. Here, let me take your hand; +I know every step of the way." + +I led her forward slowly, so that the flapping of the oilskins against +the stair-rail would not be heard. The steady patter of rain on the +deck planks drowned what little noise we made, and as we emerged into +the hood a gust of wind drove the moisture into our faces. I could +feel my heart thump, yet it was more because of her proximity than any +excitement of adventure. So far as I could perceive, peering out into +the storm with hand shading my eyes, the way was clear, and, bidding +her stoop low, we slipped back along the narrow deck passage into the +shadow cast by the boat. Here, protected as we were by the bulge of +the cabin, there was slight probability of our being observed, and I +stood up, again examining the tackle to reassure myself of its proper +working. I even tested the boat's weight in sudden fear lest I could +not hold it alone. Then I whispered to the shapeless form crouched +beside me. + +"Now," I said, "step on my knee, and I 'll help you over. Don't +hurry--only be quiet." + +"How can I with this ridiculous thing on?" + +"You must try. That's it; now just let me lift you--steady yourself +with the tackle." + +She peered back at me over the side of the boat, her hair shining with +moisture. + +"Now are you coming?" + +"No; I shall have to remain here and lower the boat." + +"But I don't know what to do." + +"Listen, and I 'll tell you. Turn about and face the stern. Yes, that +is the way I mean; keep your hand on that rope so as not to make a +mistake. Now take this knife; don't drop it. The moment the boat +touches the water--an instant before, if possible--cut the rope you +have hold on. Then hurry forward and cut the other. You understand?" + +"I--I think so; I am to cut this first and then the other." + +"Yes; now don't fail. You see we are launching this boat above the +screw. There is bound to be suction. If you cut as I say, you will +drift off bow on to the course of the vessel, and will float free; +otherwise the boat is likely to be swamped. You see what I mean?" + +She nodded. + +"The quicker you can get to that second rope," I added seriously, "the +better your chances." + +"Then I 'll get out of these oilskins," and she struggled out of them, +with every semblance of relief, tucking the bundle out of sight. "I +don't care if I get wet. But--but, what are you going to do?" + +"Jump for it, as soon as you are fairly afloat. I 'll be aboard before +you know it. Are you ready?" + +She was looking forward, and her hand gripped mine. Her failure to +answer, and the sudden pressure of fingers, was a warning of danger. I +glanced back across my shoulder. In front of the cabin stood a man +staring aft. His huge bulk, even in that darkness, told me it was +Herman. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXI + +THE OPEN BOAT + +Following the first impulse of this alarming discovery I pressed her +back into the boat, and crouched low myself behind the protection of +the flag locker. The fellow might not have seen us. How still it was; +only the swish of water astern, and the continuous patter of rain. The +pounding of my heart was like that of a trip hammer, as I listened +intently for any movement. For a long moment of suspense there was +none; then I heard his heavy step on the deck, as he came slowly +forward around the bulge of the cabin. The very manner of his advance +told me his uncertainty; something had occurred to arouse suspicion--he +had heard a noise, or seen a shadow--and was investigating curiously. +He came up to the stern rail, standing still, a huge bulk in the gloom, +his gaze on the swinging boat. Then, unsatisfied, he leaned forward, +and began to explore with one hand. Apparently he touched something +strange; the edge of her skirt it must have been, for there was a bit +of cloth in the lifted fingers. Noiselessly I arose to my feet, +planting myself firmly on the wet deck. There was but one means of +escape now, and big as the fellow was, I must accept the chance. +Another minute would mean discovery, and his bull voice would roar the +length of the ship. He neither saw, nor heard me, his whole attention +concentrated on the boat. Without warning, putting every ounce of +strength into the blow, I struck, landing square on the chin. There +was a smothered groan, and he collapsed, hurled back bodily, his arms +flung up. I heard him thud against the rail, his great form bending to +the shock, and then he went over, whirling through the air. + +The result was so sudden, so unexpected, as to be all accomplished +before I realized its possibility. I saw him go down, blindly clawing +with his hands at the open air, and yet it was more a delirium than a +reality. There was no splash, no cry, and I leaned over the rail, +rubbing my bruised knuckles, and staring down into the black void where +the fellow had disappeared, scarcely believing the truth of what I had +actually witnessed. + +"What is it?" she asked, her voice barely audible. "What has happened?" + +Her voice seemed to recall me instantly, to restore my numbed faculties. + +"Why, really I hardly know," I answered, yet stepping back to grip the +ropes. "The fellow had hold of your dress, did n't he?" + +"Yes, oh! I was so frightened, and--and then he jerked me horribly." + +"That was when I hit him. I must have got the big brute just right. +He fell back as if he had been pole-axed, crashed into the rail, and +went overboard." + +She looked down into the swirl beneath, clutching the edge of the boat +with her hands. + +"Is--is he down there--in the water? Do you--you suppose he is +drowned?" + +"I don't see what else he could be. I did n't mean to kill him; just +to knock him out, but I don't believe he had any swim left by the time +he hit the water." + +"I--I cannot bear to think of it!" + +"Now see here," I said, coming back to my senses. "This is all +foolishness, and losing us time. I 'm not sorry he is out of the way; +it was either his life or ours. He was a big, lawless brute, a +murderer at heart, if he was n't in deed. Now there is all the more +reason for us to hurry. Have you got the knife?" + +"Yes." + +"Then get hold of that stern rope; I am going to lower away." + +She obeyed me, but it was mechanical, her eyes still fixed upon the +water. + +"Be quick now," I said sternly, and my hand pressed her shoulder. +"Your life depends on your promptness." + +I loosened the ropes, permitting them to run slowly through the blocks. +There was no creaking, and I rejoiced at the ease with which I +sustained the weight, as the boat descended. Slowly it sank below into +the darkness, until it was merely a black, shapeless shadow outlined +against the water. I felt the strain on my arms as the swell gripped +its keel; then the stern swung free, and I knew she was scrambling +forward, knife in hand, for the other rope. Almost before the boat +could swing about, the second stay dangled, and all my straining eyes +could perceive was a dark, indefinite shadow drifting out of sight +astern. Without uttering a sound, or wasting a second, I dived from +the rail. I came up to the surface, swishing the water from my eyes. +Five fathoms away was the shapeless outline of the boat, tossing +helplessly on the swell, the girl still in the bow, her very attitude +bespeaking terror. + +"It's all right," I called, loud enough for her to hear. "Throw out an +oar on the left, and hold her. I 'll be there in a minute." + +She heard me and understood, for with one sob of relief plainly audible +in the still night, she shipped the oar. Weighted by sodden clothes +even that short distance tested me, yet her efforts, small as they +were, halted the boat's drift, and I made it, almost breathless, when I +finally gripped the gunwale, and hung on to regain a measure of +strength. + +"Oh, thank God!" she exclaimed, staring at me, "I--I thought you were +lost." + +"My clothes are like lead," I panted. "They dragged me down twice. +That's over with now." + +"But--but what could I have done if you had not come!" + +"Don't think of it; the danger is all over. You need n't pull on the +oar; just hold it straight out; that will keep the boat's head forward." + +"Can you get over the side?" + +"In a moment---yes; as soon as I get my breath back. Did you notice +any alarm on board the _Sea Gull_?" + +She shaded her eyes with one hand, holding the heavy oar against her +body, and looked ahead. + +"No; I was not thinking about that--only of your danger, and my awful +position. I was never so frightened before." + +"Can you still see the vessel?" + +"Just a shadow against the sky. I--I think she is moving straight +ahead." + +"Then we have not been missed, nor the mate. Doubtless he was going +below for his supper. Now lean well over to port--yes, the left--and +balance the boat; I am going to climb in." + +With a struggle, I made it, rolling over the low gunwale, the water +draining from me into a pool at the bottom, the slight chill of the +night air making me shiver. It was not raining now, although there was +a vapory mist in the atmosphere, almost a drizzle. I sat up, and +touched her hand where it grasped the oar. + +"You are a fine brave girl," I said sincerely, unable to restrain my +admiration. + +She dropped her head, and began to sob. + +"Oh, no, no! I am not," she replied, tremblingly. "I am such a +coward. You cannot know the terror I have felt." + +"That is the test of courage; you faced peril realizing all you risked. +Not one in a thousand would have done as well." + +"You--you really think so?" and she glanced toward me, "or are you +merely seeking to encourage me? But you are soaking wet, and must be +cold." + +"A little damp--yes," and I laughed, stretching my limbs, "but there is +plenty to do now to keep me warm. Where is the _Sea Gull_? I hardly +know in which direction to look." + +She pointed over the port bow, and, with an effort, I managed to make +out, through the misty gloom, a faint shadow against the sky. Not a +light was visible, nor could I decipher any real outline of the vessel. +Even as I stared in uncertainty this dim spectral shade vanished, +swallowed up in the night. + +"Why," she said, "it is gone now; I cannot see it at all any more." + +"The best luck that could happen to us. Now we will widen the stretch +of water as much as possible." I leaned over, and clawed about until I +found the discarded oilskins, and wrapped them about her, despite +protests. + +"No, not another word, young lady. I shall have to work and cannot be +bothered with such things, while you must sit there and hold that oar +until we have some sail spread. This mist is as bad as rain; your +jacket is soaked already. Have n't you learned yet to obey your +captain's orders?" + +"I was never very good at that." + +"Obeying, you mean? Well, you have no choice now. Hold steady while I +step the mast." + +Fortunately the spar was not a heavy one. Except for the roll of the +boat I could have handled it alone, but fearful of capsizing, I lashed +the oar into position, and she helped me steady it down until it rested +solidly in the socket. Our eyes met. + +"You are not so frightened now." + +"Not when I am busy; it--it was being left alone, and--and thought of +that drowned man." + +"Of course, but my being here makes a difference?" + +"Always," she confessed frankly. "Somehow I can never be afraid with +you. But--but what shall we do now?" + +"I hardly know what to put you at--oh, yes, here is a tin, and you can +bail out this water sloshing about in the bottom. That will be +valuable service." + +"What will you do?" + +"Rig up the sail the best I can in the dark; there is breeze enough to +give us some headway, and ship the rudder." + +"Do you know which direction to steer?" + +"Not now, but I have a compass in my pocket; a northeast course would +be sure to bring us to the coast, and towns are scattered along. I +found that out from Broussard yesterday." + +She made no response, bending over with the tin dipper, and I went at +my task, straightening out ropes so they would work easily through the +blocks. In spite of the darkness I was not greatly hampered, as +everything had been stored away in shipshape manner, and came +conveniently to hand. The wind freshened perceptibly while I was thus +engaged, veering into the southeast, so that all the cloth I dare +spread was the jib and a closely reefed mainsail. The boat acted a bit +cranky, but, confident she would stand up under this canvas, I crawled +back to the tiller, eased off the sheet a trifle more, and waited +results. We shipped a bucket full of water, and then settled into a +good pace, a cream of surge along our port gunwale, and a white wake +astern. The woman kept on bailing steadily, until the planks were dry, +and then crept cautiously back to the thwart just in front of me, +leaning over slightly to keep clear of the occasional flap of the sail. + +I hoped she would speak, and thus afford me some excuse for telling +what I had discovered on board the _Sea Gull_, but she sat there in +silence, staring straight ahead into the ceaseless drizzle, her +oilskins gathered tightly. Holding the tiller under my arm I unscrewed +the face of the compass, and made a guess at our position. However, +there was no star, or other mark of guidance, by which I could steer; +only the wind, which apparently shifted in gusts, and I could merely +hold the leaping craft in the course I deemed safest. I doubt if the +eye penetrated twenty feet beyond the boat's rail, but we raced through +the smother in a way that gave me a certain thrill of exultation. At +least we were clear of the _Sea Gull_, and safe enough, unless a storm +arose. With the return of daylight a course could be set for the +coast, which would n't be far away. So I stared into the darkness, and +waited, scarcely bold enough to break the silence. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXII + +A TALK IN THE NIGHT + +I wondered what awaited us ahead in that black mystery of waters; had +they discovered yet our absence on board the _Sea Gull_? If so, what +would Henley do? Knowing that I had rifled his desk, his one thought +upon release would naturally be the recovery of the papers. Besides, +smarting from his bonds, and thirsting for revenge, he would never +permit the vessel to depart from these waters without an effort to +overtake us. Private vengeance would outweigh all other +considerations. God pity us if we ever fell into his clutches again. +And there would be no doubt as to the manner of our escape--the trail +left was a plain one. I could imagine the scene on board when the +discovery of our escape was first made--the search for the missing +mate, the discovery of the loss of the boat, the dangling ropes proving +how it had been lowered. Then would follow an excited investigation +below, revealing the steward locked into his pantry, and the raging +captain tied and gagged in his berth. I could not forbear laughing to +myself at the picture, and yet never was insensible to the danger still +confronting us. + +There was in my mind, now I had leisure to consider, no doubt as to +what those on board that vessel would do. They would realize we were +somewhat astern, and, in the hope of sighting us at daylight, would +cruise back and forth in those immediate waters. Any moment the _Sea +Gull's_ sharp prow might loom up out of the black wall. As she carried +no lights there would be no warning. It occurred to me that they would +be more apt to take a course well in toward shore, anticipating I would +endeavor to reach the protection of the coast under cover of darkness. +Someone would discover the loss of the tell-tale compass, which would +naturally confirm that suspicion. Convinced of this I steered more to +the eastward, feeling of the face of the compass again to assure myself +of the direction. I found even this small change an advantage in more +ways than one, as the boat moved steadier, and I was able to spread a +larger amount of canvas. Lashing the tiller, I crept forward and shook +out an additional reef, hauling the ropes taut. By this time the wind +had steadied into a brisk breeze, and the rain had ceased. Crawling +back across the thwarts, I took the jumping tiller again into my hands, +and held her nose to it, seeking every advantage. I had brought back +with me a tin of biscuit from the bow locker, more as an excuse for +opening conversation than from any feeling of hunger. + +"It must be pretty close to midnight," I said finally. "Are you +hungry?" + +The shapeless form in the oilskins straightened slightly, and I knew +she had turned her face toward me. + +"Hungry! Oh, no; I had not thought of that." + +"You have been crying?" + +"Yes; it is so foolish, but I am so frightened out here in this little +boat. The darkness, and that awful water has got upon my nerves. +You--you must n't scold me." + +"Of course not--I feel the weight myself," I replied kindly. "This +experience is almost as new to me as to yourself. You must remember I +am no sailor." + +"Yet you understand boats; you know the sea." + +"Only a little about small boats; I picked that up in the Philippines; +but I have never had to rely entirely upon myself before." + +"But you are not afraid?" + +I laughed softly, hoping to reassure her. + +"Not of those things which most affect you, at least. I can handle the +boat all right in this sea and wind, while the darkness possesses no +special terror." + +"Nor the memory of that dead man float--floating somewhere yonder?" + +"I have hardly thought about him. I have seen so many dead men in the +past three years I have become hardened possibly. You must n't let +your mind dwell on that grewsome incident. It was unavoidable, our +only means of escape. His death was an accident." + +"What is it then you are afraid of?" + +I told her, dwelling upon our situation so far as I could understand +it, and describing the change in my plans. She listened quietly, +asking a question now and then, sitting erect, the oilskins thrown +aside, and one hand grasping the boat's rail. + +"What papers did you find in the desk?" + +"Letters mostly, establishing the identity of the Captain." + +"Who is he--really?" + +"Charles Henley--Philip Henley's half brother by a negro mother. Did +you ever hear of him?" + +"No; I was never told there was such a man." + +"I doubt if anyone, outside those immediately interested, ever knew the +circumstances. Of course the family kept it a close secret. This is +where the man had all the advantage. As soon as the Judge died he +determined to represent himself as Philip, and claim the property. + +"As Philip had been absent so long, no one could dispute successfully +his claim to be that individual. He possessed ample evidence that he +was the son of Judge Henley." + +"But surely he would anticipate that my hus--Philip--would hear of his +father's death?" + +"He took the chance of getting the property into his hands first. As I +understand the matter he possessed no knowledge that the Judge was in +communication with Philip. He believed the latter had disappeared +utterly, and would only learn of his inheritance through accident. To +prevent this he dispatched a man North to discover him, if possible, +and keep him under surveillance. He thought he had every avenue +guarded." + +"And--and you said his mother was a negress?" + +"Yes--old Sallie." + +"What! That awful creature!" + +"Probably she was not that in her younger days." + +"I cannot imagine such a thing. How did you learn this?" + +"From Broussard first. They have been together for years, but I +happened to discover the fellow when he was angry over a punishment. +He talked more freely than he intended to do, and later I verified all +he said by the letters found." + +"Then, strange as it sounds, it is true?" + +"Without doubt. Moreover," and I lowered my voice in sudden +embarrassment, "within the last two weeks the Captain had received news +from his agent in the North, which gave him fresh confidence. From his +standpoint he no longer had any cause for fear from the chief source." + +"What--what do you mean?" + +"You will believe me? You will not think I manufacture this?" + +"Certainly not:--but--but I do not understand." + +"Well, the man reported that he had found trace of Philip Henley; he +told of the life the man was leading, and where he lived. I think all +this must have been immediately after your separation, as he mentioned +no wife. However, he described something even more important." + +"You must tell me," she burst forth, as I hesitated. "Don't be afraid +to trust me with all you know." + +"I am not afraid," I returned stoutly enough, "not in the sense you +mean, at least, yet it is never easy to be the bearer of evil news." + +"It is evil?" + +"Misfortune, certainly. The man reported the death of your husband." + +"His death! You are sure?" + +I could hear her quick breathing, as she leaned forward, all attention +riveted on me. + +"Yes." + +"You saw the report?" + +"I have it with me; as soon as it becomes daylight you can read it +yourself." + +"Yes, but tell me now what he said; how it happened." + +"The report was specific, and would seem to be true. He says that +Philip Henley, while intoxicated, was struck and killed by an +automobile. The date given was after you left him. His body was found +by the police but his pockets had been rifled, and there were no marks +of identification on his clothes. He was buried unknown, but the +informant claimed to have visited the morgue, viewed the body, and +states positively the dead man was Philip." + +"And--and you think--tell me what you believe, Gordon Craig." + +"There is but one conclusion to my mind. I have no doubt as to the +entire truth of the story. The silence and disappearance of your +husband is evidence that he is either dead, or, in some other way, +helpless. The former explanation is the most probable, and, coupled +with this fellow's statement, seems unquestionable. There would be no +apparent reason why he should lie." + +"No; there is none. I--I--really, I have thought this all the time; +but about those others?" + +"Vail and Neale, you mean? It seems to me they fit in exactly with the +story. Everything had been removed from Philip's pockets, and all +ordinary means of identification destroyed. There must have been a +purpose in this, and it must have been done by a second party, as there +is no suggestion of suicide. My theory is this--the body was either +found by others before the police arrived, or else the automobile party +which killed him paused long enough to ascertain the extent of his +injuries. In either case his pockets were searched, and all contents +removed. Do you comprehend what that would mean?" + +"I--I think so; but tell me yourself." + +"He certainly had papers with him dealing with his inheritance. To a +shrewd, criminal mind they would be suggestive. He also, undoubtedly, +had keys to his apartments. With these in their possession it would be +comparatively easy for unscrupulous persons to ascertain the entire +nature of the case, and secure all necessary documents. Then there +would be nothing more needed except a man capable of passing himself +off as Philip Henley." + +"And Vail was not a lawyer," she asked breathlessly, "nor Neale one of +the executors?" + +"In my judgment the fellows merely took those names to impose upon me, +to help bolster up their story, and make it appear probable. They were +simply two crooks, willing to take a chance for a pot of money. I +happened to be the one selected to pull their chestnuts out of the +fire." + +I saw her head sink into the support of her hands, and knew she was +sobbing silently. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIII + +WE UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER + +"You think my conclusions must be correct?" I could not refrain from +asking. + +"Yes; even without seeing the letter, but," and she glanced up quickly, +"the ring--Philip's ring--we found?" + +"I forgot to mention that. Its presence here alone is convincing. It +was sent to Charles Henley by his agent, who claimed to have removed it +from the finger of the dead man." + +"Then every doubt is removed; the one killed was my hus--husband." + +There was a long, painful silence, during which I stared out into the +dark, mechanically guiding the boat, although every thought centered on +her motionless figure. What should I say? how was I to approach her +now? Before there had always been a frank spirit of comradeship +between us; no reserve, no hesitancy in the exchange of confidences. +But with this assurance of Philip Henley's death, everything was +changed. I longed to go to her and pour out my sympathy, but some +instinct held me back, held me wordless. I knew not what to say, or +how any effort on my part would be received. Instantly there had been +a barrier erected between us which she alone could lower. Those were +long minutes I sat there, speechless, gazing straight ahead, my brain +inert, my hand hard on the tiller. Suddenly, with a swift thrill which +sent my blood leaping, I felt the soft touch of her fingers. + +"Are you afraid to speak to me?" she asked, pleadingly. "Surely I have +said nothing to anger you." + +"No, it is not that," I returned in confusion, not knowing how to +express the cause of my hesitancy. "I am sorry, and--and I sympathize +with you, but I hardly know how to explain." + +She was looking at me through the darkness; I was able to distinguish +the white outline of her uplifted face. + +"I am sorry--yes," very slowly, "but perhaps not as you suppose. It is +hard to think of him as dead--killed so suddenly, without opportunity +to think, or make any preparation. He--he was my husband under the +law. That was all; he was no more. I do not believe I ever loved +him--my marriage was but the adventure of a romantic girl; but if I +once did, his subsequent abuse of me, his life of dissipation, +obliterated long since every recollection of that love. He is to me +scarcely more than a name, an unhappy memory. I told you that frankly +when I believed him still alive. We were friends then, you and I, and +I cannot conceive why his death should sever our friendship." + +"Nor has it," I interposed instantly. "It was not indifference which +silenced me. Rather it was the very strength of my feeling toward you. +I was fearful of saying too much, of being too precipitate." + +"You imagine I would fail to value your friendship at such a time?" + +"Don't," I burst forth impetuously; "you talk of friendship when all my +hope centers about another term. Surely you understand. I am a man +sorely tempted, and dare not yield to temptation." + +She drew her hand away from my clasp, yet the very movement seemed to +express regret. + +"You speak strangely." + +"No, I do not; the words have been wrung from me. I am in no way +ashamed, although I realize this is neither the time nor the place. +Remember you have been under my protection ever since that night we met +first on the streets; you are alone here with me now, but still under +my protection. I cannot take advantage of your helpless condition, +your utter loneliness. If I did I should never again be worthy of the +name gentleman." + +"I regret you should say this." + +"No more than I do; the words have been wrung from me." + +"And we are to be friends no longer? Is that your meaning?" + +"You must answer that question," I replied gravely, "for it is beyond +my power to decide." + +Her head was again uplifted, and I knew she was endeavoring to see my +face through the gloom. There was silence, the only sounds the slash +of the boat through the water, and the slight flapping of the canvas. + +"I am a woman," she said at last, "and we like to pretend to +misunderstand, but I am not going to yield to that inclination. I do +understand, and will answer frankly. We can never be friends as we +were before." + +My heart sank, and I felt a choke in my voice difficult to overcome. + +"I was afraid it would be so." + +"Yes," and both her hands were upon mine, "in our position we cannot +afford to play at cross purposes. You have been loyal to me, even when +every inducement was offered elsewhere. There was a moment when I +almost doubted, but it was only for a moment. Then I seemed to sense +your plan, your purpose, and from that time on I have trusted you more +completely than ever before. This is confessing a great deal, for it +is my nature to be reticent--I have always been hard to become +acquainted with." + +"I have not found you so; I feel as though I had known you always." + +"That comes from the peculiarity of our first meeting, the +unconventional manner in which we were brought together. I was not my +natural self that night, nor have I ever been able since to feel toward +you as I have in my relations with other men. Indeed I have been so +frank spoken, so careless of social forms, as to make you question in +your own mind my real womanhood." + +"No; never that!" I protested. + +"Oh, but you have," and she laughed softly, a faint trace of bitterness +in the sound. "You need not deny, for I have read the truth in your +face, yet without resentment. Why should you not, indeed? No man +would wish his sister to take the chances I have with an absolute +stranger. My only excuse is the seeming necessity, and the confidence +I felt in my own strength of character. I permitted myself to come +South with you, knowing your purpose to be an illegal one; I placed +myself in a false position. In doing this I was actuated by two +purposes; one was to save this property which had been willed to my +husband by his father. Do you guess the other?" + +"No," I said, impressed by the earnestness with which she was speaking. +"You will tell me?" + +"I mean to; the time has come when I should. It was that I might save +you from a crime. You had been kind to me, sympathetic; I--I liked you +very much, and I knew you did not understand; that you were being +misled. I could not determine then where the fraud was, but I knew +there was fraud, and that you would eventually become its victim." + +"You cared that much for me?" + +"Yes," she confessed frankly, "I did. I would never have told you so +under ordinary conditions. But I can now, here, where we are--alone +together in this boat." She paused, as though endeavoring to choose +the proper words. "We both realize the changed relations between us." + +I drew a quick, startled breath. + +"That--that I love you!" the exclamation left my lips before I was +aware. + +"Yes," she said calmly. "I could not help that. At first I never +deemed such a result of our friendship possible. I was Philip Henley's +wife, and I gave this possible danger scarcely a thought. Indeed it +did not seem a danger. While it is true he was husband in name only, +yet I was wife forever. That is my religion. Now the conditions are +all changed, instantly changed by his death." + +"You believe then he is dead?" + +"I am as sure of it as though I had seen his body. I feel it to be +true." There was an instant of hesitation, while I waited +breathlessly. "Do you understand now why because of the fact we can no +longer remain friends?" + +"Yes," I burst forth, "because you know how I have grown to feel toward +you; you--you resent--" + +"Have I said so?" + +"No, not in words; that was not necessary, but I understand." + +"Do you, indeed?" + +I stared toward her, puzzled, bewildered, yet conscious that the hot +blood was surging through my veins. + +"You cannot mean the other?" I questioned, the swift words tripping +over themselves in sudden eagerness. "That--that you love me?" + +"And why not? Am I so different from other women?" + +I held the tiller still with one hand, but the other arm was free, and +I reached out, and drew her toward me. There was no resistance, no +effort to break away. I could see her face uplifted, the wide-open +eyes. + +"Different! Yes; so vastly different, that I misunderstood everything. +But now I know, and--and sweetheart, I love you, I love you." + +It could not have been long, not to exceed a moment or two, when a +sudden leaping of the boat brought us back to a realization of our +position. As soon as I had regained control of the craft, I reached +out again and touched her hand. + +"This is all so strange, so unexpected, I can scarcely comprehend what +has occurred." + +"Strange, yes, in the way it has happened," she coincided. "But we +cannot afford to dwell upon that now. We are in peril. Do you really +know where we are? for what you are steering?" + +"It is largely a guess; there is nothing to give me guidance, except as +I unscrew the face of this compass and feel the needle." + +"Then we may still be within view from the deck of the _Sea Gull_ at +daybreak?" + +"Yes; that will depend entirely upon luck." + +She turned away, and sat quiet, staring forward intently into the black +void. + +"What time is it now?" + +"Nearly three." + +"In two hours it will be dawn." + +"Yes." + +I thought I could see her clasp her hands together; then suddenly lean +forward. + +"Why, look there!" she exclaimed quickly. "See! to the right. +Merciful Heavens! it is a ship!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIV + +THE REVENUE CUTTER + +The vision, indistinct in the gloom, was blotted out from me by the +intervening sail. It was only as I leaned well to one side that I +could distinguish the dim outlines. By that time we were almost upon +it, and I could only sheer away to avoid collision. It was hard to +determine the nature of the vessel, the sides looming so close above +us, but it was not the _Sea Gull_. I was certain of that from the +height of the rail, and the outline of a square foresail showing dimly +against the sky. From poop to bow there was not a light visible, and +the hull moved through the water like that of a spectral ship. +Apparently we were unnoticed, and as the stretch of water widened +slightly between us, I called out: + +"Ahoy there! Take us aboard!" + +I shouted twice, before a head popped over the rail, and stared down in +apparent amazement. + +"Hullo, the boat! Who are you? What do you want?" + +"Small boat adrift; two passengers; throw us a rope." + +"All right; standby!" + +I could hear his voice up above, shouting orders; there was a rush of +feet, and a rope's end fell within reach. The head bobbed over the +rail again, and, a moment later I had helped her up a swaying boarding +ladder, and felt the solid deck under my feet. The intense darkness +puzzled me, not a gleam of light showing anywhere. Suddenly a hand +touched my arm. + +"This way, sir; help the lady aft--the deck is clear." + +I could see nothing, barely the planks underfoot, yet there was nothing +to do but obey, with his fingers gripping me. + +"What kind of a boat is this?" she whispered. + +"I 'm sure I don't know; not big enough for a passenger liner." + +"The officer is in uniform." + +"Are you sure?" + +We were at the head of the companion stairs, and descended carefully, +clinging to the rail. The officer, groping in the darkness, opened a +door at the bottom, and hurried us into the lighted cabin. Facing us, +one hand resting on the table, stood a short, sturdy man in uniform. +Before I could speak, or do more than glance about the interior, my +eyes still blinded by the sudden blaze of light, he began questioning. + +"Who are you? how did you come to be adrift in these waters? Answer +up, sir--you 're no fisherman." + +"We escaped from a vessel last evening, sir." + +"Escaped! By Gad! are we in a state of war? What do you mean by +escaped--run away?" + +"Yes, sir," and I stepped aside so he could see her more clearly. "We +were being held as prisoners." + +His eyes flashed to her face, rested an instant, and then his cap was +in his hand. + +"I beg your pardon, young lady," he said gravely, "but this is all most +strange. I could almost imagine this was a century or two earlier when +pirates roamed these seas. You were prisoners you say, and escaped." + +"Yes," I answered, before she could do so, "but you must pardon us +details until we know who it is that questions us." + +"Oh, exactly; you are unaware of the nature of this vessel." + +"Yes, sir." + +"Well, this is the revenue cutter _Saline_, which I have the honor to +command." + +I understood the situation in a flash, my heart leaping in fierce +anticipation. + +"Mr. Smith, assist the lady to a chair, and have the steward bring a +glass of wine. Now, sir, are you ready to answer." + +"I am; we were prisoners on board the _Sea Gull_. It is a long story, +envolving a will, in which the master of that vessel was interested. +We escaped in a small boat last evening, and have been floating about +since." + +"The _Sea Gull_? Do you remember the name, Mr. Smith?" + +"No, sir; perhaps a description--" + +"A schooner-rigged steam yacht," I explained briefly, "clearing from +New Orleans for Santiago." + +The two exchanged glances. + +"I begin to see light," said the Captain calmly. "I think the _Sea +Gull_ must have originally sailed as the _Mary Somers_. Do you happen +to know, sir, where she was really bound, and the nature of her cargo?" + +"I do; Spanish Honduras, with munitions of war." + +"Exactly, under command of a half-breed named Henley. By Gad, Smith, +this sounds too good to be true." + +He walked across the cabin twice, thinking, not even glancing up as he +passed us. Suddenly he stopped, facing me. + +"Where did he get you two?" + +"In a bayou off the Alabama coast." + +"And you got away last evening--how?" + +"By imprisoning the Captain and steward below; I was obliged to knock +the first mate overboard, but we were unseen by any others. Let me +tell you the whole story; it will scarcely require five minutes." + +He nodded his head, walking back and forth as I reviewed the events +swiftly. I hardly think he asked so much as a single question, his +eyes upon my face and then upon the face of the girl. + +"A rather strange tale," he commented when I had concluded, "and, +perhaps, the whole is not told. However that is none of my affair. +Now listen; this is a revenue cutter. We were ordered out of Pensacola +four days ago to intercept this boat on which you two were prisoners. +We have n't even sighted the vessel, and if we did would be perfectly +helpless; as she can steam three knots to our one. Only some streak of +wonderful good luck would ever enable us to capture her. I half +believe you are the good luck, if you do what I suggest." + +"What?" I asked. "I will be willing. Would you need Mrs. Henley also?" + +"Yes," he turned to the officer who was still standing. + +"How large was the boat, Mr. Smith?" + +"Capable of transporting about fifteen, sir." + +"Hardly enough; still I don't know; we could afford to take a chance. +What crew did the _Sea Gull_ carry?" + +"I do not know how many were below, sir," I answered, beginning dimly +to conceive his purpose. "I never saw to exceed a dozen on deck in a +watch." + +"Any evidence they were armed?" + +"I know they were not; the officers carried weapons, but would never +trust the crew." + +"And only two officers remaining?" + +"There may be an engineer, sir." + +He pondered a moment, grave-faced, and silent. + +"It is not a very complicated plan, but we will try It. I don't think +Henley will leave these waters without an effort to recover his boat, +and prisoners. He will want those papers, and revenge on Craig here. +He has no warning that we are after him. I believe the fellow will +cruise about in the same neighborhood until daylight. What do you say, +Smith?" + +"I agree with you, sir." + +"Good; then all we have got to do is lay a trap; the boat's the trap." + +"You mean conceal a squad of men in the bottom, and send it adrift +again?" + +"Exactly; lower the mast, as though Craig here had been unable to step +it; or, better still, heave it overboard; the loss of weight will give +room for another man. Then cover the lads over with the canvas. They +will never suspect the ruse on the _Sea Gull_, or study it out through +glasses. They 'll simply recognize their boat, and steer for it." + +"The fighting odds will be pretty heavy, sir," said Smith soberly. + +The Captain's smile lit up his stern features. + +"I would not so consider if it was my privilege to be along," he +replied. "We must trust to surprise, and get the crew below fastened +down before an alarm is sounded on board. A dozen armed men ought to +clear the decks. How do you look at the affair, Craig? Will the plan +work?" + +"I am not sure I understand exactly what is proposed, sir?" + +"My thought is, that this man Henley will be sufficiently anxious to +get hold of you two again, and regain those papers, so that he will +steam about slowly all night, hoping to get sight of the missing boat +at daylight. He has no means of knowing that the revenue officers are +after him. If he sights us at daybreak, he 'll make a run, and show us +a clean pair of heels. He 'd be hull down in five hours, for this is a +slow old tub. Now what I propose is this," and the Captain counted off +the points on his fingers. "There is about an hour of darkness +left--sufficient to enable me to run this cutter in behind Cosmos +Island safely out of sight. In the meanwhile we 'll dismantle that +small boat a bit, slip a dozen good men under the canvas, and turn her +adrift." + +"And you wish me to go also?" + +"Yes, if you will." + +"And Mrs. Henley?" + +"That would be the only way to allay suspicion on the _Sea Gull_." + +I hesitated, half turning so as to look at her. Our eyes met, and she +must have instantly read the question in mine, for she arose to her +feet, and rested one hand on my arm. + +"You wish to say yes?" she asked quietly. "You believe the plan will +succeed?" + +"It sounds feasible. I would gladly go myself, but I hesitate at +exposing you; there will be fighting." + +"But my being there is one of the requisites of success?" + +"I suppose so. If you were not visible in the boat, they might +suspicion the truth." + +She glanced toward the waiting Captain, and then back into my face. + +"Then I will go, of course," she said smilingly. "Let us not discuss +it any more." + +The Captain stepped forward, bowing, bare-headed. + +"Most bravely spoken," he said soberly. "I owe you a debt, madam. Mr. +Smith, have the boat prepared at once to carry out my idea." + +"To leave the impression that an incompetent seaman had been in charge +of it through the night, sir?" + +"Exactly; the mast overboard, and the canvas stowed badly." + +"Yes, sir, a big sheet." + +"Bunch it so as to leave all the space possible; leave the jib set; it +will help conceal the men. Send Lieutenant Hutton here." + +"He will have command of the party?" + +"Yes; let him pick his own men, and then report to me; arm them with a +revolver apiece. Be lively about it." + +He turned to us as Smith left the cabin. + +"I cannot offer you much at this hour," he said genially, "but the boy +has some hot coffee ready. Bring on what you have, Joe." + + + + +CHAPTER XXXV + +THE DECK OF THE SEA GULL + +The dawn broke gray and desolate, the vista of restless waters growing +gradually wider, as the light spread out across the eastern sky. The +clouds yet hung thick and low, yielding a ghastly aspect to the dawn, +somberness to the picture of breaking waves tipped by flying vapors of +mist. I sat at the tiller, grasping one of her hands in mine, and +staring anxiously about the broadening circle. The boat in which we +rode, while buoyant enough, still bore the outward appearance of a +wreck, the broken stump of a mast barely showing sufficiently high to +support the flapping jib, and the wet canvas of the mainsail completely +concealing everything forward. The men were lying low, so completely +hidden as to be invisible even to us, but the Lieutenant sat upright, +with head above the mass of sail, and was scanning the sea with +glasses. He was a resolute-looking fellow, with brown eyes, and a +reddish tinge of hair. As he lowered the glasses a moment, I saw him +glance back at us curiously. + +"Had n't seen you before," he explained cordially enough. "Dark when +we came over the side, you know. Bad morning." + +"The fog is lifting. What is that black mass out there?" + +"Cosmos Island," and he turned his lenses the other way. "The next ten +minutes will give us a clear view." + +I looked at her, noting how tired her eyes appeared in the gray light, +although they smiled courageously. + +"I wish you were not here," I whispered. + +"Please do not say that. I--I really I wished to come. I do not think +I could have let you go without me." + +"But you are so tired--" + +"No more than you, I am sure. Why, I have done nothing except to stay +awake. You have had all the work and worry. It will not be long now." + +"No; we shall know in a few minutes if the _Sea Gull_ is standing by +hunting us. If she shows up, you must do exactly as I say. You +promise that?" + +"Of course," and the clasp of her hand tightened. "You have no reason +to doubt me." + +The Lieutenant's eyes were on the widening sea line, and I bent down +and pressed my lips to her bare arm. I glanced up again into flushed +cheeks. + +"It has been a great night," I said sincerely. "The one in all my life +best worth living through." + +"I almost believe you mean that." + +"Don't you?" + +"Can you not read my answer in my eyes?" + +"Craig," exclaimed the Lieutenant suddenly, "that must be the fellow +off there to port. Here, try the glasses--just where the cloud is +lifting a bit." + +I was some time gaining the proper focus, but when I once had the +distant vessel caught fairly in the lens, I recognized her instantly. + +"That's the _Sea Gull_, and, by heavens, they are keeping a sharp +lookout on board. See! she is swinging on her heel already; they've +sighted us." + +He grasped the glass, and stared out through it in silence for several +minutes. Then he thrust it into a pocket and settled back out of sight +behind the canvas screen. + +"You have called the turn," he said quietly, "and the dance is about to +begin. Unship your rudder and let it go. Let them think you are +wrecked, helpless to escape, and they will be more careless. You men +there, loosen your guns, and be ready to scale a ship's side in a +jiffy, but lie perfectly still until I give the word." He turned his +head. + +"You understand what you are to do, Craig, you and the lady?" + +"I think so. We are to obey Henley's orders, and go on board." + +"Yes, but do something as soon as you reach the deck to attract +attention, and get them away from the rail. Try and get the lady as +far astern as possible, for there is likely to be some fighting. Are +you frightened, miss?" + +"No," although her voice trembled from excitement. "You need not worry +about me." + +I caught the gleam of admiration in the Lieutenant's eyes as he looked +at her, but almost instantly his thought centered on his own work. + +"All right, then; I shall not wait for any signal. Now listen, men; +these are my last orders. When I say go, get up any way you can, and +hit the first man you see. Hit hard, but no shooting unless they use +firearms. But fight like devils, and do it quick. They outnumber us +three to one. Marston, you and Simms take the stoke hold and the +forecastle. Keep those fellows below down with your revolvers. Shoot +if you need to. The rest of you stick close to me. All clear, lads?" + +"Aye, aye, sir," returned the muffled voices from beneath the canvas. + +I unshipped the rudder, letting it disappear noiselessly beneath the +waves, and the boat's head swung slowly around, and we drifted +helplessly, the jib flapping. With our eyes on the approaching vessel +we remained motionless in the stern, our hands clasped. The flush had +faded from out her cheeks, yet once she turned toward me and smiled. +Forward not so much as the twitch of a muscle revealed any other +presence in the boat, the only visible thing a jumble of ropes and +canvas, apparently dragged hastily from the water by inexperienced +hands. The waves tossed us about so that any seaman would recognize +instantly our predicament. The manner in which the jaunty _Sea Gull_ +bore down upon us was proof that those on board had already grasped the +situation, and had no remaining suspicion of treachery. She was under +steam, with no sail set, and the rapidly increasing light gave me a +fairly clear view. In low monotone, without turning my head, I managed +to convey my observations to the motionless officer. + +"She 's heading straight toward us under low pressure. There are two +men on the bridge, and a lookout on the bow. Now she 's swinging to +port to bring up close. There 's a group at the rail near the +starboard gangway. About ten, I should say. Can you see, Viola?" + +"Twelve," she answered quietly, "and three forward. The third man at +the rail is the Captain, and he has a glass." + +"By George! you are right. I recognize the fellow now. Broussard is +on the bridge. They expect no trouble, Lieutenant, and only have the +regular watch on deck. They are getting too close for me to talk any +more." + +It was indeed a beautiful picture had we only been in a mind to enable +us to enjoy the scene. The deserted ocean, rolling gray and dismal +under the cloudy sky, white caps showing in every direction as our boat +was flung helplessly aloft on the steady roll of the sea. The coast +line was not visible from our elevation, and nothing broke the gray +round of horizon but clouds of floating vapor, slowly drifting away +before the sun, which was already yielding a faint crimson glow to the +east. Behind us, probably two miles distant, arose the rough ridge of +Cosmos Island, while bearing down upon us from the north, with a +westward sheer sufficient to expose her beautiful lines, came the _Sea +Gull_. Yet graceful, handsome as she appeared, my entire attention +centered on the group of men at her rail. They were watching us +intently, Henley with a glass at his eyes. Twice I saw him turn, and +wave his hand to Broussard on the bridge, slightly altering the +vessel's course, and once the sound of his voice echoed faintly across +the intervening water. + +It was quite evident that as yet he perceived nothing to arouse +suspicion, for, with a swing like a hawk, the _Sea Gull_ bore down upon +us, the engines slowing, and then reversed. We were staring up into +the faces that looked curiously down at us. Henley gripped a stay and +swung himself to the rail; farther aft the negro steward hung over, his +mouth wide open, grinning at the spectacle. + +"Hard down!" yelled the Captain, motioning with one arm. "Plug her, +man. Now you damned army hound," he called to me, "catch that rope, +and make fast." + +One of the hands flung the coil so that it fell at my feet, and I did +as directed, as otherwise we would have been crushed under the vessel. +As it drew taut, the boat swung in gently against the side of the _Sea +Gull_. Above us Henley hung, leaning far enough out so he could look +down. + +"Now, you damn thief," he screamed, "it's my turn to play jailer. Come +up, both of you." + +"Just a moment, Captain Henley," I answered, rising to my feet. "If +there is anyone to be punished I am the one; this woman had nothing to +do with it." + +"That 's for me to decide," he snarled, and whipped out a revolver. "I +know how to handle both of you. Come, jump now, you dog, or you never +will move again. Pass the girl up first, and be lively about it. Give +them a hand there, Peters, and don't be too easy." + +There was no excuse for delay; besides, those lads under the heavy +canvas must be nearly smothered. With my arm about her I lifted her up +to where Peters could reach down, and grasp her hand, and then followed +as quickly as possible. Henley had swung down to the deck, and stood +there, his men grouped about him, the revolver still in his hand. One +glance at his face told me he was insane from rage, thinking only of +revenge. + +"Take the woman below," he snapped, his cruel teeth gleaming. "By God! +she 'll get her lesson. Here, Louis, you damned nigger, don't you hear +me? Lock her in, and bring me the key. I 'll handle this sniveling +thief first. So you could n't run a boat, hey! Not so easy as it +looked, was it, you dog. Thought we 'd be gone this morning, didn't +you? You 'll find I 'm not quite as easy as all that. Now, by God! +you 'll take your medicine!" + +I still stood motionless, my back to the rail, letting him rave, but +watching every movement. I knew the girl's eyes were on my face, +although I did not venture to glance toward her, not even when the +negro guided her aft through the ring of seamen. Yet this was the one +thing I was waiting for, my heart beating fiercely, in fear lest the +Lieutenant might give signal for attack too soon. I remember the faces +about me, fierce, scowling faces, of men wild to lay hold upon me at +the first word of command, yet it was Henley I looked at, measuring the +distance between us, and watching the revolver in his hand. What did +he mean to do? Kill me, or give me over into the hands of those +merciless devils? All I could read in his eyes was hatred, exultation, +consciousness of power. Suddenly he laughed, a sneering, cynical +laugh, as though he thought me cringing before him in terror. The man +judged me by himself, and believed me helpless. + +"Hard luck, Craig--hey!" he began tauntingly. "Played with the wrong +man, did n't you. Now I 've got the girl just as I want her, and as +for you--Lord! but I 'll keep you to play with all the way to Honduras. +It will be a pleasant voyage, my friend. Here, Masters, you and Peters +stand by. Now, you robber, give me those papers." + +I handed them out, watching closely. Peters stood at my right, one +hand on my arm; the other fellow must have been behind me. Henley +grasped the envelope, opening the flap to be sure of its contents. The +movement caused him to lower the revolver, and avert his gaze, for just +an instant. With one motion I flung Peters aside, and jammed a +clinched fist into the Captain's face. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVI + +IN POSSESSION + +Masters must have struck me at almost the same instant my fist landed +on Henley, for we went down together, his revolver discharging, the +flying bullet gouging my shoulder, burning the flesh like a red-hot +wire. Yet I grappled him even as we crashed to the deck, but the +fellow lay stunned, motionless as a dead man. Everything happened +quicker than I can tell it; with such rapidity, indeed, that not a hand +touched me. I could barely struggle up on one knee, dazed still by the +stroke which had floored me, and glance about, when the blue-jackets +came tumbling over the rail, and leaped at the astounded crew of the +_Sea Gull_. It was a swift, short fight, the assailants having every +advantage. I saw the Lieutenant, bare-handed, dash into the group, +striking out left and right, his men at his heels. There was a volley +of oaths, a thud of falling bodies, a sharp command, and the shrill +pipe of a boatswain's whistle. Two men rushed forward, the first +disappearing behind the chart-house. The second encountered Broussard +stepping off the bridge ladder, and hurled the fellow to the deck with +one blow of a sledge-hammer fist. Scarcely pausing to see whether he +was alive or not, the assailant ran on toward the forecastle. + +The whole affair was over in two minutes, the blue-jackets circling out +like a fan, and pressing their enemy into a helpless mass against the +rail. For a moment the fight was furious, every man for himself, then +the Lieutenant drove like a wedge into the bunch, and it was all over. +I struggled to my feet, still viewing all through a mist, and swaying +back and forward as I endeavored to steady myself on the rolling deck. +There was no one at the wheel, and the bow of the _Sea Gull_ was +swinging slowly about. + +"On to the bridge there, Coates, and hold up her head," sang out the +officer. "Boatswain, take charge of these beauties, and run them into +the forecastle. Leave two men on guard, and take a squint into the +engine room. Report to me here." + +He took off his coat, examined a long slit in its side where a vicious +knife had ripped it from shoulder to tail; then slipped it on again, +and watched his men drive their prisoners forward. + +"I 'd like to know which one of them did that," he growled, glancing +toward me. "Say, what 's the matter with you--shot? You 're white as +a sheet of paper, man." + +"I got one on the head with a belaying pin from the heft of it. The +bullet touched me--here. Lord, how it burns." + +"Who did the shooting?" + +"Henley here," and I touched the fellow with my foot. "He fired just +as I hit him." + +The Lieutenant stepped forward and looked down into the upturned face. + +"So that's the man!" he exclaimed. "We 've done a good day's work. I +'ve heard stories of that half-breed ever since we 've been on this +coast. He must be a natural devil, but he 's played hide and seek with +Uncle Sam for the last time. This will be a feather in the 'old man's' +cap. He 's waking up." + +Henley stirred as he spoke, and opened his eyes, staring up into my +face, and then at the Lieutenant's uniform. The sight of the latter +perplexed him. + +"Who the hell are you?" he asked angrily, making an effort to rise. +"Where is Broussard?" + +"Henley," I said, stepping in between them, "the game is up, and the +best thing you can do now is keep quiet. This gentleman is Lieutenant +Hutton, of the Revenue Cutter _Saline_, and his men have the crew of +the _Sea Gull_ under hatches forward. Give me back those papers." + +[Illustration: "Give me back those papers."] + +He had the envelope still clasped in his left hand, and he glanced at +it dully, and then beyond me toward Hutton. Apparently his brain, yet +numbed by the blow, failed to entirely comprehend. The Lieutenant, +however, was a man of action. With grip on his collar he jerked the +poor wretch to his feet, and held him there. + +"Hand over those papers to Craig," he ordered shortly, "and be lively +about it. I have n't anything to do with that affair, and I don't +think you will have much more from now on. You are my prisoner, and +you are good for a ten spot at least. Stand up, you coward." He +forced him back against the rail, and glanced about the deck. The +boatswain was coming aft. + +"Well, Sloan, how did you find things?" + +"All serene, sir; the whole crew bottled up, and mighty little fight +left in them." + +"The engine room?" + +"The engineer was a bit ugly, sir, and had to be man-handled proper. +He 's lyin' in a coal bunker with a sore head, cussin' blue. But the +assistant is a young fellar, an' kin run the engines. I left him in +charge with a couple o' lads lookin' after him." + +"Who has the wheel?" + +"Somers, sir." + +"All right; have steam kept up, and make the course south, southeast. +Send a couple of men here to get this boat on deck. Put all the +fire-room fellows who won't work into the forecastle with the others. +Here, take this man along also. He 's the Captain, but no better than +the rest." + +Henley started back, with some crazy hope of resistance, but the great +fist of the boatswain gripped his collar. + +"Come on, you," he said, jerking him savagely. "Yer bloody pirate; +make another crack, an' I 'll land yer one. Is he that Henley, sir?" +of the Lieutenant. + +"Yes; ever hear of him?" + +"Have I! Aye, many the time. He 's wanted in Galveston, sir, for +somethin' worse than runnin' arms--it was a knifin' job, sir." + +"And not the last either, if what Craig says is true. Take the fellow +forward. Ah! there comes the _Saline_ now--just poking her nose out +from behind the ridge." + +I looked as he pointed, clutching the recovered papers in my hands, and +forgetful of Henley. The sun had discovered an opening in the cloud +bank, and a long shaft of golden light played across the water, +gleaming with white caps. Into its radiance the revenue cutter was +gliding, outlined against the leafy shade of Cosmos Island, her flag +standing out like a board in the fresh breeze, her cutwater churning up +a mass of foam. She made a beautiful picture, one that fascinated me +for the moment, and caused me to forget my own immediate incidents. I +was brought back to a realization of the situation by Hutton's hand on +my shoulder. + +"Nice-looking old girl, but, like all of her sex, a gay deceiver. +Slowest tub that ever floated a U. S. flag; any coal barge could get +away from her in a fair wind. Take her half an hour now to get within +hailing distance, and the old man raging to learn the news. How do you +feel? still groggy?" + +"All right, except for a stiff headache." + +"Then come into the cabin. There is nothing more to do on deck, and I +want to get sight of the ship's papers. Where was the fellow cleared +for?" + +"Santiago." + +"And his cargo?" + +"Miscellaneous; mostly farm machinery--worth investigating." + +"I 'll have some of the boxes broken open, but will take a squint at +the papers first. What became of the girl?" + +"The steward took her below, and locked her in before the fracas +started." + +"I thought so; I heard a little of the talk, and hung back so as to +give you plenty of time." He laughed, good-humoredly. "Nice little +scrap, Craig; those fellows never even heard us, until I was over the +rail. By the way, is the young lady married? I never heard the whole +story." + +"She is a widow," I replied, a bit stiffly, resenting his flippancy of +tone. "She was the wife of this Henley's half brother, but I have +every reason to believe he is dead." + +He looked into my face, a glint of amusement in his eyes. + +"Let us hope the good news is true," he said soberly. "Come, don't +flare up, man; I recognize the symptoms. But don't you think she will +be crying her pretty eyes out down below?" + +We went down the companion stairs together, into a deserted cabin. No +steward was in evidence, and, finding the Captain's stateroom locked, +the Lieutenant kicked open the door, and entered. I turned back, +explored the passage, and finally dragged Louis out from a dark corner +of the pantry. That darky was plainly in a state of funk, his legs +trembling, and the whites of his eyes much in evidence. + +"Oh, Lor', Massa Craig," he whined. "Ah ain't done nuthin', deed Ah +ain't, sah!" + +"You locked up the girl." + +"Ah just had to, sah. Captain Henley he just nat'rally skin me alive, +sah, if Ah don't. But Ah nebber hurt her none." + +"Where is she?" + +"In number five, sah; here--here am de key." + +"All right, Louis," and I tossed him into one corner. "Now listen; set +that table, and get some food on it quick. Make coffee, but don't wait +for anything else." + +"Yes, sah." + +I crossed the cabin, and inserted the key. As the door opened she +stood there waiting, her hands held out. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVII + +A HOMEWARD VOYAGE + +"It--it is all over with? You have been successful?" + +"Yes, don't worry," and I held her hands fast, looking into her eyes. +"There can be no further trouble. Captain Henley and his crew are +prisoners." + +"And no one was hurt? You were not?" + +"Oh, there are a few sore heads, but nothing serious. I got a crack +myself; bled a little--see." + +She placed her fingers on the wound, stroking the hair gently, her eyes +full of anxiety. + +"Is that all? Please tell me; I--I heard a shot fired." + +"Henley's revolver; no damage done. Really you must accept my +assurance. Come out into the cabin; Louis is getting breakfast ready." + +"Where is the Lieutenant?" hesitating slightly. + +"In Henley's cabin, going through the papers. He wants to have a full +report ready when the _Saline_ comes up. The three of us will +breakfast together." + +"You must permit me to wash the wound on your head first," she +insisted. "The hair is all matted with blood. Please." + +"Of course," and I laughed. "Even then I will not be very presentable; +these clothes are frightful; the last week has been a strenuous one." + +"What about me!" and she shot a look downward. "I 've only had the one +dress." + +"The marvel of it," I interrupted ardently. "You look as though you +had just come from the dressing-table." + +"You do not think so!" + +"But I do; still, it may be a case where love is blind." + +The fresh color swept into her cheeks. + +"That is the only explanation possible, I am sure. See how the skirt +is stained, and the lace ruffle is almost torn off." + +"Oh, well, don't worry; the Lieutenant has lost his natty appearance +also. Some villain slashed his coat its full length. However, I +accept your offer." + +She ministered to me with womanly gentleness, parting the matted hair, +and cleansing the wound with water. While in no way serious it was an +ugly bruise, and required considerable attention. Sitting there on a +stool while she worked, I could hear Louis bustling about in the cabin, +but my mind was busy with a thousand matters requiring settlement. At +last I refused to be ministered to any longer, laughing at her desire +to bandage my head, and insisting that all I needed now was breakfast. +As we entered the cabin, the Lieutenant stood in Henley's door. + +"I was looking for you, Craig," he said, coming forward, and bowing to +my companion. "Here is a newspaper clipping which may be of interest. +I found it on the deck." + +I read it hastily, and, in silence handed it to her, watching her face +as she read. It was a local item describing the finding of a dead body +which could not be identified. The details of the man's appearance as +well as the clothes worn were carefully depicted, evidently in hope +someone might thus recognize the party. She remained with the bit of +paper in her hands for what seemed a long while, while we waited. Then +her eyes were slowly lifted to our faces. + +"That was Philip Henley," she said soberly. + +"You are sure?" + +"There is no possibility of mistake; the description is almost +photographic and the clothing I remember well." + +"Your husband, madam?" asked the Lieutenant, as I remained silent. + +"Yes; legally my husband, although he had driven me from him by +dissipation and neglect. I--I cannot tell you the wretched story now." + +"Nor do I ask it," he hastened to assure her. "What is it, Mapes?" + +A blue-jacket stood at the foot of the stairs, one hand lifted in +salute. + +"The _Saline_, sir, is alongside, and hailing us. The boatswain sent +me, sir." + +We followed the two on deck, and, after one glance about, I led her +around the bulge of the cabin to the narrow deck space astern. The +boat in which we had escaped had been hoisted into its davits, and we +halted in its shadow. The sea was gently rolling in great crested +waves, with no land visible except Cosmos Island. The most of our crew +must have been busy forward, as only three or four hung over the port +rail in idle curiosity. The two vessels moved side by side, separated +by a narrow stretch of green water, a thin vapor of smoke visible. I +could perceive the whiteness of the _Saline's_ deck, and the group of +officers on the bridge. The Captain, facing us, hollowed his hands. + +"What have you to report, Mr. Hutton?" + +"The vessel is in our possession, sir, and the crew under guard below." + +"Any injuries?" + +"None serious, sir." + +"And the Captain--the half-breed Henley; did you get him?" + +"He 's with the others." + +"Better put the fellow in irons, Hutton. There are some serious +charges against him, you know. Have you men enough?" + +"I could use a half dozen more." + +"Very well; I 'll send them over with Mr. Steele." + +"What is to be our course, sir?" + +"Pensacola. Don't wait for us." + +"Aye, aye, sir. Shall I hold Craig and the lady?" + +"Not on this case; we have all the evidence needed. If you take their +addresses that will be all that is necessary. Pleasant voyage!" + +He waved his hand, and then, perceiving us as he turned away from the +rail, lifted his cap in salute. A moment later a boat heavily manned +shot out from the cutter's black side, and headed toward us. We stood +there alone in the shadow, watching its approach. + +"It is all over now, dear," I whispered. + +"Yes, but--but I do not feel as though I could ever touch that money." + +"You will have no choice. The courts will decide that." + +She glanced aside at me shyly, and one hand rested on the rail of the +boat. + +"I know what I would like to do with some of it." + +"What?" + +"Buy this--this boat." + +"In memory?" + +"Of course--you loved me then." + +"And now, and always. Do you know what is the first thing I shall do +when we make Pensacola?" + +"No." + +I clasped the straying hand and drew her to me, looking down into her +eyes. + +"Telegraph my father I am coming home." + +"Is that all?" + +"And that I shall bring a wife with me. Right here I end my career as +a soldier of fortune." + +Under the protecting shadow of the boat our lips met. + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GORDON CRAIG*** + + +******* This file should be named 17765-8.txt or 17765-8.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/7/6/17765 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at <a href = "http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre> +<p>Title: Gordon Craig</p> +<p> Soldier of Fortune</p> +<p>Author: Randall Parrish</p> +<p>Release Date: February 13, 2006 [eBook #17765]</p> +<p>Language: English</p> +<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> +<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GORDON CRAIG***</p> +<br><br><center><h3>E-text prepared by Al Haines</h3></center><br><br> +<hr class="full" noshade> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<A NAME="img-front"></A> +<CENTER> +<IMG SRC="images/img-front.jpg" ALT="I clasped the straying hand and drew her to me." BORDER="2" WIDTH="402" HEIGHT="626"> +<H4> +[Frontispiece: I clasped the straying hand and drew her to me.] +</H4> +</CENTER> + +<BR><BR> + +<H1 ALIGN="center"> +Gordon Craig +</H1> + +<H2 ALIGN="center"> +SOLDIER OF FORTUNE +</H2> + +<BR><BR> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +By RANDALL PARRISH +</H3> + +<BR><BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent"> +Author of "My Lady of the North," "My Lady of the +South," "Keith of the Border," "When Wilderness Was King." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +WITH FOUR ILLUSTRATIONS IN COLOR +<BR><BR> +BY ALONZO KIMBALL +</H4> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +A L. BURT COMPANY +<BR><BR> +PUBLISHERS ————— NEW YORK +</H4> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<H5 ALIGN="center"> +COPYRIGHT +<BR> +A. C. McCLURG & CO. +<BR> +1912 +<BR><BR> +Published October, 1912 +<BR><BR> +Copyrighted in Great Britain +</H5> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CONTENTS +</H3> + +<BR> + +<CENTER> + +<TABLE WIDTH="80%"> +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">CHAPTER</TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> </TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">I </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap01">THE FIRST STEP</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">II </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap02">THE CASE OF PHILIP HENLEY</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">III </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap03">I ACCEPT THE OFFER</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">IV </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap04">AN ESCAPE FROM ARREST</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">V </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap05">BEGINNING ACQUAINTANCE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">VI </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap06">WE OPEN CONFIDENCES</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">VII </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap07">THE WOMAN'S STORY</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">VIII </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap08">FACING THE PROBLEM</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">IX </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap09">WE COMPLETE ARRANGEMENTS</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">X </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap10">AT THE PLANTATION</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XI </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap11">A PLEASANT WELCOME</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XII </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap12">THE DEAD MAN</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XIII </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap13">I GET INTO THE GAME</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XIV </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap14">THE CONFESSION</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XV </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap15">THE DECISION</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XVI </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap16">COMPELLING SPEECH</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XVII </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap17">CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XVIII </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap18">BEGINNING EXPLORATION</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XIX </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap19">A CHAMBER OF HORROR</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XX </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap20">TAKEN PRISONER</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXI </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap21">ON BOARD THE SEA GULL</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXII </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap22">I CHANGE FRONT</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXIII </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap23">THE SECRET OF THE VOYAGE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXIV </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap24">I JOIN THE SEA GULL</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXV </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap25">THE FREEDOM OF THE DECK</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXVI </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap26">THE NEW PERIL</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXVII </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap27">THE TABLES TURNED</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXVIII </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap28">THE CREOLE'S STORY</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXIX </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap29">UNDER WAY</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXX </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap30">WE MAKE THE EFFORT</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXXI </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap31">THE OPEN BOAT</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXXII </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap32">A TALK IN THE NIGHT</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXXIII </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap33">WE UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXXIV </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap34">THE REVENUE CUTTER</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXXV </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap35">THE DECK OF THE SEA GULL</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXXVI </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap36">IN POSSESSION</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXXVII </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap37">A HOMEWARD VOYAGE</A></TD> +</TR> + +</TABLE> + +</CENTER> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +ILLUSTRATIONS +</H3> + +<BR> + +<H3> +<A HREF="#img-front"> +I clasped the straying hand and drew her to me . . _Frontispiece_ +</A> +</H3> + +<H3> +<A HREF="#img-030"> +I read it over slowly, but it appeared innocent enough +</A> +</H3> + +<H3> +<A HREF="#img-222"> +He gasped a bit, rubbing his bruised wrist +</A> +</H3> + +<H3> +<A HREF="#img-356"> +"Give me back those papers" +</A> +</H3> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap01"></A> +<H1 ALIGN="center"> +GORDON CRAIG +</H1> + +<H2 ALIGN="center"> +SOLDIER OF FORTUNE +</H2> + +<BR> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER I +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +THE FIRST STEP +</H3> + +<P> +I had placed the lumber inside the yard as directed, and was already +rehitching the traces, when the man crossed the street slowly, +switching his light cane carelessly in the air. I had noticed him +before standing there in the doorway of the drug store, my attention +attracted by the fashionable cut of his clothes, and the manner in +which he watched me work. Now, as he rounded the heads of the mules, I +straightened up, observing him more closely. He was forty or +forty-five, heavily built, with a rather pasty-white face, a large +nose, eyes unusually deep set, and a closely clipped mustache beginning +to gray. His dress was correct to a button, and there was a pleasant +look to the mouth which served to mitigate the otherwise hard +expression of countenance. As I faced him in some surprise he looked +me fairly in the eyes. +</P> + +<P> +"Been at this job long?" he asked easily. +</P> + +<P> +"Three days," I replied unhesitatingly, drawing the reins through my +hands. +</P> + +<P> +"Like it?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, I 've had worse and better," with a laugh. "I prefer this to my +last one." +</P> + +<P> +"What was that?" +</P> + +<P> +"Ridin' blind baggage." +</P> + +<P> +It was his turn to laugh, and he did so. +</P> + +<P> +"I thought I was not mistaken," he said at last, sobering. "You are +the same lad the train hands put off the Atlantic Express at Vernon a +week ago." +</P> + +<P> +I nodded, beginning to suspect him of being a fly-cop who had spotted +me for a pull. +</P> + +<P> +"I never noticed the name of the burg," I returned. "Why? were you +there?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, I came in on the same train. Just caught a glimpse of your face +in the light of the brakeman's lantern. How did you get here?" +</P> + +<P> +"Freight, two hours later." +</P> + +<P> +"You 're not a bum, or you would n't be working." +</P> + +<P> +I put one foot on the wheel, but he touched me on the sleeve with his +cane. +</P> + +<P> +"Wait a minute," and there was more animation in the tone. "I may have +something better for you than this lumber wagon. I 'm right, ain't I, +in guessing you 're no regular bum?" +</P> + +<P> +"I 've bummed it most of the way from Frisco; I had to. I was homesick +for the East, and lost my transportation." +</P> + +<P> +"Your what?" +</P> + +<P> +"Transportation; I was discharged at the Presidio." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, I see," smiling again, and tapping the wheel with his stick; "the +army—foreign service?" +</P> + +<P> +"The Philippines three years; invalided home." +</P> + +<P> +"By God, you don't look it," his eyes on me. "Never saw a more perfect +animal. Fever?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, bolo wound; got caught in the brush, and then lay out in a swamp +all night, till our fellows got up." +</P> + +<P> +He looked at his watch, and I climbed into my seat. "See here, I have +n't time to talk now, but I believe you are the very fellow I am +looking for. If you want an easier job than this," waving a gloved +hand toward the pile of lumber, "come and see me and we 'll talk it +over." He took a card out of a morocco case, and wrote a line on it. +"Come to that address at nine o'clock tonight." +</P> + +<P> +I took the bit of pasteboard as he handed it up. +</P> + +<P> +"All right, sir, I 'll be there on time." +</P> + +<P> +"Come to the side door," he added swiftly, lowering his voice, "the one +on the south. Give three raps. By the way, what is your name?" +</P> + +<P> +"Gordon Craig," I answered without pausing to think. His eyes twinkled +shrewdly. +</P> + +<P> +"Ever been known by any other?" +</P> + +<P> +"I enlisted under another; I ran away from home, and was not of age." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, I see; well, that makes no difference to me. Don't forget, Craig, +the side door at nine." +</P> + +<P> +I glanced back as we turned the corner; he was still standing at the +edge of the walk, tapping the concrete with his cane. Out of sight I +looked curiously at the card. It was the advertisement of a clothing +house, and on the back was written "P. B. Neale, 108 Chestnut Street." +</P> + +<P> +The mules walked the half dozen blocks back to the lumber yard, while +my mind reviewed this conversation. There was a bit of mystery to it +which had fascination, because of a vague promise of adventure. +Evidently this man Neale had need of a stranger to help him out in some +scheme, and had picked me by chance as being the right party. Well, if +the pay was good, and the purpose not criminal, I had no objections to +the spice of danger. Indeed, that was what I loved in life, my heart +throbbing eagerly in anticipation. I was young, full-blooded, strong, +willing enough to take desperate chances for sufficient reward. There +was a suspicion in my mind that all was not straight—Neale's +questions, and the private signals to be given at a side door left that +impression—yet I could only wait and learn, and besides, my conscience +was not overly delicate. I had lived among a rough, reckless set, had +experienced enough of the seamy side of life to be somewhat careless. +I would take the chance, at least, in hope of escape from this routine. +</P> + +<P> +All the rest of the day, for this meeting had occurred early in the +afternoon, I labored quietly, loading and unloading lumber, my muscles +aching from a species of toil to which I had not yet become accustomed, +my mind active in imagination over the possibilities of this new +employment. I was not obliged to live this sort of life, but the +uneasy spirit of adventure held me. My father, from whom I had not +heard a word in two years, was a prominent manufacturer in a New +England village. The early death of my mother had left me to his care +when I was but ten years old, and we failed to understand each other, +drifting apart, until a final quarrel had sent me adrift. No doubt +this was more my fault than his, although he was so deeply immersed in +business that he failed utterly to understand the restless soul of a +boy. I was in my junior year at Princeton, when the final break came, +over an innocent youthful escapade, and, in my pride, I never even +returned home to explain, but disappeared, drifting inevitably into the +underworld, because of lack of training for anything better. This all +occurred four years previous, three of which had been passed in the +ranks, yet even now I was stubbornly resolved not to return +unsuccessful. Perhaps in this new adventure I should discover the key +with which to unlock the door of fortune. +</P> + +<P> +I possessed a fairly decent suit of clothes, now pressed and cleaned +after the rough trip from the coast, and dressed as carefully as +possible in the dingy room of my boarding house. A glance into the +cracked mirror convinced me, that, however I might have otherwise +suffered from the years of hardship, I had not deteriorated physically. +My face was bronzed by the sun, my muscles like iron, my eyes clear, +every movement of my body evidencing strength, my features lean and +clean cut under a head of closely trimmed hair. Satisfied with the +inspection, confident of myself, I slipped the card in my pocket, and +went out. It was still daylight, but there was a long walk before me. +Chestnut Street was across the river, in the more aristocratic section. +I had hauled lumber there the first day of my work, and recalled its +characteristics—long rows of stone-front houses, with an occasional +residence standing alone, set well back from the street. It was dark +enough when I got there, and began seeking the number. I followed the +block twice in uncertainty, so many of the houses were dark, but +finally located the one I believed must be 108. It was slightly back +from the street, a large stone mansion, surrounded by a low coping of +brick and with no light showing anywhere. I was obliged to mount the +front steps before I could assure myself this was the place. The +street was deserted, except for two men talking under the electric +light at the corner, and the only sound arose from the passing of a +surface car a block away. The silence and loneliness got upon my +nerves, but, without yielding, I followed the narrow cement walk around +the corner of the house. Here it was dark in the shadow of the wall, +yet one window on the first floor exhibited a faint glow at the edge of +a closely drawn curtain. Encouraged slightly by this proof that the +house was indeed occupied, I felt my way forward until I came to some +stone steps, and a door. I rapped on the wood three times, my nerves +tingling from excitement. There was a moment's delay, so that I lifted +my hand again, and then the door opened silently. Within was like the +black mouth of a cave, and I involuntarily took a step backward. +</P> + +<P> +"This you, Craig?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," I answered, half recognizing the cautious voice. +</P> + +<P> +"All right then—come in. There is nothing to fear, the floor is +level." +</P> + +<P> +I stepped within, seeing nothing of the man, and the door was closed +behind me. The sharp click of the latch convinced me it was secured by +a spring lock. +</P> + +<P> +"Turn on the light," said the voice at my side sharply. Instantly an +electric bulb glowed dazzling overhead, and I blinked, about half +blinded by the sudden change. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap02"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER II +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +THE CASE OF PHILIP HENLEY +</H3> + + +<P> +It was a rather narrow hallway and, with the exception of a thick +carpet underfoot, unfurnished. Neale, appearing somewhat more slender +in evening clothes, smiled at me genially, showing a gold-crowned tooth. +</P> + +<P> +"Did not chance to hear your motor," he said easily, taking a cigarette +case from his vest pocket. "You are a little late; what was it, tire +trouble?" +</P> + +<P> +"I came afoot," I answered, not overly-cordial. "It was farther across +town than I supposed." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, you 're here, and that is the main point. Have a cigarette. +No?" as I shook my head. "All right, there are cigars in the room +yonder—the second door to your left." +</P> + +<P> +I entered where he indicated. It was a spacious apartment, evidently a +library from the book-shelves along the walls, and the great writing +table in the center. The high ceiling, and restful wall decorations +were emphasized by all the furnishings, the soft rug, into which the +feet sank noiselessly, the numerous leather-upholstered chairs, the +luxurious couch, and the divan filling the bay-window. The only light +was under a shaded globe on the central table, leaving the main +apartment in shadows, but the windows had their heavy curtains closely +drawn. The sole occupant was a man in evening dress, seated in a +high-backed leather chair, facing the entrance, a small stand beside +him, containing a half-filled glass, and an open box of cigars. Smoke +circled above his head, his eyes upon me as I entered. With an +indolent wave of one hand he seemingly invited me to take a vacant +chair to the right, while Neale remained standing near the door. +</P> + +<P> +This new position gave me a better view of his face, but I could not +guess his age. His was one of those old-young faces, deeply lined, +smooth-shaven, the hair clipped short, the flesh ashen-gray, the lips a +mere straight slit, yielding a merciless expression; but the eyes, +surveying me coldly, were the noticeable feature. They looked to be +black, not large, but deep set, and with a most peculiar gleam, almost +that of insanity, in their intense stare. Even as he lounged back amid +the chair cushions I could see that he was tall, and a bit angular, his +hand, holding a cigar, evidencing unusual strength. He must have +stared at me a full minute, much as a jockey would examine a horse, +before he resumed smoking. +</P> + +<P> +"He will do very well, Neale," he decided, with a glance across at the +other. "Possibly a trifle young." +</P> + +<P> +"He has roughed it," returned the other reassuringly, "and that means +more than years." +</P> + +<P> +The first man laughed rather unpleasantly, and emptied his glass. +</P> + +<P> +"So I have discovered. Have a cigar, or a drink, Craig?" +</P> + +<P> +"I will smoke." +</P> + +<P> +He passed me the box, watching me while I lighted the perfecto, Neale +crossing to the divan. +</P> + +<P> +"How old are you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Twenty-four." +</P> + +<P> +"I thought about that. What part of the country do you hail from?" and +I noticed now a faint Southern accent in the drawl of his voice. +</P> + +<P> +"New England." +</P> + +<P> +"Ever been south?" +</P> + +<P> +"Only as far as St. Louis. I was at Jefferson Barracks." +</P> + +<P> +"Neale said you were in the army—full enlistment?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes; discharged as corporal." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah; what regiment?" +</P> + +<P> +"Third Cavalry." +</P> + +<P> +His black eyes swept across toward Neale, his fingers drumming +nervously on the leather arm of the chair. +</P> + +<P> +"Exactly; then your service was in Oregon and the Philippines. Tramped +some since, I understand—broke?" +</P> + +<P> +"No," shortly, not greatly enjoying his style of questioning. "I 've +got three dollars." +</P> + +<P> +"A magnificent sum," chuckling. "However, the point is, you would be +glad of a job that paid well, and would n't mind if there was a bit of +excitement connected with it—hey?" +</P> + +<P> +"What is your idea of paying well?" +</P> + +<P> +"Expenses liberally figured," he replied slowly, "and ten thousand +dollars for a year's work, if done right." +</P> + +<P> +I half rose to my feet in surprise, believing he was making sport, but +the fellow never moved or smiled. +</P> + +<P> +"Sit down, man. This is no pipe dream, and I mean it. In fact, I am +willing to hand you half of the money down. That 's all right, Neale," +he added as the other made a gesture of dissent. "I know my business, +and enough about men to judge Craig here for that amount. That we are +in earnest we have got to assure him someway, and money talks best. +See here, Craig," and he leaned forward, peering into my face, "you +look to me like the right man for what we want done; you are young, +strong, sufficiently intelligent, and a natural fighter. All right, I +'m sporting man enough to bet five thousand on your making good. If +you fail it will be worse for you, that's all. I 'm not a good man to +double-cross, see! All you have got to do to earn your money is obey +orders strictly, and keep your tongue still. Do you get that?" +</P> + +<P> +I nodded, waiting to learn more. +</P> + +<P> +"It may require a year, but more likely much less time. That makes no +difference—it will be ten thousand for you just the same," his voice +had grown crisp and sharp. "What do you say?" +</P> + +<P> +"That the proposition looks good, only I should like to know a little +more clearly what I am expected to do." +</P> + +<P> +"A bit squeamish, hey! got a troublesome conscience?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not particularly—but there is a limit." +</P> + +<P> +He slowly lit a fresh cigar, studying the expression of my face in the +light, as though deciding upon a course of action. Neale moved +uneasily, but made no attempt to break the silence. Finally, with a +more noticeable drawl in his voice, the man in the armchair began his +explanation. +</P> + +<P> +"Very good; we 'll come down to facts. It will not take long. In the +first place my name is Vail—Justus C. Vail. That may tell you who I +am?" +</P> + +<P> +I shook my head negatively. +</P> + +<P> +"No; well, I am a lawyer of some reputation in this State, and my +entire interest in this affair is that of legal adviser to Mr. Neale. +With this in mind I will state briefly the peculiar circumstances +wherein you are involved." He checked the points off carefully with +one hand, occasionally glancing at a slip of paper lying on the table +as though to refresh his memory. I listened intently, watching his +face, and dimly conscious of Neale's restlessness. "Here is the case +as submitted to me: Judge Philo Henley, formerly of the United States +Circuit Court, retired at sixty-four and settled upon a large +plantation near Carrollton, Alabama. His wife died soon after, and, a +week or so ago, the Judge also departed this life, leaving an estate +valued in excess of five hundred thousand dollars. Philo Henley and +wife had but one child, now a young man of twenty-five years, named +Philip. As a boy he was wild and unmanageable, and, finally, when +about twenty years old, some prank occurred of so serious a nature that +the lad ran away. He came North, and was unheard-of for some time, +living under an assumed name. Later some slight correspondence ensued +between father and son, and the boy was granted a regular allowance. +The father was a very eccentric man, harsh and unforgiving, and, while +giving the boy money, never extended an invitation to return home. +Consequently Philip remained in the North, and led his own life. He +became dissipated, and a rounder, and drifted into evil associations. +Finally, about six months ago, he married a girl in this city, not of +wealthy family, but of respectable antecedents. Her home, we +understand, was in Spokane, and she had an engagement on the stage when +she first met Henley. He married her under his assumed name and they +began housekeeping in a flat on the north side." +</P> + +<P> +He paused in his recital, took a drink, his eyes turning toward Neale; +then resumed in the same level voice: +</P> + +<P> +"The Judge learned of this marriage in some way, and began to insist +that the son return home with his wife. Circumstances prevented, +however, and the visit was deferred. Meanwhile, becoming more +eccentric as he grew older, the father discharged all his old servants, +and lived the life of a recluse. When he died suddenly, and almost +alone, he left a will, probably drawn up soon after he learned of his +son's wedding, leaving his property to Philip, providing the young man +returned, with his wife, to live upon the estate within six months; +otherwise the entire estate should be divided among certain named +charities. Three administrators were named, of whom Neale here was +one." +</P> + +<P> +I glanced back at the man referred to; he was leaning forward, his +elbow on his knees, and, catching my eyes, drew a legal-looking paper +from his pocket. +</P> + +<P> +"Here is a copy of the will," he said, "if Craig cares to examine it." +</P> + +<P> +"Not now," I replied. "Let me hear the entire story first." +</P> + +<P> +Vail leaned back in his chair, a cigar between his lips. +</P> + +<P> +"The administrators," he went on, as though uninterrupted, and +repeating a set speech, "endeavored to locate young Henley, but failed. +Then Mr. Neale was sent here to make a personal search. He came to me +for aid, and legal advice. Finally we found the flat where the young +couple had lived. It was deserted, and we learned from neighbors that +they had quarreled, and the wife left him. We have been unable to +discover her whereabouts. She did not return to, or communicate with, +her own people in the West, or with any former friends in this city. +She simply disappeared, and we have some reason to believe committed +suicide. The body of a young woman, fitting her general description, +was taken from the river, and buried without identification." +</P> + +<P> +"And young Henley?" I asked, as he paused. +</P> + +<P> +"Henley," he continued gravely, "was at last located, under an assumed +name, as a prisoner in the Indiana penitentiary at Michigan City, +serving a sentence of fourteen years for forgery. He positively +refuses to identify himself as Philip Henley, and all our efforts to +gain him a pardon have failed." +</P> + +<P> +"But what have I to do with all this?" I questioned, beginning to have +a faint glimmer of the truth. +</P> + +<P> +"Wait, and I will explain fully. Don't interrupt until I am done. +Here was a peculiar situation. The administrators are all old personal +friends of the testator, anxious to have the estate retained in the +family. How could this be accomplished? Neale laid the case before +me. I can see but one feasible method—illegal, to be sure, and yet +justifiable under the circumstances. Someone must impersonate Philip +Henley long enough to permit the settlement of the estate." +</P> + +<P> +I rose to my feet indignantly. +</P> + +<P> +"And you thought I would consent? would be a party to this fraud?" +</P> + +<P> +"Now, wait, Craig," as calmly as ever. "This is nothing to be ashamed +of, nor, so far as I can see, as a lawyer, does it involve danger. It +will make a man of Henley, reunite him with his wife if she still +lives, and give him standing in the world. Scattered about among +charities the Lord knows who it would benefit—a lot of beggars likely. +We are merely helping the boy to retain what is rightfully his. Don't +throw this chance away, hastily—ten thousand dollars is pretty good +pay for a couple of months' work." +</P> + +<P> +I sank back into my chair undecided, yet caught by the glitter of the +promise. Why not? Surely, it would do no harm, and, if the +administrators were satisfied, what cause had I to object. They were +responsible, and, if they thought this the best course, I might just as +well take my profit. If not they would find someone else who would. +</P> + +<P> +"But—but can that be done?" I asked hesitatingly. +</P> + +<P> +Vail smiled, confident of my yielding. +</P> + +<P> +"Easily," he assured. "Young Henley has been away five years; even +before that he was absent at school so much as to be practically +unknown except to the older servants. These have all been discharged, +and scattered. The wife is entirely unknown there. Anyone, bearing +ever so slight a resemblance, would pass muster. All you need do is +read the father's letters over, post yourself on a few details and take +possession. We will attend to all legal matters." +</P> + +<P> +"Then you consider that I resemble Henley?" +</P> + +<P> +"No," coolly, "not in any remarkable manner, but sufficient for our +purpose—age, size, general appearance answers very well; nose, eyes +and hair are alike, and general contour of the face is similar. There +is not likely to be any close scrutiny. Here is young Henley's +photograph." +</P> + +<P> +He picked it up from among the papers, and handed it over to me. There +was a resemblance, recognizable now that my attention had been called +to it, certain features being remarkably similar, although the face in +the picture wore a hard, dissipated look utterly at variance with my +own. I glanced at the endorsement on the back. +</P> + +<P> +"He was going to send this photograph to his father." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, but never did. Apparently there is no flaw in our plan." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap03"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER III +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +I ACCEPT THE OFFER +</H3> + + +<P> +I do not know how others might have looked upon such a proposition as +this, but it never occurred to me at the time to doubt the honesty of +Vail's statement, nor could I perceive any great wrong in the action so +calmly proposed. This was Philip Henley's property; his father +undoubtedly intended he should inherit it, and the poor devil was +utterly unable to comply with the terms of the will. The very fact +that he possessed sufficient pride to part with the inheritance rather +than openly reveal his disgrace, appealed strongly. That sort of +fellow must have a strain of manhood in him. If I could serve him, +save the property for him, at almost no danger to myself, and make a +tidy sum of money doing it, why shouldn't I consent? I saw no reason +for refusal. To be sure the method was not lawful, yet was advised by +a lawyer, and agreed to by the administrators. Besides, the keeping of +a few promiscuous charities out of such a gift did not seem especially +wrong—I knew nothing, cared nothing for their loss. They were but +names of no significance. Vail, watching the expression of my face in +the light, seemed to divine my thoughts. +</P> + +<P> +"Evidently you are recovering your good sense," he remarked easily. +"There is no use acting like a fool in a matter of this kind. You are +lucky to fall into such a chance. You 'll act, I take it?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," the word was out almost before I was aware of speaking. +</P> + +<P> +"Sensible decision, my man," his face lighting up. "Now there is no +need of our meeting again, or being seen together. The more quiet we +can keep our plans, the better it will be for all concerned. Neale, +hand Craig your copy of the articles of administration, and of the +will." +</P> + +<P> +I took these and read them over carefully, yet without fully +comprehending the legal phraseology. They were apparently genuine, and +I gathered from them that the facts were exactly as stated. Peter B. +Neale, of Birmingham, was named one of the administrators. The two men +watched me read, and when I laid the papers down Vail was ready with +others. +</P> + +<P> +"Here is a small packet of letters from Judge Henley to his son," he +said, in a business-like way, "which you had better read, and so +familiarize yourself with local names, and conditions. I have also +drawn up, and had typed, a brief sketch of young Henley's life, which +will aid you in playing the part. You will need a new outfit of +clothes, I presume?" +</P> + +<P> +"This is my best suit." +</P> + +<P> +"I thought it probable. Now, if you will sign this paper, I will hand +you a liberal advance." +</P> + +<P> +I read it over slowly, but it appeared innocent enough. Of course they +would require some guarantee that my work would be performed. Yet +certain questions arose to my mind. +</P> + +<A NAME="img-030"></A> +<CENTER> +<IMG SRC="images/img-030.jpg" ALT="I read it over slowly, but it appeared innocent enough." BORDER="2" WIDTH="423" HEIGHT="584"> +<H4> +[Illustration: I read it over slowly, but it appeared innocent enough.] +</H4> +</CENTER> + +<P> +"As soon as the property is legally in my possession I am to deed it +over to you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly; I represent the administrators, and the rightful heir." +</P> + +<P> +"That will involve forgery on my part." +</P> + +<P> +He waved his hand, as though brushing away an insect. +</P> + +<P> +"Technically, yes; but under legal advice, my dear boy, and agreement +of the officials interested in proper settlement of the estate. There +is no danger whatever." +</P> + +<P> +I was not assured as to this, and yet the man's easy manner, and smooth +speech, served to ease my conscience. +</P> + +<P> +"And the ten thousand dollars?" I asked. +</P> + +<P> +"A thousand will be handed you tonight; the remainder may be retained +at the final settlement, together with the compensation of the woman. +You make your own terms with her; so you see you cannot lose. Sign +here." +</P> + +<P> +"I had forgotten the woman. Is she necessary?" +</P> + +<P> +"It will be better to have one, as they know down there young Henley +was lately married. Any good-looker, with an easy conscience, will do. +You could coach her on the train." +</P> + +<P> +"But I don't know a young woman in town," I admitted soberly, "except +my landlady's daughter, and she 's the limit." +</P> + +<P> +Vail and Neale both laughed. +</P> + +<P> +"You 're slow, Craig," the former said good-humoredly. "I thought +better of you than that. However, you will have all day tomorrow. Get +on your new clothes, and look around. There 's plenty would jump at +the chance." +</P> + +<P> +I shook my head. +</P> + +<P> +"That's altogether out of my line," I averred. "I 'd rather go alone." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, we 'll not war over that. You can leave your wife North if you +wish. I tell you what you do. Think it over, and call me up by 'phone +about three o'clock tomorrow—here's the number. If you decide on +taking a woman along I know one who will answer, and will have her at +the train." +</P> + +<P> +"I am to leave then tomorrow night?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, over the Eastern Illinois, at 8:10." +</P> + +<P> +There was a moment's silence; then he rustled the paper on the table, +and held out a fountain pen. +</P> + +<P> +"Sign here." +</P> + +<P> +I was not hypnotized, or unduly controlled; my mind seemed clear, but I +yielded without a word and wrote my name at the bottom of the sheet. +Vail blotted it carefully, folded the paper, and placed it in a drawer +of the table. Then he handed me two bills. +</P> + +<P> +"There is a thousand dollars there, Craig, and I will send you a +typewritten memoranda of instructions, covering all points in the game. +Where can I be sure of finding you at three o'clock tomorrow?" +</P> + +<P> +"At 407 Green Street." +</P> + +<P> +"All right; as soon as you read those instructions call me up by +'phone, and let me know what you have done regarding a woman, and ask +any questions you may desire. That will be all now. Neale, you might +show Craig the way out." +</P> + +<P> +He put out his arm, and we shook hands, although he did not arise from +the chair. It had all been accomplished so suddenly that I felt +confused, uncertain as to what I had best do. Only the feel of those +bills in my pocket seemed real, and made me fully aware that I was +pledged to the service. Neale stepped into the hall, and I followed +him. The entry way was in darkness, and the man went to the side door +without switching on the light. +</P> + +<P> +"Is this Mr. Vail's house?" I questioned, and he drew the latch. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, and, by the way, it will be as well for you to go out cautiously, +and not be seen. We want to play safe, you know." +</P> + +<P> +The door opened and closed, leaving me outside in the house shadow. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap04"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER IV +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +AN ESCAPE FROM ARREST +</H3> + + +<P> +It was then that the power of thought returned to me. However glibly +those two conspirators might gild over the affair it nevertheless was a +criminal matter to which I had blindly committed myself. Neale's +parting words of warning alone made that clearly evident. They +understood the risk of discovery, and now I also comprehended it with +equal clearness. Fraud and forgery were contemplated, had been coolly +planned, and it occurred to me that I was the one selected for +sacrifice in case of discovery. Vail and Neale were probably safe +enough, as it would be easy for them to deny any participation, but +they had me bound fast. However, I had no thought of withdrawal from +the contract, for, while I saw the danger involved, and realized the +illegality, yet I failed utterly to perceive any real evil. I did not +doubt the truth of all that had been told me, and was willing to assume +the risk. I fingered the crisp bills in my pocket, and the words "ten +thousand dollars" kept repeating themselves over and over. Of course I +would do it; I should be a fool not to. It would be "easy money," and +my earning it could harm no one. +</P> + +<P> +Not a glimmer of light appeared from within the house I had just left, +and I drew my cap down over my eyes, and stared about, listening. The +hour could not be far from midnight, the night dark, the air heavy with +mist. Glancing out between the houses I caught a glimpse of asphalt +pavement glistening with moisture, and the distant electric light above +the street intersection appeared blurred and yellow. Here, in the +heart of the residential district, the last belated cab had already +drifted by, leaving the silence profound, the loneliness complete. Two +blocks away a trolley-car swept past, an odd, violet light playing +along the wire, grotesque shadows showing briefly amid the enveloping +folds of vapor. The discordant clang of the gong died away into the +far distance. Crouching there in the shade of the wall I felt like a +criminal. Then, angry at myself, I advanced slowly forward, yet +keeping well under cover. +</P> + +<P> +The light fell slanting across the stone steps in front, and revealed a +narrow opening through the brick coping beyond. I must pass that way +in reaching the street, but hesitated to go forward boldly. I could +see only a few feet in any direction, as the fog was thickening, +driving along the soaked pavement in dense gray clouds, already +beginning to blot from view the houses opposite. Another trolley-car, +dismally clanging its gong, paused a moment at some near-by corner, and +then passed noisily on. The way seemed clear, the street utterly +deserted, and, nerving myself to the effort, I crept cautiously +forward, until I crouched behind the brick coping. There was not a +disturbing sound, and I straightened up, essaying the first quick step +forth into the full gleam of the light. Like some confronting ghost, +scarcely more real than a phantom of imagination, I came face to face +with a woman. +</P> + +<P> +She had turned swiftly into the narrow gateway leading through the +brick coping, hurrying silently as if pursued, her foot barely planted +upon the step when we met. I stopped, speechless, rigid, my +outstretched hand gripping the rail, but the woman drew hastily back, +her lips parted in a sudden sob of surprise, one hand flung out as if +in self-protection. It was instantaneous, yet before either could move +otherwise, or utter a word of explanation, a heavy footfall crunched +along the walk, and a burly police officer, his star gleaming ominously +in the dull light, rounded the corner a dozen feet away. Neither of us +stirred, staring into each other's bewildered faces, and before either +fully realized the situation, the strong, suspicious hand of the law +had gripped my shoulder. +</P> + +<P> +"Here, now, an' what the hell are ye oop too, me fine buck?" he +questioned roughly, swinging me about into the light. "Give an account +o' yer-self moighty quick, 'er I 'll run ye in." +</P> + +<P> +Startled, recalling the money hidden in my pocket, the last injunction +of Neale, I could think of no excuse, no explanation. The girl, still +staring blankly at me, must have perceived how I instinctively shrank +back, my lips moving in an impotent effort at speech. Some sudden +impulse changed her fright into sympathy. However it was the officer +who impatiently broke the silence, swinging his night stick menacingly: +</P> + +<P> +"Come on now, me lad, hav' ye lost yer voice entoirely? Spake oop +loively—whut ther hell are the two ov' yer oop to, onyhow?" +</P> + +<P> +She started forward, just a step. +</P> + +<P> +"Nothing in the least wrong, officer," her voice trembling slightly, +yet sounding clearly distinct. "He—he was merely accompanying me home +from a dance." +</P> + +<P> +"Whut dance?" +</P> + +<P> +"Over—over there on 43rd Street." +</P> + +<P> +"An' do yer live here?" the gruff tone still vibrant with suspicion. +"Fer if ye do, yer 're sure a new gurl," and he peered at her shadowed +face in the dim light. She drew in her breath sharply. +</P> + +<P> +"No," her voice steadying, now she realized she must carry out the +deception. "My place is three blocks yet, around the next corner." +</P> + +<P> +"Thet 's a prutty thin story, Miss. Then whut wus the two ov' yer +doin' in here?" +</P> + +<P> +She clutched the brick coping with one hand, never glancing toward me, +her eyes fixed imploringly on the glistening face of the questioning +policeman. Yet she responded instantly with the quick wit of a clever +woman. +</P> + +<P> +"I had my foot on the step, tying my shoe," she explained simply. "You +don't arrest people for that, do you?" +</P> + +<P> +It was plain enough the officer was puzzled, yet he reluctantly +released his grip on my arm, boring the end of his club into the brick +wall. +</P> + +<P> +"It's half Oi' belave yer stringin' me roight now," he announced +doubtfully, "but Oi 'll give yer ther benefit ov' the doubt; only the +two ov' yer better kape on a-goin' till yer git under cover. Don't let +me run across yer along this beat agin ternight. Be gory av yer do, Oi +'ll let yer explain to ther sargint over at ther station. Go on now!" +</P> + +<P> +I felt her hand touch my sleeve timidly, and caught a swift glimpse of +her eyes. We must carry out the deception now, and go away together. +There was no other choice. The policeman stared after us through the +mist, rolling his night stick in his hand. I heard him mutter to +himself: +</P> + +<P> +"It 's a rum go o' sum koind. Thet guy ain't dressed fer no dance. +But, dom me, if she 's the koind o' female ter run in aither. Lord, +but she 's got a foine pair o' eyes in the face ov' her." +</P> + +<P> +Close together, without venturing to speak or glance around, we walked +forward into the enveloping mist. Her fingers, for appearances' sake, +barely touched the rough cloth of my sleeve. All this had occurred so +swiftly, so suddenly, that I was yet bewildered, unable to decide on a +course of action. The girl, I noticed, was breathing heavily from +excitement, her eyes cast down upon the wet pavement. Once, beneath +the glow of the lamp at the first corner, I ventured to glance slyly +aside at her, in curiosity, mentally photographing the clear outline of +her features, the strands of light brown hair straggling rebelliously +from beneath the wide brim of the hat. I was of rather reckless +nature, careless, and indifferent in my relationship with women. A bit +of audacious speech trembled on my lips, but remained unuttered. My +earlier conception that she was a woman of the street died within me. +There was more than a mere hint of character about that resolute mouth, +the white contour of cheek. She glanced furtively back across her +shoulder—evidently the policeman had disappeared, for she released her +slight grasp of my arm, although continuing to walk quietly enough by +my side, her face partially averted. The night was deathly still, the +sodden walk underfoot scarcely echoing our footfalls, the weird mist +closing denser about us, as we advanced. +</P> + +<P> +At the second street intersection she turned east, advancing toward +where passing trolley-cars promised some life and activity even at that +late hour. Helpless to do otherwise I moved along with her in the same +direction, our grotesque shadows dimly discernible beneath the yellow +mist of light. Impulsively she stopped, and faced me, her hands +clasped. +</P> + +<P> +"I—I—please—I will say good night, now," she said, endeavoring to +speak firmly, yet with no uplifting of the eyes. +</P> + +<P> +Hesitatingly I stood still, feeling strangely embarrassed by this +sudden curt dismissal. +</P> + +<P> +"Do—do you mean you wish me to leave you alone on the street at this +hour?" I questioned uneasily. "At least permit me to see you home +safely. I will not hurt you, or speak a word." +</P> + +<P> +There was a tone of earnestness in my plea but she only shook her head +decisively, lips pressed close together. The faint glow of the +overhead light rested on the slightly uplifted face, and the sight of +her features yielded me fresh confidence. +</P> + +<P> +"You have no cause to feel afraid of me," I went on soberly, in the +silence. "Can't you tell that by my face?" and I removed my cap, +standing before her uncovered. She lifted her lashes, startled and +curious, gazing at me for the first time. I met her glance fairly, and +the slight resentment in her eyes faded, her clasped hands moving +uneasily. +</P> + +<P> +"I—I am not afraid of—of you," she returned at last doubtfully. "It +is not that, but—but really I cannot permit you to accompany me +farther." +</P> + +<P> +"Only to the place where you said you lived," I urged eagerly. "I +promise not even to take note of the number, and will never bother you +any more." +</P> + +<P> +Her fine eyes hardened; then sank slowly before mine. +</P> + +<P> +"That—that was a lie also," she acknowledged, half defiantly. "I—I +do not live about here." +</P> + +<P> +I stared at her in sudden doubt, yet remained loyal to my first +impression. +</P> + +<P> +"All the greater reason then for not leaving you here alone." +</P> + +<P> +She laughed, a faint tinge of bitterness in the sound. +</P> + +<P> +"Surely you cannot imagine I would feel any safer in company with a +burglar?" she asked sharply. My face flushed. +</P> + +<P> +"Why accuse me of that?" I asked quickly. "Merely because I was in +that yard?" +</P> + +<P> +She drew back a step, one hand grasping her skirt. +</P> + +<P> +"Not altogether. You were hiding there, and—and you were afraid of +the policeman." +</P> + +<P> +I could not explain; it would require too long, and she would in all +probability refuse to believe the story. Besides, what difference +could it make? She had as much to explain as I; no more reason to +suspect me than I had her. Let us meet then on common ground. +</P> + +<P> +"If I grant your hasty guess to be partially correct," I returned +finally, my voice deepening with earnestness, "and confess I was +avoiding observation—what then? Can you not also believe me a man +capable of treating you honorably? Is it totally impossible for you to +conceive of circumstances so compelling, as to cause one to avoid the +police, and yet involve no real loss of manhood?" +</P> + +<P> +She bowed her head slightly, lowering her eyes before mine. My +earnestness, my apparent education, were clearly a surprise. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," she confessed reluctantly enough. "I—I believe I can. There +was a time when I could not, but I can now." +</P> + +<P> +"Then yield me the benefit of such charity of judgment," I went on. +"At least do not altogether condemn me on mere circumstantial evidence, +and before you learn what has led up to the events of the night. At +least give me opportunity to exhibit my gratitude." +</P> + +<P> +She remained silent, motionless. +</P> + +<P> +"Why not? Is it because you have no confidence in me?" I insisted. +</P> + +<P> +She put out one hand, grasping the iron rail of a fence, and I thought +I could see her form tremble. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, no! it—it is not that exactly," she explained brokenly. "I +believe I—-I might trust you, but—but of course I do not know. I +think you—you mean well; your words sound honest, and your—your face +inspires confidence. Only I have found so much deceit, so much cruelty +and heartlessness in the world I have become afraid of everyone. But +I—I simply cannot let you go with me—oh! please don't urge it!" +</P> + +<P> +I leaned forward, my face full of sympathy, my voice low and earnest. +</P> + +<P> +"And do you suppose I will consent to desert you after that +confession?" I questioned, almost indignant. "I would be a brute to do +so. You saved me from arrest just now; for me to have been taken to +the station house and searched would have put me in a bad hole. It was +your wit that saved me, and now I am going to stay and help you. I 'll +not leave you alone here in the street at this hour of the night." +</P> + +<P> +She looked at me, her eyes wide open, shining like stars, her face +picturing perplexity, not unmixed with fear, one hand yet gripping the +supporting rail, the other pressed against her forehead. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, but you must! indeed, you must!" the words scarcely more than +sobs. "I—I have no place to go!" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap05"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER V +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +BEGINNING ACQUAINTANCE +</H3> + + +<P> +I drew in my breath sharply, my lips set in a straight line. Already +had I half-suspicioned this truth, and yet there was that about the +girl—her manner, her words, even her dress—which would not permit me +to class her among the homeless, the city outcasts. +</P> + +<P> +"You mean that you are actually upon the streets, with—with no place +to <I>go</I>?" +</P> + +<P> +She did not answer, her head bowed, her face suddenly showing white and +haggard. I stared at her with swift realization. +</P> + +<P> +"My God, girl! and—and I actually believe you are hungry!" +</P> + +<P> +Her eyes uplifted to my face dumb with agony, her hand grasp upon the +rail tightening. Then she pitifully endeavored to smile. +</P> + +<P> +"I—I am afraid I am, just a little." She acknowledged slowly, as +though the words were wrung out of her. +</P> + +<P> +I straightened up, with shoulders flung back. All that was strong, +determined in my nature, came leaping to the surface. It was my time +to act. +</P> + +<P> +"Then that settles it. You are coming with me. No! don't shake your +head; I shall have my way this time. There is a respectable all-night +place over there on Desmet Street. I ate there once a week ago. We +'ll go together." +</P> + +<P> +She drew back, still clinging helplessly to the rail, her eyes on my +face. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh! you must not—I—" +</P> + +<P> +My hand touched her arm. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, but I shall," I insisted, almost sternly. "Good Heavens, do you +suppose I will leave you here on the street hungry? I 'd never rest +easy another night as long as I lived. You are going with me." +</P> + +<P> +Feeling my determination she made no further resistance, and I half +supported her as we moved slowly forward through the mist, her face +turned away, her arm trembling beneath the firm clasp of my fingers. +As we advanced I became conscious that my own position was an awkward +one. I had no money of my own with me—not a cent other than those two +five-hundred dollar bills handed me by Vail. The uselessness of +attempting to pass one of these was apparent; it would be better to +plead lack of cash, and put up some security if the man in charge +refused credit. At whatever cost the girl must have food. +</P> + +<P> +It was much brighter on Desmet Street, numerous electric signs, +advertising various places of business, even at this late hour, +continuing to exhibit their rotating colors, while not a few of the +shop windows remained brilliantly illuminated. Occasionally a belated +pedestrian passed, while trolley-cars clanged their way through the +fog, approaching and vanishing in a purple haze. Three doors around +the corner was the all-night restaurant, through the glass front +revealing a lunch counter, and a number of cloth-draped tables awaiting +occupants. A few of these were in use, a single waiter catering to the +guests; a woman was scrubbing the floor under the cigar stand, while a +round-faced, rather genial-looking young fellow, stood, leaning +negligently against the cashier's desk. Rather doubtfully I glanced +uneasily up and down the deserted street, and then aside into the still +averted face of my chance companion. I had no desire she should +comprehend my dilemma. +</P> + +<P> +"Would you mind waiting out here on the step a moment?" I questioned +awkwardly, attempting to explain. "Only until I make sure who are +inside. There are some fellows I am not friendly with, and I am not +hunting a rough house with a girl to look after. You won't care for +just a minute, will you?" +</P> + +<P> +"No," wearily, "I won't mind." +</P> + +<P> +"You 'll promise not to go away?" +</P> + +<P> +She shook her head, her eyes staring dully into the mist. +</P> + +<P> +"No; I won't go away. Where could I go?" +</P> + +<P> +Scarcely satisfied, yet feeling obliged to take the chance, I stepped +within, and advanced across the room toward the man at the cashier's +desk. He glanced up curiously as I approached, and spoke low, so as +not to attract the attention of others. +</P> + +<P> +"Pardner, is my credit good for two meals?" I asked genially. "I guess +you 've seen me in here before—I drive for the Wooster Lumber +Company." A night cashier in that neighborhood becomes early +habituated to tales of hard luck. It requires but a few lessons to +render suspicion paramount. The round-faced man, all geniality +vanished, stared directly into my face. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, yes, I 've seen you before, I reckon," he acknowledged +noncommitally. "But that does n't necessarily mean we are ready to do +a credit business. Been fired?" +</P> + +<P> +"No; just happen to be short of cash, and need to eat. I 'll hand it +to you tomorrow." +</P> + +<P> +"I 've heard that song before. I reckon you 'll have to try your luck +somewhere else, unless you 've got the price." +</P> + +<P> +"That's the last word, is it?" +</P> + +<P> +"Sure thing," indifferently. "Nothing doing." +</P> + +<P> +Realizing the utter uselessness of argument, or of exhibiting my large +bills, I reached inside my coat, unpinned, and held before him on the +desk a bronze medal, fastened to a colored ribbon. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, is this good for the price?" I questioned. "There 's two of us." +</P> + +<P> +The round-faced cashier bent forward to look, his eyes widening with +aroused interest. Then he glanced up inquiringly into my face. +</P> + +<P> +"Yours?" he asked in open suspicion. +</P> + +<P> +"Ought to be; cost me a Mauser bullet, a dozen bolo cuts, and eight +weeks' hospital." +</P> + +<P> +The cashier was visibly impressed, turning the medal over in his hands. +</P> + +<P> +"So! Where was all this?" +</P> + +<P> +"Down in a rice paddy; place called Baliancan." +</P> + +<P> +"What regiment?" +</P> + +<P> +"Third Cavalry." +</P> + +<P> +The cashier's black eyes flashed, and he extended a cordial hand. +</P> + +<P> +"Put her there, Amigo," he broke forth warmly. "Lord! but maybe I +don't remember! Say, but you fellows were a husky lot o' bucks. Knew +ye? I rather guess I did. I was bunkin' then with the First Nebraska. +Sure, I 'll stand ye for the meal. Put back yer plaything, and bring +in yer pardner—this spread is on the house. The Third Cavalry has +divided chuck with me mor'n once, an' I ain't goin' back on one of the +boys for the price of a meal." +</P> + +<P> +Our hands met, clasped closely lying across the desk, our eyes glowing +with suddenly aroused memories of comradeship in a foreign land. Then +I repinned the medal to the front of my rough shirt, gulping a bit as I +strove to speak calmly. +</P> + +<P> +"It's a woman," I explained, nodding toward the door. "I found her out +there hungry. Could we have that table yonder behind the screen?" +</P> + +<P> +"Sure; and don't be afraid to order the best in the house. Damn me, +but that was some fight we had at Baliancan, even if the history folks +don't say much about it. I can see you Third Cavalry fellows goin' in +now, up to yer waists in water, an' we wa'nt mor'n a hundred feet +behind. Did you see them Filipino trenches after we took 'em?" +</P> + +<P> +I shook my head. +</P> + +<P> +"No; I was down and out long before then." +</P> + +<P> +"Hell of a sight, believe me—jammed full o' little brown men, deader +than door nails. They died a fighting, all right, an' they sure gave +us a belly full that day. Lost sixteen out o' my company." +</P> + +<P> +Our eyes lingered an instant on each other's faces; then I turned away, +and walked to the door. She was waiting motionless, her back to the +window, and, when I spoke, followed me in without a word. I led the +way to the secluded table behind the screen, seated her, and took the +chair opposite. Without questioning her wishes I ordered for both, the +girl sitting in silence, her face bent low over the menu card, a red +flush on either cheek. Still obsessed with vague suspicion of her +character I could not forbear a suggestion. +</P> + +<P> +"What will you have to drink?" I asked, as the waiter turned aside. "I +'d rather like a cocktail to drive the wet out of my system. Shall I +make it two?" +</P> + +<P> +She glanced up quickly from under shading lashes, her eyes, big and +brown, meeting my own. +</P> + +<P> +"I prefer coffee; that will be quite sufficient." +</P> + +<P> +I ran my hand through my hair. +</P> + +<P> +"Don't you ever drink anything stronger?" I asked, almost tempted to +apologize. "You know lots of women do." +</P> + +<P> +"I have never formed the habit." +</P> + +<P> +"Cocktail for you, sir?" said the waiter briskly, flipping his towel on +the table. "Martini, or Manhattan?" +</P> + +<P> +I dropped my gaze from the girl's face to the menu card. It seemed to +me her eyes had pleaded with me. +</P> + +<P> +"No; make mine coffee too," I replied gravely, "and hurry the cook up, +will you." +</P> + +<P> +We sat there waiting without further speech, she nervously fingering +the card, her eyes veiled by lowered lashes. I glanced cautiously +across at her, conscious of my cheap clothing, and vaguely wondering +why my usual off-hand address had so suddenly failed. I felt +embarrassed, unable to break the silence by any sensible utterance. My +eyes rested upon her hands, white, slender, ringless. They were hands +of refinement, and my gaze, fascinated by the swiftly recurring memory +of other days, arose slowly to a contemplation of her face. I had seen +it heretofore merely in shadow, scarcely with intelligent observation, +but now, beneath the full glare of electric light, its revealment awoke +me to eager interest. It was a womanly face, strong, true, filled with +character, not so apt, perhaps, to be considered pretty, as lovable—a +face to awaken confidence, and trust; a low, broad forehead, shadowed +still by the wide-brimmed hat, and the flossy brown hair; the skin +clear, the cheeks rounded, and slightly flushed by excitement; the lips +full and finely arched; the chin firm and smooth. Her greatest claim +to beauty was the eyes, now securely veiled behind long, downcast +lashes. Yet I recalled their depth and expression with a sudden +surging of red, riotous blood through my veins. As I sat there, +uncertain how I might break the embarrassing silence, she suddenly +glanced up questioningly. +</P> + +<P> +"You—you do not at all understand my position, do you?" she asked +timidly. "I mean why I should be homeless, on the street, alone at—at +such an hour?" +</P> + +<P> +"No," I responded, surprised into frankness, "you do not seem like that +kind." +</P> + +<P> +A wave of color flooded her clear cheeks, the brown eyes darkening. +</P> + +<P> +"And I am not that kind," she exclaimed proudly, her head flung back, +revealing the round, white throat. "You must comprehend that fact at +once." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap06"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER VI +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +WE OPEN CONFIDENCES +</H3> + + +<P> +I bent my head, impressed by her earnestness, every instinct of a +gentleman born, returning instantly. +</P> + +<P> +"I do comprehend," I admitted seriously. "Believe me I have felt the +truth of this ever since I first saw your face. You have ample reason +for misjudging me, for believing me a criminal, but I possess no excuse +for even questioning you. Shall we not permit the whole matter to rest +there, and pretend at being friends for the moment? You have already +acknowledged being both homeless and hungry. What more do I need know +to be of assistance? The cause of such a condition is no business of +mine, unless you choose to tell me voluntarily. You may not consider +me a gentleman," and I glanced down at my cheap suit. "Yet surely you +cannot regard me as a mere brute." +</P> + +<P> +She continued to gaze at me, her eyes misty, yet full of wonderment. +My language was not that of the slums, nor were my manners. To her I +must have seemed as strange a character, as she appeared to me. We +were both advancing blindly through the dark. +</P> + +<P> +"You are also," she affirmed finally, as if half regretting the words. +"You are just as penniless as I." +</P> + +<P> +"Why should you say that?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because I know," and by now her eyes were blinded by the tears +clinging to her lashes. "You—you humiliated yourself to serve me; +you—you were obliged to pawn something in security for this food. +I—I saw you—your excuse for leaving me outside was just a sham. You +had no money. I watched through the window, and—and I almost ran +away, only my promise held me." +</P> + +<P> +I laughed uneasily, yet sobered almost at once, leaning across the +table, all earlier embarrassment vanished. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, even at that, it would not be my first experience," I said +swiftly. "Poverty is extremely unpleasant, but not a crime. Do not +let that unfortunate condition of my exchequer spoil your appetite, my +girl. I can assure you that is among the least of my troubles. In +fact I have of late become hardened to that state of affairs. My life +has been up and down; I 've ridden the top wave of prosperity, and have +knocked against the rocks at the bottom. Lately I 've been on the +rocks. But good luck, or bad, I am not the sort to desert a woman in +distress." +</P> + +<P> +"You are a man of some education?" +</P> + +<P> +"Two years at the University." +</P> + +<P> +"And now?" +</P> + +<P> +I smiled grimly, determined to admit the worst. +</P> + +<P> +"Little better than a tramp, I suppose, although I have held a job +lately—driving for a lumber yard across the river." +</P> + +<P> +A moment she sat in silence, her eyes lowered to the table. +</P> + +<P> +"What—what was that you offered the man for security?" she asked +quietly. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, nothing much. It had no intrinsic value, and the fellow would not +even accept it. He was willing to trust me." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, but tell me what it was? Something you valued highly?" +</P> + +<P> +I felt my cheeks reddening, yet there was no reason why I should not +answer. +</P> + +<P> +"It was a medal, an army medal." +</P> + +<P> +"You were in the army then?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, I served an enlistment in the Philippines, and was invalided +home; discharged at the Presidio. Someway I have been up against tough +luck ever since I got back. I think the climate over there must have +locoed me; anyhow the liquor did. Tonight the pendulum is swinging the +other way." +</P> + +<P> +"Why do you think that?" +</P> + +<P> +"I have met you, have I not?" +</P> + +<P> +There was no brightening of her eyes, no acknowledgment of the words. +</P> + +<P> +"To have the misery of another added to your own requires no +congratulations," she said gravely. "But I am glad you told me. I +know there are many who return home like that. I can understand why +much better now than I could once. I have had experience also. It is +so easy to drift wrong, when there is no one to help you go right. I +used to believe this world was just a beautiful playground. I never +dreamed what it really means to be hungry and homeless, to be alone +among strangers. I had read of such things, but they never seemed +real, or possible. But I know it all now; all the utter loneliness of +a great city. Why it is easier to fall than to stand, and, oh! I was +so desperate tonight. I—I actually believe I had come to the very end +of the struggle. Whatever happens—whatever possibly can happen to me +hereafter—I shall never again be the same thoughtless creature, never +again become uncharitable to others in misery." Her eyes dropped +before mine, yet only to uplift themselves again, shining with brave +resolution. "Would you care to tell me what it is with you? What it +is you fight?" +</P> + +<P> +"I am afraid I do not fight, except physically," I confessed soberly. +"Probably that is the whole trouble. If I have ever had a grip I 've +lost it. However I 'm willing to tell my story, although it's a poor +one, just the uninteresting recital of a fool. My home was in New +England, my father a fairly successful manufacturer. My mother died +while I was a child, and I grew up without restraining influence. I +led an ordinary boy's life, but was always headstrong, and willful, +excelling physically. My delight was hunting, and the out-of-doors. +However I kept along with my studies after a fashion, and entered the +University. Here I devoted most of my time to students' pranks, and +athletics, but got through two years before being expelled. +Interesting, is n't it?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," she said. "It is what I wish to know." +</P> + +<P> +"This expulsion resulted In a row at home," I went on, disgusted at +myself. "And I took French leave. For six months I knocked about, +doing a little of everything, having rather a tough time, but too +obstinate to confess my mistake and return. Of course I naturally fell +in with a hard set, and finally enlisted. My regiment was sent to the +Philippines, where we had some fighting. I liked that, and was a good +enough soldier to be promoted to a sergeantcy. I reckon I had better +have remained in the service, for when I was sent back to Frisco, +because of wounds, and then discharged, I went to hell." +</P> + +<P> +"And your father does n't know?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not from me. I had money at first, and transportation to Chicago +where I enlisted. I blew in the cash, and lost the other. Then I +started in to beat my passage east, working only when I had to. I was +thrown off a train about twenty miles west of here, and came into this +burg on foot. It was tough luck for a day or two until I caught on to +a lumber yard job. I 've been working now for a couple of weeks. Nice +record, is n't it?" +</P> + +<P> +Her parted lips trembled, but those questioning brown eyes never +deserted my face. +</P> + +<P> +"It is not as bad as I feared, if—if you have told me all." +</P> + +<P> +"I have confessed the worst anyhow. I 'm a rough, I suppose, and a +bum, but I 'm not a criminal." +</P> + +<P> +"Why were you at that house? and so afraid of the police?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, that is a long story," I replied hesitatingly. "I had been +talking with some men inside, who had offered me work, and good pay. +There was a reason why I did not wish to be seen coming out at that +hour." +</P> + +<P> +"Not—not anything criminal?" +</P> + +<P> +"No; I 've confessed to being a good-for-nothing, but I 'm clear of +crime." +</P> + +<P> +She drew a long breath of relief. +</P> + +<P> +"I do not quite believe," she said firmly. "You—you do not look like +that." +</P> + +<P> +I laughed in spite of my efforts. +</P> + +<P> +"I am delighted to have you say so. No more do I feel like that now. +Yet so the record reads, and you must accept me just as I am, or not at +all. I have nothing else to offer." +</P> + +<P> +She lowered her eyes, her fingers still nervously fumbling the menu +card. +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps I have no more." +</P> + +<P> +"I have asked no explanation of you." +</P> + +<P> +"True; yet you cannot be devoid of curiosity. You meet me after +midnight, wandering alone in the streets; you see me boldly, +shamelessly, interfering to prevent the arrest of a strange man; you +hear me deliberately falsify, again and again. What could you think of +such a woman? Then I accept your invitation, and accompany you here, +believing you a criminal. What possible respect could you, or any +other man, entertain for a girl guilty of such indiscretion?" +</P> + +<P> +"You ask my individual judgment, or that of the world?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yours, of course; I know the other already." +</P> + +<P> +I extended my hand across the table, and placed it over her own. A +swift flush sprang to her cheeks, but she made no effort to draw away. +The action was so natural, so unaffectedly sincere, as to awaken no +resentment. +</P> + +<P> +"I am a young man," I said earnestly, "but I have seen all kinds of +life, both right and wrong, upper and lower. I can realize how easy it +is to sit in a club window, and criticize the people passing along the +street. That is an amusement of fools. The inclination to become one +of that class left me long ago. Now I do not understand why you were +upon the street tonight unattended; why you came to my assistance, or +why you are here with me now. I have no desire to pry into your +secret. I am content to remain grateful, to count this a red-letter +day, because somehow, out of the mystery of the dark, we have thus been +brought together. An old professor used to say all life hinges on +little things, and I believe our chance meeting is going to change both +our lives, and for the better. Without asking a question, or harboring +a suspicion, I have faith in you—is that enough?" +</P> + +<P> +"You mean, you accept me upon trust?" +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly; even as you must accept me. I have no letters of +recommendation." +</P> + +<P> +She was again looking directly toward me, her brown eyes earnest and +fearless. +</P> + +<P> +"I—I confess I like your face," she admitted, "and I believe you have +tried to tell me the truth about yourself, but our situation is so +peculiar, so different from what I have been taught was proper." She +smiled sadly, her eyes misting. "I am afraid you will not understand. +You can scarcely appreciate how strictly I have been brought up, or +what such an unconventional meeting as this means to me. I ought to be +ashamed of myself." +</P> + +<P> +"But are you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Really I—I do not seem to be. It almost frightens me to realize I am +not, I do not understand myself at all. Why should I talk thus frankly +with you? Why feel confidence in you? It is not in accordance with +the rules of my old life, nor of my nature. Such actions would shock +those who know me; they ought to shock me. Am I in a dream, from which +I am going to awaken presently? Is that the explanation?" +</P> + +<P> +I shook my head. +</P> + +<P> +"No, not in that sense, at least. Rather the other way around. You +have been in a dream all your life—a dream that some social code +somewhere constituted the real world. Under these petty regulations of +conduct you were not yourself at all, only a make-believe. Something +serious has occurred in your life, and changed all in an instant. You +have been thrown against the real world. You find it not to be what +you supposed. It is no cause for shame or regret; womanhood lies +deeper than any pretense at gentility. Men seldom fail to recognize +this fact—their lives of struggle compel them to, but a woman finds it +hard to understand." +</P> + +<P> +"To understand what?" +</P> + +<P> +"How any man meeting her as I have you—in the street at night, under +conditions society would frown at—can still feel for her a profound +respect, and pay her the deference which a gentleman must always extend +to one he deems worthy." +</P> + +<P> +For a long moment she did not speak, but withdrew her hand from beneath +mine, resting her chin in its palm. +</P> + +<P> +"What is your name?" she asked finally. +</P> + +<P> +"Gordon Craig." +</P> + +<P> +The lashes drooped quickly, securely shadowing the brown depths, the +flush deepening on her cheeks. In the momentary hush which followed +the waiter came shuffling forward with our order. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap07"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER VII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +THE WOMAN'S STORY +</H3> + + +<P> +I had never supposed I lacked audacity, yet I found it strangely +difficult to again pick up our conversation. This woman puzzled me; +was becoming an enigma. She encouraged me, and yet something about her +precluded all familiarity. I was haunted by the vague suspicion that +she might be "stringing" me; that she was not as innocent as she +pretended. Her eyes again glanced up, and met mine. +</P> + +<P> +"It is a terrible experience being penniless, and alone," she said with +a shudder. "I can never condemn some forms of evil as I once did, for +now I have felt temptation myself. I—I have even learned to doubt my +own strength of character. I walked past a great hotel last evening, +and looked in through the windows, at the dining-room. It was +brilliant with electric lights, in rose globes over the spotless +tables, and hundreds of people were gathered about eating and drinking. +I had been there myself more than once, yet then I was alone outside, +in the misty street, penniless. I had no strength left, no virtue—I +was in heart a criminal. Have you ever felt that?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," I acknowledged, hopeful she would explain further. "I +comprehend fully what you mean. Nature is stronger than any of us when +it comes to the supreme trial." +</P> + +<P> +"I had never known before. It is strange to confess such a thing, but +it is true. I—I do not believe I am weak as compared with others. +Never before have I had any occasion to question the supremacy of my +will, yet I learned a lesson last night—that I am not a saint. I +actually faced crime, and it did not even look horrible to me! it +appeared justified. Even now, sitting here with you, I cannot believe +I was wicked. You will not misconstrue my words, but—but life is not +always the same, is it? How inexpressibly cruel a great city may be +with glaring wealth flaunting itself in the pinched face of poverty. +How can I help being rebellious now that I have seen all this through +hungry eyes?" +</P> + +<P> +Her hands were clasped above her plate, the slender fingers +intertwined. I was looking at her so intently forgot to answer. +</P> + +<P> +"I—I am glad I met you," she said frankly. "I—I think you have saved +me from myself." +</P> + +<P> +"You asked me my name," I broke in eagerly. "Would you mind telling me +who you are?" +</P> + +<P> +"I?" the clear cheeks reddening. "Why, I am only a fool." +</P> + +<P> +"Then there is, at least, one tie between us. But, if we are to remain +friends I must know how to address you." +</P> + +<P> +Her red lips parted doubtfully, her brow wrinkling. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, and we cannot afford to be conventional, can we? I am Viola +Bernard." +</P> + +<P> +"I knew a girl once by that name; ages ago it seems now. A little +thing in short skirts, but I thought her rather nice. I believe we are +inclined to like names associated with pleasant memories. So I am glad +your name is Viola." +</P> + +<P> +"It was my mother's name," she said quietly, her eyes downcast, "and I +am not sorry you like it." She stirred the coffee in her cup, watching +the bubbles rise to the surface. "I feel more confidence in you than I +did, because you have been so honest about yourself." +</P> + +<P> +"I have told you the truth. I think I comprehend one trait, at least, +of your character—you would never again trust one who had deliberately +deceived you." +</P> + +<P> +She did not remove her eyes from the cup, nor appear to note my +interruption, but continued gravely: +</P> + +<P> +"I must tell my story to someone; I can fight fate alone no longer. +Perhaps I may not confess everything, for I do not know you well enough +for that, but enough, at least, so you will no longer suspect that I—I +am a bad woman." +</P> + +<P> +"I could never really believe that." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, yes, you could. I have read in your face that my character +puzzles you. You invited me to drink a cocktail to try me. Don't +protest, for really I do not wonder at it, or blame you in the least. +How could you think otherwise? My position was a strange one, bound to +awaken suspicion; my conduct immodest. Yet you must accept my +explanation, for I shall tell the truth. I was never guilty of such an +act before—never! Perhaps because I was never tempted. There is a +home I could return to, and a mother, but they are more than a thousand +miles from here. But I cannot go, even if I possessed the means, +because of my pride—my false pride possibly. I have chosen my course, +and must abide by it to the end." +</P> + +<P> +She drew a long breath, speaking very slowly. +</P> + +<P> +"It is a hard story to tell, for the wound is still fresh, and hurts. +I was upon the stage—not long, but with sufficient success so that I +had become leading woman with one of the best stock companies. It was +against my mother's wish I entered the profession, and she has never +become reconciled to it, although our relationship remained pleasant. +A few months ago, while playing in Omaha, I met Fred Bernard. I knew +little of him, but he appeared gentlemanly and well-to-do, and was +presented to me by one in whom I had confidence. He was pleasant, and +apparently in love with me; I liked him, was flattered by his +attentions, and discouraged in my ambition. When he asked me to marry +him conditions were such that I accepted, even consented, under his +urging, to an immediate ceremony. We came to this city, were quietly +married here, and occupied a flat on the north side. My husband did no +work, but received remittances from home, and apparently had plenty of +means. He told me little about himself, or his condition, but promised +to take me to his people in a little while. He said his father was +wealthy, but eccentric; that he had told him of our marriage, but there +had been a quarrel between them, and he could not take me there without +an invitation. I was never shown the letters, but they bore Southern +postmarks." +</P> + +<P> +She paused, hesitating, her eyes full of pain. +</P> + +<P> +"I—I was afraid to question, for—for he proved so different after our +marriage. He was a drunkard, abusive and quarrelsome. I had never +before been in intimate contact with anyone like that, and I was afraid +of him. Whatever of love I might have felt died within me under abuse. +He struck me the second day, and from that moment I dreaded his +home-coming. For weeks I scarcely saw him sober, and his treatment of +me was brutal." +</P> + +<P> +Tears were in her eyes, but she held them back, forcing herself to go +on. +</P> + +<P> +"Then he was gone two days and nights leaving me alone. He reappeared +the third evening in the worst condition I had ever seen him. He acted +like a veritable savage, cursing and striking at me, and finally drove +me from the house, flourishing a revolver in my face, and locking the +door behind me. I—I sat there on the steps an hour, and endeavored to +go back, but there was no response. I walked the streets, and +then—having a little money with me—found a place to lodge. The next +day I went back, but the flat was locked still, and neighbors said my +husband had left with a traveling bag. I—I was actually thrown out +upon the streets to starve." +</P> + +<P> +Her voice lowered, so that I was compelled to lean closer to catch the +rapidly spoken words. +</P> + +<P> +"At first I—I was not altogether sorry. I thought it would be easy to +find work. I was not afraid of that—but—but it was not easy. Oh! +how hard I tried. I faced open insult; cowardly insinuation; brutal +coarseness. I never dreamed before how men could treat women seeking +honorable employment. Scarcely a courteous word greeted me. Refusal +was blunt, imperative, or else, in those cases where vague +encouragement was given, it was so worded as to cause my withdrawal in +shame. If I had been skilled in any business line my reception might +have been different; if I possessed recommendations, or could have +frankly confessed the truth, perhaps I might have been given a chance. +But as it was everywhere, suspicion was aroused by my reticence, my +inability to explain, and the interview ended in curt dismissal, or +suggestive innuendo." +</P> + +<P> +She paused again, her bosom rising and falling, her cheeks flushed. +</P> + +<P> +"Go on," I said, encouragingly. "Do not fear I shall misunderstand. I +have been through the same mill." +</P> + +<P> +She gave me a quick glance of gratitude, pressing back a straggling +strand of hair. +</P> + +<P> +"But you were not a woman," she insisted, "and could defend yourself +from insult. I endeavored so hard to discover some opening; I even +sought domestic service, and was examined as though I was a horse on +sale. I walked the streets; I refused to despair, or permit myself to +believe failure possible. I went home at night, tired out, to a little +rented room in Forty-Ninth Street, prayed as I used to when a child, +cried myself to sleep, only to wake up the next morning determined to +continue. I was not weak then; I was as strong as any girl could be; +I—I fought it out to the very last," her head suddenly drooping, +"but—but the end came just the same. Perhaps I should never have hung +on so long; perhaps it would have been better to have sent word to my +mother, and asked help to go home. But—but I kept hoping to succeed, +until it was too late. I spent all the little money I had, and pawned +my rings. I had married against my mother's wish. I could not turn to +her for help. Oh, I was tempted; I think you must know what I mean! +You realize what temptation is; how it weakens, and conquers the soul?" +</P> + +<P> +I closed my hand firmly over hers. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, I know." +</P> + +<P> +Her sensitive face brightened; her eyes clearing of mist. +</P> + +<P> +"It is a comfort to speak with a gentleman again. I—I had almost +begun to believe there were none left in the world. You give me +courage to go on, to acknowledge everything. Mr. Craig, I was a soul +tottering on the brink when I met you out yonder; a desperate, +disheartened girl, tempted to the point of surrender. I had lost hope, +pride, all redeeming strength of womanhood. I scarcely cared whether +death, or dishonor, claimed me. I do not know what fateful impulse +moves me now, but I can look into your eyes without sense of shame, and +confess this. I was, in all essential truth, a woman of the +street—not yet lowered utterly to that level, not yet sacrificed, but +with no moral strength left for resistance. No fear, no horror. Oh, +God! it seems like some awful dream—yet it was true, true! I had +ceased to struggle, to care; I had begun to drift; I had lost +everything a woman prizes, even my faith in God. I know you cannot +comprehend what this means—no man could. But I want you to try. +Think what it would mean to your sister, to some pure friend in whom +you have implicit trust. Oh, I know what the world would say—the +well-fed, well-clothed, well-housed, sneering world—but it is to you I +appeal for some slight mercy. You have also suffered, and grown weak, +and, because you told me your story first, I dare now to tell mine. I +was a soul on the brink, and—God forgive me!—not afraid of the rocks +below. Like one stupefied I looked down, hated myself and laughed." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap08"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER VIII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +FACING THE PROBLEM +</H3> + + +<P> +My fingers closed yet more tightly over the small hand, but her face +remained rigid, the lines deep about the mouth. +</P> + +<P> +"The landlady had turned me out," speaking now bitterly and swiftly, +"retaining my few belongings, and calling me a foul name which made me +cower away like a whipped child. I had nothing left—nothing. For a +week I had listened to no kind word, met with no kind act. I was upon +the street, alone, at night, purposeless, homeless, wandering aimlessly +from place to place, weakened by hunger, stupefied by despair. Men spoke +to me, and I fled their presence as though they were pestilence; women, +painted, shameless creatures, greeted me in passing as one of their own +class, and I sought to avoid them. Once I mustered sufficient courage to +ask help, but—but the man only laughed, and called me a foul name. I do +not know where I went, what the streets were called. I remember the +brilliantly lighted hotel: the theater crowds jostling me on the +sidewalks; the saloons where I saw women slipping in through side +entrances, the strains of piano music jingling forth on the night air. +I—I knew what it meant, and lingered, faint and trembling, before one +illuminated front, like a fascinated bird, until a drunken man, reeling +forth, laid hand on my shoulder with proposal of insult. I broke away +from him, and ran into the dark, every nerve tingling." +</P> + +<P> +She shuddered, catching her breath sharply. +</P> + +<P> +"Then—then I found myself out among the residences, where everything was +still and lonely, walking, walking, walking, every shadow appearing like +a ghost. I sat down to rest on the curbing, but a policeman drove me +away; once I crept into a darkened vestibule in a big apartment building, +but another discovered me there, and threatened to take me to the +station. I did n't care much by that time, yet finally he let me go, and +I crept miserably on. I became afraid of the police; I felt as I suppose +criminals must feel; I slunk along in the dark shadows like a hunted +thing. The night grew misty and damp, but I found no shelter. I had no +will power left, no womanhood, no remorse; I had become a thing to play +with, a body without a soul. I had ceased to care, to think, to even +remember; I only wanted to drop the struggle, and have it over with. +Perhaps I should have taken my own life, had I only known how to +accomplish it—it seemed infinitely worse to live than to die. It was +thus I came there, to that corner. I heard the policeman approaching +along the side street, and, terrified, sprang into the yard to +escape—then—then, I met you." +</P> + +<P> +Someone laughed at one of the other tables, and I wheeled about in my +chair. For an instant I believed her voice had been overheard, but +instantly realized the mistake and turned back, noticing how she was +trembling. +</P> + +<P> +"Tell me," I questioned earnestly, "what caused you to interfere between +me and the officer?" +</P> + +<P> +"What! Oh, I hardly know," a touch of hysteria in the nervous +exclamation. "It was just a natural ending to all the rest, I suppose. +I was a criminal in heart, a fugitive; I hated the law, and was afraid of +the police. I merely did what occurred to me first, without thought, +volition, purpose. I was compelled to choose instantly between his mercy +and yours; the—the difference seemed small enough then, but—but I +realized you were frightened also, and—and so I preferred to trust you. +That was all; it was my fate, and—and, well I did n't care much how it +ended." +</P> + +<P> +"But you endeavored to escape from me; you sought to compel my leaving +you?" +</P> + +<P> +She lifted her face again, flushing, saddened, slightly indignant, the +brown eyes widening. +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps the soul was not all dead," she returned gravely. "Perhaps +womanhood was not all gone. I did not know you; I was in terror." +</P> + +<P> +"And now?" +</P> + +<P> +Our eyes met, her own cleared of tears, gazing frankly at me. +</P> + +<P> +"I am not afraid; I believe I have found a man, and a friend." +</P> + +<P> +I was conscious of a sudden wild throb of the heart, a swift rush of +blood through my veins. +</P> + +<P> +"I might have doubted that myself a while ago," I acknowledged almost +bitterly, "but now I am going to make good. Lord! how a fellow can run +to seed when he lets himself go. Don't you know you are helping me, as +much as I am you? You didn't find much out there—only a drunken +discharged soldier, an ex-hobo, with a laborer's job. I 've wasted my +chance in life, and been an infernal fool. I can see that plain enough, +and despise myself for it. I knew it before you came—the difference was +then I did n't care, while now I do. You have made me care. Yes, you +have, girl," as she glanced up again, plainly startled by this unexpected +avowal. "You care, and because I know you do, things are different. I +mean it; this is no word play. I tell you when a man has been steadily +dropping, in his own estimation, as well as the social scale; when he has +just about lost his pride, his self-respect, his realization of right and +wrong; when he sees nothing ahead worth fighting for; when he seeks +happiness in drink, and makes companions out of crooks and hobos, that is +when it amounts to something to have a real woman like you come into his +life, and hear her speak of trust and friendship. Lord! it 's like a +breath of pure air amid the foulness of the pit. I believe in <I>you</I>, and +I have n't believed in anybody for a long while. Perhaps you didn't +wholly mean all you said to me; perhaps you 'll forget about it when your +luck changes, but it 's a thing that is going to stay with me; you can +bet on that! I guess it was what I 've been hungry for; the loss of it +had taken the very heart out of me," I paused, fearful I might be going +too far, yet given fresh courage by the expression of her face. "You see +you belong to my class, little girl, and—and you are the first of them +to speak a kind word to me in five years. It's—it's a bit tough to be +cut dead by your own class." +</P> + +<P> +It was her hand, white and slender, which reached shyly across the table, +and touched mine, but her eyes alone made answer. +</P> + +<P> +"That is all right," I continued, my voice shaking. "I understand how +you feel. Anyhow you 've made a new man out of me; maybe the stuff is +n't much, but there is a soul in it somewhere, and you 've given that +soul something to get a grip on. That was all I needed, just to get my +teeth set. But what about you? This is no fit place for your kind—you +better go home to your mother." +</P> + +<P> +She shook her head with decision. +</P> + +<P> +"Why not? is she hard?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, she would be very hard with me." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you mean you would rather risk it here with—with me, than go back, +and face her?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, even that," she replied soberly. "I have courage to fight it out +here, but not there. I know what it will mean if I go back—reproaches, +gossip, ostracism—all the petty meannesses of a small town. I loathe +the very thought. I am strong again, and I will not go. It is between +God and me, this decision; between God and me." She drooped her head, +hiding her face upon her arms, her shoulders trembling. "You—you may +despise me; you may think me the lowest of the low, but I—I am going to +stay here." +</P> + +<P> +I sat in silence, amazed, puzzled, gazing across at her, my face sober, +my hands clinched. +</P> + +<P> +"You actually mean you dare risk yourself here—with me?" +</P> + +<P> +"With your help; with you as a friend to talk to—yes." +</P> + +<P> +I drew in my breath sharply, my forehead beaded with perspiration. +</P> + +<P> +"But stop and think what I am," I urged recklessly. "A mere hobo." +</P> + +<P> +She raised her face, the flushed cheeks wet, the brown eyes glowing +indignantly. +</P> + +<P> +"No," she said earnestly. "You are not that; you are a man." +</P> + +<P> +For a long minute I did not answer, unable to determine what to do, how +to act. We had both finished our meal, and there was no excuse for +lingering longer at the table. +</P> + +<P> +"You will go with me, then?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes." +</P> + +<P> +I pushed back my chair, and she arose also, following me without question +as I passed across to the door. The cashier nodded to my good night, and +I opened the door for her passage to the street. The mist of the cloudy +night had been blown away by an increasing breeze. The air was warm, and +the sky brightening in the east. I glanced aside into her face, and led +the way into a near-by park, the two of us trudging along a well-kept +gravel path, until I discovered a bench hidden from observation amid +surrounding shrubbery. +</P> + +<P> +"I 've simply got to think this whole matter out," I explained simply. +"It's happened so unexpectedly. I 'm stumped as to what had better be +done." +</P> + +<P> +She remained standing, resting one hand on the back of the settee, a +slender figure, neatly enough dressed, yet exhibiting evidence of her +long night's wandering. +</P> + +<P> +"You mean I am a problem? You—you do not know what to do with me?" +</P> + +<P> +I glanced at her, surprised by the change in her voice. +</P> + +<P> +"Naturally; a young woman is usually a problem, isn't she? This +particular one has come with a suddenness sufficient to jar anybody's +nerves. Three hours ago I was without responsibility, a mere log adrift +on the current. I 've hardly wakened up yet to the change in conditions. +Here I am a fellow so utterly worthless that I have n't even been able to +take decent care of myself alone, yet all at once the duty fronts me to +double my responsibilities." +</P> + +<P> +Her cheeks reddened. +</P> + +<P> +"No, you are not! Is that then your conception of me? Let me tell you +differently. Just so soon as this city wakes up, I am going to start +forth again and seek work." +</P> + +<P> +The smile I was attempting faded. +</P> + +<P> +"Seek work! I understood you confided yourself to my care." +</P> + +<P> +"Not—not in that way—never!" indignantly. "You had no right to so +construe my words. You—you know I am not like that. I trusted you as a +man; I—I gave you my—my confidence as a friend," her speech growing +swift, and impetuous. "Do not make me sorry. I will not accept your +money; I will never remain dependent upon you, or a burden. I have +regained my courage, and am no longer afraid. All I needed was to know +that I was not all alone—I can fight for the rest." +</P> + +<P> +"Mrs. Bernard," I began quietly, realizing her spirit. "You have given a +wrong meaning to my words; I respect you, believe in you, and merely +desire to help you to the best of my ability. Sit down here, and let us +face this thing squarely together. We must n't act like children, or +close our eyes to facts. For instance—we have both been up all night. +That is n't specially new for me, but it is to you, and the exposure and +strain shows. You are not fit to go out hunting employment." +</P> + +<P> +"Poverty has no choice," bitterly. "The fact that I am tired does not +matter." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, but it does. Now I am not quite so badly off as you suppose. All I +ask is a chance to think, to arrange some plan. Won't you sit quietly +there until I puzzle it out?" +</P> + +<P> +She sank down wearily upon one end of the settee, and I took the other, +leaning forward, my face in my hands. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap09"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER IX +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +WE COMPLETE ARRANGEMENTS +</H3> + + +<P> +For a few moments as I sat thus in silence the obvious way out never +once occurred to me. Somehow the memory of my own position had become +blotted out in contemplation of the serious predicament of my +companion. How could I assist her in spite of her pride, and her +determination to continue the struggle alone. I could not take her to +my boarding house, which was exclusively for men, nor did I have any +acquaintance able to furnish her employment. I shoved my hands deep +into my pockets, and my fingers touched the two bills handed me by +Vail. For an instant I failed to realize their significance, and then +the recollection of my own engagement came swiftly back. At first the +memory was a disgust; the very presence of the girl, and her tale of +struggle, made me realize the sordidness of this plot in which I was +involved. Somehow it struck me then as a dirty, underhanded scheme. +Yet, as I reviewed the details, this conception largely vanished. We +were defrauding no one, merely protecting a man helpless to protect +himself, backed by legal advice, as well as by the desire of the +administrators of the will. The comparatively large sum of money +offered me for the service was not excessive considering the amount +involved, or the way in which I physically resembled the party +represented. The feeling of resentment died away, but I doubted if she +could be made to look at it in the same light. I glanced across to +where she sat, the gray dawn giving me clear view. Her head rested +back upon one arm, and she was asleep. Uncomfortable as she looked, +she was still resting, the tired lines of her face less noticeable. I +had no heart to awaken her, and remained motionless, thinking it all +over carefully in detail. +</P> + +<P> +We remained undisturbed, our settee removed from the main pathway, +along which a few early workmen passed. She was the very one to act +the part of Philip Henley's wife, if she would consent. Her +refinement, the clear innocence of her face, would be convincing, and I +began already to long for her company. Yet she would have to be told +every detail, convinced the apparent fraud was justifiable. I rather +dreaded the look in her eyes when she first heard the proposal, and her +questioning me. While I still hesitated, fearful of refusal, the sun +shining upon her face awoke her suddenly. She straightened up +instantly, but her eyes smiled as they met mine. +</P> + +<P> +"I was asleep," she said in surprise. "For how long?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nearly two hours." +</P> + +<P> +"And you have sat there quietly all that time?" +</P> + +<P> +"That is nothing. I was tired, but not sleepy. Besides, I had so much +to think about." +</P> + +<P> +"You mean regarding what you shall do with me," and she arose to her +feet. "It is time now I did something for myself." +</P> + +<P> +"Wait, please," and I extended my hand, almost forcing her back upon +the settee. "Let me say a word first before you decide to go. All I +told you last night about myself is true, with one exception. I have +money, and profitable work in view—see!" and I held before her the two +bills. +</P> + +<P> +She gazed at them with wide-open eyes, half convinced of some +legerdemain. +</P> + +<P> +"A thousand dollars," she exclaimed bewildered. "<I>You</I>! why, what does +it all mean?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, and nine thousand more promised, when I complete work that ought +not to require to exceed two months. I was not without money in the +restaurant, only I could not ask the cashier to change so large a bill. +Sit down again, please, and let me tell you the story." +</P> + +<P> +She did so, almost reluctantly, as though doubting my sanity, but I +could note a change in the expression of her face as I proceeded. I +told it slowly, carefully, pausing to explain each detail to her +questioning, yet was not interrupted more than once or twice. Somehow, +as I thus repeated the proposed scheme to another it did not appear +quite as easy, or honorable, as when I faced it alone. However, I +struggled through, painting the affair as well as I could, but without +daring to propose her cooperation. Her wide-open eyes on my face gave +me a thrill of apprehension I could not analyze. +</P> + +<P> +"That 's the whole story," I ended, rather lamely. +</P> + +<P> +"What do you think of it?" +</P> + +<P> +"I—I hardly know," with slow hesitation. "It is very strange. Tell +me the young man's name again." +</P> + +<P> +"Henley—Philip Henley." +</P> + +<P> +"And the town?" +</P> + +<P> +"Carrollton, Alabama." +</P> + +<P> +"And he is in prison for crime, you say—what crime?" +</P> + +<P> +"Forgery, a fourteen-year sentence." +</P> + +<P> +"Did they tell you when he was sent there?" +</P> + +<P> +"No; I believe not." +</P> + +<P> +"And his wife has disappeared? They can find no trace of her?" +</P> + +<P> +"So both men assured me." +</P> + +<P> +"And this one named Neale—are you certain he is an administrator?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, I was shown a certified copy of the will; everything seemed to be +exactly as represented." +</P> + +<P> +She pressed one hand to her forehead, her eyes on the ground. I +watched her, an unasked question trembling on my lips. Suddenly she +looked up again, her cheeks flushed. +</P> + +<P> +"You were going to suggest that I go with you, were you not?" she asked +swiftly. "That I play the wife's part? Why did n't you ask it?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because I lacked courage," I replied frankly, yet leaning eagerly +toward her. "I was afraid you would take such a proposition wrongly." +</P> + +<P> +"Then you retain some respect for me; some faith in my character?" +</P> + +<P> +"I certainly do," earnestly. +</P> + +<P> +"And you see nothing wrong in carrying out your part? You mean to go +to Carrollton with someone—a woman?" +</P> + +<P> +"I—I agreed to the terms—yes." +</P> + +<P> +She drew a long breath, her eyes upon mine. +</P> + +<P> +"Then I will go also," she said soberly, and held out her hand. +</P> + +<P> +"You mean that?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes—why not? Surely it is as right for me as for you. You wished me +to say yes, did you not?" +</P> + +<P> +My face must have answered, as my lips failed, but she went on swiftly: +</P> + +<P> +"Then I will go; only remember it is acting, a mere play in which I +have a certain part to perform. We are to be friends throughout it +all—actors on the stage. There must be no misunderstanding about +this." +</P> + +<P> +I had recovered my voice now, realizing all she meant, and anxious to +reassure her. +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly. There will be no mistake, Mrs. Bernard. That was why I +hesitated to ask you, for fear you might misinterpret my purpose. You +are the very woman to do this. I dreaded to have with me the kind Vail +would have sent. I am delighted—truly I am, and nothing shall occur +to cause you any regret." +</P> + +<P> +"We go tonight?—I shall need clothing." +</P> + +<P> +"Of course; that was what this money was advanced for, to outfit us. +How much will you need?" +</P> + +<P> +She thought a moment, a little line of perplexity between her eyes, +finally naming a sum which surprised me. +</P> + +<P> +"Not more than that?" I exclaimed. "Surely that is not enough." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, yes, it is," laughing. "There will be no dressing. All I need do +is appear neat." +</P> + +<P> +We sat there and talked it over, deciding exactly our course of action. +At nine o'clock I left her, hunted up the nearest bank and got change +for my bill. Then I gave her the amount asked, and we separated, to +meet again late that afternoon at the depot. I felt no doubt as to her +being there on time. My day was a busy one, as I had to visit my +boarding house, buy needful clothing, and arrange for transportation. +At the moment specified I called up Vail on the phone, and he responded +instantly, the very tone of his voice evidencing the relief he felt at +hearing from me. +</P> + +<P> +"Began to think I had skipped with the thousand?" I asked. "Well, I +have n't, for the other nine looks too good." +</P> + +<P> +"You are going, then?" +</P> + +<P> +"Sure; all packed, and transportation bought. Best of it is I 've +found the right woman to go along with me. +</P> + +<P> +"Good; I didn't know what to do about that—the one I had in mind is +out of town. Who is she?" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, never mind her name; she is all right, a friend of mine." +</P> + +<P> +"Not likely anyone I know. Where are you?" +</P> + +<P> +I told him, and he agreed to send over certain papers to me by +messenger. These arrived promptly, and I studied them carefully until +nearly train time, getting all the facts firmly implanted in my mind. +Then, my heart beating somewhat faster than usual, I took cab to the +depot, more deeply interested I fear in again meeting Mrs. Bernard, +than in the adventure itself. We met beneath the grim shadow of the +train shed. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap10"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER X +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +AT THE PLANTATION +</H3> + + +<P> +The events of the day had changed her greatly. At first, as she came +toward me through the crowd near the gate, holding out a neatly gloved +hand, I could scarcely realise that this well-dressed, soft-voiced lady +was the homeless creature I had consorted with the night before. Her +eyes laughingly challenged mine, while the hours since had given her +back perfect control. +</P> + +<P> +"So you did not even know me," she said pleasantly. "Oh, but you did +not—you were passing by when I spoke. Don't apologize, for really I +take it as the highest compliment. You are wonderfully improved +yourself. If I had ever doubted your claim to having been well born I +would realize the truth now. That is something not easily +counterfeited." +</P> + +<P> +"And something evidently you need never try to counterfeit," I added, +forgetful of our peculiar relations, as I gazed at the arch face under +the broad hat brim. "Pray how did you work such a marvelous +transformation on so small a sum? I had a theory marriage was +expensive." +</P> + +<P> +Her cheeks flamed. +</P> + +<P> +"That depends," she replied; "I had excellent training. The marvel is +even greater than you suppose, for behold this case also filled with +necessities. Is this our train?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," and I took up the grip she designated as hers. "Let us get +settled and into the diner, for I am hungry as a wolf." +</P> + +<P> +I had procured opposite sections, and, before retiring, we studied the +papers, together with Vail's letter of instruction, and thus came to a +complete understanding. She was quick-witted, and spoke frankly, and +yet, when I finally lay down in my berth I felt less well acquainted +with her than before. Somehow, in a manner inexplainable, a vague +barrier had arisen between us. I could not trace it to any word or +action on her part, and yet I felt held away as by an invisible hand. +Her very cordiality exhibited a reserve which made me clearly +comprehend that the slightest familiarity would be checked. Evidently +she had determined coolly to carry out the deceit, to act her part to +perfection, because of the reward, and she meant I should comprehend +her exact position. I fell asleep dissatisfied, half believing she was +also playing a part with me, although it was impossible to conceive her +purpose. The conception even came that she was herself an adventuress, +yet I throttled the thought instantly, unwilling to harbor it. +</P> + +<P> +It was at the close of the following afternoon when our train reached +Carrollton. The depot must have been a mile from the town, and very +few people were upon the platform, two drummers and ourselves the only +ones to disembark. The traveling men hastened to the nearest hack, +while I glanced about in search of a conveyance. The only other +vehicle present was a two-seated surrey, driven by a rather +disreputable negro. I approached in some doubt. +</P> + +<P> +"No, sah," he said, grinning. "Dis yere am my own curridge, sah; +tain't nuthin' ter do wid de Henley plantation. I reckon dey done did +n't git no telegram. Dey sure did n't less dey wus oxpectin' one, an' +cum inter town after it. Yes, sah, I know whar de place am all right. +I done worked dar onct. I reckon you 'se Massa Philip Henley, sah; +though you 've sure growd some since I saw you de las' time. I 'se ol' +Pete, sah; I reckon you remembers ol' Pete." +</P> + +<P> +"Of course I do," I returned heartily, encouraged by his words to +believe I would pass muster. "Can you drive us out?" +</P> + +<P> +The negro scratched his head. +</P> + +<P> +"I reckon as how I can, sah, leastwise so far as ther gate. It's going +to be plum dark when we gits dar, an' dis nigger don't fool round dar +none in de dark." +</P> + +<P> +"Why, what's the trouble, Pete?" +</P> + +<P> +"Cause ol' Massa Henley's ghost was hangin' round, sah. I ain't nebber +seen it myself, an' I don't want to, for he was sure bad 'nough alive, +but dar 's niggers what has." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, pshaw," I laughed, turning toward the silent girl. "We will risk +the ghost if you 'll drive us out. Put in the grips." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, sah. I reckon this yere am de new missus." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," and I assisted her into the rear seat. "That's all; now jog +along." +</P> + +<P> +He climbed into his place, but with no special alacrity; but whipped +his team into a swift trot, evidently anxious to complete the trip as +early as possible. I glanced aside at my companion, observing the +paleness of her face. +</P> + +<P> +"Surely you are not afraid of the negro's ghost?" I questioned. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, no, but the strangeness of it all has got on my nerves. I did not +suppose it would be so hard, and—and I am not so sure now that we +ought to do this." +</P> + +<P> +"But that is foolish," I insisted, a bit angrily. "We talked it all +over, you know, and no harm can be done, except through our discovery. +Don't fail me now." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, I am not going to fail," indignantly. "The ride will steady my +nerves," she leaned forward whispering, her head inclined toward the +front seat. "Perhaps he can tell us who we shall meet there?" +</P> + +<P> +"Pete," I asked, "who is out there now?" +</P> + +<P> +The negro turned, so I could see the whites of his eyes. +</P> + +<P> +"At de Henley plantation, sah? Why, I reckon de oberseer an' de +housekeeper—both white folks. I done don't know just who dey am fer +shure, cause dey don't stay long no more. I reckon dey can't abide dat +ghost, sah, an' de field han's dey won't stay on de place at all affer +dark." +</P> + +<P> +"The overseer and housekeeper then are newly employed?" +</P> + +<P> +"Dem am de fac's, sah. Deh ain't been dar no time at all, an' I reckon +as how dey won't stay long, though de niggers say de oberseer am a hell +ob a man." +</P> + +<P> +Here was a pleasant situation surely. While the conditions were +favorable enough so far as our purpose was concerned, yet I fervently +wished we had postponed our arrival until daylight. While the negro's +ghost had no terrors for me—indeed, merely afforded amusement—I +realized my companion was not so indifferent. She pressed closer to me +in the narrow seat, her eyes on the dusky shadows. I endeavored to +laugh away her fears, but got little response. The road was a lonely +one, although apparently well traveled, bordered by rail fences and, +deserted-looking fields. Once we passed through a swamp, and skirted +the edge of timber. Then we turned to the right into a branch track, +where low bushes brushed our wheels. By this time it was quite dark, +and Pete was obliged to hold in his horses. There was a quarter moon +in the sky, just enough to give everything a spectral look, with no +human habitation visible, and owls hooting dismally in the distance. +It was uncanny in the extreme, and even I felt the desolation, and +became silent. Pete whistled stoutly, but without enthusiasm, +occasionally turning his head to make sure we were still there. I +could hear her quick breathing, and feel an occasional clutch of her +fingers on my sleeve at some unusual sound. Suddenly the negro pulled +up before a high hedge, and I perceived the white glimmer of a gate +opposite us, the black shadow of trees beyond. +</P> + +<P> +"Here we am, sah," he whispered, glancing about fearful, "an' de good +Lord knows I 'se glad tain't no furder. You just han' me a dollar, +sah, an' den I 'se goin' fur to git out o' dis." +</P> + +<P> +"Is that the house in there?" +</P> + +<P> +"Suah, you ought for to know dat. Tain't changed none, 'cept run down +a bit, far as I know. Here am your grips, sah." +</P> + +<P> +We had no sooner alighted than he wheeled his team, and departed, +whipping the horses into a run. I felt her hand grip my sleeve, and +glanced aside into her face. +</P> + +<P> +"Frightened?" I asked, endeavoring to speak easily. "Don't let that +fellow bother you; surely you do not believe in spooks?" +</P> + +<P> +"No," her voice trembling, "but it is all so desolate. I—I wish we +had waited until daylight." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, frankly, so do I," I responded, "but the thought comes too late. +There is nothing left us but to try the house; we cannot pass the night +out here." +</P> + +<P> +"No, oh, no!" +</P> + +<P> +"Then come on," and I picked up the suit cases. "We will probably be +laughing at ourselves in five minutes. You will have to unlatch the +gate." +</P> + +<P> +It was held in place by a sagging rope, but opened noiselessly, and we +advanced onto a brick walk, so little used as to be half hidden by +weeds growing in the crevices. The moon dimly revealed rank vegetation +on either side, while ahead, beneath the tree shadows, the darkness was +profound. There was no sound, no faintest gleam of light to indicate +the house, and I was compelled to advance cautiously to keep to the +path, which apparently wound about in the form of a letter "S." We +were at the foot of the front steps, the building itself looming black +before us, almost before we realized its nearness. I could perceive +the outlines indistinctly, and the deserted desolation affected me +strangely. Perhaps some of the negro's superstition had got into my +blood, for I felt my heart leap when the girl suddenly sobbed, +clutching me in an agony of fear. Yet the very knowledge of her fright +stiffened my resolution, and I dropped the grips to clasp both her +hands. +</P> + +<P> +"Don't!" I insisted. "I know the place looks leery enough, but Pete +said the overseer and housekeeper were here. Doubtless they are in the +back rooms. Wait here until I go up and rouse them." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, no; I could not stand it to be left alone." +</P> + +<P> +"All right; here, take my hand, and we 'll go up together." +</P> + +<P> +They were broad wooden steps, leading to a wide porch, the roof +supported by heavy columns. Beyond was the dark bulk of the house, +shapeless in the gloom. We were within a single step of the top when a +man—seemingly a huge figure—suddenly emerged from the shadow of a +column, and confronted us. +</P> + +<P> +"What ther hell," he ejaculated sullenly, "are you doin' here?" +</P> + +<P> +I paused with foot uplifted, too astounded at the apparition to +respond, conscious my companion had shrunk behind. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, speak up!" growled the voice. "What 's wanted?" +</P> + +<P> +It was not in my nature to fear men, and this was evidently a man. I +could feel the warm blood surge back to my heart. +</P> + +<P> +"You surely startled me, friend," I explained. "Are you the overseer?" +</P> + +<P> +"I reckon I am, but what I want to know is, who you are?" +</P> + +<P> +"I?" striving to regain my wits. "Why, I am—am Philip Henley; we—we +have just got in from the North." +</P> + +<P> +"How did you git out yere?" +</P> + +<P> +"A negro drove us from the station—old Pete who worked here once; +maybe you know him?" +</P> + +<P> +The man grunted. +</P> + +<P> +"What become of the nigger?" +</P> + +<P> +"He simply dumped us out at the gate, and drove back as though the +devil was after him. He said the place was haunted." +</P> + +<P> +"And he hit it about right at that, as ye'r' likely to find out afore +mornin'. Is that a woman with you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes—may we come in?" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, I reckon I ain't got no license to turn yer away, if yer mind ter +risk it. Lord knows I 'm willin' 'nough to hav' company. Git yer +duds, an' I 'll light up, so yer kin see a bit." +</P> + +<P> +He disappeared, and I lugged the grips to the top of the steps, where +we waited. Then a faint light streamed out through the open door, a +moment later outlining his figure. +</P> + +<P> +"Come on in," he said, still gruffly. "Yer don't need be afeerd o' me, +mam, and the housekeeper be yere directly." +</P> + +<P> +I confess I entered the dim hall reluctantly, obsessed by some strange +premonition of danger, but Mrs. Bernard clung to me, and the sight of +her white face gave me new courage. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap11"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XI +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +A PLEASANT WELCOME +</H3> + + +<P> +It was an old-fashioned living room into which we entered, the floor +unswept, the chairs faded and patched. Curtains were drawn closely at +the windows, while the single oil lamp stood on a center table littered +with old newspapers. I dropped the grips on the carpet, not so much +interested in my surroundings as in the appearance of the man in +charge. The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the +fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his +face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could +scarcely perceive its outline. He appeared a typical rough, wearing +high boots, with an ugly-looking Colt in a belt holster. +</P> + +<P> +"Where are you from?" I asked, surprised at this display of firearms. +</P> + +<P> +"Texas," with a grin, not altogether pleasant. "That's an ol' friend." +</P> + +<P> +"No doubt, but I see no sense in wearing it here. What are you afraid +of?" +</P> + +<P> +He stroked his mustache, eyeing me. +</P> + +<P> +"Wal, personally, stranger, I ain't greatly feerd o' nuthin', but I wus +hired fer to keep people outer this shebang. There ain't no work goin' +on, so I don't hav' no niggers to keep folks out." +</P> + +<P> +"Who employed you?" +</P> + +<P> +"That don't make no difference. Those wus my orders—not to talk, nor +let enybody hang 'round except you folks." +</P> + +<P> +"Then we were expected?" in surprise. +</P> + +<P> +"Sure; I reckon yer 'd a been hoofin' it up the road long afore this +otherwise. Still, I dunno," with a suggestive wink, "I 've got a +likin' fer pretty girls." +</P> + +<P> +I glanced at her, where she had sank down on a dilapidated sofa, but no +expression of her face told me she had overheard. It was the man's +wink, more than his language, which angered me. +</P> + +<P> +"Cut out your references to the lady," I said in a low tone, "unless +you are starting in for trouble." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, skittish, hey! Wal, stranger, I never run away frum no troble +yet, an' I reckon I don't begin now. Besides, yer need n't ride no +high hoss with me. I 'm on ter your game." +</P> + +<P> +His words sufficed to silence my batteries. I felt no fear of the man, +big as he was and armed, but the thought that he might have been sent +there by either Neale or Vail, and informed of the conspiracy, made me +cautious about angering him. I must discover first the exact situation +before locking horns with this Texas steer. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, do you!" I returned carelessly. "All right, then, we 'll let it +go at that; only please remember the lady is under my protection. What +is your name?" +</P> + +<P> +"Coombs," in better humor, feeling he had bluffed me. "Bill Coombs." +</P> + +<P> +"Can we have a bit of lunch?" +</P> + +<P> +"I reckon yer can. Ol' Sally is a rustlin' some grub now. I stirred +her up when I furst cum in." +</P> + +<P> +He sat down cross-legged on a chair the other side the littered table, +and stared at us, his hat still drawn down over his eyes. Whether the +fellow knew no better or was deliberately insolent, I could not clearly +determine. However, it was easy to perceive the girl was alarmed, and +my thought was with her. This unmannerly brute could wait until we +were alone for his lesson. I had handled worse men than him in my +time, and I proposed finding out before we retired who was master. So +when he even rolled and lit a cigarette, eyeing me closely during the +operation, I pretended to take no notice, but spoke to her quietly, in +a voice which would not carry across the room. +</P> + +<P> +"Don't mind him," I whispered. "He's only a rough-neck trying to bully +a bit. I'll teach him his place before tomorrow." +</P> + +<P> +"It is not the man so much," she replied, giving me a glimpse of her +eyes. "But it is all so desolate and gloomy. I have never been +superstitious, but that negro's fear actually gave me the creeps. I +have been seeing shadows ever since." +</P> + +<P> +I laughed lightly, touching her hand. +</P> + +<P> +"Still we 've found nothing else than live ones. Shadows won't hurt +us, and this place will look better by daylight." +</P> + +<P> +"You have n't any nerves." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, yes, I have; only they are trained. I didn't anticipate an easy +job when I came down here. It's assumed a different form, that's all." +</P> + +<P> +"You do not like it?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not altogether," I admitted. "I am beginning to wonder if those +fellows were square, if they gave me the straight story. Coombs' words +would seem to indicate that he knows I 'm a fraud. Perhaps he did n't +mean that, but it sounded so. Why should they tell that rough-neck +their plans, and send him down here? I 'll find out what he knows, and +how he knows it, before another ten hours. If he 's here to spy on us +I 'll make him earn his money." +</P> + +<P> +She did not look around. +</P> + +<P> +"Are—are you just beginning to doubt what those men told you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Doubt!" in surprise. "No; I don't know that I do. But I don't like +to be mistrusted and watched. Why? Do you think they are +double-crossing us?" +</P> + +<P> +"I 've—I 've taken your word," she said quickly. "But it has never +seemed quite right to me. I—I hardly know why I consented to come, +only I was so miserable, anything seemed better than the life I was +leading." +</P> + +<P> +"You saw all the papers," I interposed, "and they bear out every +statement." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, but could they not be forged? Why should any honest lawyer +advise a client to undertake such a fraud?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why, really I do not know," I returned, looking at her in +astonishment. "Of course it does seem queer, but the case is a +peculiar one, and, perhaps, can be solved in no strictly legal way. If +you felt so about it, why did you not say so before?" +</P> + +<P> +"Don't get angry—please. I hardly think I was myself then. It was +just an impulse I could not resist to get away from the past. I was +desperate enough then for anything. I don't think I cared whether it +was right or wrong. But on the train I lay awake and thought it all +over, and—and I would have gone back then if I could. I am sorry, so +sorry, but I am thoroughly ashamed of myself—here, as I am." +</P> + +<P> +"You mean, pretending to be my wife?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes; that—that is bad enough, surely. I must have been crazy to ever +consent. Even if the truth is never known I can no longer respect +myself. But—but that is not all—we are actually criminals, engaged +in a criminal plot. Because the plan was concocted by a lawyer makes +no difference. We could be arrested, imprisoned." +</P> + +<P> +"I supposed you understood." +</P> + +<P> +"No doubt I did, but my brain was numbed; I could not comprehend. It +was not your fault, but mine; I do not blame you. Only, must we go on?" +</P> + +<P> +"We shall have to play out the game tonight, at least," I said, +startled by her earnestness. "I will talk with Coombs, and will tell +you the result tomorrow. Your nerves are all unstrung, and the affair +may appear different by daylight." +</P> + +<P> +She put her hand in mine, her eyes on my face. +</P> + +<P> +"No; it is not my nerves. See, my hand does not tremble; I am not +afraid physically. I 've simply come to myself; I 'm convinced we 're +doing wrong." +</P> + +<P> +"But you will wait until morning? until I have talked with Coombs?" I +asked anxiously. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," after an instant's hesitation. "There is nothing else I can do." +</P> + +<P> +The Texan got noisily to his feet, and swaggered across the floor. +</P> + +<P> +"If you all hav' got through yer whisperin'," he said roughly, "I +reckon Sally 's got ther grub laid out." +</P> + +<P> +I bit my lips to keep back a hot reply, feeling the restraint of her +eyes, and we followed him into the next room. The table was set for +two, and I could distinguish the shadow of a woman standing motionless +in the farther corner. The dim light barely revealed her outlines. +</P> + +<P> +"Yer kin talk it out yere," announced Coombs, waving one hand, "cause I +won't be present, havin' et already. I reckon Sally won't interfere +none." +</P> + +<P> +He slammed the door viciously going out, causing the lamp to sputter. +Then the woman came silently forward, a coffeepot in her hand. She was +a mulatto perhaps sixty years of age, her face scarred by smallpox, and +with strangely furtive eyes. Somehow she fitted into the scene, and I +saw my companion gazing at her almost with horror, as she flitted about +us silently as a specter. I endeavored to talk, while eating heartily, +for I was hungry, but found it difficult to arouse Mrs. Bernard to any +response, and she merely toyed with her food. In despair I turned to +the other, hopeful that a question or two might dissolve the spell. +</P> + +<P> +"You are the housekeeper, I believe?" +</P> + +<P> +She favored me with a single glance of surprise. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes." +</P> + +<P> +"Have you been here some time?" +</P> + +<P> +"No." +</P> + +<P> +"You probably knew the old Judge?" +</P> + +<P> +"No." +</P> + +<P> +Her monosyllabic answers were perfectly colorless, and, with this last, +she picked up an empty dish, and vanished. I endeavored to laugh, but +there was no response in the eyes of the woman opposite. She dropped +her fork, and pushed back her chair. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, I simply cannot stand this place!" she exclaimed. "There is +something perfectly horrid about it, and—and the people. How shall I +ever get through the night?" +</P> + +<P> +"That is nothing," I soothed, although hardly at ease myself. "She is +evidently of the taciturn sort. We don't need to keep these servants, +you know. I 'll hunt up some more cheerful in town tomorrow. Why, by +Jove, it's ten o'clock already. Have you finished?" +</P> + +<P> +"I could n't choke down another mouthful." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, don't be afraid. They mean well enough, no doubt. Sallie!" +</P> + +<P> +She came gliding in, her back to the door. +</P> + +<P> +"Are you the one who is to show us to our rooms?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes." +</P> + +<P> +She picked up the lamp and went out, and Mrs. Bernard followed +instantly, evidently afraid to be left in the dark. I followed with +the grips, trailing up the stairs, having seen nothing of Coombs in the +front room. In the upper hall our guide threw open two doors, going +into the rooms and lighting lamps, thus giving glimpses of the +interiors. The one in the corner was the larger, and better furnished. +</P> + +<P> +"This will be yours," I said, placing her valise on the floor. "You +can feel safe enough there with the door locked—yes, there is a +key—and I will be right opposite if you need anything." +</P> + +<P> +She gave me her hand, but I felt it tremble. +</P> + +<P> +"You are still afraid?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, I am—but—but I am not going to be such a fool." +</P> + +<P> +As her door closed I turned to the mulatto, who still stood there, lamp +in hand. I was not sleepy, and I wanted most of all to have an +understanding with Coombs. I could not talk with the fellow in the +presence of Mrs. Bernard, for he was the kind to be handled roughly for +results, but now I was ready to probe him to the bottom. "Is the +overseer downstairs?" +</P> + +<P> +"No." +</P> + +<P> +"See here, Sallie," I insisted warmly, "I 'm master of this house and I +want some kind of answer besides yes, and no. Where is he?" +</P> + +<P> +"Ah reckon he's out in one o' ther cabins, sah—he done don't sleep in +the house nohow." +</P> + +<P> +"He does n't sleep here! Why?" +</P> + +<P> +"Ah spect it 's cause he 's afeerd too, 'sah," she replied, her snaky +eyes showing. "Ah 's a voo-doo, an' ah don't care 'bout 'em tall, but +good Lor', dar ain't no white man wants ter stay in des yere house +mor'n one night." +</P> + +<P> +She laughed, a weird, grating laugh, and started downstairs. I stood +still, watching her light disappear. Then, swearing at myself for a +coward, stepped back into my own room, and closed the door. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap12"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +THE DEAD MAN +</H3> + + +<P> +This revealment of conditions left me thoroughly puzzled. I was not +frightened at the situation, for I largely attributed the fear shown by +both Pete and Sallie to negro superstition. I could have dismissed +their faith in a haunted house with a smile, and gone to sleep myself +with an easy conscience, confident that a noisy wind, or a hooting owl, +was the sum and substance of all the trouble. But Bill Coombs was a +very different proposition. He was of the hard-headed kind, not to be +easily alarmed by visionary terrors, and yet he was manifestly afraid +to sleep in the house. I was sufficiently acquainted with his type to +comprehend there must be some real cause driving him to retreat to the +negro cabins for rest. He was a rough of the Southwest, illiterate of +course, but a practical fellow, and, without doubt, a gun-fighter. He +had been employed because of these very characteristics, and it would +require surely a very real ghost to drive him away. +</P> + +<P> +I sat there for some time smoking, endeavoring to think it all over +coolly, and listening intently. At first I could distinguish the +rattle of dishes downstairs, as Sallie cleared the table, and, a little +later, heard Mrs. Bernard moving about uneasily in her room across the +hall. But at last these sounds ceased, and the house became still. I +removed a portion of my clothing and lay down on the bed, a certain +uneasiness preventing me from undressing entirely. I was tired, but +with little inclination for sleep. The room was large, the furniture +of old style and well worn, the light of the small hand lamp leaving +much of the spacious apartment in shadow. It was not only imagination +which kept me wakeful, but the dim suspicion engendered in my mind by +what Mrs. Bernard had said below. Could there be any truth in her +questioning of the motives actuating the man who had sent us here? Had +we come—mere pawns in some game of crime—deceived, perhaps betrayed +to arrest? Was Coombs here merely to watch us, and report to Neale and +Vail how we carried out our part of the bargain? The affair certainly +looked altogether different now I was upon the ground, although I could +figure out no possible object those men could have. At least they +could accomplish nothing without my cooperation, and, if I discovered +any evil afoot, I could block them instantly. I was there to save this +property for the rightful heir, and was determined now to see that +Philip Henley received all that was due him. It was after one o'clock +before I fell into a drowsy sleep. +</P> + +<P> +Indeed, it hardly seemed to me that I had entirely lost consciousness, +when I was jerked bolt upright by the sharp report of a firearm. For a +single instant I imagined the shot fired within my room; then I sprang +to the door, and flung it open, peering out into the hall. Everything +was still, the rays from my lamp barely extending to the head of the +stairs. I could neither see, nor hear anything, and yet I had a +strange premonition that I was not alone. There was an automatic +revolver in the pocket of my coat, and I stepped back after it, picking +up the lamp on my return, determined on a thorough examination of the +upper story. There was no doubt about the shot—the sound was no +effect of a dream. I wondered if the girl had been awakened by the +report, and paused to listen at her door, but no sound reached me from +within. The thought that she might have discharged the weapon occurred +to my mind, but was as instantly dismissed, as I was convinced she +possessed nothing of the kind. +</P> + +<P> +I moved down the hall cautiously, regretting the need of a lamp, but +the place was strange, and I dare not venture about in the dark. Old +as the house was, there was no creaking of boards underfoot, and, +strain my ears as I would, not the slightest sound reached me. +</P> + +<P> +The first doors I came to were ajar, but the moon was at the back of +the house, and I was obliged to enter each apartment, and flash my +light into the corners to make sure they were vacant. These were +medium-sized bedrooms, comfortably furnished, although containing +nothing new. Only one exhibited any evidence of late occupancy, being +in considerable disorder, the bed unmade, some discarded garments +strewn about the floor. I prowled about within this room for some +time, even invading the closet, but discovered nothing more suspicious +than a loaded revolver in a bureau drawer, together with some torn +letters, and an old newspaper. This was a local sheet, containing a +notice of the death of Judge Henley, which I took time to read. The +letters were in such scraps I could not even decipher the address. +</P> + +<P> +One fact, however, was revealed—some man had been sleeping up here +lately, and it was not Coombs, but a much smaller Individual. This +knowledge made me even more cautious, as I tiptoed down the hall, now +narrowed by the back stairway. The first door opened into a bath-room, +the tub half full of dirty water, a mussed towel on the floor. The +last door, leading to a room apparently extending clear across the rear +of the house, was tightly closed. I set my lamp down well out of +sight, and gripped my revolver, before attempting to manipulate the +knob. It opened noiselessly; moonlight streamed through one window, +where the curtain was not closely drawn, but the gloom was too dense to +reveal much of the shrouded interior. I could dimly perceive a table, +and some chairs, one overturned. There was no movement, however; no +sign of present occupancy. Convinced as to this, I slipped back for my +lamp, shading the flame so the light was thrown forward into the room. +A single glance revealed everything. The table, a common deal affair, +contained two bottles, one half filled, and three dirty glasses, +together with a pack of disreputable-looking cards, some of these +scattered about the floor. There was no other furniture, and the walls +were bare, a dirty gray color. But what my eyes rested upon in sudden +horror, was the body of a man, curled up in a ball on the floor as a +dog lies, his face hidden in his arms. That he was dead I knew at a +glance. +</P> + +<P> +I had seen violent death often, but this was different, and I shrank +back, staring at that motionless form as though stricken by paralysis. +There was no movement in the room, no sound except the fluttering of a +curtain. With effort I gained control over my nerves, and moved slowly +forward, placing my lamp on the table, so as to have both hands free. +This murder—or was it suicide?—had occurred within ten minutes. I +turned the man over, revealing a bearded face, the features prominent +but refined. He was no ordinary rough, and his clothing was of +excellent material. He had been shot in the back of the head. +</P> + +<P> +It was murder then—murder! In an instant I pictured the tragedy +exactly as it must have occurred—the open window, the overturned +chair, the scattered cards, telling the whole story. Just what was the +fellow doing here alone at that hour? Why should he have been killed? +Even as I struggled with the horror, a sudden gust of wind extinguished +the lamp, and I gripped the table, staring about in the haunted +darkness. A moment and my eyes adapted themselves to the new +environment, the moonlight streaming through the open window, and +across the man's body. With heart quaking like a frightened girl, I +stole across the floor, and glanced out. A single story extension, +probably the kitchen roof, was below. Kneeling upon this the assassin +could easily fire into the room. Beyond, the pale moonshine revealed a +patch of grass, a weed-entangled garden, and behind these a dense +forest growth. To the right of the garden I could dimly distinguish a +row of small cabins, the negro quarters. Coombs would be occupying one +of these, and they were so close that, even if asleep at the time, he +could scarcely fail to hear the report of the gun in the silent night. +Yet there was no light along the row of huts, no sign of human presence. +</P> + +<P> +All this was but a rapid survey, for I dare not remain there, my back +to that black interior. The body of the dead man huddled on the floor, +the unknown mystery of the dark house, filled me with an awful dread. +Seized by sudden terror I caught up the extinguished lamp, scarcely +breathing until again outside in the hallway, the door closed behind +me. Trembling in every limb I felt my way along through the darkness, +guiding myself by the wall. What could I do? What ought I to do? I +knew nothing of the house, or where to find the woman; I was not even +sure of her presence. Indeed, the very memory of her snaky eyes gave +me new horror. And Coombs! Suspecting him, as I did, it would be the +height of folly to seek him out yonder in the dark. There was nothing +left but to await daylight; to remain on watch, endeavoring alone to +formulate some plan of future action. +</P> + +<P> +Accustomed as I was to danger, the situation set my pulses +throbbing—the intense blackness, the silence, the memory of that dead +face, utterly unnerving me. I imagined things—a presence in that +deserted hall through which I groped. Some unknown horror close at +hand, even a spectral passing down the stairs. I listened, clinging to +the banister-rail, feeling again helplessly for matches. Perhaps the +faint scuffling was some scurrying rat, or some puff of wind in a +chimney hole, but God only knows how glad I was to discover the open +door to my own room again. There were matches there on the table, but +my hand trembled so I struck three before the wick of the lamp caught +fire. When I ventured to look out again, holding the light so as to +see, the hall was desolate. I tiptoed across, and listened at her +door; there was no sound within. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap13"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XIII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +I GET INTO THE GAME +</H3> + + +<P> +I crept back, closed the door behind me, and sat down facing it. My +hand shook as I lit a cigar. This was becoming serious, a ghastly +tragedy, in the playing of which I scarcely knew my part. The whole +affair had seemed so simple at first, almost humorous. The earliest +impression being that it was no more than a good joke. I was willing +enough to be an instrument for keeping certain unknown institutions out +of a legacy bequeathed them by a crazy man, and saving the property to +his rightful heirs. Why not? especially as the very administrators +themselves considered it the proper thing to do. Of course a technical +crime was involved—I must pretend to be another, even forge that +other's name, but for no criminal purpose. I was merely paid for the +risk assumed, and it was easy money. Perhaps the years of rough life I +had led had blunted my sensibilities to large extent—had left me less +capable of distinguishing between right and wrong, yet, not until Mrs. +Bernard had so unexpectedly voiced her doubt did I so much as suspicion +I was being made a catspaw of for a criminal end. I was not willing to +confess as much even now, but I saw the affair from a new viewpoint. I +was not so sure, so certain, that I understood the entire truth. +</P> + +<P> +Coombs was no plantation overseer, but a mere Texas bully. The very +appearance of the man told that, and those neglected, weed-grown fields +were another proof. What was he here for, then? And Sallie! Lord, I +could despise that Texas rough, but the snaky eyes of the woman made me +shiver, and look about apprehensively. Then there was the dead +man—the <I>dead man</I>. There echoed into my brain the woman's whisper in +the parlor below, "I 'm not afraid, but I am beginning to believe we +'re doing wrong." There was wrong somewhere surely—cowardly crime, +murder! But were we connected with it? Was it also part of the plot +in which we were employed? I could not understand, yet resolved one +thing clearly—I would find out tomorrow, early, before she had to be +told the ghastly discovery of the night. With the first return of +daylight I would seek out Coombs, tell him what I had seen, and compel +him to confess the truth. Then I should know how to act, how to +approach her, and explain. My nerves steadied as I sat there in the +silence, and my mind drifted to the woman sleeping across the hall. +Then, my cigar smoked out, I also fell asleep in the chair. +</P> + +<P> +The gray of dawn was on the windows when I awoke, my body aching from +its unnatural position. For the instant I imagined some unusual sound +had aroused me, yet all was quiet, the only noise the twittering of +birds from without. I closed my eyes again, but a ceaseless train of +thought kept me wide awake, and, finally, I got upon my feet and looked +out into the dawn, determining to explore our strange surroundings +before any others were astir. With loaded revolver in my pocket, I +slipped into the hall. The faint light revealed its shabbiness, the +grimy rag carpet, and discolored walls. Some spirit of adventure led +me the full length until my hand was upon the latch of that last door. +I could not resist an impulse to look upon the dead man again by +daylight, and thus assure myself of the reality of what seemed only a +dream. I opened the door slowly, noiselessly, and peered cautiously +within. The light was strong there, revealing clearly every nook and +corner of the room. All was exactly as I recalled it to memory—the +stained walls, the dirty floor, the table littered with cards, the +overturned chair and the motionless body of the dead man. I ventured +half way to the window, staring about at every sign revealed in the +glare. From the wound in the head a dark flow of blood stained the +floor, and, as I bent closer, noticed the eyelids were lowered over the +dead eyes. Shot as he had been, killed instantly, the hand of the +assassin must have performed this act. Then surely this killing had +been no common quarrel, but a planned assassination, the culmination of +some prearranged plot. +</P> + +<P> +This knowledge, while it set my heart throbbing in realization of new +danger, yet served also to stiffen my nerves. What had we blindly +drifted into? What was behind this lawlessness which could make murder +commonplace? What mystery lurked about this haunted, hideous house +where death skulked in the dark? My thought was not so much concerned +with myself, and my own danger, as with that of the young woman whom I +was bound to protect. She had come innocently, driven by desperation, +to play a part she already loathed in this tragedy, and now I alone +stood between her and something too awful to contemplate. Now, before +she awoke I must discover the truth, and thus be prepared to get her +safely away. +</P> + +<P> +I closed the door on the silence, and stole quietly downstairs. There +was no movement, no sound in the great house. The front room, hideous +in its grimy disorder, was vacant, and I opened the front door +noiselessly, and stepped forth into the spectral gray light of the +dawn. The first glimpse about was depressing enough. I had no +conception of what I was confronting, or of what was to be revealed by +my explorations, but the dismalness of the picture presented to that +first glance gave me a shock impossible to explain. The house itself, +big and glaring as it was, was nevertheless little better than a ruin, +the porch beams rotten, the front blinds sagging frightfully, the paint +blistered by the sun. Several of the windows were broken, and the +steps sagged and trembled under my weight. The front yard, a full half +acre in extent, was a tangled mass of bushes and weeds, a high, +untrimmed hedge shutting off all view of the road. The narrow brick +path winding through this mass of vegetation was scarcely discernible, +apparently seldom, if ever, used. I was unable to determine the +position of the gate so luxuriant was the weed growth, and thick the +shrubbery. From the foot of the steps a narrow passage trampled into +the dirt circled the corner of the house, disappearing within a few +feet. This was the only sign visible of human occupancy. +</P> + +<P> +Convinced that this must lead to the rear, and possibly the negro +cabins where Coombs slept, I followed its tortuous windings, although +half afraid to desert my guardianship of the house even for this +purpose. Still there was little to be feared so long as Mrs. Bernard +remained securely locked in her room. I was freer for exploration now +than I would be later, and must know at once the conditions with which +we had to contend. Beyond doubt the woman was still asleep, and, +perhaps, by the time she aroused and appeared below stairs I could find +a reasonable explanation of all this mystery—something to smile over, +rather than fear. While this was but a vague hope, it still yielded me +a measure of courage as I picked my way cautiously along the south side +of the house, avoiding the windows as much as possible, until I emerged +into a somewhat clearer space of ground at the rear. The kitchen was +an ell, constructed of rough boards, but with shingle roof. The door +stood ajar, and I glanced in, only to find the room empty, the pots and +pans used the night before still unwashed. +</P> + +<P> +There was nothing there to interest me, and I crossed a narrow space of +grass to where a broken picket fence was visible amid a fringe of +weeds. No description can fitly picture the gloomy desolation +surrounding that ramshackle place. It got upon the nerves, the decay, +the neglect apparent on every side. The very silence seemed +depressing. Evidently this fence, now a mere ruin, had once served to +protect a garden plot. But I saw merely a tangled mass of wild +vegetation, so thick and high as to obstruct the view. Narrow +footpaths branched in either direction, and I chose to follow the one +to the right, thinking thus to skirt the fence, and learn what was +beyond, before approaching the negro cabins on the opposite side. To +my surprise, I found myself suddenly standing on the bank of a narrow +bayou, the water clear, yet apparently motionless, the opposite shore +heavily timbered. Owing to a sharp curve I could see scarcely a +hundred yards in either direction, yet close in beside the shore a +light boat was skimming over the gray water. Even as I gazed, the +fellow plying the paddle saw me, and waved his hand. In another moment +the bow grounded on the bank and its occupant came stumbling up the +slight declivity. +</P> + +<P> +He was a medium-sized, wiry-looking fellow, with olive skin and small +mustache, dressed in brown corduroy, a colored handkerchief wound about +his head in lieu of a hat. As he came to the level where I stood, he +stopped suddenly, staring into my face. +</P> + +<P> +"Sacre! I thought eet vas Coombs. Who are you, M'sieur?" +</P> + +<P> +"I came in last night," I replied evasively, "and was just looking +about a bit." +</P> + +<P> +"So! you know Coombs, hey?" +</P> + +<P> +"I 've met him—yes." +</P> + +<P> +The black eyes searched my face, and I noted his right hand touch the +hilt of a knife in his belt. +</P> + +<P> +"What water is this?" I asked, ignoring his action, "bayou?" +</P> + +<P> +"Oui, M'sieur." +</P> + +<P> +"Are we near the sea?" +</P> + +<P> +"Twenty-seex mile. You not know where you are? 'Tis odd you not know, +M'sieur." +</P> + +<P> +I laughed, enjoying his bewilderment, yet not realizing how to turn it +to better account. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, no. I came by train in the night, and am a little hazy as to +location. You live about here?" +</P> + +<P> +"Som'time; then off again—sailor." +</P> + +<P> +I nodded to prove I understood, but the man stopped uneasily. +</P> + +<P> +"Whare Coombs? You know, M'sieur?" +</P> + +<P> +"<I>No</I>, I don't," I acknowledged. "Asleep in his cabin likely." +</P> + +<P> +The Creole, for such he undoubtedly was, made a swift resolve. +</P> + +<P> +"'Tis like, M'sieur. I find out, maybe you come too!" +</P> + +<P> +The last was more of an order than a question, and the fellow stepped +back slightly in a manner almost a threat. Understanding the +significance of the gesture I gave it no apparent heed, but turned in +the direction of the cabins. I had no reason to avoid Coombs; indeed, +I desired to see him, and I had no intention of permitting this lad to +suppose that I feared his veiled threats. Without so much as glancing +back at him I advanced along the footpath, my hands in my pockets. Yet +my mind leaped from point to point in eager speculation. The whole +thing was puzzling. I had come expecting a mere bit of play-acting, +with all details left in the control of others. I anticipated no more +than a few weeks of idleness, with, perhaps, the overseeing of a +plantation, to partially keep my time occupied. Instead I found myself +instantly involved in a network of mystery where even murder was part +of the play. Little as I liked Coombs, this Creole was even more +dangerous. The one was a rough, the other a venomous snake. So far as +the original purpose of my adventure was concerned it had already +largely faded from recollection. The swift recurrence of more +startling events dominated. The spirit of adventure, with which I was +liberally endowed, was fast taking possession of all my faculties. +Whatever mystery surrounded this house, whatever of crime lurked in the +neighborhood, I became determined to solve. For the moment I forgot +even Mrs. Bernard, and my own assumed character, in the excitement of +this new chase. +</P> + +<P> +"Ze right; turn to ze right, M'sieur," said a voice behind me, and then +I saw Coombs standing before the door of the second cabin. Half +dressed as he was, his ever-present "gun" hung low at his hip, and his +face scowled in surprised recognition. +</P> + +<P> +"What does this mean, Broussard?" he growled savagely. "Where did you +pick up that fellow?" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap14"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XIV +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +THE CONFESSION +</H3> + + +<P> +I caught the wicked, snaky gleam of the Creole's eyes. All his early +suspicion of me had revived instantly. +</P> + +<P> +"At the landing," he hastened to explain. "How could I tell? He said +he knew you, M'sieur." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, he did, hey! Well, all I know about him is that he blew in here +last night with a woman; claimed to be young Henley, and took +possession of the place. I reckon it 's about time I saw some papers +to prove what yer are, young feller, 'for yer go snoopin' round at +daylight. What's yer game enyhow?" +</P> + +<P> +The man's bluster gave me my clew. The thought suddenly occurred to me +that, for some reason, he was more afraid of me than I of him. And if +I met him on the same ground he was of the disposition to give way +first. +</P> + +<P> +"You can see my authority, Coombs, any time you are ready to exhibit +your own," I returned coolly, leaning back against the side of the +cabin, and staring him straight in the eyes. "I 've got more occasion +to question you, you big brute, than you have me. Who is going to +prevent my walking about these grounds? You? Just try the experiment, +and see how it comes out. If you are the overseer here, then it is my +money that is paying your wages, and from the look of things," and I +swept my hand toward the surrounding weeds, "you 'll not hold the job +long at that." +</P> + +<P> +Coombs did not cringe, but my tone brought him uneasiness. +</P> + +<P> +"The niggers won't work," he returned gruffly. "Thar ain't a nigger on +the place." +</P> + +<P> +"Apparently white men enough hanging around. What 's the matter with +the negroes?" +</P> + +<P> +"Ghosts," and the fellow laughed. "Maybe yer've seen sum?" +</P> + +<P> +I straightened up, stung by the sneer in his voice. +</P> + +<P> +"No; but I 've seen something more to the point—a murdered man." +</P> + +<P> +"What?" +</P> + +<P> +"Just what I said. There was a man killed last night in that back room +upstairs. Shot in the head through the window. I heard the shot and +investigated. His body lies there now." +</P> + +<P> +I saw Broussard's snaky eyes flash across toward Coombs' face, but the +latter remained motionless. +</P> + +<P> +"It's a damn lie!" he ejaculated roughly. "There is no body there." +</P> + +<P> +"Easily settled. Come with me, and I 'll show you." +</P> + +<P> +Rather to my surprise neither objected to the test, and we tramped in +single file toward the house. Some precaution kept me at the rear, and +I followed silently when Coombs entered the open door of the kitchen. +Unknown to me there was a narrow back stairway, and we mounted this +without exchanging a word. In the upper hall Coombs threw open the +rear door, and, stood aside, not even looking within. +</P> + +<P> +I glanced past him. There was the furniture as I remembered it, the +dirty walls, the opened window. But the overturned chair stood against +the wall, the cards were stacked on the table, and there was no body +lying on the floor. So startled was I by this discovery that I could +scarcely credit my eyesight, but was brought to a realization of the +truth by Coombs' harsh laugh. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, where 's yer dead man? I reckon ye don't see none, hey!" +</P> + +<P> +"No," I insisted, "but I did see one—twice. The body lay there where +the stain shows on the floor. It has been carried away within half an +hour." +</P> + +<P> +"A likely story. Who could do the job? Nobody round this shebang but +Sallie an' me. I sure ain't been in yere, an' I reckon it wan't +Sallie. So cut it out, young feller. After breakfast you an' I 'll +hav' a talk, an' find out a few things. Come on, Broussard, an' let 's +talk over that matter o' ours." +</P> + +<P> +The two went down the stairs together, and I closed the door of the +rear room, and stepped out into the hall. Sallie was in the kitchen, +for I heard her voice questioning the men as they passed through. Out +of the window I caught a glimpse of them both disappearing through the +weeds toward the bayou. As to myself I was more at sea than ever. The +sudden disappearance of the body had left me bewildered, yet more +strongly convinced than before that this was no ordinary affair. +Evidences of a plan, of cooperation, rendered the situation serious. +That dead body had not moved itself; human hands had accomplished the +deed during the brief period of my absence outside. Whose hands could +have done it? Not those of Coombs, surely, for he could not have +passed me and attained the house while I was in the garden unseen. Nor +Sally, for she possessed no strength to more than drag the dead man to +some near-by covert. With the possibility of this in mind I searched +the vacant rooms of that floor, closets and all, thoroughly, but to no +result. There was, therefore, but one conclusion possible—unknown +parties were involved. We were not alone in the house in spite of its +apparent desertion. +</P> + +<P> +I paused in doubt before Mrs. Bernard's door, convinced this was the +truth. Should I tell her frankly the story of the night, my vague +discoveries, my suspicion? I surely had no right to deceive the woman, +or keep her with me. I had determined myself to face it out, to risk +life if need be, to learn the truth. But I had no right to further +involve her. She had accompanied me thus far innocently enough, +accepting my explanation, driven to acquiescing by the desperate +situation in which she found herself. Already she regretted her hasty +action. To involve her still deeper would be heartless. I could not +do it, at least not without full confession. +</P> + +<P> +I rapped at the door twice before there was any movement within. Then +her voice asked who was there, and at my answer she came out fully +dressed, fronting me with questioning eyes. +</P> + +<P> +"The night has rested you," I said smilingly, my heart beating in swift +appreciation of her beauty. "Are you ready for breakfast?" +</P> + +<P> +"For anything to escape the loneliness of that room," she replied +seriously. "If I really look rested, it is not from sleep for I have +passed the night in terror." She held out her hands as though seeking +to assure herself of my real presence. "Tell me what is wrong with +this house? What occurred last night?" +</P> + +<P> +"I am not altogether sure myself," I said, striving to speak quietly, +and holding her hands tight, "But I will tell you all I know, after you +have explained. Were you disturbed?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, but I hardly comprehend what was reality, and what dream. I +slept some, I am sure, lying pressed upon the bed. At first I thought +that was impossible, I was so frightened, and I had so much to think +about, but found myself too utterly exhausted to keep awake. Yet my +slumber was fitful, and filled with dreams. But I am sure of some +things—my door was tried twice, and I heard someone prowling about the +hall—" +</P> + +<P> +"That might have been me," I interrupted, "as I was out there during +the night, but I certainly never tried your door." +</P> + +<P> +"You had a light?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes." +</P> + +<P> +"I saw that shining over the transom; it was much later when my door +was tried; not long before daylight I think. Whoever it was, passed +out the front hall window onto the porch roof. My light was burning, +although turned low, and no doubt he saw me sitting up, wide awake on +the edge of the bed, for he had disappeared by the time I gained +sufficient courage to approach the window and look out." +</P> + +<P> +"Climbed down the trellis, probably," I said, deeply interested. "It +appears strong enough to support a man. I wish you had got sight of +the fellow." +</P> + +<P> +She lifted her hands to her head. +</P> + +<P> +"But I was so frightened. My head throbs now with pain. I cannot +explain, but—but I had begun to hate this mission of ours before we +ever reached here, and then this awful house, and that man and woman. +I almost begged you not to leave me alone, yet I conquered that +weakness, and said good night, and locked my door. You never realized +how I felt." +</P> + +<P> +"No, not entirely, although I did comprehend you were sorry you had +consented to come." +</P> + +<P> +"Not that altogether," and her eyes uplifting met mine, "I was +frightened last night in the darkness. I confess I completely lost my +nerve, and would have run away if I could. Perhaps I even said things +which made you believe I regretted my action in coming with you. But I +am more myself now, and I mean to remain, and discover what it all +means. Can you guess why?" +</P> + +<P> +"No; I would naturally suppose the night would have added to your +terror, your desire to get away." +</P> + +<P> +"Then you do not suspect even now who I am?" +</P> + +<P> +"Who you are? Only as you have told me." +</P> + +<P> +"And I told you only a half truth. I am the wife of Philip Henley." +Her cheeks flushed, a touch of passion in her voice as she faced me. +"That is the truth. Do you suppose that I would ever have come here +with you otherwise? No matter how desperate my condition was that +would have been impossible. I should have despised myself. Even as it +was I have been thoroughly shamed to have permitted you to think of me +as you must. Now I tell you the truth—I consented to come because I +am Philip Henley's wife." +</P> + +<P> +My surprise at this swift avowal kept me silent, yet I could not +conceal the admiration from revealment in my eyes. She must have read +aright, for she drew back a step, grasping the knob of the door. +</P> + +<P> +"I—I wanted to tell you yesterday—all the way coming down here. I +felt that I could live the deceit no longer. I do not blame you, Mr. +Craig, for you are a man, and you had every reason to believe that you +were doing nothing really wrong. I wanted to learn all I could before +I confessed my identity, and—and I wanted to discover just what you +were like." +</P> + +<P> +"You mean whether I could be trusted?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes; I—I could not tell at first. We met so strangely, and merely +because I liked you from the beginning was not enough. You understand?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, and now?" +</P> + +<P> +She looked at me frankly. +</P> + +<P> +"Now I am simply going to trust you fully. I must; there is no other +way. I thought it all over and over again last night, and determined +to confess everything as soon as we met this morning. I am Viola +Henley, Mr. Craig, and I need you." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap15"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XV +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +THE DECISION +</H3> + + +<P> +I had had time to think, swiftly to be sure, yet clearly enough. +Surprised as I was by her statement, yet the truth as thus revealed +failed to startle me seriously. Vaguely I had suspicioned the +possibility before, not really believing it could be so, and yet struck +by the similarity in circumstances of the two women. Consequently the +shock of final discovery was somewhat deadened, and I retained the pose +of thought. Moreover, to know her identity was an actual relief. +Before, I had half doubted the righteousness of my cause, at times +almost felt myself a criminal. Now that I could openly associate +myself with Philip Henley's wife, in a struggle to retain for her what +was justly her own, all feeling of doubt vanished, and I became grimly +confident of the final result. Perhaps the relief I felt found +expression in my face, for the woman exclaimed: +</P> + +<P> +"I believe you are actually glad; that it pleases you to know this." +</P> + +<P> +"It certainly does," I replied swiftly, "for now I can work openly, +knowing exactly what I ought to do. I have felt like a rat skulking in +a hole. I believed what those men told me; they convinced me with +proofs I could not ignore, but they must have lied. In some details, +at least, they must have deceived. How would it be possible for Philip +Henley to be in a penitentiary convicted of crime?" +</P> + +<P> +"It would not be," she returned firmly. "There was no time after I +left him for an arrest and conviction. That alone is sufficient to +convince me of fraud and conspiracy. More than that, Philip Henley was +not one to commit a crime of that nature, and there was no reason why +he should. His remittances were amply sufficient. Under the influence +of liquor he might commit assault, or even murder, but never forgery." +</P> + +<P> +"Then what do you think has occurred?" +</P> + +<P> +"Either one of two things," she said soberly. "He is dead, or +helplessly in the power of those men who sent you here. There is no +other conclusion possible. They had possession of his papers—even his +private memoranda. They knew more of conditions here than I had ever +been told. In my judgment, he is dead. Otherwise I cannot conceive it +possible they would dare attempt to carry out such a conspiracy. The +very boldness of their plan convinces me they believed no one lived to +expose them. They knew he was dead, and believed, if I still lived, +that I knew nothing of this inheritance. The telegram announcing the +Judge's death I never saw. It must have arrived while Philip was too +intoxicated to grasp its meaning." +</P> + +<P> +"You know nothing then of the two men, Neale and Vail?" +</P> + +<P> +"No; there is a Justus C. Vail, a lawyer in the city. I found the name +in the directory, and called at his office. He was away making +political speeches; had been gone two weeks." +</P> + +<P> +"Then the fellow assumed that name, thinking I might be familiar with +it, and thus be impressed with the legality of the transaction. As to +Neale, I will go to the courthouse in this county, and find out about +him. Only first of all we must understand and trust each other. We +have got some shrewd villains to fight, men capable of resorting to +desperate measures. You have told me the whole truth about yourself +now?" +</P> + +<P> +"Absolutely, yes. I told you the truth before, except only my real +name. I was married to Philip Henley. Wait, here is my marriage +certificate; I have always kept it with me, for I have been afraid of +him almost from the first. I gave you the name Bernard unthinkingly, +as that was the name he insisted upon living under. He explained his +father required this, or else would stop his remittances. I had to +humor him, although I thought it most strange. Is that all you wish to +know?" +</P> + +<P> +"All now, yes. I must have time to think, and plan what is best for us +to do. I can already see my duty sufficiently clear, but not how to go +at it. The fact is, Mrs. Henley—" +</P> + +<P> +"Would it not be better for you to call me Viola?" she interrupted. +"Someone might overhear, and we must continue to carry out the +deception, I suppose." +</P> + +<P> +"It will be safer, if you do not object." +</P> + +<P> +"I? Oh, no; I shall not care in the least. You were saying?" +</P> + +<P> +"This, Viola," and her eyes suddenly flashed into mine, "the conditions +I have already discovered here—in this house—are no less strange, and +dangerous than the mission which brought us here. Everything looks +bad. You ought to know it, and you are strong enough to be told. I do +not know who tried your door last night, and later escaped down the +trellis. If I did I could determine what action to take. But one +thing I do know—there was murder committed in this house." +</P> + +<P> +"Murder!" her face went white, her fingers clasping my sleeve, "Who was +killed? Coombs? That woman?" +</P> + +<P> +"Neither. A man I never saw before. I heard the same shot which +frightened you; took my lamp and investigated. I found him lying dead +on the floor of the rear room. He had been shot in the back of the +head through an open window." +</P> + +<P> +"Merciful God! and the body still there." +</P> + +<P> +"No, but its disappearance only adds to the mystery. I dared not +create an alarm at once, as we were in a strange house, and I had no +means of knowing where to find either Coombs or the housekeeper. Nor +did I venture to leave you alone unguarded. As soon as daylight came I +went in there again to convince myself the murder was not a dream. The +man's body lay there undisturbed. I turned him over, and examined the +wound. Then I went out and found Coombs, who sleeps in one of the +negro cabins. He sneered at my discovery, but finally accompanied me +back to the house. I could not have been absent to exceed thirty +minutes, and yet, when we opened the door of that rear room, the body +had disappeared—vanished completely. Not a thing remained to tell of +any tragedy." +</P> + +<P> +"It had been dragged into some other room; hidden away in some closet. +The woman did it." +</P> + +<P> +"That was my thought at first. As soon as I got free from Coombs I +searched this floor, every inch of it, and found nothing, not even so +much as a stain of blood. The dead man was heavily built, and Sallie +could never have lifted him alone. There were others—men—concerned +in the affair." +</P> + +<P> +"And you saw none?" +</P> + +<P> +"Only a Creole who came down the bayou by boat just as I reached the +bank. He had some message for Coombs—a snaky-eyed little devil—but +he had nothing to do with the removal of the body, for he was not out +of my sight after he landed." +</P> + +<P> +Bewildered consternation was clearly manifested in the girl's white +face, and yet there was a firmness to the lips that promised anything +but surrender. I was sufficiently a fighting man to comprehend the +symptoms, and my own heart throbbed in quick response to her +anticipated decision. For an instant she seemed to struggle to regain +her breath. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, how terrible! I can scarcely realize that all you have told me +can be fact. It sounds incredible, monstrous. Why, it is as if we +lived in a wild land, and another century. No novelist could conceive +of such a horrible condition. There were pirates along this coast +once—I have read of them—but now, in our age of the world, to even +dream of such a state of affairs would be madness. What can it mean? +Have you any theory?" +</P> + +<P> +"Absolutely none; I am groping in the dark, without a single clew. All +I know is that Coombs is a big ruffian, but too cowardly to commit +murder. The Creole might, and I would n't trust Sallie with a knife on +a dark night, but, in my judgment, there are others involved about whom +we know nothing." +</P> + +<P> +"You mean there is a band? that we have stumbled into a rendezvous of +outlaws?" +</P> + +<P> +"I suspicion so. This plantation has been practically abandoned for +years. Even when the Judge was alive he lived in town, and could get +no negroes to work out here because they believed the place was +haunted. A bayou comes within a hundred yards of the rear of the +house, so concealed by trees and weeds as to be almost invisible until +you stand on the banks. We are only a little over twenty miles from +the Gulf. Altogether this would make an ideal hiding place for Mobile +or New Orleans thieves. I don't say this is the solution, but it may +be. More likely they will prove to be a local gang, smugglers, or +moonshiners with a touch of modern piracy on the side." +</P> + +<P> +"What do you mean to do?" +</P> + +<P> +The question was asked quietly, and I glanced at her, noting the color +had returned to her cheeks. +</P> + +<P> +"I? Why remain and ferret it out, I suppose," and I laughed. "I was +never very good at running away, and really I must get at the bottom of +this affair. Coombs is going to have a talk with me later—intends to +make sure who I am, no doubt—and I may learn something from him during +the interview. Anyhow, I am just obstinate enough to stay it out." +</P> + +<P> +"What about me?" +</P> + +<P> +"You better return to town; a traveling man on the train said there was +a good hotel. Probably Coombs has some kind of a rig we can drive down +in. I 'll ask him after breakfast." +</P> + +<P> +"Is it because you do not wish me with you?" +</P> + +<P> +I hesitated slightly, confused by such direct questioning. +</P> + +<P> +"I shall feel more free alone," I replied at last, "for I shall have +only myself to guard. I am used to taking care of myself. Besides, +this is likely to prove a rather unpleasant situation for a lady. You +must remember I propose to fight this thing out now in the open. I am +going to be Gordon Craig, and not a make-believe Philip Henley. The +scene has changed, and I 'm glad of it. I feel more like a man +already." +</P> + +<P> +"And you conclude I can be of no help, no assistance—" +</P> + +<P> +The cracked voice of Sallie came to us up the stairs, the unexpected +sound startling both. +</P> + +<P> +"I reckon you all better com' down an' eat." +</P> + +<P> +She stood in the light of the front door watching us, and we descended +the flight of steps without exchanging a word. The woman turned and +walked in advance into the dining-room. +</P> + +<P> +"Where is Coombs?" I asked, looking about curiously. +</P> + +<P> +"He done eat already, but I reckon he 'll be 'round 'gain after a +while. You all just help yerselves." +</P> + +<P> +We endeavored to talk as we sampled the meal, directing our +conversation into safe channels, both obsessed with a feeling that +whatever we said would be overheard. The woman vanished into the dark +passage leading toward the kitchen, but no sound of labor reached us +from that direction, which made me suspicious that she lingered not far +from where we sat. I caught Mrs. Henley's eyes occasionally straying +in that direction uneasily. Yet she managed to keep up a sprightly +conversation, largely relating to the country we had traveled over. +Neither of us ate heartily, merely toying with the rather unpalatable +food, and, as soon as we dared, pushed back our chairs. It was a +relief to get out of the room, but as we stood a moment in the front +doorway, breathing in the fresh air, I noticed a giant form approaching +the house through the weeds. +</P> + +<P> +"Coombs is coming already for his interview," I said hastily. "As it +may be stormy perhaps you had better retreat upstairs." +</P> + +<P> +She glanced in the direction of his approach, and drew slightly back +into the shadow of the hall. There was a flush on her cheeks, and her +eyes met mine almost defiantly. +</P> + +<P> +"I will go," she said quickly, "but I shall not leave this house while +you remain." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap16"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XVI +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +COMPELLING SPEECH +</H3> + + +<P> +She was gone before I could speak, before I could even grasp the full +purport of her decision. I followed the flutter of her skirt up the +stairs, half tempted to rush after, yet as instantly comprehended the +uselessness of any attempt at influencing her. Even the short space of +our acquaintance had served to convince me that she was a woman of +resource, of character, and determination. If she felt it right to +remain no argument would be effective, or have the slightest weight. +Perhaps another night would change her mood, but now, in the sunshine, +her courage would hold steadfast. Even as these considerations flashed +across my mind, I heard the thud of Coombs' feet upon the steps of the +veranda. That he had been drinking I realized at a glance, and it was +equally evident that he planned to overawe me by brutal domineering. +In spite of every effort to control my expression I could not restrain +a smile at the manifest bluster of his approach. +</P> + +<P> +"So yer 've got through eatin', hey," he began coarsely. "Whar 's the +female? Thought I saw her here." +</P> + +<P> +"You did," I returned coldly, "but Mrs. Henley has returned to her +room." +</P> + +<P> +"Mrs. Henley, huh! Think yer kin pull thet bluff over me!" +</P> + +<P> +"What bluff?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aw, this Henley racket you sprung last night—'bout yer being young +Phil Henley come back." +</P> + +<P> +"Did I say that?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yer shure did," eyeing me in some surprise. "I reckon my ears heard +all right. Why, what are yer this morning?" +</P> + +<P> +"If I ever made any such claim as that, Coombs, it was merely to assure +our admittance. You were not overly-cordial, you know, and I did n't +propose having the lady walk back to town. It's different this +morning, and I am going to be just as frank with you as you are with +me. Is that square?" +</P> + +<P> +"I reckon," uneasily, not yet able to gauge my purpose, and feeling his +bluff a failure. "I ain't got nothin' ter lie about so fur as I know. +Let's go inside, whar we kin have it out quiet like." +</P> + +<P> +I followed him into the front room, and he kicked out a chair so as to +bring my face to the windows. As I sank into it I noticed a dusty +mirror opposite which gave me a dim reflection of the entire room. +Coombs shut the door leading to the back of the house, and sat down +facing me, his big hands on his knees. His effort to look pleasant +only made him appear uglier than usual. +</P> + +<P> +"Wal, go on!" he said gruffly. +</P> + +<P> +I crossed my legs comfortably, and leaned back in the chair, quite +conscious of thus adding to his irritation. If I could only anger the +fellow sufficiently he might blurt out something of value. Anyhow, my +best card was cool indifference. +</P> + +<P> +"There is not much to say," I replied deliberately. "I 'll answer your +questions so far as I think best, and then I 'll ask a few of you. The +lady upstairs is Viola Henley, the wife of Philip Henley. She has come +down here to take legal possession of this property. That is the +situation in a nutshell. I am merely accompanying her to make sure +that she gets a square deal." +</P> + +<P> +His jaw sagged, and his eyes wandered. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, hell," he managed to articulate. "What is your real game?" +</P> + +<P> +"Exactly as I have stated it, Coombs. To the best of my knowledge +Philip Henley is dead—at least he has disappeared—and his widow is +the rightful heir to this estate." +</P> + +<P> +"Wal, I reckon he ain't dead—not by a jugful." +</P> + +<P> +I felt the hot blood pump in my veins. Did the man know this to be +true, or was he merely making the claim for effect? +</P> + +<P> +"That, of course, remains to be proven," I returned smilingly. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, does it, now! So does this yer wife business, to my thinkin'. +Wal, it won't take long ter settle the matter, believe me. Who are you +enyhow?" +</P> + +<P> +"My name is Craig—Gordon Craig." +</P> + +<P> +"A lawyer?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not guilty." +</P> + +<P> +"A damn detective?" +</P> + +<P> +"Same plea." +</P> + +<P> +I thought he gave a grunt of relief; anyhow there was more assurance in +his manner, a fresh assumption of bullying in his voice. +</P> + +<P> +"All right, then; I reckon I got yer number, Craig. Yer after a little +easy money. Somehow yer caught onto the mix-up down yere, an' framed +up a scheme to cop the coin. Might hav' worked too if I had n't been +on the job, an' posted. Damn nice-lookin' girl yer picked up—" +</P> + +<P> +"Drop that, Coombs!" I interrupted sharply, leaning forward and staring +him in the eyes. "Let loose all you care to about me, but cut out the +woman!" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, too nice, hey!" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, too nice for you to befoul even with your tongue. If you mention +her name again except in terms of respect there is going to be trouble." +</P> + +<P> +He laughed, opening and closing his big hands. +</P> + +<P> +"I mean it," I went on soberly. "Don't think I am afraid of you, you +big slob. No, you keep your hands where they are. If it comes to a +draw you 'll find me quick enough to block your game. Now listen." +</P> + +<P> +Had I been less in earnest, or less puzzled as to the real situation, I +would have laughed at the expression upon the man's face. With hat +pulled over his eyes, he sat stiff, staring at me, his fingers +twitching nervously, unable to determine just the species confronting +him. I made no display of a weapon; he could not be sure that I was +armed, yet my right hand was hidden in the side pocket of my coat. I +could read the doubt, the indecision in his mind, as plainly as though +expressed in words. The brute and the coward struggled for mastery. +</P> + +<P> +"I 've told you the truth about who we are, and our purpose in coming +here," I went on slowly and clearly, "because I have decided to fight +in the open. Now I want to know who you are? What authority you have +on the Henley plantation? Speak up!" +</P> + +<P> +The reply came reluctantly, but there must have been a sternness in my +face which compelled an answer. +</P> + +<P> +"I told yer—I 'm the overseer." +</P> + +<P> +"A fine specimen, from the looks of the place; what was you ordered to +grow—weeds?" +</P> + +<P> +"Thet 's none o' your business." +</P> + +<P> +"It 's the business of the lady upstairs, Coombs, and I am representing +her at present. It will be just as well for you to be civil. Who +appointed you to this position—the administrators?" +</P> + +<P> +"I reckon not." +</P> + +<P> +"Ever hear of a man named Neale, P. B. Neale?" +</P> + +<P> +"No." +</P> + +<P> +"Or Justus C. Vail?" +</P> + +<P> +He shook his head. +</P> + +<P> +"No one sent you any word then that we were coming? or gave you any +orders to look after us?" +</P> + +<P> +The blank expression of his face was sufficient answer. I waited a +moment, thinking, endeavoring to determine my next move. This +knowledge made one thing clear—we were playing a lone hand. As well +planned as was the scheme of those two conspirators they had reckoned +without sufficient knowledge of the existing conditions here. But was +this true? Would villains as shrewd as they be guilty of such neglect? +Besides, they had assured me that the overseer would be notified of our +coming. Suddenly there flashed back to my memory a picture of that +murdered man in the rear room. Could he be the connecting link? the +overseer sent by Neale? If this horrible suspicion was correct it only +proved the desperate character of those against whom I contended. And +if true only the harshest measure would compel Coombs to acknowledge +the truth. I drew in my breath, every nerve braced for action. Then I +jerked the revolver from my pocket, and held it, glimmering ominously +in the light, across my knee. +</P> + +<P> +"You probably have some reason for lying to me," I said coldly, "and +now I am going to give you an equally good reason for telling the +truth. What do you know about the administrators of this estate?" +</P> + +<P> +He was breathing hard, his eyes on the shining barrel. +</P> + +<P> +"There is one named Neale, is n't there?" +</P> + +<P> +"I—I reckon so." +</P> + +<P> +"How do you know?" +</P> + +<P> +"Wal," feeling it useless to struggle against the argument presented by +the blue steel barrel, "Hell, all I know is a fellow com' 'long yere a +while back with a paper signed Neale, thinkin' ter take my job." +</P> + +<P> +"What happened to him?" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, he just nat'ally got kicked out inter the road, an' I reckon he 's +a running yet. He was a miserable Yankee runt, an' I did n't hurt the +cuss none to speak of. What yer askin' all this fer enyhow," he +questioned anxiously, "an' a drawin' that gun on me?" +</P> + +<P> +"It seemed to be the only available method for extracting information. +Pardon my insistence, Coombs, but was n't that dead man up there the +fellow Neale sent?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not by a damn sight," and I could see the perspiration break out on +his forehead. "Why, there wan't none enyhow. That guy skipped out +North agin." +</P> + +<P> +"All right; we'll let it go this time. Now one more question and I am +done. Under whose orders are you in charge here?" +</P> + +<P> +He was so long in answering, his eyes glaring ugly under heavy brows, +that I elevated my weapon, half believing he meditated an attack. +</P> + +<P> +"You 've got to answer, Coombs," I said sternly, "or take the +consequences. I 'm in dead earnest." +</P> + +<P> +Suddenly I became aware that his glance was not directly upon me, and I +lifted my own eyes to the surface of the tarnished mirror behind where +he sat. It reflected the large portrait of the late Judge Henley +hanging on the opposite wall, and—by all the gods!—I thought I saw it +move, settle back into position! I was upon my feet instantly, +swinging aside into a better situation for defense. Perhaps that +seeming movement, swift and elusive, might be a figment of imagination, +a mere trembling of the glass. But I was taking no chances. The very +conception of some hidden peril threatening me from behind awoke the +savage in me instantly. Before Coombs could realize what had occurred +I had the gun muzzle at the side of his head. +</P> + +<P> +"Now answer," I commanded sharply. "Whose orders put you here?" +</P> + +<P> +He choked, shrinking back helpless in the chair. +</P> + +<P> +"By God! you won't always have the drop on me—" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, I have now. Speak up; who is the man?" +</P> + +<P> +His eyes ranged along the wall, an expression in them like that of a +whipped cur. +</P> + +<P> +"Philip Henley," he whispered, so low I scarcely caught the name. +</P> + +<P> +"What!" +</P> + +<P> +"Wal, I told yer," he growled resentfully. "Yer kin believe er not +just as you please, but, so help me, that's the truth. I reckon I +know." +</P> + +<P> +As I stared at him, half believing, half incredulous, I became +conscious that she stood in the hall doorway. Coombs lifted his head, +glad of any respite, and I glanced aside also, dropping the revolver +back into my coat pocket. +</P> + +<P> +"You—you were quarreling?" she asked, coming into the room, "you were +so long I became anxious, and came down." +</P> + +<P> +"Nothing serious," I assured her, smilingly. "Coombs here was a little +reluctant to impart information, and I was compelled to resort to +primitive methods. The result has been quite satisfactory." +</P> + +<P> +"Kin I go now?" he asked uneasily. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, by way of the front door." +</P> + +<P> +I watched his great hulking figure until he disappeared along the path +leading around the house. I had no fear that he would ever face me +openly; all I needed to guard against was treachery. Then I turned and +looked into the questioning eyes of the woman. +</P> + +<P> +"What did you learn? What did he say?" +</P> + +<P> +"Only one thing of real importance," I answered in subdued tone, "and I +dragged that out of him by threat. He was not employed by Neale, and +the fellow who was sent down here to assist us was disposed of in some +way." +</P> + +<P> +"Killed, you mean?" +</P> + +<P> +"I suspect as much, but Coombs claims he was kicked off the place, and +returned North." +</P> + +<P> +For a moment she stood silent, breathing heavily, her eyes on my face. +In the pause I saw again the picture of the old Judge, and remembered. +</P> + +<P> +"Why is he here then? What authority has he?" +</P> + +<P> +"Come outside into the garden, and I will tell you the whole story. +Somehow I feel here as though we were being watched every minute. +Never mind a hat; we will find shade somewhere." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap17"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XVII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE +</H3> + + +<P> +In front of the veranda, and to the right of the brick walk, the +latticework of a small summerhouse could be discerned through a maze of +shrubbery and weeds. No path led toward it, yet we made the difficult +passage, by pressing aside the foliage, and discovered a rustic seat +within, where we were completely screened from observation. I felt the +slight trembling of the woman's form from suppressed excitement, but +the adventure with Coombs had only served to stiffen my nerves. With +flushed cheeks, and eyes bright and questioning, she could scarcely +wait for me to begin. +</P> + +<P> +"Now tell me; surely we are out of sight and hearing." +</P> + +<P> +"I do not think I shall ever be entirely assured as to that until I +know more of our exact situation," I replied, speaking cautiously. "We +may have been seen coming here, and those weeds would easily conceal an +eavesdropper. The truth is, I have gained very little information of +value, and am as mystified as ever. If that fellow told the truth it +is beyond my understanding." +</P> + +<P> +"But you are sure he knows nothing of those men who sent you here?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, he had never heard of Vail, and all he knew about Neale was that +name was signed to the orders of the new overseer." +</P> + +<P> +"Under what authority is the man acting?" +</P> + +<P> +I hesitated, not venturing to look at her, conscious of a personal +feeling which I must conceal. +</P> + +<P> +"Do you not wish to tell me?" +</P> + +<P> +"It is not that," I hastened to explain, but finding the words hard to +speak. "I think he lied, and yet cannot be sure. He claims to be +working under the orders of Philip Henley." +</P> + +<P> +"What! Impossible!" +</P> + +<P> +"So I felt, and consequently hesitated to tell you, but now that I have +been compelled to do so, I will explain in full. He said this under +the menace of a revolver, a condition which often inspires men to speak +the truth. I can scarcely imagine his making up such a story, for he +is a dull-witted fellow, and even before he had threatened to test your +claims to be Henley's wife." +</P> + +<P> +"You told him, then?" +</P> + +<P> +"Everything, except the original cause of our being here. I determined +this morning to fight in the open, under my own name. That is the +right way, is it not?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, I think so," and she lifted her eyes to mine. +</P> + +<P> +"I like you better for that." +</P> + +<P> +"I think I like myself better also," I said with a laugh. "I confess I +did n't care much at first. The whole affair merely represented a +lark, an adventure with me. But after what you said the night of our +arrival I began to view the thing in a new light, and to despise my +part in It. Yet even then I felt bound to carry out my agreement. It +was only when you told me your identity, that I felt free to decide +otherwise." +</P> + +<P> +"Why should that make such a difference? If I had not been the one, +then it would have been some other woman defrauded." +</P> + +<P> +"True, but a mere unknown, a shadow. Besides, I had no reason +previously to know that a fraud was contemplated—those rascals told a +most plausible story, leaving me to believe I served the real heirs. +Now I comprehend their true purpose and—and, well, knowing you it has +become personal." +</P> + +<P> +"I do not altogether understand." +</P> + +<P> +"Why, it is simply this," I went on desperately, "I want to serve you, +and I want you to respect me. Down in your heart you have n't really +been assured that I was not one of that gang of conspirators. You came +down here to watch me. Now I am going to stand up as Gordon Craig, and +fight it out for you." +</P> + +<P> +There was a knot of blue ribbon at her throat, and I reached out and +unpinned it before she had time to protest. +</P> + +<P> +"See, there are your colors, and I do battle under them. Whatever the +final results you are never going to doubt me any more—are you?" +</P> + +<P> +Her eyes were veiled by long lashes, and I could see the heaving of her +breasts. +</P> + +<P> +"No—no. I scarcely think I ever did doubt you, only it was all very +strange. Nothing seemed real; it was more like a stage-play in which I +acted a part—our first meeting, our being thrown together on this +quest. I have not known what to think, even of myself." +</P> + +<P> +"We are both getting our heads above the mist now," I interrupted +gently, "and deep as the mystery appears, when finally solved it will +likely prove a very sordid, commonplace affair. The main thing is for +us to thoroughly understand and trust each other." +</P> + +<P> +"You need not doubt me." +</P> + +<P> +"I have already learned that. It is more important that you fully +trust me." +</P> + +<P> +"I do," and both her hands were impulsively extended. "I have from the +very first. I did not come here to watch, but because I believed in +you. Truly this was my motive rather than any thought of the property. +Indeed I hardly realized at the start that this was my affair; I merely +had a feeling that you needed me. That—that morning on the bench," +she paused, her voice choking in her throat, her eyes misted, "why, +I—I was scarcely rational; my mind could not even grasp clearly what +you endeavored to tell. I was so far from being myself that I failed +to recognize my own name. Perhaps that was not strange as I always +lived under another. So it was not that, not any selfish motive, which +impelled me to accompany you. I came because—because I knew you +needed me. I had an intuition that you were going into danger, into +some trap. I cannot explain, no woman can, how such knowledge lays +hold upon her. I merely acted instinctively. It was not until that +afternoon that I realized clearly what this all meant to me personally. +I seemed to wake up as from a dream. Then I sat down in the rest room +of one of those big department stores, and thought it all out. At +first I determined to tell you everything, but I did—did not know you +at all. I trusted you, I believed in you; you had impressed me as +being a real man. But this was merely a woman's intuition. There were +circumstances that made me doubt, that compelled caution. I—I had to +test you, Gordon Craig." +</P> + +<P> +"My only wonder is that you retained any confidence." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, but I did," she insisted warmly. "That alone brought me here. I +thought of appealing to a lawyer, to the police, and then your face +rose up before me, and my decision was made. I came back to you that +night because—because I believed you to be a gentleman." +</P> + +<P> +"And now? henceforth?" +</P> + +<P> +Her eyes never wavered, although there was a high color in her cheeks +as my hands clasped her own more closely. +</P> + +<P> +"I am convinced I chose aright. You are the man I thought you to be. +I am glad I came." +</P> + +<P> +For an instant the hot blood coursed through my veins; I seemed to see +only the beauty of her flesh. Wild words leaped to my lips, only to be +choked back unspoken, although I scarcely knew what strength combined +to win the swift struggle. Impulse, made with sudden revelation of +love, swept me perilously near to outburst, yet reason held +sufficiently firm to restrain; the flood of passion. I knew I must +refrain; I read it in the calm depths of those eyes fronting me in +frank friendship. A word, a single, mad, ill-considered word, would +sever the bond between us as though cleft by a sword. With any other I +might have dared all, but not with her. Reckless as my nature had +grown in the hard school of life, I shrank from this test, dreading to +see her face change, her attitude harden. And it would; there had +already been sufficient revealment of her character to make me aware of +how firm a line she drew between right and wrong. It was not in her +nature to compromise. She trusted, me—yes! But as a "gentleman." +Should I fail in that test of her faith I could never again hope to +regain my place in her esteem. I have wondered since how I ever won +that swift, deadly battle; how I ever crushed back the wild passion, +the mad impulse to clasp her In my arms. Yet, under God's mercy I did, +my voice emotionless, my face white from restraint, my lips dry as with +fever. The one thing I was sure about just then was that we must break +away from this personal conversation; flesh and blood could stand the +strain no longer. +</P> + +<P> +"Let's not talk of ourselves then," I said, releasing her hands, "but +of what we must face here. We trust each other; that is enough for the +present surely. You will not leave, and let me ferret out the mystery +alone, so we must work together in its solution. I have told you that +Coombs claims to be working under the orders of your husband. Is that +possible?" +</P> + +<P> +"I cannot conceive clearly how it could be, and yet he might have +received notice of his father's death in time to assume control of the +estate by telegraph, or even by letter." +</P> + +<P> +"I hardly think Coombs has been here so short a time." +</P> + +<P> +"He might have been the old overseer, however, and retained." +</P> + +<P> +"True; yet how could Philip Henley know that he had inherited the +property?" +</P> + +<P> +She thought a moment seriously, a little crease in the center of her +forehead. +</P> + +<P> +"Of course, I can only guess," she hazarded at length, "but it would +seem likely he was notified of his father's death by one of the +administrators, and doubtless told at the same time of his inheritance. +He was the only son, and there were no other near relatives. It would +be only natural for him to retain the old servants until he could come +here and select others." +</P> + +<P> +"There is only one fact which opposes your theory," I acknowledged, +"otherwise I would accept it as my own also. Coombs plainly threatened +to confront you with Henley to test your claim to being his wife." +</P> + +<P> +She pressed her hand to her temple in perplexity. +</P> + +<P> +"Even that would not be impossible," she admitted reluctantly, "for he +must have known of the Judge's death even before—before I left. Only +I do not believe it probable, as he was in no condition to travel, and +had very little money. Besides," her voice strengthening with +conviction, "those men who sent you here—Neale and Vail—would never +have ventured such a scheme, had they been uncertain as to Philip +Henley's helplessness. I believe he is either in their control, or +else dead." +</P> + +<P> +"Then Coombs lied." +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps; although still another supposition is possible. Someone else +may claim to be the heir." +</P> + +<P> +This was a new theory, and one not so unreasonable as it appeared at +first thought. Still it was sufficiently improbable, so that I +dismissed it without much consideration. She apparently read this in +my face. +</P> + +<P> +"It is all groping in the dark until we learn more," she went on +slowly. "Have you decided what you mean to do?" +</P> + +<P> +"Only indefinitely. I want to make a careful exploration of the house +and grounds by daylight. This may reveal something of value. Then we +will go into Carrollton before dark. I cannot consent to your +remaining here another night after what has occurred. Besides, we +should consult a lawyer—the best we can find—and then proceed under +his advice. Do you agree?" +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly; and how can I be of assistance?" +</P> + +<P> +"If you could go back to the house, and keep Sallie busy in the kitchen +for an hour; hold her there at something so as to give me free range of +the house." +</P> + +<P> +"With Sallie!" she lifted her hands in aversion. "It does n't seem as +though I could stand that. But," she added, rising resolutely to her +feet, "I will if you wish it. Of course I ought to do what little I +can. Why, what is this? a seal ring?" +</P> + +<P> +She stooped, and picked the article up from the floor, out of a litter +of dead leaves, and held it to the light between her fingers. As she +gazed her cheeks whitened, and when her eyes again met mine they +evidenced fear. +</P> + +<P> +"What is it?" I asked, when she failed to speak. "Do you recognize it?" +</P> + +<P> +She held it out toward me, her hand trembling. +</P> + +<P> +"That—that was Philip Henley's ring," she said gravely. "Family +heirloom; he always wore it." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap18"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XVIII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +BEGINNING EXPLORATION +</H3> + + +<P> +This apparently convincing evidence that Henley was not only alive, but +had preceded us to Carrollton, left us staring into each others' faces, +more deeply mystified than ever. +</P> + +<P> +"He must be here," she articulated faintly. +</P> + +<P> +"At least it would seem that he has been. The seal is a peculiar one, +not likely to be duplicated. But I doubt if he is here now, for he +could have no reason for avoiding us, unless—" +</P> + +<P> +"I know what you mean," she replied, as I hesitated, "unless he +intended to repudiate me, to refuse me recognition." +</P> + +<P> +"Is he that kind of a man?" +</P> + +<P> +"No; not when sober. Under the influence of liquor he becomes a brute, +capable of any meanness." +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps that may be the secret then. The others here may be keeping +him intoxicated, and hidden away for purposes of their own. However, +this need not change our plans. Will you go in to Sallie?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes; it will be a relief to be busy, to feel that I am accomplishing +something." +</P> + +<P> +I stood upon the bench, from where I could look out above the weeds and +tangled bushes, and followed her course to the house. At top of the +steps she paused an instant to glance back, and then disappeared +within. I waited patiently, knowing that if she failed to discover the +housekeeper, she would give some signal. Meanwhile I watched the +weed-grown area about me carefully in search of any skulker observing +our movements. I could see little through the tangle, yet succeeded in +convincing myself that I was alone, and free to begin my explorations. +Yet I faced this work with less enthusiasm than I felt when first +proposing it. The knowledge that Philip Henley was alive; that any +discoveries I might make would benefit him even more than his wife, had +robbed me of my earlier interest in the outcome. Nothing I had heard +of the man was favorable to his character. I felt profoundly convinced +that whatever affection his wife might have once entertained for him +had long ago vanished through neglect and abuse. My sympathies were +altogether with her, and I had already begun to dream of her as free. +She had come into contact with my life in such a way as to impress me +greatly; we had been thrown together in strange familiarity. Little by +little I had grown to appreciate her beauty, not only of face, but also +of womanly character. Already she swayed and controlled me as no other +of her sex ever had. I thrilled to the touch of her hand, to the sweep +of her dress, and the glance of her eye. Not until now did I realize +fully all she had unconsciously become to me, or how I dreaded the +reappearance of Henley. Would she return to him? Would she forgive +the past? These were haunting questions from which I found no escape. +I could not be ignorant of the fact that she liked me, trusted me as a +friend. But beyond this rather colorless certainty I possessed no +assurance. I thought I had read a deeper meaning in her eyes, enough +to yield a flash of hope, but nothing more substantial. And now—now +even this must be rubbed out. She was not the kind to ever compromise +with duty, nor to pretend. No love for me, even if it had already +begun to blossom in her secret heart, would make her disloyal to sacred +vows. I knew that, and deep down in my own consciousness, honored her +the more, even while I struggled against the inevitable. Yesterday I +might have spoken the words of passion on my lips, but now they were +sealed, and I dare not even whisper them to myself, yet it was out of +this very depth of impossibility that I came to know love in its +entirety, and realize what Viola Henley already was to me. +</P> + +<P> +But I was never so much a dreamer, as a man of action, and the +necessity of active service forced me to cast aside such thoughts +almost instantly. There was work, and danger, ahead, and I welcomed +both eagerly. This was the way to forget. Aye! and the way to serve. +I felt the revolver in my pocket, took it out and made sure it was in +readiness; then advanced cautiously toward the house. The hall was +empty, and so was the front room. The latter appeared desolate and +grim in its disorder and dirt. My thought centered on that picture of +Judge Henley hanging against the further wall. Perhaps it had not +moved; the supposition that it did might have been an illusion, +produced by some flaw in the mirror opposite, or by a freak of +imagination. Yet I could never be satisfied until I learned absolutely +what was concealed behind that heavy gilded frame. There was mystery +to this house, and perhaps here I had already stumbled upon the secret. +I opened the door leading to the rear, silently, and listened. There +were voices talking at a distance, two women, one a pleasant contralto, +the other cracked and high pitched. The lady was doing her part; I +must do mine. I closed the door gently, and stole over toward the +picture, half afraid of my task, yet nerving myself for the ordeal. +</P> + +<P> +A black haircloth sofa, with broad mahogany arm, offered two easy +steps, enabling me to tip the heavy frame sufficiently so as to peer +behind. The one glance was sufficient. Underneath was an opening in +the wall, much less in width than the picture, yet ample for the +passage of a crouched body. The arm of the sofa made egress +comparatively easy, while the frame of the picture, though appearing +heavy and substantial, was in reality of light wood, and presented no +obstacle to an active man. The passage was black, and I thrust my head +and shoulders in, striving to discern something of its nature. For +possibly three feet I could trace the floor, but beyond that point it +seemed to disappear into impenetrable darkness. This line of change +was so distinct that I surmised at once it marked a descent to a lower +level, either by ladder or stairs. Well, this would benefit me, rather +than otherwise, for if anyone was concealed therein it would be down +below, where the light streaming into the upper passage, as I pressed +back the frame to gain room for my body, would be unnoticed. There was +no hesitancy as to what I must do. Now I had discovered this secret +passage it must be thoroughly explored. The safest way was to burrow +through the dark, trusting to hands and feet for safety, and prepared +for any encounter. Whoever might be hidden away there would certainly +possess some light, sufficient for any warning I needed. Every +advantage would remain with me concealed by darkness. +</P> + +<P> +If I felt any premonition of fear it was not serious enough to delay +progress, nor did I pause to consider the possible danger. Wherever +Coombs had gone, he was not likely to remain absent for long, nor could +I expect Mrs. Henley to remain with Sallie a moment longer than she +deemed necessary. This was my opportunity and must be utilized +promptly. Standing on the sofa arm I found little difficulty in +pressing my body forward into the aperture, until, extending at full +length, the picture settled noiselessly back into place against the +wall, excluding all light. After listening intently, fearful lest the +slight scraping might have been overheard, I arose to a crouching +position, able to feel both the sides and top of the tunnel with my +fingers. Inch by inch, silently, my soft breathing the only noticeable +sound, I worked forward, anxiously exploring for the break in the +floor, which I knew to be only a few feet distance. Even then I +reached it unaware of its proximity, experiencing a sudden, unpleasant +shock as my extended hand groped about touching nothing tangible. +</P> + +<P> +I was some time determining the exact nature of what was before me. +There were no stairs, nor did any shafts of a ladder protrude above the +floor level. Only as I lay flat, and felt cautiously across from wall +to wall, could I determine what led below. All was black as a well, as +noiseless as a grave, yet there was a ladder exactly fitting the space, +spiked solidly into the flooring. My groping fingers could reach two +of the rungs, and they felt sound and strong. With face outward I +trusted myself to their support, and began the descent slowly, pausing +between each step to listen, and gripping the side-bars tightly. The +blackness and silence, combined with what I anticipated discovering +somewhere in those depths below, set my nerves tingling, yet I felt +cool, and determined to press on. Indeed, deep in my heart I welcomed +the adventure, even hoped it might end in some encounter serious enough +to arouse me to new thoughts—especially did I yearn to learn something +definite about Philip Henley. This to me was now the one matter of +importance; to be assured that he was living or dead. Nothing else +greatly mattered, for nothing could again efface from my memory the +woman he had called wife. Right or wrong, I knew she held me captive; +even there, groping blindly in that darkness, every nerve strained to +its utmost, my thought was with her, and her face arose before my +imagination. Unexpectedly, unexplainably love had come into my +life—the very love I had laughed at in others had made me captive. +And I was glad of it, reckless still as to what it might portend. +</P> + +<P> +I counted twelve rungs going down, and then felt stone flags beneath my +feet, although the walls on either side, as I explored them with my +hands, were still of closely matched wood. The passage, now high +enough to permit of my standing erect, led toward the rear of the +house, presenting no obstacle other than darkness, until I came up +suddenly against a heavy wooden door completely barring further +progress. As near as I could figure I must be already directly beneath +the kitchen, and close in against the south wall. No sound reached me, +however, from above, nor could I, with ear against the slight crack, +distinguish any movement beyond the barrier. Cautious fingering +revealed closely matched hard wood, studded thickly with nail heads, +but no keyhole or latch. Secure in the feeling that no one else could +be in this outer passage, and completely baffled, I ventured to strike +a match. The tiny yellow flame, ere it quickly flickered out in some +mysterious draft, revealed an iron band to the left of the door, with +slight protuberance, resembling the button of an electric-bell. This +was the only semblance to a lock, and I was in doubt whether it would +prove an alarm, or some ingenuous [Transcriber's note: ingenious?] +spring. There was nothing for it, however, but to try the experiment, +and face the result. +</P> + +<P> +Almost convinced that the pressure of my finger would ring an electric +bell, I drew my revolver, and crouched low, prepared for any emergency, +as I pressed the metal button. To my surprise and relief the only +thing to occur was the slow opening of the door inward, a dim gleam of +light becoming visible through the widening crack. The movement was +deliberate and noiseless, but I dropped upon hands and knees in the +deepest remaining shadow and peered anxiously into the dimly revealed +interior. It was a basement room, half the width of the kitchen +overhead, I should judge; the walls of crude masonry, the floor of +brick, the ceiling, festooned by cobwebs, of rough-hewn beams. The +light, flickering and dim, came from a half-burned candle in an iron +holder screwed against the wall, revealing a small table, two chairs, +one without a back, and four narrow sleeping berths made of rough +boards. This was all, except a coat dangling from a beam, and a small +hand-hatchet lying on the floor. There was, in the instant I had to +view these things, no semblance of movement, or suggestion of human +presence. Assured of this, although holding myself alert and ready, I +slipped through the opening. Even as I stood there, uncertain, and +staring about, a sharp draught of air extinguished the candle, and I +heard the snap of the lock as the door behind blew back into position. +About me was the black silence of a grave. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap19"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XIX +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +A CHAMBER OF HORROR +</H3> + + +<P> +I backed against the wall, crouching low, revolver in hand, scarcely +venturing to breathe, listening intently for the slightest sound to +break the intense silence. My heart beat like a trip-hammer, and there +were beads of cold perspiration on my face. The change had occurred so +swiftly as to leave me quaking like a coward at the unknown terrors of +the dark. Yet almost within the instant I gripped my nerves, +comprehending all that had occurred, and confident of my own safety. +There must be another opening into this underground den—one leading to +the outer air—judging from that sudden and powerful suction. The very +atmosphere I breathed had a freshness to it, inconceivable in such a +place otherwise. With the first return of intelligence my mind gripped +certain facts, and began to reason out the situation. That sudden +sweep of air could only have originated in the opening of some other +barrier—a door no doubt leading directly to the outside. I had seen +no occupant of the room; without question it was deserted at my +entrance. Yet someone had been there, and not long before, as was +evidenced by the burning candle. Nor, by that same token, did this +same mysterious party expect to be absent for any length of time. +Apparently I had intruded at the very moment of his departure. +Wherever that second passage might be, the former occupant of this +underground den had evidently entered it previous to my opening the +inner door. Still unaware of my presence he had unfastened some other +barrier, and the resultant draught had extinguished the candle, and +blown shut the door at my back. This seemed so clearly the truth that +I laughed grimly behind clinched teeth. The solution was easy; I had +but to discover the extinguished candle, relight it, search out the +second passage, and waylay the fellow when he returned unsuspicious of +danger. +</P> + +<P> +Confident as to the correctness of my theory, and eager for action to +relieve the tension on my nerves in that black silence, I began feeling +a way along the wall toward the right, in the direction where I +remembered the iron light bracket to be situated. The rough stone +surface was unbroken, and I encountered no obstacles under foot, my +groping search being finally rewarded by touch of the iron brace. I +could clearly trace the form of the bracket, and determine how it was +fastened into place, yet to my astonishment there was no remnant of +candle remaining in the empty socket. Grease, still warm to the touch, +proved conclusively that I had attained the right spot in my search, +yet the candle itself had disappeared. Beyond doubt the draught of air +had been sufficiently strong to dislodge it from the shallow socket, +and it had fallen to the floor. I felt about on hands and knees, but +without result, and finally, in sheer desperation, struck my last +match. The tiny flare was sufficient to reveal the entire floor space +as well as the wall, but there was no remnant of candle visible. I +held the sliver of wood, until the flame scorched my fingers, staring +about in bewilderment. Then the intense darkness shut me in. +</P> + +<P> +I crouched back to the wall, revolver in hand, and it seemed as though +the blood in my veins had turned to ice. What legerdemain was this! +The candle was there, and not half burned, when I entered. I saw it +with my own eyes. How then—in the name of God—could it have vanished +so completely? There was no germ of superstition in my nature, and, +had there originally been, it could never have out lived the practical +experiences of the past few years. There was but one way to account +for this occurrence—some human, aware of my presence, had removed the +candle, had stolen through the pitch darkness silently, and as swiftly +disappeared. I was locked in, trapped, and not alone! +</P> + +<P> +I confess for an instant I was panic-stricken, shrinking back from the +horror of the black unknown which enveloped me. I could see and hear +nothing, yet I seemed to feel a ghastly presence skulking behind that +impenetrable veil. My first inclination was to creep back to the door, +and escape into the outer passage. Yet pride restrained me, pride +quickly supplemented by a return of courage. It was a man surely, a +thing of flesh and blood, I was called upon to meet. He was no better +armed than myself, and he possessed no advantage in that darkness, +except his knowledge of surroundings. I straightened up, and advanced +slowly, testing the wall with my hand, every muscle stiffened for +action, listening for the slightest sound. I encountered nothing, +heard nothing, until my groping fingers touched the rough plank of a +sleeping berth. I explored this cautiously, lifting the edge of a +coarse blanket, and reaching up to make sure the one above was also +unoccupied. Satisfied that both were empty I worked my way blindly +along to the second tier. As I reached into the lower of the two bunks +my finger came in contact with some substance that left the impression +of a human body beneath the blanket. I jerked away, startled, +expecting my light touch would arouse the occupant. There was no +movement, however, nor could I distinguish any sound of breathing. +</P> + +<P> +Convinced I had been mistaken, I reached in once more to assure myself +of the truth, and my hand touched cold, clammy flesh. The shock of +discovery sent me reeling backward so suddenly that I slipped and fell. +It was a man—a dead man! In imagination I could see the wide-open, +sightless eyes, staring toward me through the dark. Trembling with the +unreasonable terror of unstrung nerves, I yet managed to regain my +feet. It was not the dead body, so much as the black gloom, which +robbed me of manhood. I could not see where to go, how to escape. At +whatever cost I must procure light. The very desperation yielded me +reckless courage. Shaking as with palsy, yet with teeth clinched, I +reached forward, groping my way back to the side of the bunk. I +touched the edge of the blanket, and thrust it away, feeling the body. +The man was fully dressed, lying upon his back, and I experienced no +difficulty in attaining the pockets of his coat. In the third I found +what I sought—a box of matches. +</P> + +<P> +Never before, or since, have I experienced such relief, as when my +fingers closed over this precious find. I struck one, and as the +phosphorus head burst into flame, stared about the vacant room, and +then down into the dead face within the bunk. The man had been killed +by the stroke of a hatchet, and was almost unrecognizable. Not until +the blazing match had burned to my finger tips was I sure of his +identity—then, to my added horror, I recognized Coombs. I struck a +second match, assuring myself beyond doubt, and drew the blanket up +over the disfigured face. As the brief light flickered and died, I +grasped the full significance of the man's death, the probable reason +for his being stricken down. Whoever had been hidden behind that +picture, crouching in the passage, had overheard his confession to me. +This was vengeance wreaked upon a traitor, the executed death sentence +of desperate men. And it had just been carried out—within the hour! +The murderers might be even now lurking within the shadows watching my +every motion. +</P> + +<P> +Again a slender match flared into tiny flame, casting about a dim +radius of light, partially reassuring me that I was alone. Before it +flickered out into darkness my eyes made two discoveries—the opening +of a dark passage to the left of the bunks, and a ghastly hand +protruding from the upper berth. I was scarcely sure this last was not +a vision of my half-mad brain, but a fourth match revealed it +all—above the murdered Coombs, hidden beneath blankets, was the body +of the strange man shot in the upper room. My God! the place was a +charnel house! a spot accursed! I crept back from that ghastly scene +of death as though invisible hands gripped my throat. I fairly choked +with the unutterable horror which overcame me. And yet I knew I must +act, must go on to the end. Even as I crouched there, trembling and +unmanned, seeing visions in the darkness, hearing imaginary sounds, my +thought leaped back to the girl upstairs. It was the one remembrance +which kept me sane. It was not the dead, but the living, I had to +fear, and it was not in my nature to shrink back from any man. I could +feel the courage returning, the leap of hot blood through my veins as I +straightened up. +</P> + +<P> +I risked one more match to make certain of the opening through the +wall, dimly glimpsed beyond the berths. My eyes were not deceived; +here was a second wood-supported passage, unblocked so far as I could +perceive, but black as pitch. I held the flaming splinter aloft, +anxiously scanning the few feet thus revealed, but as it sputtered out, +the red ash dropping to the floor, I felt renewed confidence that I was +alone, unobserved. Whoever those assassins might be, they had +departed, leaving only the helpless dead behind. No doubt they would +come again to remove the bodies, to seek refuge in this hidden hole. +But for the moment I was there undiscovered, and must utilize each +precious instant for discoveries and escape. Wild recklessness, a +desire to break away from those grewsome surroundings, overcame all +caution. Swiftly as I dared in the dense blackness I crept forward, +feeling the smooth wall with eager fingers, my right hand still +nervously gripping the revolver butt. Then I came to the door, similar +to the other, although no groping about would reveal the catch, or +enable me to force it open. +</P> + +<P> +Again I struck a match, guarding the infant flame with both hands +against a slight draught which threatened its extinction. There was no +sound, no warning of imminent danger. All my coolness had returned, +and my every thought centered on quickly discovering the lock of the +door. Yet, even in that instant, I caught glimpse of a shadow on the +wall, and made one swift, automatic effort to leap aside, dropping the +fatal match. The movement was too late! Something descended crashing +upon my head, and I pitched forward into unconsciousness. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap20"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XX +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +TAKEN PRISONER +</H3> + + +<P> +It must be I lay there practically dead for some time. I had no +knowledge of being approached, or handled, and yet every pocket was +rifled, the revolver jerked from my hand, and my coat ripped from my +body. Like so much carrion the fellows had flung me back against the +wall, so as to make room for the swinging open of the door. I lay +there huddled up in shapeless disfigurement, blood staining the stones, +one arm twisted above my head. Consciousness returned so slowly, the +benumbed brain began to flicker into activity before a stiffened muscle +relaxed. I was awake, able to perceive dimly, and to realize my +situation, before my body responded to action. Returning life seemed +to sweep downward as the mind grasped the realities, bringing +consciousness of pain, throbbing head and aching muscles. Little by +little, silently, comprehending now what had occurred, and warned by +the sound of voices not far away, I changed posture slightly, +straightening out cramped limbs, and so turning my head as to enable me +to see along the passage where a ray of light streamed. There was a +mist before my eyes, but this lessened, and I began to view +intelligently the scene. +</P> + +<P> +I lay twenty feet from the entrance to this habitation underground, +thrust into the black shadow behind the door which stood partially +ajar. My position precluded any possibility of learning what was +beyond that wooden barrier, but I could plainly view the entire north +portion of the interior, although the only light radiated from a +flickering candle. One edge of the table came within my vision, a man +sitting beside it, his back turned toward me. I made out little of +this fellow's characteristics, as I saw only a pair of broad shoulders, +encased in a rough shooting coat, and a fringe of black whiskers. He +was smoking a short-stemmed pipe, and contented himself with a +growling, indistinct utterance when addressed. Opposite, however, was +a man of a different type, slender and active, his hair very dark and +inclined to curl, a rather long face, slightly olive-hued, with a small +mustache waxed at the ends. His black, sparkling eyes attracted me +first, and then his long, shapely hands. These grasped a sheet of +paper, and I noticed others, including several unopened envelopes, +lying before him on the table. He laughed a bit unpleasantly, a row of +white teeth visible beneath the dark mustache. +</P> + +<P> +"It's just as I thought, Herman," he said genially. "The fellow is a +mere adventurer. There will be no one to take his disappearance +seriously. Look at this document." +</P> + +<P> +He held out a half-printed, half-written sheet which I instantly +recognized as my discharge, but the big man only nodded, his hands in +his pockets. +</P> + +<P> +"I not read English—you know dot," he said placidly. +</P> + +<P> +"True, I had forgotten. This is the fellow's army discharge; only +issued six or seven weeks ago at Manila. He was serving in the ranks +over there. Got back to this country broke, most likely, and fell into +the hands of those schemers up North, willing enough to do anything for +a bunch of coin. The poor devil probably has n't got a friend on +earth." +</P> + +<P> +"But someone know he come here." +</P> + +<P> +"Only the two who sent him, and they 'll never dare tell, and the +woman. She is safe enough. Nigger Pete drove them out here, and we +can close his mouth easily enough. It's been easy, Herman, and now +with these two settled it leaves me a clear field." +</P> + +<P> +"Maybe so—yes. But vat you think it all mean? I would know how eet +vas dey come." +</P> + +<P> +The younger man shuffled the papers restlessly, his eyes on the face of +the other. +</P> + +<P> +"I confess there are some details missing, Herman," he said slowly, +"but in the main it is clear enough. I take it this man Neale is a +damned rascal. He went North to find the heir, discovered that he was +either dead, or had disappeared, ran into some scamp of the same kidney +as himself, and, between them, determined to cop the coin. That's my +guess. Then they picked up this penniless soldier, who, by the way, +resembles the missing son a bit, and sent him down here to play the +part. Wrote him out full instructions," tapping the papers +suggestively, "and then sat down there to wait results." +</P> + +<P> +"Vel, maybe so—but vat about the girl, hey?" +</P> + +<P> +"Someone they picked off the streets. He 's told to do it in this +letter. They thought it best to prove their man married, and so had to +procure a woman. We won't have any trouble with her." +</P> + +<P> +"Vat you do to be sure?" +</P> + +<P> +"Turn her loose in New Orleans with a few dollars," carelessly. "All +she knows about the affair can't hurt us if she does squeal. There are +plenty of ways to shut her mouth. I 'll know better how to handle her +case right when I see her. Broussard is a long time at his job." +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps she fight heem—hey?" +</P> + +<P> +"The worse for her—that Creole is a wild-cat. But I wish he would +hurry, so we can get through the Gut on the flood tide; that boat draws +more water than is comfortable in this lagoon." +</P> + +<P> +"You need not worry," said the German, placidly looking at his watch. +"I take eet through safe. She dam good sea boat, an' where I come in I +can go out. Ach! 'tis the fellow come now." +</P> + +<P> +The newcomer passed so close beside me I could feel his foot touch +mine. As he hurried forward I realized the eyes of the two men would +be upon him, and that any movement of mine would be unobserved. The +door remained ajar, and, if escape was possible, now was the time. +With head reeling dizzily, I crept through the opening, yet held the +latch, fascinated by the first spoken words within. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, Broussard, what is it?" +</P> + +<P> +"All seen to, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"The bodies are planted then?" +</P> + +<P> +"The men attended to that." +</P> + +<P> +"And the woman?" +</P> + +<P> +"On her way; there was no trouble. Sallie had her doped, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"I expected she would. Then that finishes our job here, Herman, and +the quicker we are off the better." The two men arose to their feet, +Herman grumbling something in German, but the younger man interrupted. +</P> + +<P> +"We got the fellow after you left, Broussard; hit him a bit too hard it +seems, but no one will ever investigate, so it's just as well. +Adventurer named Craig, just discharged from the army." +</P> + +<P> +"Where is he?" +</P> + +<P> +"Lying there in the passage behind the door. Have Peters and Sam bury +him along with the others, and then join us. We 'll go aboard." +</P> + +<P> +I shut the door, and started down the passage. For a dozen steps it +was black as night; then there was a sharp swerve to the right, and a +gleam of daylight in the far distance. Already they were at the +barrier, and I ran forward recklessly, eager to escape into the open. +The way was clear, the floor rising slightly, yet without obstructions. +I could hear voices, the pounding of feet behind, and I made desperate +effort to outdistance my pursuers. That they were merciless I knew, +and my only hope lay in attaining some hiding place in the weeds before +they could emerge into the daylight. I thought of nothing else. But +as I burst, straining and breathless into the open, hands gripped me +from both sides. An instant I struggled to break free, fighting with a +mad ferocity, which nearly accomplished the purpose. I had one down, a +bearded ruffian, planting my fist full in his face, and sent the other +groaning backward with a kick in the stomach, when the three from +within burst forth and flung me face down into the earth, and pinned me +flat beneath their weight. An instant later Broussard's belt was +strapped tightly, binding my hands helplessly to my sides, and I was +hurled over so that I stared up blindly into the face of the fellow in +command. His black eyes were sneering, while the unpleasant smile +revealed a row of white teeth. +</P> + +<P> +"Great God, man," he exclaimed, "you must have the skull of an +elephant. Are you actually alive?" +</P> + +<P> +"Very much so," I gasped, defiant still. +</P> + +<P> +"Maybe I finish heem, Monsieur," questioned Broussard, with knee still +planted on my chest. "Then he not talk, hey?" +</P> + +<P> +The leader laughed, with a wave of the hand. "You take the fellow far +too seriously. Let him up. I 'll find a way to close his mouth if it +ever be necessary. Besides, he knows nothing to do any harm. A bit +groggy, my man. Hold him on his feet, you fellows." +</P> + +<P> +I stood helpless, my arms bound, gripped tightly on either side, gazing +full into the villain's face; out of the depth of despair and defeat +there had come an animating ray of hope—they were going to take me +with them. Even as a prisoner I should be near her. Would yet be able +to dig out the truth. +</P> + +<P> +"You take heem along, Monsieur?" It was Broussard's voice. "Zat vat +you mean?" +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly—why not? There's plenty of work for another hand on board. +Trust me to break him in. Come, hustle the lad along, boys. I 'll be +with you in a minute." +</P> + +<P> +They drove me forward roughly enough, the German marching +phlegmatically ahead, still silently puffing at his pipe, and leading +the way along a narrow footpath through the weeds. This wound about in +such crazy fashion that I lost all sense of both direction and +distance, yet finally we emerged into an open space, from which I saw +the chimneys of the old house far away to our left. The path led +onward into another weed patch beyond, down a steep ravine, and then +before us stretched the lonely waters of the bayou. Hidden under the +drooping foliage of the bank was a small boat, a negro peacefully +sleeping in the stern, with head pillowed on his arm. Herman awoke him +with a German oath, and the way the fellow sprang up, his eyes popping +open, was evidence of the treatment he was accustomed to. A hasty +application of an oar brought the boat's nose to the bank, and I was +thrust in unceremoniously, the three others following, each man +shipping an oar into the rowlocks. Herman alone remained on shore, +scattering the embers of a small fire, and staring back toward the +house. A few moments we waited in silence, then the slender figure of +the one who seemed the leading spirit, emerged from out the cane. He +glanced at the motionless figures in the boat, spoke a few words to +Herman, and then the two joined us, the latter taking the tiller, the +former pushing off, and springing alertly into the bow. +</P> + +<P> +Lying between the thwarts, face turned upward, all I could see +distinctly was the black oarsman, although occasionally, when he leaned +forward, I caught glimpses of the fellow I believed to be the captain +of the strange crew. Our boat skirted the shore, keeping close within +the concealing shadows, as evidenced by overhanging trees. The only +word spoken was a growling command by Herman at the rudder, and the +oars were noiseless as though muffled. Yet the men rowed with a will, +and scarcely twenty minutes elapsed ere we were scraping along the side +of a vessel of some size, and then came to a stop at foot of a +boarding-ladder. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap21"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXI +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +ON BOARD THE SEA GULL +</H3> + + +<P> +The Captain—for so I must call him—went up first, after hailing the +deck in French, and receiving some answer. Then, under Herman's +orders, I was hustled roughly to my feet, and bundled aboard. My head +still reeled dizzily, and the two men gripping my arms, hurried me over +the rail so swiftly my first impressions were extremely vague. I knew +the sides of the vessel were painted a dull gray, as nearly an +invisible color as could be conceived; I recall the sharp sheer of her +bow, the clearness of her lines, and the low sweep of her rail. Less +than a 1,000 tons burden, I thought, and then, as my eyes swept aloft, +and along the decks, I knew her for either a private yacht, or tropic +fruit steamer. +</P> + +<P> +"First stateroom, second cabin," said a new voice, sharply. "Lively +now." +</P> + +<P> +"Shall we unloose the ropes, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes; fasten the door, and leave a guard. Stow away the boat, +Broussard. Everything ready, Captain." +</P> + +<P> +I went down a broad stairway, shining brass rails on either side, which +led to a spacious after-cabin. A table extended its full length, +already set for a meal, and a round-faced negro, in white serving +jacket, grinned at me, as the men pressed me between them into a narrow +passage leading forward. A moment later I was unceremoniously thrust +into a small apartment on the right, the ropes about my wrists +loosened, and the door shut and locked behind me. For perhaps five +minutes I lay where I had been so unceremoniously dropped, weakened by +loss of blood, and dazed by the rapidity of events. I found it hard to +adjust my faculties to this new situation. I knew what had occurred, +but into whose hands I had fallen, and what was the purpose of this +outrage, was beyond my comprehension. One thing, however, was +sufficiently clear—these men were playing for big stakes, and would +hesitate at nothing to accomplish their purpose. They had already +killed without remorse, and that I still survived was itself a mere +accident. Yet the very fact that I lived yielded me fresh confidence, +a fatalistic belief that my life had thus been spared for a specific +purpose. It might yet be my privilege to foil these villains, and +rescue Mrs. Henley. It was my belief she was also on board this +vessel. I had no reason to assume this, except the wording of +Broussard's report which I had overheard. But she was a prisoner, and +this vessel would be the most likely place for her to be confined. I +sat up, my flesh burning, and stared about. The light shining through +the single closed port was dim, convincing me the sun had already set, +yet I could perceive the few furnishings of that interior. These +consisted merely of a double berth, a blanket spread over the lower +mattress, and a four-legged stool. Hooks, empty, decorated the walls, +and a small lamp dangled from the overhead beam. As I got to my feet I +could feel a faint throb of the engine, and realized we were moving +slowly through the water. The glass of the porthole was thick, but +clear. I knelt on the berth, and looked out, dimly perceiving the +shore-line slipping past, with an ever-broadening stretch of water +intervening. Then I sat down helplessly on the stool, and waited for +something to occur. Escape was impossible; I could only hope for some +movement on the part of my captors. +</P> + +<P> +I had little enough to think over, for the few words spoken in the +cellar had furnished no clew. My purpose there was known, and these +men had considered it worth while to put me out of the way, and to pick +up my companion also, yet I could not directly connect this action with +Judge Henley's will. We might have merely crossed their path, +interfered with their criminal plans. If so, then it was more than +likely our release would not be long delayed. Indeed, the man who +appeared to be the chief, had already said he would turn the girl free +in New Orleans, where she could do them no harm. New Orleans then was, +doubtless, the port for which we sailed. My knowledge of distance was +vague, yet that could not be a long voyage, nor one involving any great +danger. It was clear they meant no personal harm to her, and they +would never have brought me on board alive, if they had deemed it +necessary to otherwise dispose of me. These considerations were in the +main reassuring, and as I turned them over in my mind I drifted into +better humor. Besides, my head had ceased to ache, and a little +exercise put my numbed limbs into fair condition. +</P> + +<P> +It was fully an hour after the coming of darkness before I was +disturbed. Then the door opened, and the entering gleam of a light +swinging in the passage revealed the grinning negro steward bearing a +well-filled tray. This he deposited in the berth, while applying a +match to the lamp overhead. I saw no shadow of any guard outside, but +the fellow made no effort to close the door, and I did not move, +confident he was not alone. As he turned to go, however, curiosity +compelled me to question him, his good-natured face provocative of +courage. +</P> + +<P> +"Say, George, what boat is this?" +</P> + +<P> +"Mah name is Louis, sah." +</P> + +<P> +"All right, Louis, then; what's the name of this vessel?" +</P> + +<P> +"She am de <I>Sea Gull</I>, an' a mighty fin' boat, sah." +</P> + +<P> +"So I judge; what is she, fruiter, or private yacht?" +</P> + +<P> +"I reckon I don't just know," and he grinned. +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps then you will inform me where we are bound—I suppose you know +that?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, sah; de captain he nebber done tol' me, sah, nothing 'bout his +personal plans. All he done said wus fer me to hustle sum grub in +yere." +</P> + +<P> +"But surely," I Insisted warmly, "you know what voyage you signed on +for?" +</P> + +<P> +"Wal, boss, I did n't sign on fer no vige. I 'se de steward, sah, an' +I just naturally goes 'long where ebber de ship does. 'T ain't rightly +none o' my business what de white folks 'cides to do. Good Lor', dey +don't never ask dis nigger nuthin' 'bout dat. All I got ter do is just +go 'long with 'em—dat's all." +</P> + +<P> +The shadow of a man blocked the doorway. He was one of those who had +been in the small boat, and I noticed a revolver at his waist. +</P> + +<P> +"That's enough, boy. Come, now, out with you," he commanded gruffly. +"Never you mind the door; I 'll attend to that." +</P> + +<P> +He pulled the door to after the retreating form of the negro, and I +heard the sharp click of the latch, and then his voice, muffled by +intervening wood, ordering the steward aft. There was no appearance of +any lock on the door; probably there was none, as otherwise it would +not have been necessary to post a guard. However, this was clearly no +time to experiment and I was hungry enough to forget all else in the +appetizing fragrance of the meal waiting. I fell to eagerly, convinced +there was a good cook on board, and enjoying every morsel. This did +not look as though I was destined to suffer, and merely being confined +in these narrow quarters for a few hours was no great hardship. +Probably the girl was receiving very similar treatment, and, as soon as +the <I>Sea Gull</I> made whatever port was aimed at, we would both be put +ashore, and left to proceed as we thought best. Indeed, sitting there +alone, under the inspiration of choice food, well cooked, I became +quite cheerful, dismissing altogether from my mind any apprehension +that this attack upon us had any connection with the inheritance of +Philip Henley. These people were lawless enough, without doubt—the +murders already committed were evidence of that—but all they desired +so far as we were personally concerned, was to get us safely out of the +way, where we could no longer interfere with their plans. What those +plans might be I could merely conjecture, with little enough to guide +my guessing. They might be filibusters, connected with some revolution +along the Central American coast, smugglers, or marauders of even less +respectability. Their methods were desperate enough for any deeds of +crime. Without doubt they utilized this comparatively forsaken lagoon +as a hidden rendezvous, and the deserted Henley plantation—from which +even the negroes had been frightened away—was an ideal spot for them +to meet in, plan their raids, or secrete their spoils. These fellows +were doubtless the ghosts which haunted the place, and had given it so +uncanny a reputation throughout the neighborhood. They would naturally +resent any interference, any change in ownership, or control. +Possibly, if they were thieves, as I more than half suspected, they had +loot buried nearby, and were anxious to get us out of the way long +enough to remove it unobserved. This appealed to me as by far the most +probable explanation. +</P> + +<P> +I had cleaned the dishes, and was sitting on the stool, leaning back +against the wall, already becoming sleepy, listening to the rhythmic +pulsation of the engines at low speed, when the door opened again, and +the guard stood revealed before me in the glare of light. +</P> + +<P> +"The old man wants you," he explained brusquely, waving his hand aft as +though specifying the direction. "Come on, now." +</P> + +<P> +"What does he want?" +</P> + +<P> +"How the hell do I know! But let me tell you, his orders go on this +boat." +</P> + +<P> +I preceded him along the narrow passage, utterly indifferent to the +threat in his manner, but still conscious that one hand gripped the +butt of his revolver. Without doubt the fellow had orders to be +vigilant, and, perhaps, would even welcome some excuse for violence. I +gave him none, however, hopeful that the approaching interview might +yield new information. The cabin was unoccupied, the table swung up +against the beams of the upper deck, the heavy chairs moved back +leaving a wide open space. The furnishings were rich, in excellent +taste, the carpet a soft, green Wilton; the hanging lamp quite ornate, +while a magnificent upright piano was firmly anchored against the butt +of the aftermast. It was a yacht-like interior, even to the sheet +music on the rack, and a gray striped cat dozing on one of the softly +cushioned chairs. Gazing about, I could scarcely realize this was an +abode of criminals, or that I was there a captive. It was the sudden +grip of my guard which brought the truth relentlessly home. +</P> + +<P> +"This is no movin' picture show," he muttered. "Hustle along thar, in +back o' that music box. See—the way I 'm pointin'." +</P> + +<P> +There was but one door, evidence that a single cabin occupied the +entire space astern, and I stopped before it, my companion applying his +knuckles to the wood, but without removing his watchful eyes from me. +A muffled voice asked who was there, and at the response replied: +</P> + +<P> +"Open the door and show him in, Peters, and remain where you are within +call." +</P> + +<P> +I entered, conscious of a strange feeling of hesitancy, pausing +involuntarily as I heard the door close, and glancing hastily about. I +had expected a scene of luxury, a counterpart of the outer cabin. +Instead, I stood upon a plain, uncarpeted deck, the white walls and +ceiling undecorated. On one side was a double tier of berths, lockers +were between the ports, and heavy curtains draped the two windows aft. +Opposite the berths was an arm rack, containing a variety of weapons, +and the only floor covering was a small rug beneath a desk near the +center of the apartment. This latter was littered with papers, among +them a map or two, on which courses had been pricked. Beyond these all +the room contained was a small bookcase, crowded with volumes, and a +few chairs, only one upholstered. The only person present occupied +this, and was seated at the desk, watching me, a cigarette smoking +between his fingers. It was the olive-hued man of the cellar, the one +I had picked as leader, and his teeth gleamed white in an effort to +smile. In spite of his skin and dark eyes, I could not guess at his +nationality, but felt an instinctive dislike to him, more deeply rooted +than before, now that I comprehended how completely I was in his power. +</P> + +<P> +"Take a seat, Craig," he said, speaking with a faint accent barely +perceptible. "The second chair will be found the more comfortable. +Now we can talk easily. May I offer you a cigarette?" +</P> + +<P> +I accepted it more to exhibit my own coolness than from any desire to +smoke, but without other response. The man had sent for me for some +specific purpose, and I desired to learn what that might be before +unmasking my own batteries. +</P> + +<P> +"A smoke generally leaves me in more genial humor," he continued, +ignoring my reticence. "Mere habit, of course, but we are all more or +less in slavery to the weed. I trust you have been fairly comfortable +since coming on board the <I>Sea Gull</I>." +</P> + +<P> +"As much so as a prisoner could naturally expect to be," I replied +indifferently. "This vessel then is the <I>Sea Gull</I>?" +</P> + +<P> +He bowed, with an expressive gesticulation of the hand. +</P> + +<P> +"At present—yes. In days gone by it has been found convenient to call +her the <I>Esmeralda</I>, the <I>Seven Sisters</I>, and the <I>Becky N</I>. The name +is immaterial, so long as it sounds well, and conforms to the manifest. +However, just now the register reads <I>Sea Gull</I>, Henley, master, 850 +tons, schooner-rigged yacht." +</P> + +<P> +"You are under steam?" +</P> + +<P> +"Exactly; auxiliary steam power." +</P> + +<P> +"In what trade?" +</P> + +<P> +"Operated for pleasure exclusively," a slight tone of mockery in the +soft voice. "A rather expensive luxury, of course, but available all +the year around in this latitude." +</P> + +<P> +"I failed to catch the captain's name—yours, I presume?" +</P> + +<P> +He laughed, pausing to light another cigarette. +</P> + +<P> +"Still it is one you seem fairly familiar with—Henley, Philip Henley." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap22"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +I CHANGE FRONT +</H3> + + +<P> +This statement of his identity, spoken calmly, and smilingly, was such +a surprise that I could but stare at the man, half convinced I had +misunderstood his words. +</P> + +<P> +"You see, Craig," he continued quietly, apparently comprehending my +state of mind, "your little game is up. Not a bad plan +originally—something of a criminal genius that fellow Neale—but he +failed to count on the fact that I was very much alive, and fully +capable of attending to my own affairs. By the way, what part did the +girl play in this little conspiracy? Merely a friend of yours, who +came along for company?" +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly not," I replied indignantly. "Have you seen her?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not yet; I preferred coming to an understanding with you first." +</P> + +<P> +"A condition you may not find as easy as you anticipate," I retorted, +angered at his cool insolence. "If you are Philip Henley, then the +lady you are holding prisoner is your wife." +</P> + +<P> +He laughed, leaning back again in his chair. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, hardly. I rather surmised that was the idea from a sentence or +two, in these instructions," and he touched a bundle of papers on the +desk. "Careless way to carry such evidence around—shows the amateur. +Thought it would add to the appeal to justice for Henley to have a +wife, I presume. Why not a child also? Permit me to state, my dear +sir, that I possess no such encumbrance." +</P> + +<P> +"It happens," I contended coldly, "that I have seen the marriage +certificate." +</P> + +<P> +He sat up stiffly, the sarcastic grin leaving his face, and replaced by +an expression of vindictiveness. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, you have! As much a forgery as some of these other precious +documents. You will certainly grant that I ought to know whether I am +married or not?" +</P> + +<P> +"I made no assertion relative to that." +</P> + +<P> +"What did you assert?" +</P> + +<P> +"That Philip Henley was married, and that his wife—or widow, as the +case may be—is the lady who accompanied me to Carrollton." +</P> + +<P> +He leaned forward, both arms on the desk, his black eyes narrowed into +mere slits. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, I see," finally. "Driven out of one position, like a good +general, you have another in reserve. You are more of an antagonist +than I had supposed, Craig. So now it is the widow who claims the +ducats. Am I also to understand that you are prepared to submit proof +of the death of Philip Henley? By the saints; I am becoming +interested." +</P> + +<P> +"Naturally, if you claim to be the man. I have not said he was dead, +for I do not know. I came down here believing him alive. His wife is +almost convinced otherwise. All I am actually certain about now is +that you are not the man." +</P> + +<P> +"You are extremely free-spoken for a fellow in your condition. You +will at least confess that I am master on board this ship; that my word +here is law, and you are in my power." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes." +</P> + +<P> +"Then why expose yourself, and that young woman, to unnecessary danger? +To be frank, Craig, I sent for you just now in a friendly spirit. You +can be decidedly useful to me, and I can afford to pay well for +services rendered. Now wait! don't break in until I am through. I +know who you are, and how you originally became involved in this +affair. You have no personal interest in the final outcome, so you +receive the amount promised. You are a mere soldier of fortune, an +adventurer. Good! Then it is certainly to your interest to be on the +winning side. What did Neale, and that other fellow—Vail—offer?" +</P> + +<P> +I sat looking at him steadily for a moment. That he was a shrewd, +scheming villain I had no doubt, but the one question which controlled +my answer was the thought of how I could best serve her. If I followed +my inclination, told him frankly that I had already deserted my +allegiance to those men in the North, and only remained loyal to the +woman, the confession would possibly react upon us both. We would be +held prisoners indefinitely. If, on the other hand, I appeared to +hesitate, a way of service might be opened before me, and, with it, a +path to freedom, for us both. The decision had to be made quickly. +</P> + +<P> +"Never mind the sum," I said soberly. "I am not altogether mercenary, +although I need money. I 'll say this, however, and you can take it +for what it may be worth. I originally came into this game believing I +was doing a kindness to a helpless man who was being defrauded of his +rights. There is no necessity of my going into details, but Neale told +me an apparently straight story, and convinced me my part was a mere +form. Later I learned different, and promptly quit. I have n't sent +in a line of report to my employers." +</P> + +<P> +"What convinced you of the fraud?" +</P> + +<P> +"A conversation with Mrs. Henley." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, the woman, hey!" his tone again sarcastic. "Always the woman; +more to be valued than great riches, aye! even than fine gold. Good +Lord, Craig, don't be a wooden-headed fool. I tell you plainly Philip +Henley was never married, and I know. This girl is a mere adventuress +unworthy of any consideration." +</P> + +<P> +"You claim still to be Henley?" I asked, stifling my indignation. +</P> + +<P> +"Not only claim, but am. My identity is already firmly established in +court. Lawyers have the final papers ready to file." +</P> + +<P> +"You do not in any way resemble the photograph shown me of the man." +</P> + +<P> +"A fake picture; we have known something of Neale's plans from the +first." +</P> + +<P> +The man was apparently so confident, that I began to doubt my own +conclusions, and yet I could not doubt her. Whatever other falsehoods +might compass me about, she was to be implicitly trusted. +</P> + +<P> +"Is the woman on board?" I questioned. +</P> + +<P> +He hesitated just an instant. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes." +</P> + +<P> +"Will you have her brought here?" +</P> + +<P> +He walked across the cabin twice, turning the proposition over in his +mind. Apparently concluding that the ordeal might as well be over with +first as last, he opened the door, and gave an order to Peters. Then +he returned to his seat at the desk. +</P> + +<P> +"This is all silly enough, Craig, but I might as well convince you both +now, as later, that I hold the cards. The lady may try a bluff, if she +is that kind, but it will be soon over." +</P> + +<P> +We waited silently, and I endeavored swiftly to formulate a +satisfactory course of action. In spite of all my faith in her—which +could never waver—it was clearly evident this fellow had us helpless +in his grasp. If I was to become free to act it could only be by +yielding to his expressed desires, and apparently accepting his claims. +That this would separate me for the time from Mrs. Henley, alienate her +friendship, was a certainty. Yet I must risk all this even to be of +real service. The end would justify the means. We were confronted by +no common scoundrel, and here was a case where fire could only be +fought with flame. I did not for an instant believe he was Philip +Henley, yet he was apparently fortified with strong evidence to sustain +that claim. The very fact that he so strenuously denied that Philip +was married, convinced me he was an impostor, that he had never even +heard of this secret wedding. Probably the Judge had not mentioned it +while living, nor written any memoranda concerning it. Yet Neale knew, +and there could be no question as to the truth of the matter. In view +of all I decided openly to cast my fortunes with the man, and appear +angry at the deceit with which she had ensnared me. I dreaded the +result, the expression my apparent desertion would bring to her face, +but this seemed the only was possible for me to unmask the fellow. He +had clearly enough catalogued me in his own class, as one who would +serve any master for sufficient reward. Very well, let him so continue +to think, until I could turn the tables, and pay him back in his own +coin. And the quickest way in which to convince him that I was +altogether his man, was to denounce the girl in his presence, and +frankly avow myself on his side. Difficult as this task would +prove—at least until I could make some explanation to her—it was the +sensible course to pursue. I hardened myself to it, my eyes on the +outlines of the man's face, as he shuffled the papers on his desk. +</P> + +<P> +"Do you mind telling me where this vessel is bound?" I asked, not only +curious to learn, but also anxious to break the silence. +</P> + +<P> +"No objections whatever, Craig, if I knew myself," he answered +carelessly. "The <I>Sea Gull</I> being my property sails on my orders, and, +at present, those orders are merely to put out to sea." +</P> + +<P> +"You spoke of leaving the lady ashore at New Orleans." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, back at the house? You overheard that? Well, I am not above +changing my mind in such matters. From what you have just told me I +infer the young woman is more dangerous than I had supposed. Perhaps +some foreign port would be the safer landing place. I shall determine +that after our coming interview. This will be the lady now." +</P> + +<P> +We both arose to our feet as she entered, glancing about her curiously +at the rather strange surroundings, then stopping irresolutely, +apparently recognizing neither of us. The light from the hanging lamp, +waving somewhat from the movement of the vessel, served to soften the +lines of her face, and reveal the delicate beauty. About her were no +signs of fatigue or fear. Suddenly the light of recognition leaped +into her eyes, and she took a quick step forward. +</P> + +<P> +"Mr. Craig—you here? Why, I can hardly understand. Were you made +prisoner also?" +</P> + +<P> +"I suppose that to be my status, although I hardly know," I answered, +yet unable to refrain from accepting the extended hand. "I was +certainly brought aboard in chains, and much against my will. I +presume you know this person?" +</P> + +<P> +She swept my face with a swift, questioning glance, and then looked +beyond me at the man standing beside the desk. +</P> + +<P> +"No, I do not," slowly. "I have no remembrance of ever seeing him +before." +</P> + +<P> +"Is that not rather strange," I asked, steeling myself to the task, +"after asserting that he was your husband? He is the owner of this +vessel—Philip Henley." +</P> + +<P> +She reached out gropingly, and grasped the back of a chair, staring at +his face, and then glancing into mine, as though bewildered, suspecting +some trick. I could see her lips move, as if she endeavored to speak, +but could not articulate the words. Henley—-for I must call him +that—advanced a step toward us, his thin lips fashioning themselves +into an ironic smile. +</P> + +<P> +"You receive this information about as I supposed you would, Madam," he +said coldly. "I was doubtless the very last person you expected to +encounter. Your accomplice here informs me that I am supposed to be +dead. I am inclined to think you were both mistaken—but not more so +than in regard to my marriage." +</P> + +<P> +She straightened up, her eyes shining. +</P> + +<P> +"You are not Philip Henley," she said firmly. "He is my husband." +</P> + +<P> +The smile widened, revealing the cruel white teeth. +</P> + +<P> +"I expected heroics. It was hardly to be supposed that you would +confess your fraud at once, and—before your lover." +</P> + +<P> +She shrank back, her hands still extended. +</P> + +<P> +"My—my lover—" +</P> + +<P> +"Now stop!" I broke in, every nerve tingling, as I stepped between +them. "Another insinuation like that, and you will learn what I can +do. You may be captain of this boat, but you are alone with us now, +and I can kill you before you could utter a cry. So help me God, I +will, if you dare insult her again." +</P> + +<P> +He reeled back against the desk, although I do not think I touched him, +and his hand sought an open drawer. I knew him instantly for a coward, +and gripped his wrist, hurling him from me half across the room. +</P> + +<P> +"I 'll stand here, and you over there. I prefer dealing with your kind +with bare hands. Now if you have any reply to make to this lady's +assertions put it in decent language." +</P> + +<P> +He gasped a bit, rubbing his bruised wrist, his eyes shifting to the +closed door as though contemplating an alarm. But I stood where I +could block any effort, and I doubt if he liked the expression on my +face. +</P> + +<A NAME="img-222"></A> +<CENTER> +<IMG SRC="images/img-222.jpg" ALT="He gasped a bit, rubbing his bruised wrist." BORDER="2" WIDTH="539" HEIGHT="461"> +<H4> +[Illustration: He gasped a bit, rubbing his bruised wrist.] +</H4> +</CENTER> + +<P> +"There is no use going off at half cock, Craig," he snarled. "I did +n't mean any insult. And I 'll get you for that some time. You 'll +learn yet what the <I>Sea Gull</I> is." +</P> + +<P> +"No doubt," I coincided, tired of his threats, and awakened to the fact +that this quarrel was not likely to help our chances. "But for a few +minutes it will be worth your while to listen to me. I am not +defending this woman from anything but unnecessary insults. If she has +deceived me I want to find it out. If you are Philip Henley, as you +claim to be, you must have evidence to prove it. Convince me that her +assertions are false, and you will not find me unreasonable." +</P> + +<P> +"Gordon Craig, do you mean—" +</P> + +<P> +I turned to her, steeling myself to look into her appealing eyes. +</P> + +<P> +"I have been honest with you from the beginning," I Interrupted +abruptly. "Now, if I discover that your statements are false, the +inducements are all the other way. I am a soldier of fortune." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap23"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXIII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +THE SECRET OF THE VOYAGE +</H3> + + +<P> +Henley laughed, the sound grating harshly on my nerves, yet I made no +movement of protest as he stepped silently back to his desk. I was no +longer afraid of the fellow, even although he might have a weapon +concealed in one of the drawers, for I knew I had drawn his fangs. +This open avowal on my part was sufficient to convince one of his +stripe that I was concerned only with my own interests. Whatever +suspicion he may have previously entertained regarding my relations +with the lady were now thoroughly evaporated. Assured in his own mind +that Philip had never been married, he was now easily convinced that I +had merely associated myself with a girl from the streets, whom I was +only too glad to desert upon any plausible excuse. His words confirmed +my judgment. +</P> + +<P> +"Well said, my man. Now we begin to understand each other. Of course +I have the proofs. I would be a fool to sit in such a game without a +winning hand. Sit down, both of you, while we talk this over. There +is no reason why the three of us should not be friends, providing you +are sensible." +</P> + +<P> +She had never removed her gaze from me, standing white-faced and rigid, +as though unable to fully comprehend. I doubt if she heard, to +distinguish, a syllable he spoke, her every thought centered on my +renunciation. +</P> + +<P> +"But—but I am his wife," she panted indignantly. "Philip Henley's +wife. I—I showed you our certificate." +</P> + +<P> +"A fake, a forgery," asserted the other roughly, before I could find +voice. "You had it framed up all right, if you had never run across +me. Show me the paper." +</P> + +<P> +"I cannot, for it is not here. I placed it in my valise back at that +house." She stepped forward with hands held out toward me. "But you +know—Gordon Craig, you know. I could not have forged that; I had not +time; no information which would have led to such an act. You tell him +so." +</P> + +<P> +"I hardly think he will, Madam," returned the Captain shortly, +evidently feeling it better not to let me speak. "And there is no use +going on with this any farther. Answer me a question or two, that is +all. Did n't Craig tell you why he was coming down here?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," the single word scarcely audible. +</P> + +<P> +"He explained to you in detail what was expected of him?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes." +</P> + +<P> +"Some hours before you left, was n't it?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes." +</P> + +<P> +"Then you had sufficient time, and knowledge to complete your plans. +When did you first tell Craig you were Philip Henley's wife?" +</P> + +<P> +I clinched my hands at the bewildered embarrassment in her eyes, at the +sneer in the voice of the questioner, yet held myself silent. +</P> + +<P> +"It was after we came here; when I was frightened, and felt that I must +confess the truth. I—I had begun to trust him." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, indeed, and you failed to tell him at first because you did not +trust him." +</P> + +<P> +"Partially that—yes. Although I do not think the name Henley was even +mentioned during our first interview. I am sure I did not realize it +was my husband's father who was dead until later." +</P> + +<P> +"Exactly; you picked up a strange man on the street; agreed to go off +on a criminal mission with him, and now expect us to believe you +perfectly innocent of any wrong intent." +</P> + +<P> +"That will be enough," I interrupted, unable to remain quiet any +longer. "The motives of the woman, and how we chanced to meet, are no +concern of yours. If you are Philip Henley, prove it, and let it go at +that. I have told you plainly enough where I stand." +</P> + +<P> +He gazed with black eyes narrowed into slits at the two of us, too +pleased with himself to doubt his success. The sarcastic smile curling +his lips caused me to swear under my breath, but I had gone too far now +to retreat. +</P> + +<P> +"Just as you say, Craig," affecting an easy good nature. "That is +perfectly agreeable to me. However, as it makes no difference what the +late Mrs. Henley thinks, we will dismiss her from the case, and settle +the affair quietly between ourselves. I 've got a proposition which +will interest you." He touched a button, and I heard the sharp tingle +of a bell outside. Almost instantly the door in the cabin opened. +"That you, Peters? Conduct the woman back to her stateroom, lock the +door, and bring me the key." +</P> + +<P> +He bent forward, searching for something in a pigeonhole to his right, +and I caught her eyes, touching my lips with my fingers to signal +silence, while an inclination of the head told her to go without +resistance. The swift change of expression on her face proved her +instant comprehension, as, without uttering a word of protest, she +turned, and disappeared. Henley never glanced up from his work of +selecting papers from a bundle under his hands, nor did I move, until +after Peters returned with the key. Henley dropped it into his pocket. +</P> + +<P> +"That will be all," he said; "you can go." +</P> + +<P> +"You mean I am off duty, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly; you understand English, don't you? There will be no more +guard work tonight." +</P> + +<P> +As the door closed again behind Peters the fellow rose to his feet, and +held out his hand. "You are the kind I like, Craig," he said +cordially. "At first I had my doubts about you, and no doubt have been +harsh. To be perfectly honest I thought you would be all right under +ordinary circumstances, but was afraid the girl had a sentimental hold +on you which would make you difficult to handle. Lord, she thought so +too. Did you see her face when you first sided in with me? She wilted +completely. Well, that will make the rest easy. Sit down again, and I +will explain what I want you for." +</P> + +<P> +I accepted the chair indicated, but was not yet altogether ready to +hear his proposition. +</P> + +<P> +"Just a moment," I said firmly. "I may be the man you want, and all +that, but I have got to be convinced first that I am not making another +mistake. I came down here originally believing myself an agent of +justice, only to discover I had been duped. This time I insist on the +truth. I may be a soldier of fortune, but I prefer choosing the side +on which I fight." +</P> + +<P> +"You mean you wish to assure yourself I have the right of it," he asked +smilingly, "before you enlist? There is nothing unreasonable to that. +Unfortunately, however," and he picked up the papers from the desk, "I +can only furnish you corroborative proofs now. Still, I think these +will be convincing. The legal papers, which absolutely establish my +identity as Philip Henley, are in the hands of lawyers, who represent +me at Carrollton. The case will not come up for adjudication for +several weeks yet," speaking slowly, and with careful choice of words, +"but my contention as heir to the property is thoroughly established. +It had to be, for as you know the Judge's son had been away from this +neighborhood for years, practically ever since boyhood. He was almost +unknown to the local inhabitants, even to the servants. He was even +reported as being dead. This state of affairs made identification the +most important thing to be considered. Consequently all documents +bearing directly on that point are, at present, out of my reach. You +understand?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes; only you must have retained something to substantiate your word." +</P> + +<P> +"Precisely. I was coming to that. I have letters from my father which +should be sufficient. You have seen Judge Henley's writing?" and he +handed me a half dozen missives. They were without envelopes, each +beginning simply, "My Dear Son," relating principally to local +conditions on the plantation, and occasionally expressing a desire for +the wanderer to return, and assume the burden of management. Instead +of names, initials were employed to designate individuals referred to, +and it was evident the recipient had been addressed at various places. +That they were in the crabbed and peculiar handwriting of the old Judge +was beyond all question, and the dates covered several years. I read +them through carefully, puzzled by their contents. +</P> + +<P> +"There are no envelopes?" +</P> + +<P> +"No; I never keep them—why?" +</P> + +<P> +"Only that no name is mentioned; they begin all alike, 'My Dear Son.'" +</P> + +<P> +"I never thought of that," he, admitted, simulating surprise, "but can +supplement by showing you this picture, taken three years ago at +Mobile. Of course you will recognize myself, but may never have seen a +photograph of Judge Henley." +</P> + +<P> +"I never have." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, that is his likeness, and there are those on board who will +identify it. Does this satisfy you that I am what I claim to be?" +</P> + +<P> +In truth it did not, for I would have believed nothing in opposition to +the positive statement of the woman that he was not Philip Henley. Her +simple assertion weighed more with me than any proofs he might submit. +Yet his coolness of demeanor, and the tone of the letters, evidently +written in confidence from father to son, were unanswerable. Under +other conditions—divorced from what I knew—they would be conclusive. +Now I could only wonder at them, groping blindly for some solution. +Were they really addressed to him, or had he stolen them? If the +latter, then how had he succeeded in getting his picture on the same +plate with Judge Henley's? And what were those other more important +documents on which he rested his claim? These considerations flashed +through my mind, yet I was sufficiently aroused to answer quickly, +aware that even the slightest hesitancy might awaken suspicion. +</P> + +<P> +"It would seem to be unanswerable," I replied, replacing letters and +photograph on the desk. "What hurts my pride is to have been made such +a fool of." +</P> + +<P> +"That's nothing, Craig; we have all had that experience. You merely +fell into the clutches of some shrewd men, and a designing woman. +Fortunately you have discovered the truth before any great harm has +been done, and I stand ready to give you a chance now on the winning +side. I would rather have you with me than opposed, and there will be +more money in it for us both. What do you say?" +</P> + +<P> +"I should prefer to know more about your proposition." +</P> + +<P> +"It has nothing whatever to do with the Henley matter," he exclaimed, +leaning back in his chair, and surveying me shrewdly through his dark +eyes. "That is practically settled already, so you will not be further +involved with the girl." +</P> + +<P> +"You would oblige me by leaving her name out of the discussion then," I +interposed coldly. "Even her presence on board is distasteful under +the circumstances." +</P> + +<P> +He chuckled, well satisfied with his diplomacy. +</P> + +<P> +"I understand that; however, we cannot obliterate her entirely. Pretty +enough to be useful too, I imagine, if she can ever be brought to view +this affair from the right angle. Could n't you be induced to attempt +a little, missionary work? Love-making at sea is said to be especially +pleasant." +</P> + +<P> +I shook my head, gazing directly into his eyes, barely able to keep +from throttling him. +</P> + +<P> +"Drop it," I said sternly. "The girl is to be left alone if I have any +part in your scheme. Now I want to know what is expected of me; may I +ask questions?" +</P> + +<P> +He lit another cigarette, calmly indifferent to all outward appearance. +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly—fire away." +</P> + +<P> +"Where are we bound?" +</P> + +<P> +"Spanish Honduras," lazily, but spreading out a map, and tapping it +with his finger. "Perto Cortez, if we can make that port safely; if +not then somewhere along the coast between there and Trupillo. There +will be signals." +</P> + +<P> +I leaned forward, startled out of my self-restraint. "Honduras! Good +Lord! what are you—a filibuster?" +</P> + +<P> +"Hardly," with a short laugh. "That is too dangerous a job, and not +money enough in it. I prefer to do my revoluting through others, and +cop the swag. That is the safe end of the game. It happens to be +Honduras just now; I have been equally interested in other downtrodden +countries. In truth, friend, I am a patriot for revenue only." +</P> + +<P> +"You mean you furnish arms?" +</P> + +<P> +"For a suitable consideration—yes. In strict confidence I will state +that securely packed away in the hold of the <I>Sea Gull</I>—largely in +boxes labeled machinery—are twenty thousand rifles, six rapid-fire +guns, and a sufficiency of ammunition for a small army. Once safely +landed the profits of the voyage will total one hundred and fifty +thousand dollars, gold. A rather tidy sum, hey?" +</P> + +<P> +I grasped the idea swiftly enough, and it cleared up some of the shadow +of mystery. But the situation was rendered no more pleasant for us. +</P> + +<P> +"Then you are not sailing for New Orleans?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not until my hold is empty. We cleared from there, light, three weeks +ago." +</P> + +<P> +"You mean to retain the lady on board?" +</P> + +<P> +"Unless she prefers to jump overboard." +</P> + +<P> +"And what have I to do with all this? You said you had use for +me—what use?" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap24"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXIV +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +I JOIN THE SEA GULL +</H3> + + +<P> +I can see the fellow still, as he sat there smiling, his teeth revealed +under his mustache, his eyes filled with cunning. +</P> + +<P> +"You! why you chance to be the very sort of man I need. The devil +could not have sent me a better," he said, with some enthusiasm. "You +are an American soldier, the best-drilled men in the world for +irregular service. You can understand that the longer I can keep those +fellows down there fighting, the more I will sell. Good! that is part +of my business. And the better they are drilled, the longer they will +keep it up. That is what I want you for—to help make that mob of rags +into an army. By God! you can do it, and I am willing to pay the +price." +</P> + +<P> +I got up, and walked across the cabin, apparently struggling with +temptation, arguing the matter over with myself. In very truth, +however, there was little choice. Either I must coincide with his +desire, or be thrust helplessly back into my old quarters, under guard. +There was no mercy, no weakness, behind the smile with which he watched +me. The man was a tiger who would kill me with as little remorse as he +would brush a mosquito from his cheek. If I yielded, if I exhibited a +willingness to fit into his plans, well and good. But if I decided +otherwise the jaws of the trap would close. I did not care so much for +myself—it would be a pleasure to defy him—but the memory of the girl +was vivid. What would happen to her, alone on this lawless ship, +surrounded by the gang of wolves with which it was manned? The thought +sickened me. Even already I had imagined a gleam of lust in the eyes +of the fellow when he glanced covertly at her, and distrusted him as I +would a snake. And he was owner and captain, his word on board the +supreme law, even unto death. There was nothing left me but to agree +to his proposition, and thus purchase freedom. Yet I must not appear +too eager. +</P> + +<P> +"I perceive your point," I said at last, facing him. "But what is +there in it for me?" +</P> + +<P> +"A good round sum," he replied. "More than you ever made before, I +warrant, not excepting the promises made you in this Henley will case. +We 'll talk the details over later." +</P> + +<P> +"Who is responsible for my pay?" +</P> + +<P> +"See here, Craig, the case stands like this. The revolutionists down +there asked me to find them a competent drill-master, and they will pay +royally. They 've got the money, too, scads of it. There will be no +trouble on that score. Besides, I need a reliable man ashore to look +after shipments. We have to land our goods in a hurry, you understand, +at night, without checking up. I can afford to hand you something +pretty nice on the side to assure myself a square deal. I had a fellow +picked out for the berth—a retired German officer—-but he failed to +show up when we sailed. Now I have run across you I am damned glad he +did. You are more the style of man I want. Come, now, I don't believe +you can afford to turn this offer down." +</P> + +<P> +"It looks good," I confessed, but still hesitating. "Only I shall have +to have it in writing, and more in detail." +</P> + +<P> +"We'll talk that over in the morning; it's late now. Take the third +stateroom starboard: it's all ready for you." +</P> + +<P> +"Then I am no longer to consider myself a prisoner onboard?" +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly not. Practically you are one of us." +</P> + +<P> +"And I have the freedom of the deck?" +</P> + +<P> +He smiled grimly, gazing intently at me. +</P> + +<P> +"That is safe enough, I reckon, even if I questioned your interest in +this adventure. There must be ten miles of water already between us +and the coast. There are no limits on your liberty, but I would n't +advise your going forward at present—not until the men understand the +situation—they 're a hard lot." +</P> + +<P> +"Revolutionists?" +</P> + +<P> +"Hell, no; plain New Orleans wharf rats, the scouring of the Seven +Seas." +</P> + +<P> +"Who is first mate—the German?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, Herman, a fine sailor; was with the Hamburg people until he had a +wreck. The Creole Broussard is second, and the two of them together +could tame a cargo of wild-cats. Is that all, Craig?" +</P> + +<P> +"All at present." +</P> + +<P> +"Good night then; think this over, and we 'll have another talk +tomorrow. The third starboard stateroom is yours." +</P> + +<P> +I took his hand, feeling the sinewy grip of his lean, brown fingers, +and turned to the door, cursing myself under my breath for a weakling, +and yet utterly unable to perceive how I could choose otherwise. The +single lamp in the main cabin was turned low, only faintly illuminating +the interior. In the quiet I could feel the movement of the vessel, +and realized there was some sea on, although the engines were being +operated only at half speed. This seemed odd, if speed was desirable, +as I supposed it must be on a voyage of this nature. However that was +none of my affair, and, heaven knows, I had enough to consider in my +own situation. I was not in the least sleepy, and sank down in the +first chair to think, my eyes on the Captain's door. But I was not +disturbed. If this was my case exclusively I doubt if it would have +greatly worried me. Indeed, I might have rejoiced over the outlook, +welcoming the excitement, and rough experience promised in a new land. +I possessed the adventurous spirit, and the position offered had its +appeal. But the girl stood directly in the way. What Henley meant to +do with her was problematical—I had not thought to ask—but he either +intended putting her ashore in Honduras, or else holding her prisoner +on board until the <I>Sea Gull</I> returned North. Either contingency was +bad enough, and the suspicion flashed suddenly across me that the final +decision would depend on how kindly she might receive the attentions of +the Captain. Nor did I question the result. I had not known the lady +long, but, in that brief time, our relations had been sufficiently +intimate to yield me a good insight into her womanly character. There +would be no yielding, no compromise. Neither threats nor promises +would change her attitude in the least. Not only did she know the +fellow to be a lying knave, but he was not of the sort to ever +influence her in the slightest degree. I could imagine how she would +look at him, with those searching eyes burning in indignation, and her +instant squelching of his first protestations. There would be no need +of my help to repel the insults of such a beast. But afterwards there +would, for I realized also what he would become after such a repulse—a +cold, sneering Nemesis, revengeful, ready to crush even a woman +remorselessly. And he possessed the power, the means to make that +revenge complete. I felt my teeth lock, my hands clinch in sudden +anger. Perhaps I could accomplish little in her defense, but I +intended to be free to do that little. Whatever fate might be in store +for us, that sneering, olive-hued devil should receive his deserts if +ever he attempted wrong to her. That had become the one purpose of my +heart, for I realized here skulked the real danger, the deeper peril of +our situation. +</P> + +<P> +I may have remained there for a quarter of an hour, motionless, +thinking over every incident, and reviewing carefully, and in detail, +the various happenings which had led to our present condition. The +only result was to enlist me yet more strongly to her service. +Believing her statement I could see nothing in her conduct to +criticize, and she appealed to me in all womanhood. I would be a +dastard to doubt, or desert, her cause now, and the warm blood throbbed +in my veins responsive to the memory of what had already been between +us. No one disturbed me, the Captain was still in his stateroom, +where, once or twice, I imagined I heard him pacing the floor. The +steward had apparently retired for the night, although it was not late, +as a glance at my watch proved. My eyes traced the doors on either +side, ten altogether, each plainly numbered, and I opened the one +assigned to me, and glanced within. Except that it was more +commodious, and contained a washstand at one corner, it did not differ +greatly from the other forward where I had been held prisoner. +</P> + +<P> +I wondered which of these others might be hers, and passed silently +from door to door, vaguely hoping for some sign of guidance. They were +all tightly closed, and I dare not try the locks, as I was certain one, +at least, of the under officers would be sleeping below. My round had +brought me to the second door on the port side when, in the dim light, +I perceived something lying at my feet, and stooped down to better +determine its character. It was the end of a very narrow light blue +ribbon, apparently caught beneath the door. Assured that she was the +only one of her sex aboard, I drew the strip forth, fondled it, +imagined I had seen it before, struggling with a desire to make myself +known. The door before which I hesitated was numbered "5." Whether by +accident, or design, she had left the one clew I most needed. Indeed, +at the moment, I believed the ribbon had been purposely dropped. That +last meeting of our eyes had reassured her of my loyalty; with the +quick intuition of a woman she had comprehended the truth, and this +ribbon, apparently carelessly dropped, was for my guidance. I thrust +it into my pocket, but the soft touch of the silk seemed to bring back +to me a sense of caution. I knew the door was locked, and assured +myself there was no space beneath. If I was to communicate with her, +other means must be employed. What? This was the second stateroom on +the port side. Judging from my own, the width of each room would be +about six feet. There ought to be no difficulty in locating her +porthole from the deck above, nor in attracting her attention. +</P> + +<P> +The one thing I desired now was to reëstablish myself fully in her +confidence, assure her I was at liberty on board, able and willing to +be of service. This necessity overshadowed all else. If I could +discover means of communication we could plan hopefully, assured of +cooperation. And this seemed possible, the way to its accomplishment +open. Shadowed from observation by the thick butt of the after-mast, I +wrote a few lines hastily on the back of an envelope, thrust it into my +pocket, and ventured up the companion stairs. Reaching the top, and +stealing to one side out of the dim range light, I took hasty survey of +the deck. It was a dark night, although a few stars were visible, and +the <I>Sea Gull</I> was steaming slowly through a fairly rough sea, pounding +against her port quarter. Little twinkles of light were visible off +the port side, so numerous as to make me suspicion land, while a narrow +strip of moon, barely exposed beneath an edge of cloud, convinced me +our course was almost directly east. This was strange if the boat's +destination was Spanish Honduras, and the Captain was, as he contended, +desirous of making a swift passage. I recall this flash of thought, +yet my attention almost instantly reverted elsewhere. The closer we +hugged the shore the greater the opportunity for escape, the more vital +the necessity of immediately establishing communication with the fair +prisoner below. +</P> + +<P> +A glance sufficed to convince that I was alone, and unobserved. The +deck was unobstructed aft, except for a small boat swung to davits +astern, and the cabin transoms. These last were elevated some three +feet, but considerable space separated from the rail. I slipped into +this opening on the port side, crouching in the dense shadow, until +again assured I was alone. My position afforded as good a view forward +as the darkness would permit, and likewise enabled me to see into the +dimly lit cabin below. The fact that Henley—for whatever his name +might be, this was the one to which he laid claim—had not left his +stateroom, or made any effort to observe my movements, was a decided +encouragement. Beyond all question he believed me safely in his grasp, +and his promise of liberty on board was being substantiated. I was not +to be watched, or spied upon. For the first time I began to feel a +true sense of freedom. +</P> + +<P> +The deck forward of the main mast was too dark for observation, +although I was certain of a group of men gathered in the waist to +leeward. Occasionally the sound of a voice was blown back, and I could +perceive the dull, red glow of a pipe or two. The main body of the +watch these would be, and even as I stared at the lumping shadow, a +command was roared from the bridge, and two shapeless figures detached +themselves from the mass, and ran forward. The bridge itself was +partially outlined against the lighter sky, giving me a vague glimpse +of two figures, one standing motionless, as though gripping the rail, +and peering straight ahead into the smother, the other striding back +and forth. The last appeared a huge shadow, his coat flapping in the +wind, and I knew he must be the German first mate, Herman. +</P> + +<P> +Satisfied on these points, and with a glance below at the unoccupied +cabin, I stepped back and paced off the distance, until convinced that +I had safely located where the porthole of number "5" should be. I +leaned over, seeking to trace its outline by some reflection of light +from within, but the receding side of the vessel baffled me. Yet, +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap25"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXV +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +THE FREEDOM OF THE DECK +</H3> + + +<P> +The flag locker was astern, and standing on it I could feel inside the +boat swung to the davits. It was a small, light boat, fashioned like a +cutter, a good sea-going craft for its size. Two oars and a short mast +together with a roll of canvas were stowed on top the thwarts, and +secured by lashings. I cut one of these, and drew forth about three +fathoms of line, sufficiently pliable for my purpose. The severed end +of cord I thrust down out of sight, where it would escape any +superficial examination. Anxious as I was to carry out my plans +rapidly I could not refrain from passing my hands over the boat, +impressed by its lightness and sea-going qualities, and inspired by the +thought it might eventually aid in our escape. It hung ready for +launching, the falls easily unhooked, and two pair of hands would be +sufficient to lower it into the water. There was a locker forward I +was unable to reach, but two water kegs, filled, were strapped under +the stern sheets, leading me to believe the craft was fully equipped +for immediate service. My mind filled with a daring hope by this +discovery, I fastened the note to the end of the cord, weighted it with +a bunch of keys, and crept back to where I had marked the rail. Inch +by inch I payed out the line, leaning well over. At last my ears +detected the dangling of the metallic keys against glass, and, by +manipulating the rope, managed to make them sound with clear +insistence. I repeated the effort several times before there was any +response. Then the port seemed to be opened cautiously, although no +gleam of light shot forth. She had evidently extinguished her lamp +before venturing to answer the signal, but I felt her grasp on the +cord. Then it was left dangling against the closed port, leaving me to +infer that she was reading the hasty note. +</P> + +<P> +I must have hung there gazing down into the black shadows for two or +three minutes, before my line was again hauled taut, but, as I +straightened up, prepared to haul up the returning message, I saw the +shadow of a man passing across the cabin below. He was already at the +foot of the companion stairs; in another minute would be on deck. +There was no time to do otherwise, and I released my grasp of the rope, +letting it drop silently into the water. I had barely turned my back +to the rail when Henley emerged within six feet of me. For an instant +his gaze was forward, and then, as his eyes accustomed themselves to +the darkness, he turned slightly and perceived me, peering at me in +uncertainty. +</P> + +<P> +"Who is this? Oh, you, Craig," he questioned sharply. "Not asleep +yet?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not even drowsy," I said, pretending an ease I was far from feeling. +"The crack on my head yesterday pains considerable, and besides I +wanted to think over your proposition a bit." +</P> + +<P> +"You must have the skull of an elephant, or a negro, to have any head +at all," he agreed, apparently satisfied. "But I would advise sleep +nevertheless. You think favorably of my plan, I hope." +</P> + +<P> +"I see no reason to refuse, if the pay is all right." +</P> + +<P> +"It will be; trust me for that. A beautiful night this—the air as +soft as June. I was about to turn in, but decided to take a whiff on +deck first." +</P> + +<P> +"Rather a captain's duty, is it not?" +</P> + +<P> +"I believe so, in regular service, but this is decidedly irregular. +The fact is, that while I am the owner of this vessel, and technically +in command, I am no navigator. I merely give my general orders, and +trust the seamanship to Herman. He is perfectly trustworthy and +capable, and I never interfere. The last voyage I doubt if I was on +deck twice, although, of course," he added soberly, "my word goes if I +should care to exercise authority." +</P> + +<P> +I remained silent, staring out across the water, endeavoring to +reconcile his statements, and wondering what message it was I had +dropped into the deep. +</P> + +<P> +"What are those lights off yonder?" I asked, at length, pointing. +</P> + +<P> +"Shore lights." +</P> + +<P> +"Then we are steering east?" +</P> + +<P> +"A bit south of east, yes; odd course for Honduras, you think?" +</P> + +<P> +I nodded, willing enough to let him talk. +</P> + +<P> +"We are playing the game safe, Craig; that's all," he explained, both +hands gripping the rail. "You see we cleared for Santiago, and are not +anxious to be seen and reported by any west-bound ships. We are +keeping well to the north of their course now, and tomorrow will be +hidden among the islands off the west Florida coast. Then, as soon as +it is dark, we will shoot out under full steam, into the Gulf. The +chances are we 'll cross the lane unobserved; if we should intercept a +liner, she won't identify us in the dark, as we burn no lights. By +daylight we 'll be well beyond their look-outs, and can steer a +straight course." +</P> + +<P> +Vague as my memory was regarding the Gulf and its surrounding coast +line, this explanation seemed reasonable enough, and I remained silent, +gazing off across the water. He did not speak again, yet the very +proximity of the man irritated me, my dislike and distrust of him so +deep rooted that I could scarcely bear his near presence. I wanted to +be alone, where I could think out some feasible scheme of escape. +</P> + +<P> +"I have had enough for tonight," I said finally, "and am going to turn +in." +</P> + +<P> +"Best thing you can do," he coincided, but without looking toward me. +"Will follow suit as soon as I smoke a cigarette. See you tomorrow." +</P> + +<P> +I went down the companion stairs directly to my stateroom, not even +glancing aside, feeling confident that he would be watching me from +above. I had every reason to believe I had won his confidence, that he +counted me as already among those he controlled and commanded, yet he +was not a man who would ever rise above suspicion, and his trust would +always be limited. Without lighting a lamp I lay down, still partially +dressed, on my bunk, my mind busily occupied with desperate plans, none +of them satisfactory. We would not be far from land, according to his +statement, until late the following night. The small boat hanging +astern was fully capable of transporting the two of us safely, and I +was sufficiently acquainted with such a craft to feel no doubt of my +ability to navigate it if once afloat. But unless Mrs. Henley was also +given her freedom on board, I could perceive no means of reaching her. +With her stateroom key hidden in the Captain's pocket, any plan I might +formulate was useless. Nor was it at all probable she would be +released until we were well at sea. Baffled by these conditions I +tossed and turned for an hour, hearing Henley return to his cabin, and +marking a swifter pulsation of the engines. Finally worn out mentally, +as well as physically, I fell asleep. +</P> + +<P> +When I awoke the sun was shining through the glass of my porthole, and +glancing forth I caught the dazzle of the water. The vessel was +motionless, apparently riding at anchor, the sea barely rippled by a +gentle breeze. Refreshed by sleep and more eager than ever to be in +action, I dressed hurriedly, and stepped forth into the cabin. The +breakfast table was set for one, and the black steward was lolling +lazily in a chair. At sight of me he got to his feet. +</P> + +<P> +"Ah suah thought you was n't nebber goin' ter wake up, sah," he said +genially, showing his teeth. "Ah bin waitin' fer yer mor'n two hours, +Ah reckon." +</P> + +<P> +"For me! Have the others eaten then?" +</P> + +<P> +"Mostly, sah, mostly. De Captain he nebber eat no breakfast; he say et +ain't good fer his libber—yaw; yaw!—but de mates dey both bin down." +</P> + +<P> +"What time is it?" +</P> + +<P> +"Most ten, sah." +</P> + +<P> +"I did sleep, that 's a fact, Louis. However, I 'll try and do full +justice to anything you got," and I seated myself at the table. "Has +Mrs. Henley breakfasted yet?" +</P> + +<P> +"Who, sah?" +</P> + +<P> +"The lady you have on board." +</P> + +<P> +He scratched the wool on his head vigorously, glancing behind the mast +as though uncertain what he had best answer. +</P> + +<P> +"Ah suah nebber know'd dat wus her name, sah; no sah, Ah nebber done +suspected it. Yes, sah, she had her breakfast, but, Ah reckon she did +n't eat much." +</P> + +<P> +"You served her here at the table?" +</P> + +<P> +The negro, apparently anxious to escape from the topic, shook his head. +</P> + +<P> +"No, sah; in her room, sah," his voice low. "De Captain, he unlock de +doah, an' then lock it agin. He say she done gone crazy, but Lor' she +don't look dat-a-way to me. You like sugah in your coffee, sah?" +</P> + +<P> +In spite of the seeming geniality of the steward, and his eagerness now +to question me, I realized that he was thoroughly dominated by personal +fear of the man aft. The less I questioned him the better, probably, +as there was a strong possibility that he would be interviewed later +relative to our conversation. Henley was only testing me, and would +use the darky, if he could, to learn more of my plans. So, although, a +number of questions trembled on my lips, I left them unasked, and +finished my meal in silence. Louis hovered around, dropping a sly hint +now and then, which only served to increase my suspicion that he might +have received instructions to draw me out. If so, the experiment was a +failure, and, after a light meal, I lit a pipe, and, ignoring him +completely, strolled out on deck. There was evidently no hope that the +woman would be released at present, and I could formulate no plan of +communicating with her, but I was no less anxious to view our +surroundings. +</P> + +<P> +I found the after-deck entirely deserted, and there was no one visible +on the bridge. Two or three sailors—the anchor watch—were forward, +engaged in some service about the capstan, and a fellow was swabbing +the deck amidship. I heard Broussard's voice at a distance, but could +not locate him. However, no one paid the slightest attention to me, as +I stood smoking, and gazing curiously around. Everything appeared +peaceful enough. We were lying in a small harbor, within a hundred +feet of the shore, completely concealed on the sea side, by a thick +forest growth lining the higher ridge, of what appeared a narrow +island. The <I>Sea Gull's</I> fires were banked, only a thin vapor arising +from the stack which instantly disappeared. In the opposite direction +there was a wide expanse of water, quiet as a mill-pond in spite of a +fresh breeze, revealing in the distance the faint blue blur of a +far-off coast line. Nothing broke the vista except the white sails of +two sloops, evidently fishing boats, far off on the horizon. It was an +ideal spot in which to lie—to quietly hide in during the hours of +daylight, probably never approached but by stray fishermen. Ashore +everything appeared primitive and uninhabited, except for one of the +<I>Sea Gull's</I> small boats beached directly opposite, the crew hidden in +the brush. +</P> + +<P> +I walked leisurely around the cabin transom, peering into the boat +swung astern, so as to better familiarize myself with its equipment, +meanwhile keeping a wary eye on the cabin below, where the negro was +clearing the table, and then, satisfied I had everything photographed +upon the mind, sauntered forward toward the bridge, aiming to exchange +greetings with the Creole mate. Broussard was not a man to expect +favors from, and I had hated him with the first glimpse of his face, +yet he possessed his racial characteristic of impulsive speech, and was +thus far more approachable than the gruff German first officer. +Perhaps, if he believed me an accomplice, he might be led to talk, and +even be induced to let drop some hint which would later prove useful. +I met him just forward of the chart-house, and the manner in which he +eyed me was immediate proof that he remained uninformed as to my new +status on board. +</P> + +<P> +"How you com' on ze deck, M'sieur?" he asked, his eyes threatening. +"By Gar, I thought you down below, locked in all tight," and he waved +an expressive hand aft. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap26"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXVI +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +THE NEW PERIL +</H3> + + +<P> +I laughed, but without paying him the compliment of looking at him. +</P> + +<P> +"I 've changed allegiance, that's all, Broussard. It's money which +makes the mare go with all of us, eh? The Captain turned me loose last +night." +</P> + +<P> +"You wif us? You go volunter?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, something like that. I 'm to be drill-master, or general, for +those tattered battalions down in the jungles. What do you think of +the job?" +</P> + +<P> +He shrugged his shoulders, and then grinned. +</P> + +<P> +"What ze dif!" and he swept his hands about in expressive gesture. +"Sea—land, if only one gets the price, M'sieur. But for me I like to +go, to move; not lie still an' rot." +</P> + +<P> +"Of course," falling into his mood, "that's in your blood, I reckon, +but the Captain said we were only to hide here for a day." +</P> + +<P> +"Maybe day, maybe week. No one knows how long. We wait till the sea +is clear. Bah! the man 'fraid of shadow. He give me sheep, an' I show +heem." +</P> + +<P> +"You 'd take a chance?" +</P> + +<P> +"Oui, M'sieur. I wait till dark, no more, den I take ze chance. But +ze Capitaine, he no sailor, M'sieur; I know heem long while." +</P> + +<P> +"How long?" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, seek, eight year." +</P> + +<P> +"Then you can tell me if he is really Judge Henley's son?" +</P> + +<P> +"Oui, M'sieur; 'tis sure I can. I hav' been with heem there," his +brown hand outstretched landward, "where we got you, hey, many the +time; besides, the Judge he been on zis sheep. Of course he was son; +why you think not?" +</P> + +<P> +I shook my head, unwilling to discuss the affair with the fellow, yet +impressed by his statement. +</P> + +<P> +"I am beginning to believe I do not know very much about it, +Broussard," I explained briefly, moving aside to the rail. "I came +down South with another story pumped into me, that's all." +</P> + +<P> +"And ze young woman," he persisted, following me closely, "why she +come?" +</P> + +<P> +"For the same reason I did." +</P> + +<P> +He laughed, his eyes sparkling. +</P> + +<P> +"More like 'cause she love you, hey! Sacre, she was fine-lookin' girl, +but," shrugging his shoulders, "'t is the Capitaine, not ze mate, who +may admire." +</P> + +<P> +I turned on the fellow, my blood boiling. +</P> + +<P> +"What do you mean by that! That Henley will dare intrude himself?" +</P> + +<P> +"<I>Sacre</I>, an' why not, M'sieur! He is ze Capitaine; nobody tell him +not on ze <I>Sea Gull</I>. I know him seek, eight year, an' he devil with +women. She not ze furst to be on board ze sheep. Zar no use you be +mad, M'sieur; he laugh at you." +</P> + +<P> +"Then for once he will laugh at the wrong man, Broussard," I said +soberly. Regretting the threat even as I uttered it, I left him and +walked aft, aware as I turned of the sneer on his face. Yet even then, +although burning with anger, I knew better than to remain. I dare not +speak the bitter words on my tongue, feeling certain that whatever I +said would be repeated to Henley. I despised Broussard, and would have +taken the rat by the throat, but for a wholesome fear of his master. I +knew men well enough to understand the character of the <I>Sea Gull's</I> +Captain. With unlimited power in his hands he was not an antagonist to +be despised. He was a cruel, merciless coward, and, in spite of my +boast, I realized how helpless I was to oppose his will, here, in the +midst of men who would obey his slightest command. Nor did I doubt his +purpose; now that he had seemingly won me over to his scheme, he would +turn his attention to her, feeling secure from interference. I had +permitted him to believe that she was but a chance acquaintance, in +whom I felt little interest, and he would consequently anticipate no +serious protest from me. Even if I did intervene he possessed the +power to render me helpless. And he was Judge Henley's son, or, at +least, so these men believed who had been associated with him for +years. The situation grew more and more complicated; it was no longer +merely her word against his, and yet I could not doubt the truth of any +statement she had made to me. There was a mystery here unexplained, +involving the dead, and strangely complicating the lives of the living. +</P> + +<P> +I paced the deck undisturbed, struggling vainly to evolve some +solution. Broussard stared in my direction for a moment, but made no +effort to follow, and finally disappeared forward. There was nothing +on sea or land to distract my attention, and I felt that I would be +nearer to her below in the cabin than on deck. The skylight was +closed, although even then it gave me a partial view, and, as I gazed +through the clouded glass, I perceived a shadow pass. The next instant +the negro steward emerged from the companion. Some swift impulse led +me to crouch instantly out of sight, until the sound of his feet on the +deck convinced me the fellow was going forward. I watched him +cautiously; he stopped twice to glance back, but, perceiving nothing, +finally vanished into the forecastle. While I in no way connected his +actions with myself, yet the disquieting thought as instantly occurred +to me that the negro's going forward had left the Captain and Viola +Henley alone below. If the steward was acting under orders his being +dispatched from the cabin at this hour was for a purpose. Determined +to learn what this purpose might be, I crept to the door of the +companion, and then down the stairs. +</P> + +<P> +The main cabin was vacant, but the door of number 5 stateroom stood +slightly ajar. Assured I should find it empty, my heart already +beating furiously, I took a swift glance within. It in no way differed +from the room which had been assigned me opposite, and everything was +in perfect order. Evidently the girl had departed without a struggle, +and with full expectation of an early return. Her small hand-bag lay +on the berth unlatched, and a handkerchief, together with a pair of +gloves, were upon the chair. That she had not gone on deck was a +certainty, while the deserted cabin led me irresistibly to suspect the +Captain's quarters. He had dismissed the steward on some excuse, +opened her door, and, using some pretense, or authority, had impelled +her to accompany him. She had no means of resistance even if she had +suspected his purpose, and the probability was the fellow had been +plausible enough to achieve his point without violence. This was all +clear enough to my mind, but what I could do to help her, to overcome +him, was not so evident. I was alone, unarmed, surrounded by men under +his command. +</P> + +<P> +Possibly, even now, I was under surveillance. The negro had left the +cabin, I knew, but where was Herman? Broussard was in charge of the +deck, and hence this would be the first mate's watch below. Impressed +with this disconcerting thought, I emerged again into the main cabin. +The stateroom doors were all closed, and I had to guess which was the +German's. I was sure, however, that Broussard occupied the first on +the port side; I had heard him open that door while talking to the +steward, and it was highly probable the first mate had the apartment +opposite. Judging from the position of the doors these would be larger +than the other staterooms, and, if Herman was the real navigator of the +boat, he would require good quarters. I listened at the door, but +heard nothing; then, rendered desperate by the delay, tried the knob +cautiously. The door was unlocked, opening noiselessly. A glance +convinced me the room was unoccupied, and I stepped inside, gazing +about in surprise. It was nearly twice the size of my own apartment, +containing a wide single berth, several comfortable upholstered chairs, +and a large desk, on which stood a sextant, besides several charts, one +unrolled. To my left, close against the side of the vessel was a +narrow door standing ajar, and through the opening I caught sight of a +porcelain bath tub. +</P> + +<P> +Instantly my mind leaped to a conclusion—the first mate was not on +board; he was ashore with the boat party, and that beast Henley, was +entirely alone. He had taken advantage of the opportunity. But what +in God's name could I do! If I broke down the door into his cabin, the +noise would be heard on deck, and besides, the fellow was armed. The +only result of such an effort would be my own imprisonment, leaving her +in more helpless stress than before. Without knowing why, I stepped +around the desk, and peered into the bathroom. It was small, but +perfect in arrangement, and, to my surprise, revealed a second door. +In an instant I understood—this was not Herman's private bath, but was +also used by the Captain; that second door led to the after-cabin. I +was there in two strides, my ear at the crack listening. Nothing +reached me but the murmur of a voice, the words indistinguishable, yet +this was sufficient to convince me that I was on the right trail. The +two were together, and here was an opportunity for me to reach them +unobserved. Slowly, using every precaution to avoid noise, I turned +the knob, and opened the intervening door a scant inch. I could hear +the voice now plainly, but my view was blocked by a heavy curtain. +Breathless, I drew a fold aside, and caught a glimpse of the interior. +</P> + +<P> +Neither occupant was facing in my direction, and both were too deeply +interested to observe. Besides, the possibility of intrusion was not +in their minds. Henley stood beside his desk, the same sneering smile +I had learned to hate, curling his lips, his eyes on her face in a gaze +that was insult. The girl, evidently retreating before him, alarmed by +some word he had uttered, or by his approach, had reached the door, and +grasped the knob. The expression on her face told me she had +discovered it locked, herself a prisoner, and that she had turned in +desperation. Her first, swift, unrestraining speech gave me full +understanding of her despair. +</P> + +<P> +"You have trapped me here—you—you brute," she burst forth. "What you +said out yonder was all a lie to—to get me to come with you!" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, what of it?" insinuatingly. "All is fair in love and war, I +have heard, and this is either the one or the other. Why should n't it +be me, my dear, as well as the other?" +</P> + +<P> +"What do you mean? Do you connect me with Gordon Craig?" +</P> + +<P> +"Of course," and he laughed. "Why shouldn't I, please? You came with +him from the North, did you not—traveling as his wife? Picked the +fellow up on the street, did n't you? My dear, this assumption of +outraged virtue is all thrown away on me—I happen to know your +history." +</P> + +<P> +She took a deep breath, standing straight before him, her cheeks +burning. +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps you think you do," she said, now in full control of herself. +"But you are going to learn your mistake. I am here under unpleasant +circumstances, yet, I am not subject to your insult. I refuse to +answer you, or remain in your presence," she stepped aside, leaving +free passage. "You will unlock that door." +</P> + +<P> +"Hardly that," and I could see his fingers shut down on the top of the +desk. "It takes more than a few words to change me. Really, I like +you better than I did. You are decidedly pretty now you are angry. +Besides, what have I to be afraid of? There is no one but us in this +part of the ship; I fixed that up before I went after you; even your +friend Craig is mooning around somewhere on deck, dreaming about a +fortune. If you cry out, no one will hear you, and if they did, God +pity the man who attempted to come in here. I 'm Captain of the <I>Sea +Gull</I>, and there 's not a rapscallion on board who would risk his skull +to help you. Even Craig would n't; Lord, he even told me himself you +were nothing to him." +</P> + +<P> +"He—he told you that!" +</P> + +<P> +"He certainly did, in this room. Come, now, what is the use of being +such a cat? I 'm not a bad fellow if I am treated half-way decent. I +'ve got money to spend, and know how to spend it." He took a step +forward, but she never moved. +</P> + +<P> +"Don't touch me," she said in a tone that stopped him. "I am a woman, +but I can defend myself." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap27"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXVII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +THE TABLES TURNED +</H3> + + +<P> +There was that about her attitude, and the expression of her face, which +restrained the fellow. No doubt he suspected for a moment that she might +be armed, for his quick glance swept her from head to foot. Then his +eyes hardened. +</P> + +<P> +"That is the worst thing you can do—threaten me," he said sharply. "I +never take that from man or woman. See here, do you realize where you +are? how completely you are in my power? Do you?" +</P> + +<P> +She did not quail, or look aside; nor did she answer, standing straight, +her eyes on his face, her bosom rising and falling from swift breathing. +</P> + +<P> +"I doubt if you do," he went on, angered by her contempt. "Well, think +it over. This is my ship, and we 're at sea. I 'm owner and captain, +and my word on board here is the law. More than that, there is n't a +man-jack of the crew aft of the main mast. They are forward on my +orders, and they 'll stay there until I send for them. You could scream +your head off, my beauty, and no one would hear you, or dare interfere. +Now do you perceive why it is to your interest to be kind to me?" +</P> + +<P> +"I do not." +</P> + +<P> +He laughed, rendered ugly by her open defiance. +</P> + +<P> +"Then I 'll teach you. You are not the first of your kind I have tamed, +young lady. The door is locked, and you have n't any weapon; don't try +to fool me!" +</P> + +<P> +"I have told you once," she said earnestly, "not to touch me." +</P> + +<P> +He glanced about sneeringly, yet impressed by her manner of speaking. +</P> + +<P> +"Good Lord! do you mean Craig? A lot that fellow will help you. But we +'ve had enough of this. Will you come over here to me?" +</P> + +<P> +"No!" +</P> + +<P> +"Then I'll take a chance; damn me, but you're worth it!" +</P> + +<P> +Neither one saw me, yet I was across the room before he had taken the two +steps forward, and gripped her arm. I saw her struggle to break free, +and then, out of the shadow I leaped at him, both hands seeking his +throat. There was to be no alarm, no shooting, if it could be avoided. +While it might be true, as he had boasted, that the crew was forward, we +could afford to take no chance. The very impetus of my rush sent him +staggering, and left her helpless on the deck; yet I got grip on his +collar, choking back the first cry, and struck him once, a half-arm jolt, +which would have sent him sprawling, but for the cabin wall. Yet he +rallied so quickly as to overcome this advantage. Judging him from his +size I had underrated his fighting ability, for he was all muscle, swift +in movement as a cat, squirming out of my grasp before I could close +firmly. His contact with the wall helped him to keep his feet, yet, +quick as his recovery was, he failed to break my grip, and we struggled +fiercely for advantage. He recognized me, and understood instantly. He +was a wrestler, while I must rely upon sheer strength to overcome his +tricks. Even as he adventured first I had him pinned tight, and we +strained back and forth across the cabin deck, neither able to throw the +other, in grim, relentless struggle. My fingers were wrenched from his +throat, yet the fellow made no outcry, realizing doubtless he would not +be heard. His eyes blazed with hate, merciless, vindictive, and he +struggled like a fiend to break free. I saw the girl, still dazed from +her fall, struggling to her feet, with face uplifted, then my every +consideration was riveted on my antagonist. This was to be no boy's +play, no easy victory; his muscles were like iron, his movements so quick +and unexpected as to put me on the defensive. I could only hold tight, +braced for the strain, yet forced back in spite of every effort, inch by +inch across the floor, my feet tangled in the rug. Neither could strike, +nor kick; I was weaponless, and I dare not release his arms for fear he +might possess a gun. Once I bent him back until he seemed helpless, yet, +by some trick, he wiggled free, and thrust me against the desk, its +corner gouging into my side. The pain gave me superhuman strength, and I +swung him sideways, the two of us tripping over the chair, and coming +down heavily on the deck. By some luck I landed on top, and, before he +recovered from the shock, had wrenched one arm free, locking my fingers +in his throat. +</P> + +<P> +He squirmed under me like an eel, but could not break the grip, his face +purpling, until he lost all power. Fierce as the battle had been I +retained sufficient sense to loosen my death grip while the man still +breathed, lifting my head sufficiently to glance about. My own breath +came in sobs, and the perspiration almost blinded me. +</P> + +<P> +"Bring me something to tie him with," I said brokenly. "Anything; yes, +that belt will do." +</P> + +<P> +She tore it from the hook on the wall, and thrust it into my hands. With +a single movement I had it buckled securely about his arms, and was free +to sit up, and stare about. A cord from the portière curtain draping the +bathroom entrance completed his lashings. With wicked eyes he stared up +at me, unable to move a muscle. +</P> + +<P> +"By God, Craig!" he snarled, "you'll both wish you 'd killed me before ye +'re done with this job." +</P> + +<P> +I made no reply, using the corner of the desk to help me get to my feet. +</P> + +<P> +"Do you hear!" he shouted. "What chance have you got to get away?" +</P> + +<P> +"That is for me to decide," I answered. "But if you open your mouth +again I 'll gag you. Now stop it; the first word you utter will mean a +handkerchief in your mouth." +</P> + +<P> +I stooped down, and dragged him to one side. As I straightened up again +she was facing me, her eyes frankly meeting mine. +</P> + +<P> +"You—you know how I came here?" she asked, as though that was the most +important. +</P> + +<P> +"Of course; I overheard most of the conversation." +</P> + +<P> +"How did you find out? how did you get here?" +</P> + +<P> +"Your door was left ajar, and I found my way through the connecting +bathroom yonder." +</P> + +<P> +"Then—then, we can escape in the same manner." +</P> + +<P> +"I hardly think that will be necessary. I 'll go through our friend's +pockets for his keys." I turned him over, and began the search. "Ah, a +revolver; I thought probable—in protection against a woman, you cur. +Here are keys; now let's see what they fit." +</P> + +<P> +The third one tried unlocked the door, but even as I tried them in the +lock, my mind swiftly reviewed the situation in which this affair left +us, and leaped forward toward a possible solution. It must be open war +from now on. No pretense on my part would ever again win me the +confidence of the man I had fought and conquered. Henceforward, we could +expect no mercy on board. Yet how was it possible to escape, or avoid +discovery? To attempt leaving the <I>Sea Gull</I> before dark would be +suicidal; no boat could be lowered unseen, and even if one reached the +surface of the water, we would surely be overtaken, and brought back. +Yet there was a chance that what had occurred in this cabin could be kept +concealed for a few hours, until darkness gave us better opportunity for +successful action. The memory of what Henley had said to me the evening +before—that he was only technically in command; that for days at a time +he never appeared on deck in person, gave me the clew. If he could be +kept absolutely secure in his cabin, unable to create any alarm, we would +be free to plan our escape. There were but two points of danger to be +guarded against—Herman and the steward. The former, when he returned +from shore, might seek him for final orders, and the latter, if he failed +to appear in the cabin for the regular meal, would endeavor to learn his +desires. I would have to guard against these contingencies, and, with +the first in mind, I stepped across to the bathroom, and was gratified to +learn that the door leading into the mate's stateroom could be locked on +the inside. With this private approach barred I felt confident of being +able to guard the single entrance remaining. I met her waiting for me as +I stepped out from behind the curtain. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, what can we do?" +</P> + +<P> +"Keep the fellow tied, and wait for night," I answered soberly. "That is +our only chance. The mate is ashore—we are lying in the cove of a small +island off the Florida coast, waiting for darkness, and a chance to slip +through into southern waters." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you know where this boat is bound?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes—Spanish Honduras; we are loaded with munitions of war," I laughed. +"I was to be a general down there." +</P> + +<P> +"You!" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes; swift promotion, was n't it! Our friend yonder promised the job; +all I had to do was to desert you, and join his outfit." +</P> + +<P> +"And you consented?" +</P> + +<P> +"With a mental reservation. It gained me a few hours' freedom at least, +and surely has done you no harm. Did you doubt me?" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, I hardly know. I was so miserable locked up alone, unable to even +learn where we were going, that I lost faith in everyone. You acted so +strange." +</P> + +<P> +"I had to play my part. But you received my note?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, and it helped me wonderfully, although even then I scarcely +comprehended why all this pretense was necessary. Surely you do not +believe this man is Philip Henley? that—that I have told you a lie?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, I do not," I answered earnestly. "It is my absolute confidence in +you which has held me steadfast. He has shown me evidence of his +identity which would have convinced me under other circumstances—letters +and pictures; I will show them to you, for I know where they are kept in +the desk—but in opposition I had your word, and I believed in that. No +evidence would shake my faith in you, and I am certain now there is fraud +here—some devilish plot concocted to steal Judge Henley's fortune." +</P> + +<P> +"What letters? What pictures were they?" +</P> + +<P> +"Letters from the Judge to his son—intimate, family letters, and a +photograph of the father and this man taken together." +</P> + +<P> +"And were the letters addressed to Philip?" +</P> + +<P> +"The envelopes had been destroyed, and no name was mentioned, but the +photograph was endorsed in the Judge's handwriting." +</P> + +<P> +She sank down on a locker, and hid her face in her hands. The pitiful +dejection in her attitude compelled me to bend over her in quick sympathy. +</P> + +<P> +"Please do not take it like that," I urged. "We shall find a way of +escape if we keep our courage, and work together." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, it is not that," and she looked up into my face. "I am not afraid. +Only I cannot bear the thought that you doubt me ever so little. I know +I have been indiscreet, that you might justly deem me an adventuress. +But I am not, Gordon Craig; I am a good woman left to fight alone, and I +must have your faith, or break down utterly." +</P> + +<P> +"Why do you suppose you have not?" I asked, grasping her hands in +complete forgetfulness. "We are together now in open fight against these +villains. There is no longer any purpose in acting a lie." +</P> + +<P> +"It was a lie?" +</P> + +<P> +"A bare-faced one. Never for an instant did I intend deserting you, or +becoming that man's tool." +</P> + +<P> +"And you believe me—all I have told you; that I am really the wife of +Philip Henley?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," I answered through clinched teeth, struggling to control myself. +</P> + +<P> +For a moment she sat in silence, and, while I dare not look at her, I +knew her eyes were upon my face. +</P> + +<P> +"Then I will do whatever you say, go wherever you tell me," she promised +gravely. "I cannot decide for myself. I am too confused to think +clearly, but I trust you as a friend." +</P> + +<P> +"Is—is that all?" I stammered, unable to restrain the words. +</P> + +<P> +"All! What do you mean? is that not enough?" in surprise. +</P> + +<P> +My eyes met hers, and I cursed myself for a fool. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes—I—I meant nothing," I managed to explain lamely. "That was a slip +of the tongue. Please forget it, and keep faith in me." +</P> + +<P> +I drew aside the curtain draping one of the after ports, and glanced out, +eager for anything to distract attention. Through the clear glass I +could see the curve of shore-line forming the little cove. Just within +the foam of the breakers a half dozen men were launching a small boat. I +stared at them an instant, before realizing what it meant. Then I +dropped the curtain. +</P> + +<P> +"The mate is coming aboard," I said swiftly. "You must go to your room; +here is the key; lock yourself in, and only open when you hear my voice." +</P> + +<P> +"And you—?" +</P> + +<P> +"I must take care of myself; don't worry about me." +</P> + +<P> +She hesitated, yet the expression of my face decided her, and she held +out her hand. +</P> + +<P> +"I—I said I would do whatever you told me to, and here I am questioning +the first thing. Forgive me." +</P> + +<P> +Without so much as a glance at our prisoner, she opened the door, and, +with a swift look about the outer cabin, disappeared. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap28"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXVIII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +THE CREOLE'S STORY +</H3> + + +<P> +My time of preparation was brief, yet I already had a plan of operation +outlined. In truth, there was small choice left me. I must keep +Henley concealed and silent until darkness rendered our escape +possible. In order to accomplish this it would be necessary to prevent +either the steward or the mate from entering the after cabin. All +peril from the negro I dismissed quickly, confident that his knowledge +of my standing on board would impel him to accept any explanation I +might make. But with Herman the situation was not so clear. Whether, +or not, the Captain had informed him that I was a volunteer on their +lawless expedition, I did not know. We had not met since coming +aboard, and, unless he had received direct orders regarding my status, +any interference on my part would be apt to arouse instant suspicion. +Nor was he the kind to brook any assumed authority. I had him placed +as a gruff, hard-fisted sea-dog, who would strike first, and +investigate later—one in dealing with whom either diplomacy or force +might prove equal failures. Yet I possessed this advantage—I could +deal with him alone. With but two watch officers on board, only one at +a time could leave the deck, and Broussard, I felt assured, had no +privileges in the Captain's cabin. From what I knew of Henley I +doubted if even the first officer felt privileged to invade the privacy +of his chief without some special reason. There was discipline on +board, strict discipline; there had to be to control such a crew, and +it was my impression Henley was the very kind to insist on every +privilege of his station. Herman was of value merely for his ability +as navigator; socially, the Captain and he had nothing in common. It +was on this theory I decided to work. +</P> + +<P> +As I lifted the helpless Captain into his berth, his eyes glaring at me +in impotent rage, my ears could distinguish the sound of oars as the +small boat rounded the stern of the <I>Sea Gull</I>. Much as I despised the +fellow, I hated to gag him, yet our safety depended on his silence, and +I dare not neglect the precaution. Even as the boat grated along the +side, I stepped forth into the main cabin, and sat down to wait. To my +surprise and relief, it was Broussard who came down the companion +stairs, driving the steward before him. +</P> + +<P> +"Vat for you loaf, hey!" he snapped fiercely. "By Gar, I teach you. I +work four—seek—hour an' nodding to eat. You say ze Capitaine send +you; bah! eet vas not so—nevaire! Vat you hav'—hey?" +</P> + +<P> +The negro mumbled something through thick lips, and the irate mate +gripped him by the collar of his jacket, shaking the fellow as he might +a dog, and hurling him half across the deck. +</P> + +<P> +"Sacre! I keel you for five cent. Queek now—jump! Put all on right +way, by Gar, or I show you. Here you—ze brandy furst." +</P> + +<P> +The steward slunk into the passage leading to the pantry, and the +Creole, turning, saw me. +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, M'sieur; I saw you not. Pardon ze roughness, but consider, no +dinare, an' I been on deck seek hour; no sleep, no eat, only work. I +lose ze tempair, M'sieur." +</P> + +<P> +"That is not to be wondered at," I answered, affecting good humor. +"Has the first mate been ashore?" +</P> + +<P> +"Oui, M'sieur; asleep in the sun, I bet you. Bah! any man could watch +the sea from the cliff. Dat job not need ze furst officer. Sacre! but +'t is a dog's life at sea." +</P> + +<P> +I nodded my head, too busily engaged with my own thoughts to give much +consideration to his troubles. Still, this situation, as revealed by +Broussard's complaints, would afford us a respite of at least four +hours. If this was the Creole's watch below, then Herman would keep +the deck. Even lying there at anchor those fellows would not leave the +crew alone. There was too much at stake, and besides there must still +remain a look-out ashore. However it was a relief to know that the +German had nothing of importance to communicate to Henley, no occasion +even to come below. Broussard sank back into a chair, watching the +frightened negro hurry back and forth. At last, satisfied that +everything available had been produced, the former strode across to the +table, jerked out a chair, and waved his hand toward me in invitation +to join him. +</P> + +<P> +"The lazy dog! 'T is likely all you will get, M'sieur. Maybe you eat +with me—hey? Or would you wait for ze Capitaine?" +</P> + +<P> +"I 'll take pot-lunch with you, Broussard," I agreed genially, speaking +loud enough so the negro would overhear. "I 've got to get accustomed +to camp fare, and am hungry enough to begin. Besides, Captain Henley +is laid up in his berth with a sick headache, and does n't wish to be +disturbed. He told me to tell you, Louis." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, sah! Shall Ah make you sum coffee, sah? Massa Broussard he +don't nebber drink none." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, and, by the way, Louis, take a lunch in to the lady; fix up +something neat if you can, and let me know when it is ready. All +right, Broussard, a nip of that brandy would help me." +</P> + +<P> +He passed the bottle, and a clean glass across the table, watching me +pour out the liquor with a sarcastic smile. +</P> + +<P> +"You know ze Capitaine before, maybe?" he asked. +</P> + +<P> +"No," I answered, wondering what he could be aiming at, but willing to +give him a free rein. "Only since he tapped me on the head back in the +cellar. However, he has been square with me, and seems to be a pretty +good fellow." +</P> + +<P> +"You think so—hey! Maybe so while he get you with heem. Den he ze +devil. I know, M'sieur. I see heem for long while on ze ocean; zat +whar' you fin' out." +</P> + +<P> +I began eating slowly, exhibiting an indifference I was far from +feeling, yet swiftly determining that no matter how much antagonism +might exist between the two men, I would never trust the Creole. Still +I might use him to advantage; induce him to talk freely under the spur. +</P> + +<P> +"What has he done to you?" I asked carelessly. +</P> + +<P> +"By Gar!—what!" firing up at the recollection. "Get out o' here, yer +damn coon!" turning fiercely upon the steward, and then leaning across +the table, lowering his voice, which yet trembled with passion. +"Sacre, M'sieur, it was I do his dirty work five—seek—year. He no +sailor, but I sail ze sheep for him—see? Tree, four time I sail ze +sheep, an' he make ze money. Vat he geef me? Maybe one hundred ze +month—bah! eet was to laugh. Zen he fin' zat Dutch hog, Herman, an' +make of heem ze furst officer. He tell eet all me nice, fine, an' I +tink maybe eet all right. You know he promise beeg profit—hey! an' I +get ze monies. Oui, it sound good. But Herman big brute; he gif me ze +ordaire, and I not like eet. I tells ze Capitaine, an' by Gar! he keep +me tied up before ze port watch. You stan' zat, M'sieur?" +</P> + +<P> +I shook my head, uncertain just what stand to take. +</P> + +<P> +"Nevar!" he went on, barely pausing for breath. "I show ze damn +half-breed; you vait, I git heem." +</P> + +<P> +"What do you mean by half-breed, Broussard?" I questioned, surprised. +</P> + +<P> +He laughed, but not pleasantly. +</P> + +<P> +"He vas ze mongrel—sure; you know not zat? Sacre, I tell you zen. +What you zink him, white man? Pah! you see hees mother—she mulatto. +Ze damn dog!" +</P> + +<P> +"How do you know that?" +</P> + +<P> +"How I know! I tell you I sail with heem long while. He nevar tell, +but I fin' eet out. I listen, I hear ze talk, but I say noddings, +M'sieur. Vat I care while he treat me right? But now I show heem vat +I know. He not lord eet over me ven ol' Sallie vas his mother—by Gar! +no!" +</P> + +<P> +"Sallie! You cannot mean that mulatto woman back on the plantation?" +</P> + +<P> +"Sure, the ol' rip." +</P> + +<P> +"Then his name is not Henley?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why not, M'sieur? The ol' Judge was his father." +</P> + +<P> +The whole thing came to me in a flash, as I stared across at the mate, +who scarcely realized yet the revelation made. He was brooding over +his wrongs, and how he was to be avenged. +</P> + +<P> +"Good God!" I breathed, "so that 's the way of it!" +</P> + +<P> +Broussard looked up, a cunning smile on his face. "By Gar, I forget," +he said softly. "You vas after ze monies too, hey! Bah! eet make no +difference vat you know. He haf you here all right, var' you keep +still or—" and he drew the back of a knife across his throat. "I +vonder he not keel you furst, M'sieur; maybe he use you, an' then, hav' +you shot in ze South. Oui, zat be ze easy vay. Why you ever cum down, +an' claim to be Philip Henley—hey?" +</P> + +<P> +"That was all a mistake," I returned deliberately. "I came merely to +look after his interest?" +</P> + +<P> +"Interest! Why a dead man hav' interest?" +</P> + +<P> +"Do you mean Philip Henley is dead?" +</P> + +<P> +"You pretend not know? By Gar, eet queer. Vell, I tell you, M'sieur. +Ze hole back ov ze picture; I lie there one night an' leesten, week, +ten days ago. Ze Capitaine talk with Sallie. He hav' letter from +North—one, two sheet paper—an' eet tell heem how eet all vas. +Someone write heem—I link maybe Pierre Vonique who went way long time. +No matter; vat he told was zat M'sieur Philip die—die queek frum +accident. Nevah speak, an' when zey pick heem up, zar was noddin' in +hees pocket. See, M'sieur! He vas robbed. Vonique he hear about eet, +an' fin' ze body. No one know who ze man is, but Vonique know. To +prove eet he send ze ring—ze signet ring—off ze finger. Zen he +write, 'Look out, someone has ze papers. Watch who comes.' Zat vas +true, M'sieur." +</P> + +<P> +I hung on his words, fascinated, never doubting, the very thought of +her freedom obscuring all else. It was only as he stopped speaking, +and resumed his meal, that I gained control of my voice. The affair +was clear enough now, except for some few corroborative details. +</P> + +<P> +"And someone did come, Broussard?" +</P> + +<P> +"Oui, damn queek—a fellow with a letter from Philip; eet was sign hees +name, hees handwrite, appoint heem overseer." +</P> + +<P> +"And what became of him?" +</P> + +<P> +The Creole shrugged his shoulders. +</P> + +<P> +"'T is not my business, M'sieur. He go way somewhere queek. Maybe he +not like ze place." +</P> + +<P> +The dead face of the bearded man in the rear room rose before me. But +Broussard went on. +</P> + +<P> +"Zen you came, M'sieur, 'long wiz ze girl. Ze Capitaine he laugh, eet +was so easy. Why ze girl, M'sieur?" +</P> + +<P> +"Philip Henley was married." +</P> + +<P> +"Non, non, impossible; eet cannot be shown. 'T is not of ze record. +Ze Capitaine not 'fraid any more; he just play wiz you like ze cat wiz +ze mouse. He know Philip dead; he has ze proof, an' now he breaks ze +will, an' gets ze monies. Ze damn dog rich now; zen he be more rich." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you know an executor of the will named Neale—P. B. Neale?" +</P> + +<P> +"Oui, M'sieur." +</P> + +<P> +"Who is he? What does he look like?" +</P> + +<P> +"He vas a planter two mile west Carrollton. I see heem maybe ten days +ago—leetle short man wif bald head." +</P> + +<P> +He poured out another drink of brandy, and, downing it, pushed back his +chair. +</P> + +<P> +"By Gar, I talk too mooch, maybe," he said, yawning. "But eet make no +dif. Ze Capitaine he cop ze monies just ze same, an' eet better you +know. Now I turn in an' sleep." +</P> + +<P> +He crossed the cabin to his stateroom, and closed the door. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap29"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXIX +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +UNDER WAY +</H3> + + +<P> +The negro brought the girl's lunch on a tray, and I took it in to her, +barely pausing long enough to speak a few encouraging words, for fear +of some interruption. Then I sat down and watched while the remnants +of our meal were being removed. Except for an occasional footstep on +the deck above, and the swift movements of the steward, nothing +interrupted my thoughts. After Louis had carried the last dishes into +his pantry, and run the table up on its stanchions, he also +disappeared, and in the silence I could hear the heavy breathing of the +sleeping mate. For the first time I comprehended clearly the entire +situation, and I could face it with understanding. Broussard's anger +had served me well, and it never occurred to me to doubt this story, +told under the inspiration of liquor. It dovetailed in with all I +previously knew. +</P> + +<P> +The facts were clear. Philip Henley was dead, killed while +intoxicated, either accidentally, or for purposes of robbery. And he +had been robbed when picked up by the police, nothing to identify him +being found. Beyond doubt this half-breed brother had dispatched a man +North to look him up—possibly to assassinate him if necessary. The +fellow had either done the job, or been anticipated in his purpose. In +either case he was present to identify the body, and had written at +once, enclosing the signet ring as proof. That was the same ring we +had round in the arbor, and which Viola had instantly recognized. And +those men who had made a tool of me were the robbers. They had found +papers and letters which opened before them this scheme of fraud; then, +with his residence address, using his keys, they had learned everything +necessary for the completion of their plans. A copy of the Judge's +will must have been in Henley's possession, and, no doubt, some +lawyer's letter, describing the situation, received since the departure +of his wife. Apparently everything two clever crooks needed to know +was in their possession. All they needed to do was pull the strings, +using a figurehead to represent Philip Henley. That was the part for +which I was chosen. They had to construct a lie in order to interest +me, yet that was comparatively easy, and there was a strong probability +of success but for peculiar conditions of which they could know +nothing. The half-breed had never been mentioned; he was the monkey +wrench thrown unexpectedly into their well-oiled machine. Yet, even +without him, the reappearance of Philip Henley's wife was sufficient to +cause disaster. +</P> + +<P> +Philip Henley's wife! The magic of the words halted me. Then now, if +all I had learned was true, she was his widow. What would that mean to +me! The swift beating of my heart answered. As I sat there alone, in +the silence I forgot everything save her, and my mind dwelt upon every +word and look which had passed between us. These had been innocent +enough, and yet, to my imagination, stimulated by this discovery, +formed the basis of a dream of hope. I knew this, that however +sincerely she might have once supposed she loved Henley, his neglect, +cruelty, dissipation, had long ago driven all sentiment from her. +Before we met, her girlhood affection had been utterly crushed and +destroyed. Loyal, she was, and true to every tradition of her +womanhood. No audacity, no boldness, could penetrate her reserve, or +lower her self-respect. Before I knew who she was, when I had every +reason to doubt and to question, I was still restrained by an invisible +personality which kept me helpless. It was to guard his interest, not +her own, that she had accompanied me on this expedition, risking her +good name in the belief that he was unable to care for his own. What +would she do now? how would she feel toward me? What change would it +make in the friendly relationship between us? I longed to tell her, +and yet shrunk from the task. She could not fail to know how much I +cared; careful as I had been in word and action, yet a dozen times had +my eyes revealed the secret. I had seen her draw back from me, half +afraid, had her restrain me by a gesture, or a word. This could be +done no longer—we were free now, I to speak, she to listen, but I +could only guess the result. Back behind the rare depth of those eyes +her heart was hidden, and thus far I had probed for its secret in vain. +</P> + +<P> +The sunlight streaming in through the upper transom told me the sun was +dipping into the west. If we were to get away when night came there +were many things to consider first; especially was I obsessed now with +a desire to overhaul the Captain's papers, and secure those which would +be of benefit. We must possess more proof than the garrulous talk of +the second mate, and surely that proof would be discovered in the after +cabin. The noise of the steward's dish-washing had ceased, and +cautious investigation discovered him sound asleep, curled up like a +dog, on the deck. Assured as to this, I ventured up the companion +stairs, and indulged in a glance forward. Except for a group of +sailors doing some sail patching in the shade of the charthouse, no one +was visible. The vessel rocked gently, and far forward there was a +sound of hammering. The mate would be there, overseeing the job +whatever it might be. There was a dark cloud overshadowing the eastern +horizon, with zigzag flashes of lightning showing along its edge, but +the sea was barely rippled. There was no sign of any boat along the +beach of the cove, and the fishermen had disappeared, not a glimmer of +white sail showing above the waters. Surely no better opportunity than +this could be given. +</P> + +<P> +I stole back, silent and unobserved, listened an instant to Broussard's +steady breathing, then unlocked the Captain's door, and entered his +cabin. His wicked eyes, blazing with hate, glared at me as I +approached, and, inspired by some sudden feeling of sympathy, I bent +over, and removed the gag from his mouth. The result was an outburst +of profanity, bristling with threats, but these as instantly ceased as +I picked up the cloth again. +</P> + +<P> +"It's just as you please," I said soberly. "Either lie quiet, or have +this back—it's up to you." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you mean to kill me?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not unless I have to, but I hold some things more valuable than your +life. Just at present I mean to look over your papers." +</P> + +<P> +He must have realized I was beyond playing with, and impervious to +threats, for he lay quiet, but with glaring eyes following my every +movement, as I threw open the drawers of the desk, and began handling +their contents. For some time I discovered nothing of special +interest, only an accumulation of business letters, manifests and old +sea charts, showing that the <I>Sea Gull</I> had been concerned in a vast +variety of enterprises. It was only after I had thus emptied the +unfastened drawers that I came upon one securely locked. I tried key +after key before discovering the right one, realizing from Henley's +squirming that I must be drawing near the goal. The first paper +touched was a copy of the will, and a little further rummaging put me +into possession of various documents which, I believed from a cursory +glance at their contents, were of utmost value. These I hastily +transferred to my coat pocket, making sure I had the original letter +descriptive of Philip Henley's death, as well as the copy of a +memorandum which the half-breed had evidently drawn up for the +convenience of his lawyers. I ran through this last swiftly, surprised +at its frankness, and convinced that the attorneys employed must be as +great rascals as the man who commanded their services. Evidently they +had requested full particulars so as to be prepared for any emergency. +</P> + +<P> +I presume this search, swift as I endeavored to conduct it, occupied +fully a half hour, every nerve strained by fear of interruption. +However, I could not desist until I had handled every scrap of paper, +and the result well repaid the risk. Once I heard steps above on the +deck, but, so far as I knew, no one entered the outer cabin. +</P> + +<P> +"I think I've got your number," I said finally, wheeling about to look +at him. +</P> + +<P> +"You 've got to get away first," he sneered defiantly, "and you 'll not +find that so easy. My turn will come yet, you spy, and then you 'll +learn how I bite." +</P> + +<P> +I laughed, feeling no mercy. +</P> + +<P> +"All in good time, friend; I think you have had your innings; now it's +mine. So you are Charles Henley?" +</P> + +<P> +He did not answer. +</P> + +<P> +"The illegitimate son of Judge Henley and a negro mother. That's a +clever forgery, that paper of legal adoption, I admit. Must have had +legal advice for that. What did you pay the lawyers?" +</P> + +<P> +He stared at me with compressed lips. +</P> + +<P> +"Not ready to confess yet? Well, you will be. By the way, who was +that Pierre who wrote telling you of Philip's death? Not Vonique, was +it?" +</P> + +<P> +"You damn white devil!" he burst forth, tortured beyond resistance. +"What do you know about him? Who told you?" +</P> + +<P> +"You 'll learn it all soon enough." +</P> + +<P> +"You 're a sneaking detective!" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, no, Henley; I 'm merely a man who drifted into this adventure +blindly, but now I am going to fight it out for sake of the woman. +It's a pity for you that you did n't tap me on the head a bit harder +back in the cellar." +</P> + +<P> +His teeth ground together savagely, and he burst into a string of oaths. +</P> + +<P> +"That's enough," and I got to my feet. "I see I 'll have to gag you +again." +</P> + +<P> +"Where 's the steward?" +</P> + +<P> +"Asleep in the pantry when I came in here." +</P> + +<P> +"And Herman—has n't he got on board yet?" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, yes; two hours, or more, ago. He has the deck watch, while the +Creole is below. Anything else you desire explained?" +</P> + +<P> +"You think you 're smart, but you 'll sing a different song before I 'm +through," he snarled. "I 'm hungry, and I want to know why that +Dutchman did n't come down here and report." +</P> + +<P> +"You 'll have to stand the hunger for awhile. As to Herman, I suppose +he had nothing to tell. Well, I 've wasted time enough." +</P> + +<P> +I replaced the gag, and took a survey of the cabin to make sure all was +secure. Uncomfortable as the man was, he was not in the slightest +danger, and I felt little tenderness. He would not remain long +undiscovered after we got away, and our only possible safety required +harsh methods. Nothing had occurred in the outer cabin during my +absence, but the growing shadows evidenced the approach of twilight. +In those waters night came quickly. Locking the Captain's door, I +entered my own stateroom, and sat down on the lower berth to wait, +leaving my door slightly ajar. The cabin grew constantly darker, +although outside, through the open port, I could still distinguish +gleams of light along the water surface, and the heights of the island. +Herman came down, and entered his stateroom, but without closing the +door. He remained but a moment, or two, and then hurried back on deck. +Suddenly a gust of wind blew in through the port, and it began to rain +gently, but in huge drops. Far away was the rumble of thunder, echoing +across the open sea. The storm was evidently coming up slowly from the +east, as all the western sky was clear, and streaked with golden red. +</P> + +<P> +Then a sailor—I thought he was Peters, but could not tell—came +shuffling down the companion stairs, his oilskins rustling, and pounded +on the second mate's door. +</P> + +<P> +"All hands, Mr. Broussard!" +</P> + +<P> +There was a muffled response, and the Creole, buttoning his jacket as +he passed, followed the other on deck. A moment later I heard the slow +throb of the engines, and glanced out to note the shore-line slipping +past into the gloom. The <I>Sea Gull</I> was under way. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap30"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXX +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +WE MAKE THE EFFORT +</H3> + + +<P> +It would be some time yet—fifteen or twenty minutes at the +best—before I dared attempt to carry out my plan of escape. In spite +of the overspreading cloud, and steady rainfall, daylight lingered in +the west, and a spectral glow hung above the ocean. It was a peculiar, +almost ghastly light, yet of sufficient intensity to render objects +visible for a considerable distance. However, there were preliminaries +to be attended to, and I was eager to be busy. +</P> + +<P> +The steward had aroused from his nap, and I watched him lower the +table, and spread it with a white cloth. Now the distant clatter of +dishes proved him to be in the pantry. He could be dealt with there +even to better advantage than in the cabin, and, noncombatant as he +undoubtedly was, I felt it safer to place him beyond power to create +any alarm. The task confronting me was far too serious to leave our +rear unguarded. I slipped silently along the short passageway, and, +watching his back closely, investigated the lock on the pantry door. +It was of the spring variety, easily set to fasten, and could not be +operated from the inside. As I pressed in the catch there was a +clicking sound, which caused the negro to turn around, the whites of +his eyes gleaming oddly. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, my Lordy! I nebber heard you, Massa Craig. By golly, sah, dis +yere niggah sure thought he was shot." +</P> + +<P> +"Not yet, Louis," I replied quietly, standing in the opening, one hand +still on the latch. "But it is just as well for you to be serious +about it—I 've got the weapon all right—see," and I pushed the +revolver butt forward into his range of vision. "I don't mean to hurt +you so long as you keep still." +</P> + +<P> +"What—what you a-goin' fer to do, sah?" +</P> + +<P> +"Get away from this ship if I can, and you are going to help by +remaining right where you are, boy. First, what's in that small boat, +hung to davits astern—provisions, I mean?" +</P> + +<P> +His teeth chattered so he could hardly answer, but finally words came +through his lips. +</P> + +<P> +"Thar 's a breaker of fresh water, an'—an' a package o' sea-biscuit, +sah. Ah—Ah reckon that's all." +</P> + +<P> +"Good; do you happen to know how far we are away from the main coast?" +</P> + +<P> +"A a-bout thirty-five mile, sah." +</P> + +<P> +"Florida?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, sah." +</P> + +<P> +"What is the nearest town?" +</P> + +<P> +"Ah—Ah reckon it would likely be Carlos, sah, but it don't 'mount ter +much." +</P> + +<P> +"Can you tell me the compass point?" +</P> + +<P> +He scratched his head, his confidence that he was not going to be hurt +returning, as I questioned him. +</P> + +<P> +"Wal', sah, I ain't no sailor man myself—no, sah; but de second mate +he done point it out dis mohnin' when Ah was on deck, an' he say it lay +nor'east by east, sah. Ah members dat distinctly." +</P> + +<P> +"That will be all, Louis. Now listen to me. I am going to shut this +door, and lock you in. I 'll be on board here for an hour yet, and if +you utter so much as a whimper I 'll come down here, and fill you full +of lead. Are you going to keep still?" +</P> + +<P> +"Ah—Ah sure am, sah; my Lordy! Ah don't want fer to be no dead +niggah." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, you will be if I hear a peep out of you." +</P> + +<P> +I closed the door, testing it before turning away, smiling grimly to +myself at recollection of those white eyeballs glaring at me through +the gloom. Louis was evidently not the stuff of which martyrs are made. +</P> + +<P> +There was a small tell-tale compass fastened to a beam over the table. +I unscrewed this without difficulty, and dropped it into my pocket. It +would be a dark night with that cloud shutting out the sky, with +probably not a shore light visible. Then I climbed the companion +stairs to take a survey of the deck. As the cabin lights had none of +them been lit, I could stand in the shadow of the hood without fear of +being seen, and my eyes, accustomed to the slow approach of darkness, +could see fairly well. No attempt had been made to spread sail, +although doubtless a closely reefed jib helped to steady the vessel, +which was advancing steadily under medium engine power. Quietness, and +secrecy was clearly the aim sought, for the stacks discharged only a +faint haze of smoke, instantly disappearing into the cloud mass above, +while the sound of the revolving screws was scarcely discernible. +Nevertheless we were slipping through the water at fair rate of speed, +leaving a very perceptible wake astern. Judging from our present +progress the <I>Sea Gull</I> would prove herself a clipper once under full +steam. The open decks glistened with water, although the rainfall was +light and intermittent; thunder rumbled to the northward, with +occasional flashes of lightning. Even as I stood there, staring +forward, endeavoring to make out certain objects in the gloom, the +overhanging cloud seemed to close in across the western sky, instantly +plunging us into night. Like a spectral ship we swept through the +slight smother, gently lifted by the long swell, without a light +burning fore or aft. I heard no movement of men, no voice shouting +orders, yet before that last gleam faded, I had seen outlined several +figures on the bridge. To better assure myself that no watch was upon +the after deck, I circled the cabin, and then, crouching in the shadow +of the rail, advanced even with the chart-house. From this point I +could distinguish voices in conversation, but the forms of the men +could not be discerned. Still, without accurately locating them, I had +ascertained all I required to know, and made my way back along the +slippery deck. All hands were on duty forward, and would be held there +for a time, at least, while the <I>Sea Gull</I> was slipping through the +danger zone. But supper had not been served, and one of the watches +might be piped down at any moment. This would bring one of the mates +aft to the cabin. +</P> + +<P> +Driven by the thought, I rapped softly on her door, and she came forth +instantly, fully dressed. +</P> + +<P> +"You are ready?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes." +</P> + +<P> +"You 'll need a waterproof of some kind—it's raining outside. Wait a +moment; there will be a coat in some of these staterooms." +</P> + +<P> +I found one, a fisherman's slicker, and wrapped her in it. It was a +world too big, but I tightened the belt, and turned up the skirts, so +she managed to walk. It would serve to keep her dry, although worn +under indignant protest. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, I can't," she proclaimed. "Why, I must be a perfect fright." +</P> + +<P> +"Not to me; besides, it's dark as Erebus. Here, let me take your hand; +I know every step of the way." +</P> + +<P> +I led her forward slowly, so that the flapping of the oilskins against +the stair-rail would not be heard. The steady patter of rain on the +deck planks drowned what little noise we made, and as we emerged into +the hood a gust of wind drove the moisture into our faces. I could +feel my heart thump, yet it was more because of her proximity than any +excitement of adventure. So far as I could perceive, peering out into +the storm with hand shading my eyes, the way was clear, and, bidding +her stoop low, we slipped back along the narrow deck passage into the +shadow cast by the boat. Here, protected as we were by the bulge of +the cabin, there was slight probability of our being observed, and I +stood up, again examining the tackle to reassure myself of its proper +working. I even tested the boat's weight in sudden fear lest I could +not hold it alone. Then I whispered to the shapeless form crouched +beside me. +</P> + +<P> +"Now," I said, "step on my knee, and I 'll help you over. Don't +hurry—only be quiet." +</P> + +<P> +"How can I with this ridiculous thing on?" +</P> + +<P> +"You must try. That's it; now just let me lift you—steady yourself +with the tackle." +</P> + +<P> +She peered back at me over the side of the boat, her hair shining with +moisture. +</P> + +<P> +"Now are you coming?" +</P> + +<P> +"No; I shall have to remain here and lower the boat." +</P> + +<P> +"But I don't know what to do." +</P> + +<P> +"Listen, and I 'll tell you. Turn about and face the stern. Yes, that +is the way I mean; keep your hand on that rope so as not to make a +mistake. Now take this knife; don't drop it. The moment the boat +touches the water—an instant before, if possible—cut the rope you +have hold on. Then hurry forward and cut the other. You understand?" +</P> + +<P> +"I—I think so; I am to cut this first and then the other." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes; now don't fail. You see we are launching this boat above the +screw. There is bound to be suction. If you cut as I say, you will +drift off bow on to the course of the vessel, and will float free; +otherwise the boat is likely to be swamped. You see what I mean?" +</P> + +<P> +She nodded. +</P> + +<P> +"The quicker you can get to that second rope," I added seriously, "the +better your chances." +</P> + +<P> +"Then I 'll get out of these oilskins," and she struggled out of them, +with every semblance of relief, tucking the bundle out of sight. "I +don't care if I get wet. But—but, what are you going to do?" +</P> + +<P> +"Jump for it, as soon as you are fairly afloat. I 'll be aboard before +you know it. Are you ready?" +</P> + +<P> +She was looking forward, and her hand gripped mine. Her failure to +answer, and the sudden pressure of fingers, was a warning of danger. I +glanced back across my shoulder. In front of the cabin stood a man +staring aft. His huge bulk, even in that darkness, told me it was +Herman. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap31"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXXI +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +THE OPEN BOAT +</H3> + + +<P> +Following the first impulse of this alarming discovery I pressed her +back into the boat, and crouched low myself behind the protection of +the flag locker. The fellow might not have seen us. How still it was; +only the swish of water astern, and the continuous patter of rain. The +pounding of my heart was like that of a trip hammer, as I listened +intently for any movement. For a long moment of suspense there was +none; then I heard his heavy step on the deck, as he came slowly +forward around the bulge of the cabin. The very manner of his advance +told me his uncertainty; something had occurred to arouse suspicion—he +had heard a noise, or seen a shadow—and was investigating curiously. +He came up to the stern rail, standing still, a huge bulk in the gloom, +his gaze on the swinging boat. Then, unsatisfied, he leaned forward, +and began to explore with one hand. Apparently he touched something +strange; the edge of her skirt it must have been, for there was a bit +of cloth in the lifted fingers. Noiselessly I arose to my feet, +planting myself firmly on the wet deck. There was but one means of +escape now, and big as the fellow was, I must accept the chance. +Another minute would mean discovery, and his bull voice would roar the +length of the ship. He neither saw, nor heard me, his whole attention +concentrated on the boat. Without warning, putting every ounce of +strength into the blow, I struck, landing square on the chin. There +was a smothered groan, and he collapsed, hurled back bodily, his arms +flung up. I heard him thud against the rail, his great form bending to +the shock, and then he went over, whirling through the air. +</P> + +<P> +The result was so sudden, so unexpected, as to be all accomplished +before I realized its possibility. I saw him go down, blindly clawing +with his hands at the open air, and yet it was more a delirium than a +reality. There was no splash, no cry, and I leaned over the rail, +rubbing my bruised knuckles, and staring down into the black void where +the fellow had disappeared, scarcely believing the truth of what I had +actually witnessed. +</P> + +<P> +"What is it?" she asked, her voice barely audible. "What has happened?" +</P> + +<P> +Her voice seemed to recall me instantly, to restore my numbed faculties. +</P> + +<P> +"Why, really I hardly know," I answered, yet stepping back to grip the +ropes. "The fellow had hold of your dress, did n't he?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, oh! I was so frightened, and—and then he jerked me horribly." +</P> + +<P> +"That was when I hit him. I must have got the big brute just right. +He fell back as if he had been pole-axed, crashed into the rail, and +went overboard." +</P> + +<P> +She looked down into the swirl beneath, clutching the edge of the boat +with her hands. +</P> + +<P> +"Is—is he down there—in the water? Do you—you suppose he is +drowned?" +</P> + +<P> +"I don't see what else he could be. I did n't mean to kill him; just +to knock him out, but I don't believe he had any swim left by the time +he hit the water." +</P> + +<P> +"I—I cannot bear to think of it!" +</P> + +<P> +"Now see here," I said, coming back to my senses. "This is all +foolishness, and losing us time. I 'm not sorry he is out of the way; +it was either his life or ours. He was a big, lawless brute, a +murderer at heart, if he was n't in deed. Now there is all the more +reason for us to hurry. Have you got the knife?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes." +</P> + +<P> +"Then get hold of that stern rope; I am going to lower away." +</P> + +<P> +She obeyed me, but it was mechanical, her eyes still fixed upon the +water. +</P> + +<P> +"Be quick now," I said sternly, and my hand pressed her shoulder. +"Your life depends on your promptness." +</P> + +<P> +I loosened the ropes, permitting them to run slowly through the blocks. +There was no creaking, and I rejoiced at the ease with which I +sustained the weight, as the boat descended. Slowly it sank below into +the darkness, until it was merely a black, shapeless shadow outlined +against the water. I felt the strain on my arms as the swell gripped +its keel; then the stern swung free, and I knew she was scrambling +forward, knife in hand, for the other rope. Almost before the boat +could swing about, the second stay dangled, and all my straining eyes +could perceive was a dark, indefinite shadow drifting out of sight +astern. Without uttering a sound, or wasting a second, I dived from +the rail. I came up to the surface, swishing the water from my eyes. +Five fathoms away was the shapeless outline of the boat, tossing +helplessly on the swell, the girl still in the bow, her very attitude +bespeaking terror. +</P> + +<P> +"It's all right," I called, loud enough for her to hear. "Throw out an +oar on the left, and hold her. I 'll be there in a minute." +</P> + +<P> +She heard me and understood, for with one sob of relief plainly audible +in the still night, she shipped the oar. Weighted by sodden clothes +even that short distance tested me, yet her efforts, small as they +were, halted the boat's drift, and I made it, almost breathless, when I +finally gripped the gunwale, and hung on to regain a measure of +strength. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, thank God!" she exclaimed, staring at me, "I—I thought you were +lost." +</P> + +<P> +"My clothes are like lead," I panted. "They dragged me down twice. +That's over with now." +</P> + +<P> +"But—but what could I have done if you had not come!" +</P> + +<P> +"Don't think of it; the danger is all over. You need n't pull on the +oar; just hold it straight out; that will keep the boat's head forward." +</P> + +<P> +"Can you get over the side?" +</P> + +<P> +"In a moment—-yes; as soon as I get my breath back. Did you notice +any alarm on board the <I>Sea Gull</I>?" +</P> + +<P> +She shaded her eyes with one hand, holding the heavy oar against her +body, and looked ahead. +</P> + +<P> +"No; I was not thinking about that—only of your danger, and my awful +position. I was never so frightened before." +</P> + +<P> +"Can you still see the vessel?" +</P> + +<P> +"Just a shadow against the sky. I—I think she is moving straight +ahead." +</P> + +<P> +"Then we have not been missed, nor the mate. Doubtless he was going +below for his supper. Now lean well over to port—yes, the left—and +balance the boat; I am going to climb in." +</P> + +<P> +With a struggle, I made it, rolling over the low gunwale, the water +draining from me into a pool at the bottom, the slight chill of the +night air making me shiver. It was not raining now, although there was +a vapory mist in the atmosphere, almost a drizzle. I sat up, and +touched her hand where it grasped the oar. +</P> + +<P> +"You are a fine brave girl," I said sincerely, unable to restrain my +admiration. +</P> + +<P> +She dropped her head, and began to sob. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, no, no! I am not," she replied, tremblingly. "I am such a +coward. You cannot know the terror I have felt." +</P> + +<P> +"That is the test of courage; you faced peril realizing all you risked. +Not one in a thousand would have done as well." +</P> + +<P> +"You—you really think so?" and she glanced toward me, "or are you +merely seeking to encourage me? But you are soaking wet, and must be +cold." +</P> + +<P> +"A little damp—yes," and I laughed, stretching my limbs, "but there is +plenty to do now to keep me warm. Where is the <I>Sea Gull</I>? I hardly +know in which direction to look." +</P> + +<P> +She pointed over the port bow, and, with an effort, I managed to make +out, through the misty gloom, a faint shadow against the sky. Not a +light was visible, nor could I decipher any real outline of the vessel. +Even as I stared in uncertainty this dim spectral shade vanished, +swallowed up in the night. +</P> + +<P> +"Why," she said, "it is gone now; I cannot see it at all any more." +</P> + +<P> +"The best luck that could happen to us. Now we will widen the stretch +of water as much as possible." I leaned over, and clawed about until I +found the discarded oilskins, and wrapped them about her, despite +protests. +</P> + +<P> +"No, not another word, young lady. I shall have to work and cannot be +bothered with such things, while you must sit there and hold that oar +until we have some sail spread. This mist is as bad as rain; your +jacket is soaked already. Have n't you learned yet to obey your +captain's orders?" +</P> + +<P> +"I was never very good at that." +</P> + +<P> +"Obeying, you mean? Well, you have no choice now. Hold steady while I +step the mast." +</P> + +<P> +Fortunately the spar was not a heavy one. Except for the roll of the +boat I could have handled it alone, but fearful of capsizing, I lashed +the oar into position, and she helped me steady it down until it rested +solidly in the socket. Our eyes met. +</P> + +<P> +"You are not so frightened now." +</P> + +<P> +"Not when I am busy; it—it was being left alone, and—and thought of +that drowned man." +</P> + +<P> +"Of course, but my being here makes a difference?" +</P> + +<P> +"Always," she confessed frankly. "Somehow I can never be afraid with +you. But—but what shall we do now?" +</P> + +<P> +"I hardly know what to put you at—oh, yes, here is a tin, and you can +bail out this water sloshing about in the bottom. That will be +valuable service." +</P> + +<P> +"What will you do?" +</P> + +<P> +"Rig up the sail the best I can in the dark; there is breeze enough to +give us some headway, and ship the rudder." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you know which direction to steer?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not now, but I have a compass in my pocket; a northeast course would +be sure to bring us to the coast, and towns are scattered along. I +found that out from Broussard yesterday." +</P> + +<P> +She made no response, bending over with the tin dipper, and I went at +my task, straightening out ropes so they would work easily through the +blocks. In spite of the darkness I was not greatly hampered, as +everything had been stored away in shipshape manner, and came +conveniently to hand. The wind freshened perceptibly while I was thus +engaged, veering into the southeast, so that all the cloth I dare +spread was the jib and a closely reefed mainsail. The boat acted a bit +cranky, but, confident she would stand up under this canvas, I crawled +back to the tiller, eased off the sheet a trifle more, and waited +results. We shipped a bucket full of water, and then settled into a +good pace, a cream of surge along our port gunwale, and a white wake +astern. The woman kept on bailing steadily, until the planks were dry, +and then crept cautiously back to the thwart just in front of me, +leaning over slightly to keep clear of the occasional flap of the sail. +</P> + +<P> +I hoped she would speak, and thus afford me some excuse for telling +what I had discovered on board the <I>Sea Gull</I>, but she sat there in +silence, staring straight ahead into the ceaseless drizzle, her +oilskins gathered tightly. Holding the tiller under my arm I unscrewed +the face of the compass, and made a guess at our position. However, +there was no star, or other mark of guidance, by which I could steer; +only the wind, which apparently shifted in gusts, and I could merely +hold the leaping craft in the course I deemed safest. I doubt if the +eye penetrated twenty feet beyond the boat's rail, but we raced through +the smother in a way that gave me a certain thrill of exultation. At +least we were clear of the <I>Sea Gull</I>, and safe enough, unless a storm +arose. With the return of daylight a course could be set for the +coast, which would n't be far away. So I stared into the darkness, and +waited, scarcely bold enough to break the silence. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap32"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXXII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +A TALK IN THE NIGHT +</H3> + + +<P> +I wondered what awaited us ahead in that black mystery of waters; had +they discovered yet our absence on board the <I>Sea Gull</I>? If so, what +would Henley do? Knowing that I had rifled his desk, his one thought +upon release would naturally be the recovery of the papers. Besides, +smarting from his bonds, and thirsting for revenge, he would never +permit the vessel to depart from these waters without an effort to +overtake us. Private vengeance would outweigh all other +considerations. God pity us if we ever fell into his clutches again. +And there would be no doubt as to the manner of our escape—the trail +left was a plain one. I could imagine the scene on board when the +discovery of our escape was first made—the search for the missing +mate, the discovery of the loss of the boat, the dangling ropes proving +how it had been lowered. Then would follow an excited investigation +below, revealing the steward locked into his pantry, and the raging +captain tied and gagged in his berth. I could not forbear laughing to +myself at the picture, and yet never was insensible to the danger still +confronting us. +</P> + +<P> +There was in my mind, now I had leisure to consider, no doubt as to +what those on board that vessel would do. They would realize we were +somewhat astern, and, in the hope of sighting us at daylight, would +cruise back and forth in those immediate waters. Any moment the <I>Sea +Gull's</I> sharp prow might loom up out of the black wall. As she carried +no lights there would be no warning. It occurred to me that they would +be more apt to take a course well in toward shore, anticipating I would +endeavor to reach the protection of the coast under cover of darkness. +Someone would discover the loss of the tell-tale compass, which would +naturally confirm that suspicion. Convinced of this I steered more to +the eastward, feeling of the face of the compass again to assure myself +of the direction. I found even this small change an advantage in more +ways than one, as the boat moved steadier, and I was able to spread a +larger amount of canvas. Lashing the tiller, I crept forward and shook +out an additional reef, hauling the ropes taut. By this time the wind +had steadied into a brisk breeze, and the rain had ceased. Crawling +back across the thwarts, I took the jumping tiller again into my hands, +and held her nose to it, seeking every advantage. I had brought back +with me a tin of biscuit from the bow locker, more as an excuse for +opening conversation than from any feeling of hunger. +</P> + +<P> +"It must be pretty close to midnight," I said finally. "Are you +hungry?" +</P> + +<P> +The shapeless form in the oilskins straightened slightly, and I knew +she had turned her face toward me. +</P> + +<P> +"Hungry! Oh, no; I had not thought of that." +</P> + +<P> +"You have been crying?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes; it is so foolish, but I am so frightened out here in this little +boat. The darkness, and that awful water has got upon my nerves. +You—you must n't scold me." +</P> + +<P> +"Of course not—I feel the weight myself," I replied kindly. "This +experience is almost as new to me as to yourself. You must remember I +am no sailor." +</P> + +<P> +"Yet you understand boats; you know the sea." +</P> + +<P> +"Only a little about small boats; I picked that up in the Philippines; +but I have never had to rely entirely upon myself before." +</P> + +<P> +"But you are not afraid?" +</P> + +<P> +I laughed softly, hoping to reassure her. +</P> + +<P> +"Not of those things which most affect you, at least. I can handle the +boat all right in this sea and wind, while the darkness possesses no +special terror." +</P> + +<P> +"Nor the memory of that dead man float—floating somewhere yonder?" +</P> + +<P> +"I have hardly thought about him. I have seen so many dead men in the +past three years I have become hardened possibly. You must n't let +your mind dwell on that grewsome incident. It was unavoidable, our +only means of escape. His death was an accident." +</P> + +<P> +"What is it then you are afraid of?" +</P> + +<P> +I told her, dwelling upon our situation so far as I could understand +it, and describing the change in my plans. She listened quietly, +asking a question now and then, sitting erect, the oilskins thrown +aside, and one hand grasping the boat's rail. +</P> + +<P> +"What papers did you find in the desk?" +</P> + +<P> +"Letters mostly, establishing the identity of the Captain." +</P> + +<P> +"Who is he—really?" +</P> + +<P> +"Charles Henley—Philip Henley's half brother by a negro mother. Did +you ever hear of him?" +</P> + +<P> +"No; I was never told there was such a man." +</P> + +<P> +"I doubt if anyone, outside those immediately interested, ever knew the +circumstances. Of course the family kept it a close secret. This is +where the man had all the advantage. As soon as the Judge died he +determined to represent himself as Philip, and claim the property. +</P> + +<P> +"As Philip had been absent so long, no one could dispute successfully +his claim to be that individual. He possessed ample evidence that he +was the son of Judge Henley." +</P> + +<P> +"But surely he would anticipate that my hus—Philip—would hear of his +father's death?" +</P> + +<P> +"He took the chance of getting the property into his hands first. As I +understand the matter he possessed no knowledge that the Judge was in +communication with Philip. He believed the latter had disappeared +utterly, and would only learn of his inheritance through accident. To +prevent this he dispatched a man North to discover him, if possible, +and keep him under surveillance. He thought he had every avenue +guarded." +</P> + +<P> +"And—and you said his mother was a negress?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes—old Sallie." +</P> + +<P> +"What! That awful creature!" +</P> + +<P> +"Probably she was not that in her younger days." +</P> + +<P> +"I cannot imagine such a thing. How did you learn this?" +</P> + +<P> +"From Broussard first. They have been together for years, but I +happened to discover the fellow when he was angry over a punishment. +He talked more freely than he intended to do, and later I verified all +he said by the letters found." +</P> + +<P> +"Then, strange as it sounds, it is true?" +</P> + +<P> +"Without doubt. Moreover," and I lowered my voice in sudden +embarrassment, "within the last two weeks the Captain had received news +from his agent in the North, which gave him fresh confidence. From his +standpoint he no longer had any cause for fear from the chief source." +</P> + +<P> +"What—what do you mean?" +</P> + +<P> +"You will believe me? You will not think I manufacture this?" +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly not:—but—but I do not understand." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, the man reported that he had found trace of Philip Henley; he +told of the life the man was leading, and where he lived. I think all +this must have been immediately after your separation, as he mentioned +no wife. However, he described something even more important." +</P> + +<P> +"You must tell me," she burst forth, as I hesitated. "Don't be afraid +to trust me with all you know." +</P> + +<P> +"I am not afraid," I returned stoutly enough, "not in the sense you +mean, at least, yet it is never easy to be the bearer of evil news." +</P> + +<P> +"It is evil?" +</P> + +<P> +"Misfortune, certainly. The man reported the death of your husband." +</P> + +<P> +"His death! You are sure?" +</P> + +<P> +I could hear her quick breathing, as she leaned forward, all attention +riveted on me. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes." +</P> + +<P> +"You saw the report?" +</P> + +<P> +"I have it with me; as soon as it becomes daylight you can read it +yourself." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, but tell me now what he said; how it happened." +</P> + +<P> +"The report was specific, and would seem to be true. He says that +Philip Henley, while intoxicated, was struck and killed by an +automobile. The date given was after you left him. His body was found +by the police but his pockets had been rifled, and there were no marks +of identification on his clothes. He was buried unknown, but the +informant claimed to have visited the morgue, viewed the body, and +states positively the dead man was Philip." +</P> + +<P> +"And—and you think—tell me what you believe, Gordon Craig." +</P> + +<P> +"There is but one conclusion to my mind. I have no doubt as to the +entire truth of the story. The silence and disappearance of your +husband is evidence that he is either dead, or, in some other way, +helpless. The former explanation is the most probable, and, coupled +with this fellow's statement, seems unquestionable. There would be no +apparent reason why he should lie." +</P> + +<P> +"No; there is none. I—I—really, I have thought this all the time; +but about those others?" +</P> + +<P> +"Vail and Neale, you mean? It seems to me they fit in exactly with the +story. Everything had been removed from Philip's pockets, and all +ordinary means of identification destroyed. There must have been a +purpose in this, and it must have been done by a second party, as there +is no suggestion of suicide. My theory is this—the body was either +found by others before the police arrived, or else the automobile party +which killed him paused long enough to ascertain the extent of his +injuries. In either case his pockets were searched, and all contents +removed. Do you comprehend what that would mean?" +</P> + +<P> +"I—I think so; but tell me yourself." +</P> + +<P> +"He certainly had papers with him dealing with his inheritance. To a +shrewd, criminal mind they would be suggestive. He also, undoubtedly, +had keys to his apartments. With these in their possession it would be +comparatively easy for unscrupulous persons to ascertain the entire +nature of the case, and secure all necessary documents. Then there +would be nothing more needed except a man capable of passing himself +off as Philip Henley." +</P> + +<P> +"And Vail was not a lawyer," she asked breathlessly, "nor Neale one of +the executors?" +</P> + +<P> +"In my judgment the fellows merely took those names to impose upon me, +to help bolster up their story, and make it appear probable. They were +simply two crooks, willing to take a chance for a pot of money. I +happened to be the one selected to pull their chestnuts out of the +fire." +</P> + +<P> +I saw her head sink into the support of her hands, and knew she was +sobbing silently. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap33"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXXIII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +WE UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER +</H3> + + +<P> +"You think my conclusions must be correct?" I could not refrain from +asking. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes; even without seeing the letter, but," and she glanced up quickly, +"the ring—Philip's ring—we found?" +</P> + +<P> +"I forgot to mention that. Its presence here alone is convincing. It +was sent to Charles Henley by his agent, who claimed to have removed it +from the finger of the dead man." +</P> + +<P> +"Then every doubt is removed; the one killed was my hus—husband." +</P> + +<P> +There was a long, painful silence, during which I stared out into the +dark, mechanically guiding the boat, although every thought centered on +her motionless figure. What should I say? how was I to approach her +now? Before there had always been a frank spirit of comradeship +between us; no reserve, no hesitancy in the exchange of confidences. +But with this assurance of Philip Henley's death, everything was +changed. I longed to go to her and pour out my sympathy, but some +instinct held me back, held me wordless. I knew not what to say, or +how any effort on my part would be received. Instantly there had been +a barrier erected between us which she alone could lower. Those were +long minutes I sat there, speechless, gazing straight ahead, my brain +inert, my hand hard on the tiller. Suddenly, with a swift thrill which +sent my blood leaping, I felt the soft touch of her fingers. +</P> + +<P> +"Are you afraid to speak to me?" she asked, pleadingly. "Surely I have +said nothing to anger you." +</P> + +<P> +"No, it is not that," I returned in confusion, not knowing how to +express the cause of my hesitancy. "I am sorry, and—and I sympathize +with you, but I hardly know how to explain." +</P> + +<P> +She was looking at me through the darkness; I was able to distinguish +the white outline of her uplifted face. +</P> + +<P> +"I am sorry—yes," very slowly, "but perhaps not as you suppose. It is +hard to think of him as dead—killed so suddenly, without opportunity +to think, or make any preparation. He—he was my husband under the +law. That was all; he was no more. I do not believe I ever loved +him—my marriage was but the adventure of a romantic girl; but if I +once did, his subsequent abuse of me, his life of dissipation, +obliterated long since every recollection of that love. He is to me +scarcely more than a name, an unhappy memory. I told you that frankly +when I believed him still alive. We were friends then, you and I, and +I cannot conceive why his death should sever our friendship." +</P> + +<P> +"Nor has it," I interposed instantly. "It was not indifference which +silenced me. Rather it was the very strength of my feeling toward you. +I was fearful of saying too much, of being too precipitate." +</P> + +<P> +"You imagine I would fail to value your friendship at such a time?" +</P> + +<P> +"Don't," I burst forth impetuously; "you talk of friendship when all my +hope centers about another term. Surely you understand. I am a man +sorely tempted, and dare not yield to temptation." +</P> + +<P> +She drew her hand away from my clasp, yet the very movement seemed to +express regret. +</P> + +<P> +"You speak strangely." +</P> + +<P> +"No, I do not; the words have been wrung from me. I am in no way +ashamed, although I realize this is neither the time nor the place. +Remember you have been under my protection ever since that night we met +first on the streets; you are alone here with me now, but still under +my protection. I cannot take advantage of your helpless condition, +your utter loneliness. If I did I should never again be worthy of the +name gentleman." +</P> + +<P> +"I regret you should say this." +</P> + +<P> +"No more than I do; the words have been wrung from me." +</P> + +<P> +"And we are to be friends no longer? Is that your meaning?" +</P> + +<P> +"You must answer that question," I replied gravely, "for it is beyond +my power to decide." +</P> + +<P> +Her head was again uplifted, and I knew she was endeavoring to see my +face through the gloom. There was silence, the only sounds the slash +of the boat through the water, and the slight flapping of the canvas. +</P> + +<P> +"I am a woman," she said at last, "and we like to pretend to +misunderstand, but I am not going to yield to that inclination. I do +understand, and will answer frankly. We can never be friends as we +were before." +</P> + +<P> +My heart sank, and I felt a choke in my voice difficult to overcome. +</P> + +<P> +"I was afraid it would be so." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," and both her hands were upon mine, "in our position we cannot +afford to play at cross purposes. You have been loyal to me, even when +every inducement was offered elsewhere. There was a moment when I +almost doubted, but it was only for a moment. Then I seemed to sense +your plan, your purpose, and from that time on I have trusted you more +completely than ever before. This is confessing a great deal, for it +is my nature to be reticent—I have always been hard to become +acquainted with." +</P> + +<P> +"I have not found you so; I feel as though I had known you always." +</P> + +<P> +"That comes from the peculiarity of our first meeting, the +unconventional manner in which we were brought together. I was not my +natural self that night, nor have I ever been able since to feel toward +you as I have in my relations with other men. Indeed I have been so +frank spoken, so careless of social forms, as to make you question in +your own mind my real womanhood." +</P> + +<P> +"No; never that!" I protested. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, but you have," and she laughed softly, a faint trace of bitterness +in the sound. "You need not deny, for I have read the truth in your +face, yet without resentment. Why should you not, indeed? No man +would wish his sister to take the chances I have with an absolute +stranger. My only excuse is the seeming necessity, and the confidence +I felt in my own strength of character. I permitted myself to come +South with you, knowing your purpose to be an illegal one; I placed +myself in a false position. In doing this I was actuated by two +purposes; one was to save this property which had been willed to my +husband by his father. Do you guess the other?" +</P> + +<P> +"No," I said, impressed by the earnestness with which she was speaking. +"You will tell me?" +</P> + +<P> +"I mean to; the time has come when I should. It was that I might save +you from a crime. You had been kind to me, sympathetic; I—I liked you +very much, and I knew you did not understand; that you were being +misled. I could not determine then where the fraud was, but I knew +there was fraud, and that you would eventually become its victim." +</P> + +<P> +"You cared that much for me?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," she confessed frankly, "I did. I would never have told you so +under ordinary conditions. But I can now, here, where we are—alone +together in this boat." She paused, as though endeavoring to choose +the proper words. "We both realize the changed relations between us." +</P> + +<P> +I drew a quick, startled breath. +</P> + +<P> +"That—that I love you!" the exclamation left my lips before I was +aware. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," she said calmly. "I could not help that. At first I never +deemed such a result of our friendship possible. I was Philip Henley's +wife, and I gave this possible danger scarcely a thought. Indeed it +did not seem a danger. While it is true he was husband in name only, +yet I was wife forever. That is my religion. Now the conditions are +all changed, instantly changed by his death." +</P> + +<P> +"You believe then he is dead?" +</P> + +<P> +"I am as sure of it as though I had seen his body. I feel it to be +true." There was an instant of hesitation, while I waited +breathlessly. "Do you understand now why because of the fact we can no +longer remain friends?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," I burst forth, "because you know how I have grown to feel toward +you; you—you resent—" +</P> + +<P> +"Have I said so?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, not in words; that was not necessary, but I understand." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you, indeed?" +</P> + +<P> +I stared toward her, puzzled, bewildered, yet conscious that the hot +blood was surging through my veins. +</P> + +<P> +"You cannot mean the other?" I questioned, the swift words tripping +over themselves in sudden eagerness. "That—that you love me?" +</P> + +<P> +"And why not? Am I so different from other women?" +</P> + +<P> +I held the tiller still with one hand, but the other arm was free, and +I reached out, and drew her toward me. There was no resistance, no +effort to break away. I could see her face uplifted, the wide-open +eyes. +</P> + +<P> +"Different! Yes; so vastly different, that I misunderstood everything. +But now I know, and—and sweetheart, I love you, I love you." +</P> + +<P> +It could not have been long, not to exceed a moment or two, when a +sudden leaping of the boat brought us back to a realization of our +position. As soon as I had regained control of the craft, I reached +out again and touched her hand. +</P> + +<P> +"This is all so strange, so unexpected, I can scarcely comprehend what +has occurred." +</P> + +<P> +"Strange, yes, in the way it has happened," she coincided. "But we +cannot afford to dwell upon that now. We are in peril. Do you really +know where we are? for what you are steering?" +</P> + +<P> +"It is largely a guess; there is nothing to give me guidance, except as +I unscrew the face of this compass and feel the needle." +</P> + +<P> +"Then we may still be within view from the deck of the <I>Sea Gull</I> at +daybreak?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes; that will depend entirely upon luck." +</P> + +<P> +She turned away, and sat quiet, staring forward intently into the black +void. +</P> + +<P> +"What time is it now?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nearly three." +</P> + +<P> +"In two hours it will be dawn." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes." +</P> + +<P> +I thought I could see her clasp her hands together; then suddenly lean +forward. +</P> + +<P> +"Why, look there!" she exclaimed quickly. "See! to the right. +Merciful Heavens! it is a ship!" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap34"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXXIV +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +THE REVENUE CUTTER +</H3> + + +<P> +The vision, indistinct in the gloom, was blotted out from me by the +intervening sail. It was only as I leaned well to one side that I +could distinguish the dim outlines. By that time we were almost upon +it, and I could only sheer away to avoid collision. It was hard to +determine the nature of the vessel, the sides looming so close above +us, but it was not the <I>Sea Gull</I>. I was certain of that from the +height of the rail, and the outline of a square foresail showing dimly +against the sky. From poop to bow there was not a light visible, and +the hull moved through the water like that of a spectral ship. +Apparently we were unnoticed, and as the stretch of water widened +slightly between us, I called out: +</P> + +<P> +"Ahoy there! Take us aboard!" +</P> + +<P> +I shouted twice, before a head popped over the rail, and stared down in +apparent amazement. +</P> + +<P> +"Hullo, the boat! Who are you? What do you want?" +</P> + +<P> +"Small boat adrift; two passengers; throw us a rope." +</P> + +<P> +"All right; standby!" +</P> + +<P> +I could hear his voice up above, shouting orders; there was a rush of +feet, and a rope's end fell within reach. The head bobbed over the +rail again, and, a moment later I had helped her up a swaying boarding +ladder, and felt the solid deck under my feet. The intense darkness +puzzled me, not a gleam of light showing anywhere. Suddenly a hand +touched my arm. +</P> + +<P> +"This way, sir; help the lady aft—the deck is clear." +</P> + +<P> +I could see nothing, barely the planks underfoot, yet there was nothing +to do but obey, with his fingers gripping me. +</P> + +<P> +"What kind of a boat is this?" she whispered. +</P> + +<P> +"I 'm sure I don't know; not big enough for a passenger liner." +</P> + +<P> +"The officer is in uniform." +</P> + +<P> +"Are you sure?" +</P> + +<P> +We were at the head of the companion stairs, and descended carefully, +clinging to the rail. The officer, groping in the darkness, opened a +door at the bottom, and hurried us into the lighted cabin. Facing us, +one hand resting on the table, stood a short, sturdy man in uniform. +Before I could speak, or do more than glance about the interior, my +eyes still blinded by the sudden blaze of light, he began questioning. +</P> + +<P> +"Who are you? how did you come to be adrift in these waters? Answer +up, sir—you 're no fisherman." +</P> + +<P> +"We escaped from a vessel last evening, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Escaped! By Gad! are we in a state of war? What do you mean by +escaped—run away?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, sir," and I stepped aside so he could see her more clearly. "We +were being held as prisoners." +</P> + +<P> +His eyes flashed to her face, rested an instant, and then his cap was +in his hand. +</P> + +<P> +"I beg your pardon, young lady," he said gravely, "but this is all most +strange. I could almost imagine this was a century or two earlier when +pirates roamed these seas. You were prisoners you say, and escaped." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," I answered, before she could do so, "but you must pardon us +details until we know who it is that questions us." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, exactly; you are unaware of the nature of this vessel." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, this is the revenue cutter <I>Saline</I>, which I have the honor to +command." +</P> + +<P> +I understood the situation in a flash, my heart leaping in fierce +anticipation. +</P> + +<P> +"Mr. Smith, assist the lady to a chair, and have the steward bring a +glass of wine. Now, sir, are you ready to answer." +</P> + +<P> +"I am; we were prisoners on board the <I>Sea Gull</I>. It is a long story, +envolving a will, in which the master of that vessel was interested. +We escaped in a small boat last evening, and have been floating about +since." +</P> + +<P> +"The <I>Sea Gull</I>? Do you remember the name, Mr. Smith?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, sir; perhaps a description—" +</P> + +<P> +"A schooner-rigged steam yacht," I explained briefly, "clearing from +New Orleans for Santiago." +</P> + +<P> +The two exchanged glances. +</P> + +<P> +"I begin to see light," said the Captain calmly. "I think the <I>Sea +Gull</I> must have originally sailed as the <I>Mary Somers</I>. Do you happen +to know, sir, where she was really bound, and the nature of her cargo?" +</P> + +<P> +"I do; Spanish Honduras, with munitions of war." +</P> + +<P> +"Exactly, under command of a half-breed named Henley. By Gad, Smith, +this sounds too good to be true." +</P> + +<P> +He walked across the cabin twice, thinking, not even glancing up as he +passed us. Suddenly he stopped, facing me. +</P> + +<P> +"Where did he get you two?" +</P> + +<P> +"In a bayou off the Alabama coast." +</P> + +<P> +"And you got away last evening—how?" +</P> + +<P> +"By imprisoning the Captain and steward below; I was obliged to knock +the first mate overboard, but we were unseen by any others. Let me +tell you the whole story; it will scarcely require five minutes." +</P> + +<P> +He nodded his head, walking back and forth as I reviewed the events +swiftly. I hardly think he asked so much as a single question, his +eyes upon my face and then upon the face of the girl. +</P> + +<P> +"A rather strange tale," he commented when I had concluded, "and, +perhaps, the whole is not told. However that is none of my affair. +Now listen; this is a revenue cutter. We were ordered out of Pensacola +four days ago to intercept this boat on which you two were prisoners. +We have n't even sighted the vessel, and if we did would be perfectly +helpless; as she can steam three knots to our one. Only some streak of +wonderful good luck would ever enable us to capture her. I half +believe you are the good luck, if you do what I suggest." +</P> + +<P> +"What?" I asked. "I will be willing. Would you need Mrs. Henley also?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," he turned to the officer who was still standing. +</P> + +<P> +"How large was the boat, Mr. Smith?" +</P> + +<P> +"Capable of transporting about fifteen, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Hardly enough; still I don't know; we could afford to take a chance. +What crew did the <I>Sea Gull</I> carry?" +</P> + +<P> +"I do not know how many were below, sir," I answered, beginning dimly +to conceive his purpose. "I never saw to exceed a dozen on deck in a +watch." +</P> + +<P> +"Any evidence they were armed?" +</P> + +<P> +"I know they were not; the officers carried weapons, but would never +trust the crew." +</P> + +<P> +"And only two officers remaining?" +</P> + +<P> +"There may be an engineer, sir." +</P> + +<P> +He pondered a moment, grave-faced, and silent. +</P> + +<P> +"It is not a very complicated plan, but we will try It. I don't think +Henley will leave these waters without an effort to recover his boat, +and prisoners. He will want those papers, and revenge on Craig here. +He has no warning that we are after him. I believe the fellow will +cruise about in the same neighborhood until daylight. What do you say, +Smith?" +</P> + +<P> +"I agree with you, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Good; then all we have got to do is lay a trap; the boat's the trap." +</P> + +<P> +"You mean conceal a squad of men in the bottom, and send it adrift +again?" +</P> + +<P> +"Exactly; lower the mast, as though Craig here had been unable to step +it; or, better still, heave it overboard; the loss of weight will give +room for another man. Then cover the lads over with the canvas. They +will never suspect the ruse on the <I>Sea Gull</I>, or study it out through +glasses. They 'll simply recognize their boat, and steer for it." +</P> + +<P> +"The fighting odds will be pretty heavy, sir," said Smith soberly. +</P> + +<P> +The Captain's smile lit up his stern features. +</P> + +<P> +"I would not so consider if it was my privilege to be along," he +replied. "We must trust to surprise, and get the crew below fastened +down before an alarm is sounded on board. A dozen armed men ought to +clear the decks. How do you look at the affair, Craig? Will the plan +work?" +</P> + +<P> +"I am not sure I understand exactly what is proposed, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"My thought is, that this man Henley will be sufficiently anxious to +get hold of you two again, and regain those papers, so that he will +steam about slowly all night, hoping to get sight of the missing boat +at daylight. He has no means of knowing that the revenue officers are +after him. If he sights us at daybreak, he 'll make a run, and show us +a clean pair of heels. He 'd be hull down in five hours, for this is a +slow old tub. Now what I propose is this," and the Captain counted off +the points on his fingers. "There is about an hour of darkness +left—sufficient to enable me to run this cutter in behind Cosmos +Island safely out of sight. In the meanwhile we 'll dismantle that +small boat a bit, slip a dozen good men under the canvas, and turn her +adrift." +</P> + +<P> +"And you wish me to go also?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, if you will." +</P> + +<P> +"And Mrs. Henley?" +</P> + +<P> +"That would be the only way to allay suspicion on the <I>Sea Gull</I>." +</P> + +<P> +I hesitated, half turning so as to look at her. Our eyes met, and she +must have instantly read the question in mine, for she arose to her +feet, and rested one hand on my arm. +</P> + +<P> +"You wish to say yes?" she asked quietly. "You believe the plan will +succeed?" +</P> + +<P> +"It sounds feasible. I would gladly go myself, but I hesitate at +exposing you; there will be fighting." +</P> + +<P> +"But my being there is one of the requisites of success?" +</P> + +<P> +"I suppose so. If you were not visible in the boat, they might +suspicion the truth." +</P> + +<P> +She glanced toward the waiting Captain, and then back into my face. +</P> + +<P> +"Then I will go, of course," she said smilingly. "Let us not discuss +it any more." +</P> + +<P> +The Captain stepped forward, bowing, bare-headed. +</P> + +<P> +"Most bravely spoken," he said soberly. "I owe you a debt, madam. Mr. +Smith, have the boat prepared at once to carry out my idea." +</P> + +<P> +"To leave the impression that an incompetent seaman had been in charge +of it through the night, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Exactly; the mast overboard, and the canvas stowed badly." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, sir, a big sheet." +</P> + +<P> +"Bunch it so as to leave all the space possible; leave the jib set; it +will help conceal the men. Send Lieutenant Hutton here." +</P> + +<P> +"He will have command of the party?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes; let him pick his own men, and then report to me; arm them with a +revolver apiece. Be lively about it." +</P> + +<P> +He turned to us as Smith left the cabin. +</P> + +<P> +"I cannot offer you much at this hour," he said genially, "but the boy +has some hot coffee ready. Bring on what you have, Joe." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap35"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXXV +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +THE DECK OF THE SEA GULL +</H3> + + +<P> +The dawn broke gray and desolate, the vista of restless waters growing +gradually wider, as the light spread out across the eastern sky. The +clouds yet hung thick and low, yielding a ghastly aspect to the dawn, +somberness to the picture of breaking waves tipped by flying vapors of +mist. I sat at the tiller, grasping one of her hands in mine, and +staring anxiously about the broadening circle. The boat in which we +rode, while buoyant enough, still bore the outward appearance of a +wreck, the broken stump of a mast barely showing sufficiently high to +support the flapping jib, and the wet canvas of the mainsail completely +concealing everything forward. The men were lying low, so completely +hidden as to be invisible even to us, but the Lieutenant sat upright, +with head above the mass of sail, and was scanning the sea with +glasses. He was a resolute-looking fellow, with brown eyes, and a +reddish tinge of hair. As he lowered the glasses a moment, I saw him +glance back at us curiously. +</P> + +<P> +"Had n't seen you before," he explained cordially enough. "Dark when +we came over the side, you know. Bad morning." +</P> + +<P> +"The fog is lifting. What is that black mass out there?" +</P> + +<P> +"Cosmos Island," and he turned his lenses the other way. "The next ten +minutes will give us a clear view." +</P> + +<P> +I looked at her, noting how tired her eyes appeared in the gray light, +although they smiled courageously. +</P> + +<P> +"I wish you were not here," I whispered. +</P> + +<P> +"Please do not say that. I—I really I wished to come. I do not think +I could have let you go without me." +</P> + +<P> +"But you are so tired—" +</P> + +<P> +"No more than you, I am sure. Why, I have done nothing except to stay +awake. You have had all the work and worry. It will not be long now." +</P> + +<P> +"No; we shall know in a few minutes if the <I>Sea Gull</I> is standing by +hunting us. If she shows up, you must do exactly as I say. You +promise that?" +</P> + +<P> +"Of course," and the clasp of her hand tightened. "You have no reason +to doubt me." +</P> + +<P> +The Lieutenant's eyes were on the widening sea line, and I bent down +and pressed my lips to her bare arm. I glanced up again into flushed +cheeks. +</P> + +<P> +"It has been a great night," I said sincerely. "The one in all my life +best worth living through." +</P> + +<P> +"I almost believe you mean that." +</P> + +<P> +"Don't you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Can you not read my answer in my eyes?" +</P> + +<P> +"Craig," exclaimed the Lieutenant suddenly, "that must be the fellow +off there to port. Here, try the glasses—just where the cloud is +lifting a bit." +</P> + +<P> +I was some time gaining the proper focus, but when I once had the +distant vessel caught fairly in the lens, I recognized her instantly. +</P> + +<P> +"That's the <I>Sea Gull</I>, and, by heavens, they are keeping a sharp +lookout on board. See! she is swinging on her heel already; they've +sighted us." +</P> + +<P> +He grasped the glass, and stared out through it in silence for several +minutes. Then he thrust it into a pocket and settled back out of sight +behind the canvas screen. +</P> + +<P> +"You have called the turn," he said quietly, "and the dance is about to +begin. Unship your rudder and let it go. Let them think you are +wrecked, helpless to escape, and they will be more careless. You men +there, loosen your guns, and be ready to scale a ship's side in a +jiffy, but lie perfectly still until I give the word." He turned his +head. +</P> + +<P> +"You understand what you are to do, Craig, you and the lady?" +</P> + +<P> +"I think so. We are to obey Henley's orders, and go on board." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, but do something as soon as you reach the deck to attract +attention, and get them away from the rail. Try and get the lady as +far astern as possible, for there is likely to be some fighting. Are +you frightened, miss?" +</P> + +<P> +"No," although her voice trembled from excitement. "You need not worry +about me." +</P> + +<P> +I caught the gleam of admiration in the Lieutenant's eyes as he looked +at her, but almost instantly his thought centered on his own work. +</P> + +<P> +"All right, then; I shall not wait for any signal. Now listen, men; +these are my last orders. When I say go, get up any way you can, and +hit the first man you see. Hit hard, but no shooting unless they use +firearms. But fight like devils, and do it quick. They outnumber us +three to one. Marston, you and Simms take the stoke hold and the +forecastle. Keep those fellows below down with your revolvers. Shoot +if you need to. The rest of you stick close to me. All clear, lads?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, aye, sir," returned the muffled voices from beneath the canvas. +</P> + +<P> +I unshipped the rudder, letting it disappear noiselessly beneath the +waves, and the boat's head swung slowly around, and we drifted +helplessly, the jib flapping. With our eyes on the approaching vessel +we remained motionless in the stern, our hands clasped. The flush had +faded from out her cheeks, yet once she turned toward me and smiled. +Forward not so much as the twitch of a muscle revealed any other +presence in the boat, the only visible thing a jumble of ropes and +canvas, apparently dragged hastily from the water by inexperienced +hands. The waves tossed us about so that any seaman would recognize +instantly our predicament. The manner in which the jaunty <I>Sea Gull</I> +bore down upon us was proof that those on board had already grasped the +situation, and had no remaining suspicion of treachery. She was under +steam, with no sail set, and the rapidly increasing light gave me a +fairly clear view. In low monotone, without turning my head, I managed +to convey my observations to the motionless officer. +</P> + +<P> +"She 's heading straight toward us under low pressure. There are two +men on the bridge, and a lookout on the bow. Now she 's swinging to +port to bring up close. There 's a group at the rail near the +starboard gangway. About ten, I should say. Can you see, Viola?" +</P> + +<P> +"Twelve," she answered quietly, "and three forward. The third man at +the rail is the Captain, and he has a glass." +</P> + +<P> +"By George! you are right. I recognize the fellow now. Broussard is +on the bridge. They expect no trouble, Lieutenant, and only have the +regular watch on deck. They are getting too close for me to talk any +more." +</P> + +<P> +It was indeed a beautiful picture had we only been in a mind to enable +us to enjoy the scene. The deserted ocean, rolling gray and dismal +under the cloudy sky, white caps showing in every direction as our boat +was flung helplessly aloft on the steady roll of the sea. The coast +line was not visible from our elevation, and nothing broke the gray +round of horizon but clouds of floating vapor, slowly drifting away +before the sun, which was already yielding a faint crimson glow to the +east. Behind us, probably two miles distant, arose the rough ridge of +Cosmos Island, while bearing down upon us from the north, with a +westward sheer sufficient to expose her beautiful lines, came the <I>Sea +Gull</I>. Yet graceful, handsome as she appeared, my entire attention +centered on the group of men at her rail. They were watching us +intently, Henley with a glass at his eyes. Twice I saw him turn, and +wave his hand to Broussard on the bridge, slightly altering the +vessel's course, and once the sound of his voice echoed faintly across +the intervening water. +</P> + +<P> +It was quite evident that as yet he perceived nothing to arouse +suspicion, for, with a swing like a hawk, the <I>Sea Gull</I> bore down upon +us, the engines slowing, and then reversed. We were staring up into +the faces that looked curiously down at us. Henley gripped a stay and +swung himself to the rail; farther aft the negro steward hung over, his +mouth wide open, grinning at the spectacle. +</P> + +<P> +"Hard down!" yelled the Captain, motioning with one arm. "Plug her, +man. Now you damned army hound," he called to me, "catch that rope, +and make fast." +</P> + +<P> +One of the hands flung the coil so that it fell at my feet, and I did +as directed, as otherwise we would have been crushed under the vessel. +As it drew taut, the boat swung in gently against the side of the <I>Sea +Gull</I>. Above us Henley hung, leaning far enough out so he could look +down. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, you damn thief," he screamed, "it's my turn to play jailer. Come +up, both of you." +</P> + +<P> +"Just a moment, Captain Henley," I answered, rising to my feet. "If +there is anyone to be punished I am the one; this woman had nothing to +do with it." +</P> + +<P> +"That 's for me to decide," he snarled, and whipped out a revolver. "I +know how to handle both of you. Come, jump now, you dog, or you never +will move again. Pass the girl up first, and be lively about it. Give +them a hand there, Peters, and don't be too easy." +</P> + +<P> +There was no excuse for delay; besides, those lads under the heavy +canvas must be nearly smothered. With my arm about her I lifted her up +to where Peters could reach down, and grasp her hand, and then followed +as quickly as possible. Henley had swung down to the deck, and stood +there, his men grouped about him, the revolver still in his hand. One +glance at his face told me he was insane from rage, thinking only of +revenge. +</P> + +<P> +"Take the woman below," he snapped, his cruel teeth gleaming. "By God! +she 'll get her lesson. Here, Louis, you damned nigger, don't you hear +me? Lock her in, and bring me the key. I 'll handle this sniveling +thief first. So you could n't run a boat, hey! Not so easy as it +looked, was it, you dog. Thought we 'd be gone this morning, didn't +you? You 'll find I 'm not quite as easy as all that. Now, by God! +you 'll take your medicine!" +</P> + +<P> +I still stood motionless, my back to the rail, letting him rave, but +watching every movement. I knew the girl's eyes were on my face, +although I did not venture to glance toward her, not even when the +negro guided her aft through the ring of seamen. Yet this was the one +thing I was waiting for, my heart beating fiercely, in fear lest the +Lieutenant might give signal for attack too soon. I remember the faces +about me, fierce, scowling faces, of men wild to lay hold upon me at +the first word of command, yet it was Henley I looked at, measuring the +distance between us, and watching the revolver in his hand. What did +he mean to do? Kill me, or give me over into the hands of those +merciless devils? All I could read in his eyes was hatred, exultation, +consciousness of power. Suddenly he laughed, a sneering, cynical +laugh, as though he thought me cringing before him in terror. The man +judged me by himself, and believed me helpless. +</P> + +<P> +"Hard luck, Craig—hey!" he began tauntingly. "Played with the wrong +man, did n't you. Now I 've got the girl just as I want her, and as +for you—Lord! but I 'll keep you to play with all the way to Honduras. +It will be a pleasant voyage, my friend. Here, Masters, you and Peters +stand by. Now, you robber, give me those papers." +</P> + +<P> +I handed them out, watching closely. Peters stood at my right, one +hand on my arm; the other fellow must have been behind me. Henley +grasped the envelope, opening the flap to be sure of its contents. The +movement caused him to lower the revolver, and avert his gaze, for just +an instant. With one motion I flung Peters aside, and jammed a +clinched fist into the Captain's face. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap36"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXXVI +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +IN POSSESSION +</H3> + + +<P> +Masters must have struck me at almost the same instant my fist landed +on Henley, for we went down together, his revolver discharging, the +flying bullet gouging my shoulder, burning the flesh like a red-hot +wire. Yet I grappled him even as we crashed to the deck, but the +fellow lay stunned, motionless as a dead man. Everything happened +quicker than I can tell it; with such rapidity, indeed, that not a hand +touched me. I could barely struggle up on one knee, dazed still by the +stroke which had floored me, and glance about, when the blue-jackets +came tumbling over the rail, and leaped at the astounded crew of the +<I>Sea Gull</I>. It was a swift, short fight, the assailants having every +advantage. I saw the Lieutenant, bare-handed, dash into the group, +striking out left and right, his men at his heels. There was a volley +of oaths, a thud of falling bodies, a sharp command, and the shrill +pipe of a boatswain's whistle. Two men rushed forward, the first +disappearing behind the chart-house. The second encountered Broussard +stepping off the bridge ladder, and hurled the fellow to the deck with +one blow of a sledge-hammer fist. Scarcely pausing to see whether he +was alive or not, the assailant ran on toward the forecastle. +</P> + +<P> +The whole affair was over in two minutes, the blue-jackets circling out +like a fan, and pressing their enemy into a helpless mass against the +rail. For a moment the fight was furious, every man for himself, then +the Lieutenant drove like a wedge into the bunch, and it was all over. +I struggled to my feet, still viewing all through a mist, and swaying +back and forward as I endeavored to steady myself on the rolling deck. +There was no one at the wheel, and the bow of the <I>Sea Gull</I> was swinging +slowly about. +</P> + +<P> +"On to the bridge there, Coates, and hold up her head," sang out the +officer. "Boatswain, take charge of these beauties, and run them into +the forecastle. Leave two men on guard, and take a squint into the +engine room. Report to me here." +</P> + +<P> +He took off his coat, examined a long slit in its side where a vicious +knife had ripped it from shoulder to tail; then slipped it on again, +and watched his men drive their prisoners forward. +</P> + +<P> +"I 'd like to know which one of them did that," he growled, glancing +toward me. "Say, what 's the matter with you—shot? You 're white as +a sheet of paper, man." +</P> + +<P> +"I got one on the head with a belaying pin from the heft of it. The +bullet touched me—here. Lord, how it burns." +</P> + +<P> +"Who did the shooting?" +</P> + +<P> +"Henley here," and I touched the fellow with my foot. "He fired just +as I hit him." +</P> + +<P> +The Lieutenant stepped forward and looked down into the upturned face. +</P> + +<P> +"So that's the man!" he exclaimed. "We 've done a good day's work. I +'ve heard stories of that half-breed ever since we 've been on this +coast. He must be a natural devil, but he 's played hide and seek with +Uncle Sam for the last time. This will be a feather in the 'old man's' +cap. He 's waking up." +</P> + +<P> +Henley stirred as he spoke, and opened his eyes, staring up into my +face, and then at the Lieutenant's uniform. The sight of the latter +perplexed him. +</P> + +<P> +"Who the hell are you?" he asked angrily, making an effort to rise. +"Where is Broussard?" +</P> + +<P> +"Henley," I said, stepping in between them, "the game is up, and the +best thing you can do now is keep quiet. This gentleman is Lieutenant +Hutton, of the Revenue Cutter <I>Saline</I>, and his men have the crew of +the <I>Sea Gull</I> under hatches forward. Give me back those papers." +</P> + +<A NAME="img-356"></A> +<CENTER> +<IMG SRC="images/img-356.jpg" ALT=""Give me back those papers."" BORDER="2" WIDTH="426" HEIGHT="532"> +<H4> +[Illustration: "Give me back those papers."] +</H4> +</CENTER> + +<P> +He had the envelope still clasped in his left hand, and he glanced at +it dully, and then beyond me toward Hutton. Apparently his brain, yet +numbed by the blow, failed to entirely comprehend. The Lieutenant, +however, was a man of action. With grip on his collar he jerked the +poor wretch to his feet, and held him there. +</P> + +<P> +"Hand over those papers to Craig," he ordered shortly, "and be lively +about it. I have n't anything to do with that affair, and I don't +think you will have much more from now on. You are my prisoner, and +you are good for a ten spot at least. Stand up, you coward." He +forced him back against the rail, and glanced about the deck. The +boatswain was coming aft. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, Sloan, how did you find things?" +</P> + +<P> +"All serene, sir; the whole crew bottled up, and mighty little fight +left in them." +</P> + +<P> +"The engine room?" +</P> + +<P> +"The engineer was a bit ugly, sir, and had to be man-handled proper. +He 's lyin' in a coal bunker with a sore head, cussin' blue. But the +assistant is a young fellar, an' kin run the engines. I left him in +charge with a couple o' lads lookin' after him." +</P> + +<P> +"Who has the wheel?" +</P> + +<P> +"Somers, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"All right; have steam kept up, and make the course south, southeast. +Send a couple of men here to get this boat on deck. Put all the +fire-room fellows who won't work into the forecastle with the others. +Here, take this man along also. He 's the Captain, but no better than +the rest." +</P> + +<P> +Henley started back, with some crazy hope of resistance, but the great +fist of the boatswain gripped his collar. +</P> + +<P> +"Come on, you," he said, jerking him savagely. "Yer bloody pirate; +make another crack, an' I 'll land yer one. Is he that Henley, sir?" +of the Lieutenant. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes; ever hear of him?" +</P> + +<P> +"Have I! Aye, many the time. He 's wanted in Galveston, sir, for +somethin' worse than runnin' arms—it was a knifin' job, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"And not the last either, if what Craig says is true. Take the fellow +forward. Ah! there comes the <I>Saline</I> now—just poking her nose out +from behind the ridge." +</P> + +<P> +I looked as he pointed, clutching the recovered papers in my hands, and +forgetful of Henley. The sun had discovered an opening in the cloud +bank, and a long shaft of golden light played across the water, +gleaming with white caps. Into its radiance the revenue cutter was +gliding, outlined against the leafy shade of Cosmos Island, her flag +standing out like a board in the fresh breeze, her cutwater churning up +a mass of foam. She made a beautiful picture, one that fascinated me +for the moment, and caused me to forget my own immediate incidents. I +was brought back to a realization of the situation by Hutton's hand on +my shoulder. +</P> + +<P> +"Nice-looking old girl, but, like all of her sex, a gay deceiver. +Slowest tub that ever floated a U. S. flag; any coal barge could get +away from her in a fair wind. Take her half an hour now to get within +hailing distance, and the old man raging to learn the news. How do you +feel? still groggy?" +</P> + +<P> +"All right, except for a stiff headache." +</P> + +<P> +"Then come into the cabin. There is nothing more to do on deck, and I +want to get sight of the ship's papers. Where was the fellow cleared +for?" +</P> + +<P> +"Santiago." +</P> + +<P> +"And his cargo?" +</P> + +<P> +"Miscellaneous; mostly farm machinery—worth investigating." +</P> + +<P> +"I 'll have some of the boxes broken open, but will take a squint at +the papers first. What became of the girl?" +</P> + +<P> +"The steward took her below, and locked her in before the fracas +started." +</P> + +<P> +"I thought so; I heard a little of the talk, and hung back so as to +give you plenty of time." He laughed, good-humoredly. "Nice little +scrap, Craig; those fellows never even heard us, until I was over the +rail. By the way, is the young lady married? I never heard the whole +story." +</P> + +<P> +"She is a widow," I replied, a bit stiffly, resenting his flippancy of +tone. "She was the wife of this Henley's half brother, but I have +every reason to believe he is dead." +</P> + +<P> +He looked into my face, a glint of amusement in his eyes. +</P> + +<P> +"Let us hope the good news is true," he said soberly. "Come, don't +flare up, man; I recognize the symptoms. But don't you think she will +be crying her pretty eyes out down below?" +</P> + +<P> +We went down the companion stairs together, into a deserted cabin. No +steward was in evidence, and, finding the Captain's stateroom locked, +the Lieutenant kicked open the door, and entered. I turned back, +explored the passage, and finally dragged Louis out from a dark corner +of the pantry. That darky was plainly in a state of funk, his legs +trembling, and the whites of his eyes much in evidence. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, Lor', Massa Craig," he whined. "Ah ain't done nuthin', deed Ah +ain't, sah!" +</P> + +<P> +"You locked up the girl." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah just had to, sah. Captain Henley he just nat'rally skin me alive, +sah, if Ah don't. But Ah nebber hurt her none." +</P> + +<P> +"Where is she?" +</P> + +<P> +"In number five, sah; here—here am de key." +</P> + +<P> +"All right, Louis," and I tossed him into one corner. "Now listen; set +that table, and get some food on it quick. Make coffee, but don't wait +for anything else." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, sah." +</P> + +<P> +I crossed the cabin, and inserted the key. As the door opened she +stood there waiting, her hands held out. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap37"></A> +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXXVII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +A HOMEWARD VOYAGE +</H3> + + +<P> +"It—it is all over with? You have been successful?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, don't worry," and I held her hands fast, looking into her eyes. +"There can be no further trouble. Captain Henley and his crew are +prisoners." +</P> + +<P> +"And no one was hurt? You were not?" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, there are a few sore heads, but nothing serious. I got a crack +myself; bled a little—see." +</P> + +<P> +She placed her fingers on the wound, stroking the hair gently, her eyes +full of anxiety. +</P> + +<P> +"Is that all? Please tell me; I—I heard a shot fired." +</P> + +<P> +"Henley's revolver; no damage done. Really you must accept my +assurance. Come out into the cabin; Louis is getting breakfast ready." +</P> + +<P> +"Where is the Lieutenant?" hesitating slightly. +</P> + +<P> +"In Henley's cabin, going through the papers. He wants to have a full +report ready when the <I>Saline</I> comes up. The three of us will +breakfast together." +</P> + +<P> +"You must permit me to wash the wound on your head first," she +insisted. "The hair is all matted with blood. Please." +</P> + +<P> +"Of course," and I laughed. "Even then I will not be very presentable; +these clothes are frightful; the last week has been a strenuous one." +</P> + +<P> +"What about me!" and she shot a look downward. "I 've only had the one +dress." +</P> + +<P> +"The marvel of it," I interrupted ardently. "You look as though you +had just come from the dressing-table." +</P> + +<P> +"You do not think so!" +</P> + +<P> +"But I do; still, it may be a case where love is blind." +</P> + +<P> +The fresh color swept into her cheeks. +</P> + +<P> +"That is the only explanation possible, I am sure. See how the skirt +is stained, and the lace ruffle is almost torn off." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, well, don't worry; the Lieutenant has lost his natty appearance +also. Some villain slashed his coat its full length. However, I +accept your offer." +</P> + +<P> +She ministered to me with womanly gentleness, parting the matted hair, +and cleansing the wound with water. While in no way serious it was an +ugly bruise, and required considerable attention. Sitting there on a +stool while she worked, I could hear Louis bustling about in the cabin, +but my mind was busy with a thousand matters requiring settlement. At +last I refused to be ministered to any longer, laughing at her desire +to bandage my head, and insisting that all I needed now was breakfast. +As we entered the cabin, the Lieutenant stood in Henley's door. +</P> + +<P> +"I was looking for you, Craig," he said, coming forward, and bowing to +my companion. "Here is a newspaper clipping which may be of interest. +I found it on the deck." +</P> + +<P> +I read it hastily, and, in silence handed it to her, watching her face +as she read. It was a local item describing the finding of a dead body +which could not be identified. The details of the man's appearance as +well as the clothes worn were carefully depicted, evidently in hope +someone might thus recognize the party. She remained with the bit of +paper in her hands for what seemed a long while, while we waited. Then +her eyes were slowly lifted to our faces. +</P> + +<P> +"That was Philip Henley," she said soberly. +</P> + +<P> +"You are sure?" +</P> + +<P> +"There is no possibility of mistake; the description is almost +photographic and the clothing I remember well." +</P> + +<P> +"Your husband, madam?" asked the Lieutenant, as I remained silent. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes; legally my husband, although he had driven me from him by +dissipation and neglect. I—I cannot tell you the wretched story now." +</P> + +<P> +"Nor do I ask it," he hastened to assure her. "What is it, Mapes?" +</P> + +<P> +A blue-jacket stood at the foot of the stairs, one hand lifted in +salute. +</P> + +<P> +"The <I>Saline</I>, sir, is alongside, and hailing us. The boatswain sent +me, sir." +</P> + +<P> +We followed the two on deck, and, after one glance about, I led her +around the bulge of the cabin to the narrow deck space astern. The +boat in which we had escaped had been hoisted into its davits, and we +halted in its shadow. The sea was gently rolling in great crested +waves, with no land visible except Cosmos Island. The most of our crew +must have been busy forward, as only three or four hung over the port +rail in idle curiosity. The two vessels moved side by side, separated +by a narrow stretch of green water, a thin vapor of smoke visible. I +could perceive the whiteness of the <I>Saline's</I> deck, and the group of +officers on the bridge. The Captain, facing us, hollowed his hands. +</P> + +<P> +"What have you to report, Mr. Hutton?" +</P> + +<P> +"The vessel is in our possession, sir, and the crew under guard below." +</P> + +<P> +"Any injuries?" +</P> + +<P> +"None serious, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"And the Captain—the half-breed Henley; did you get him?" +</P> + +<P> +"He 's with the others." +</P> + +<P> +"Better put the fellow in irons, Hutton. There are some serious +charges against him, you know. Have you men enough?" +</P> + +<P> +"I could use a half dozen more." +</P> + +<P> +"Very well; I 'll send them over with Mr. Steele." +</P> + +<P> +"What is to be our course, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Pensacola. Don't wait for us." +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, aye, sir. Shall I hold Craig and the lady?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not on this case; we have all the evidence needed. If you take their +addresses that will be all that is necessary. Pleasant voyage!" +</P> + +<P> +He waved his hand, and then, perceiving us as he turned away from the +rail, lifted his cap in salute. A moment later a boat heavily manned +shot out from the cutter's black side, and headed toward us. We stood +there alone in the shadow, watching its approach. +</P> + +<P> +"It is all over now, dear," I whispered. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, but—but I do not feel as though I could ever touch that money." +</P> + +<P> +"You will have no choice. The courts will decide that." +</P> + +<P> +She glanced aside at me shyly, and one hand rested on the rail of the +boat. +</P> + +<P> +"I know what I would like to do with some of it." +</P> + +<P> +"What?" +</P> + +<P> +"Buy this—this boat." +</P> + +<P> +"In memory?" +</P> + +<P> +"Of course—you loved me then." +</P> + +<P> +"And now, and always. Do you know what is the first thing I shall do +when we make Pensacola?" +</P> + +<P> +"No." +</P> + +<P> +I clasped the straying hand and drew her to me, looking down into her +eyes. +</P> + +<P> +"Telegraph my father I am coming home." +</P> + +<P> +"Is that all?" +</P> + +<P> +"And that I shall bring a wife with me. Right here I end my career as +a soldier of fortune." +</P> + +<P> +Under the protecting shadow of the boat our lips met. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR><BR> + +<hr class="full" noshade> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GORDON CRAIG***</p> +<p>******* This file should be named 17765-h.txt or 17765-h.zip *******</p> +<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/7/6/17765">http://www.gutenberg.org/1/7/7/6/17765</a></p> +<p>Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed.</p> + +<p>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: Gordon Craig + Soldier of Fortune + + +Author: Randall Parrish + + + +Release Date: February 13, 2006 [eBook #17765] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GORDON CRAIG*** + + +E-text prepared by Al Haines + + + +Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this + file which includes the original illustrations. + See 17765-h.htm or 17765-h.zip: + (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/7/6/17765/17765-h/17765-h.htm) + or + (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/7/6/17765/17765-h.zip) + + + + + +GORDON CRAIG + +Soldier of Fortune + +by + +RANDALL PARRISH + +Author of "My Lady of the North," "My Lady of the +South," "Keith of the Border," "When Wilderness Was King." + +With Four Illustrations in Color by Alonzo Kimball + + + + + + + +[Frontispiece: I clasped the straying hand and drew her to me.] + + + + + +A. L. Burt Company +Publishers ---------- New York +Copyright +A. C. McClurg & Co. +1912 +Published October, 1912 +Copyrighted in Great Britain + + + + +CONTENTS + + +CHAPTER + + I THE FIRST STEP + II THE CASE OF PHILIP HENLEY + III I ACCEPT THE OFFER + IV AN ESCAPE FROM ARREST + V BEGINNING ACQUAINTANCE + VI WE OPEN CONFIDENCES + VII THE WOMAN'S STORY + VIII FACING THE PROBLEM + IX WE COMPLETE ARRANGEMENTS + X AT THE PLANTATION + XI A PLEASANT WELCOME + XII THE DEAD MAN + XIII I GET INTO THE GAME + XIV THE CONFESSION + XV THE DECISION + XVI COMPELLING SPEECH + XVII CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE + XVIII BEGINNING EXPLORATION + XIX A CHAMBER OF HORROR + XX TAKEN PRISONER + XXI ON BOARD THE SEA GULL + XXII I CHANGE FRONT + XXIII THE SECRET OF THE VOYAGE + XXIV I JOIN THE SEA GULL + XXV THE FREEDOM OF THE DECK + XXVI THE NEW PERIL + XXVII THE TABLES TURNED + XXVIII THE CREOLE'S STORY + XXIX UNDER WAY + XXX WE MAKE THE EFFORT + XXXI THE OPEN BOAT + XXXII A TALK IN THE NIGHT + XXXIII WE UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER + XXXIV THE REVENUE CUTTER + XXXV THE DECK OF THE SEA GULL + XXXVI IN POSSESSION + XXXVII A HOMEWARD VOYAGE + + + + +ILLUSTRATIONS + + + I clasped the straying hand and drew her to me . . _Frontispiece_ + + I read it over slowly, but it appeared innocent enough + + He gasped a bit, rubbing his bruised wrist + + "Give me back those papers" + + + + +GORDON CRAIG + +SOLDIER OF FORTUNE + + +CHAPTER I + +THE FIRST STEP + +I had placed the lumber inside the yard as directed, and was already +rehitching the traces, when the man crossed the street slowly, +switching his light cane carelessly in the air. I had noticed him +before standing there in the doorway of the drug store, my attention +attracted by the fashionable cut of his clothes, and the manner in +which he watched me work. Now, as he rounded the heads of the mules, I +straightened up, observing him more closely. He was forty or +forty-five, heavily built, with a rather pasty-white face, a large +nose, eyes unusually deep set, and a closely clipped mustache beginning +to gray. His dress was correct to a button, and there was a pleasant +look to the mouth which served to mitigate the otherwise hard +expression of countenance. As I faced him in some surprise he looked +me fairly in the eyes. + +"Been at this job long?" he asked easily. + +"Three days," I replied unhesitatingly, drawing the reins through my +hands. + +"Like it?" + +"Well, I 've had worse and better," with a laugh. "I prefer this to my +last one." + +"What was that?" + +"Ridin' blind baggage." + +It was his turn to laugh, and he did so. + +"I thought I was not mistaken," he said at last, sobering. "You are +the same lad the train hands put off the Atlantic Express at Vernon a +week ago." + +I nodded, beginning to suspect him of being a fly-cop who had spotted +me for a pull. + +"I never noticed the name of the burg," I returned. "Why? were you +there?" + +"Yes, I came in on the same train. Just caught a glimpse of your face +in the light of the brakeman's lantern. How did you get here?" + +"Freight, two hours later." + +"You 're not a bum, or you would n't be working." + +I put one foot on the wheel, but he touched me on the sleeve with his +cane. + +"Wait a minute," and there was more animation in the tone. "I may have +something better for you than this lumber wagon. I 'm right, ain't I, +in guessing you 're no regular bum?" + +"I 've bummed it most of the way from Frisco; I had to. I was homesick +for the East, and lost my transportation." + +"Your what?" + +"Transportation; I was discharged at the Presidio." + +"Oh, I see," smiling again, and tapping the wheel with his stick; "the +army--foreign service?" + +"The Philippines three years; invalided home." + +"By God, you don't look it," his eyes on me. "Never saw a more perfect +animal. Fever?" + +"No, bolo wound; got caught in the brush, and then lay out in a swamp +all night, till our fellows got up." + +He looked at his watch, and I climbed into my seat. "See here, I have +n't time to talk now, but I believe you are the very fellow I am +looking for. If you want an easier job than this," waving a gloved +hand toward the pile of lumber, "come and see me and we 'll talk it +over." He took a card out of a morocco case, and wrote a line on it. +"Come to that address at nine o'clock tonight." + +I took the bit of pasteboard as he handed it up. + +"All right, sir, I 'll be there on time." + +"Come to the side door," he added swiftly, lowering his voice, "the one +on the south. Give three raps. By the way, what is your name?" + +"Gordon Craig," I answered without pausing to think. His eyes twinkled +shrewdly. + +"Ever been known by any other?" + +"I enlisted under another; I ran away from home, and was not of age." + +"Oh, I see; well, that makes no difference to me. Don't forget, Craig, +the side door at nine." + +I glanced back as we turned the corner; he was still standing at the +edge of the walk, tapping the concrete with his cane. Out of sight I +looked curiously at the card. It was the advertisement of a clothing +house, and on the back was written "P. B. Neale, 108 Chestnut Street." + +The mules walked the half dozen blocks back to the lumber yard, while +my mind reviewed this conversation. There was a bit of mystery to it +which had fascination, because of a vague promise of adventure. +Evidently this man Neale had need of a stranger to help him out in some +scheme, and had picked me by chance as being the right party. Well, if +the pay was good, and the purpose not criminal, I had no objections to +the spice of danger. Indeed, that was what I loved in life, my heart +throbbing eagerly in anticipation. I was young, full-blooded, strong, +willing enough to take desperate chances for sufficient reward. There +was a suspicion in my mind that all was not straight--Neale's +questions, and the private signals to be given at a side door left that +impression--yet I could only wait and learn, and besides, my conscience +was not overly delicate. I had lived among a rough, reckless set, had +experienced enough of the seamy side of life to be somewhat careless. +I would take the chance, at least, in hope of escape from this routine. + +All the rest of the day, for this meeting had occurred early in the +afternoon, I labored quietly, loading and unloading lumber, my muscles +aching from a species of toil to which I had not yet become accustomed, +my mind active in imagination over the possibilities of this new +employment. I was not obliged to live this sort of life, but the +uneasy spirit of adventure held me. My father, from whom I had not +heard a word in two years, was a prominent manufacturer in a New +England village. The early death of my mother had left me to his care +when I was but ten years old, and we failed to understand each other, +drifting apart, until a final quarrel had sent me adrift. No doubt +this was more my fault than his, although he was so deeply immersed in +business that he failed utterly to understand the restless soul of a +boy. I was in my junior year at Princeton, when the final break came, +over an innocent youthful escapade, and, in my pride, I never even +returned home to explain, but disappeared, drifting inevitably into the +underworld, because of lack of training for anything better. This all +occurred four years previous, three of which had been passed in the +ranks, yet even now I was stubbornly resolved not to return +unsuccessful. Perhaps in this new adventure I should discover the key +with which to unlock the door of fortune. + +I possessed a fairly decent suit of clothes, now pressed and cleaned +after the rough trip from the coast, and dressed as carefully as +possible in the dingy room of my boarding house. A glance into the +cracked mirror convinced me, that, however I might have otherwise +suffered from the years of hardship, I had not deteriorated physically. +My face was bronzed by the sun, my muscles like iron, my eyes clear, +every movement of my body evidencing strength, my features lean and +clean cut under a head of closely trimmed hair. Satisfied with the +inspection, confident of myself, I slipped the card in my pocket, and +went out. It was still daylight, but there was a long walk before me. +Chestnut Street was across the river, in the more aristocratic section. +I had hauled lumber there the first day of my work, and recalled its +characteristics--long rows of stone-front houses, with an occasional +residence standing alone, set well back from the street. It was dark +enough when I got there, and began seeking the number. I followed the +block twice in uncertainty, so many of the houses were dark, but +finally located the one I believed must be 108. It was slightly back +from the street, a large stone mansion, surrounded by a low coping of +brick and with no light showing anywhere. I was obliged to mount the +front steps before I could assure myself this was the place. The +street was deserted, except for two men talking under the electric +light at the corner, and the only sound arose from the passing of a +surface car a block away. The silence and loneliness got upon my +nerves, but, without yielding, I followed the narrow cement walk around +the corner of the house. Here it was dark in the shadow of the wall, +yet one window on the first floor exhibited a faint glow at the edge of +a closely drawn curtain. Encouraged slightly by this proof that the +house was indeed occupied, I felt my way forward until I came to some +stone steps, and a door. I rapped on the wood three times, my nerves +tingling from excitement. There was a moment's delay, so that I lifted +my hand again, and then the door opened silently. Within was like the +black mouth of a cave, and I involuntarily took a step backward. + +"This you, Craig?" + +"Yes," I answered, half recognizing the cautious voice. + +"All right then--come in. There is nothing to fear, the floor is +level." + +I stepped within, seeing nothing of the man, and the door was closed +behind me. The sharp click of the latch convinced me it was secured by +a spring lock. + +"Turn on the light," said the voice at my side sharply. Instantly an +electric bulb glowed dazzling overhead, and I blinked, about half +blinded by the sudden change. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +THE CASE OF PHILIP HENLEY + +It was a rather narrow hallway and, with the exception of a thick +carpet underfoot, unfurnished. Neale, appearing somewhat more slender +in evening clothes, smiled at me genially, showing a gold-crowned tooth. + +"Did not chance to hear your motor," he said easily, taking a cigarette +case from his vest pocket. "You are a little late; what was it, tire +trouble?" + +"I came afoot," I answered, not overly-cordial. "It was farther across +town than I supposed." + +"Well, you 're here, and that is the main point. Have a cigarette. +No?" as I shook my head. "All right, there are cigars in the room +yonder--the second door to your left." + +I entered where he indicated. It was a spacious apartment, evidently a +library from the book-shelves along the walls, and the great writing +table in the center. The high ceiling, and restful wall decorations +were emphasized by all the furnishings, the soft rug, into which the +feet sank noiselessly, the numerous leather-upholstered chairs, the +luxurious couch, and the divan filling the bay-window. The only light +was under a shaded globe on the central table, leaving the main +apartment in shadows, but the windows had their heavy curtains closely +drawn. The sole occupant was a man in evening dress, seated in a +high-backed leather chair, facing the entrance, a small stand beside +him, containing a half-filled glass, and an open box of cigars. Smoke +circled above his head, his eyes upon me as I entered. With an +indolent wave of one hand he seemingly invited me to take a vacant +chair to the right, while Neale remained standing near the door. + +This new position gave me a better view of his face, but I could not +guess his age. His was one of those old-young faces, deeply lined, +smooth-shaven, the hair clipped short, the flesh ashen-gray, the lips a +mere straight slit, yielding a merciless expression; but the eyes, +surveying me coldly, were the noticeable feature. They looked to be +black, not large, but deep set, and with a most peculiar gleam, almost +that of insanity, in their intense stare. Even as he lounged back amid +the chair cushions I could see that he was tall, and a bit angular, his +hand, holding a cigar, evidencing unusual strength. He must have +stared at me a full minute, much as a jockey would examine a horse, +before he resumed smoking. + +"He will do very well, Neale," he decided, with a glance across at the +other. "Possibly a trifle young." + +"He has roughed it," returned the other reassuringly, "and that means +more than years." + +The first man laughed rather unpleasantly, and emptied his glass. + +"So I have discovered. Have a cigar, or a drink, Craig?" + +"I will smoke." + +He passed me the box, watching me while I lighted the perfecto, Neale +crossing to the divan. + +"How old are you?" + +"Twenty-four." + +"I thought about that. What part of the country do you hail from?" and +I noticed now a faint Southern accent in the drawl of his voice. + +"New England." + +"Ever been south?" + +"Only as far as St. Louis. I was at Jefferson Barracks." + +"Neale said you were in the army--full enlistment?" + +"Yes; discharged as corporal." + +"Ah; what regiment?" + +"Third Cavalry." + +His black eyes swept across toward Neale, his fingers drumming +nervously on the leather arm of the chair. + +"Exactly; then your service was in Oregon and the Philippines. Tramped +some since, I understand--broke?" + +"No," shortly, not greatly enjoying his style of questioning. "I 've +got three dollars." + +"A magnificent sum," chuckling. "However, the point is, you would be +glad of a job that paid well, and would n't mind if there was a bit of +excitement connected with it--hey?" + +"What is your idea of paying well?" + +"Expenses liberally figured," he replied slowly, "and ten thousand +dollars for a year's work, if done right." + +I half rose to my feet in surprise, believing he was making sport, but +the fellow never moved or smiled. + +"Sit down, man. This is no pipe dream, and I mean it. In fact, I am +willing to hand you half of the money down. That 's all right, Neale," +he added as the other made a gesture of dissent. "I know my business, +and enough about men to judge Craig here for that amount. That we are +in earnest we have got to assure him someway, and money talks best. +See here, Craig," and he leaned forward, peering into my face, "you +look to me like the right man for what we want done; you are young, +strong, sufficiently intelligent, and a natural fighter. All right, I +'m sporting man enough to bet five thousand on your making good. If +you fail it will be worse for you, that's all. I 'm not a good man to +double-cross, see! All you have got to do to earn your money is obey +orders strictly, and keep your tongue still. Do you get that?" + +I nodded, waiting to learn more. + +"It may require a year, but more likely much less time. That makes no +difference--it will be ten thousand for you just the same," his voice +had grown crisp and sharp. "What do you say?" + +"That the proposition looks good, only I should like to know a little +more clearly what I am expected to do." + +"A bit squeamish, hey! got a troublesome conscience?" + +"Not particularly--but there is a limit." + +He slowly lit a fresh cigar, studying the expression of my face in the +light, as though deciding upon a course of action. Neale moved +uneasily, but made no attempt to break the silence. Finally, with a +more noticeable drawl in his voice, the man in the armchair began his +explanation. + +"Very good; we 'll come down to facts. It will not take long. In the +first place my name is Vail--Justus C. Vail. That may tell you who I +am?" + +I shook my head negatively. + +"No; well, I am a lawyer of some reputation in this State, and my +entire interest in this affair is that of legal adviser to Mr. Neale. +With this in mind I will state briefly the peculiar circumstances +wherein you are involved." He checked the points off carefully with +one hand, occasionally glancing at a slip of paper lying on the table +as though to refresh his memory. I listened intently, watching his +face, and dimly conscious of Neale's restlessness. "Here is the case +as submitted to me: Judge Philo Henley, formerly of the United States +Circuit Court, retired at sixty-four and settled upon a large +plantation near Carrollton, Alabama. His wife died soon after, and, a +week or so ago, the Judge also departed this life, leaving an estate +valued in excess of five hundred thousand dollars. Philo Henley and +wife had but one child, now a young man of twenty-five years, named +Philip. As a boy he was wild and unmanageable, and, finally, when +about twenty years old, some prank occurred of so serious a nature that +the lad ran away. He came North, and was unheard-of for some time, +living under an assumed name. Later some slight correspondence ensued +between father and son, and the boy was granted a regular allowance. +The father was a very eccentric man, harsh and unforgiving, and, while +giving the boy money, never extended an invitation to return home. +Consequently Philip remained in the North, and led his own life. He +became dissipated, and a rounder, and drifted into evil associations. +Finally, about six months ago, he married a girl in this city, not of +wealthy family, but of respectable antecedents. Her home, we +understand, was in Spokane, and she had an engagement on the stage when +she first met Henley. He married her under his assumed name and they +began housekeeping in a flat on the north side." + +He paused in his recital, took a drink, his eyes turning toward Neale; +then resumed in the same level voice: + +"The Judge learned of this marriage in some way, and began to insist +that the son return home with his wife. Circumstances prevented, +however, and the visit was deferred. Meanwhile, becoming more +eccentric as he grew older, the father discharged all his old servants, +and lived the life of a recluse. When he died suddenly, and almost +alone, he left a will, probably drawn up soon after he learned of his +son's wedding, leaving his property to Philip, providing the young man +returned, with his wife, to live upon the estate within six months; +otherwise the entire estate should be divided among certain named +charities. Three administrators were named, of whom Neale here was +one." + +I glanced back at the man referred to; he was leaning forward, his +elbow on his knees, and, catching my eyes, drew a legal-looking paper +from his pocket. + +"Here is a copy of the will," he said, "if Craig cares to examine it." + +"Not now," I replied. "Let me hear the entire story first." + +Vail leaned back in his chair, a cigar between his lips. + +"The administrators," he went on, as though uninterrupted, and +repeating a set speech, "endeavored to locate young Henley, but failed. +Then Mr. Neale was sent here to make a personal search. He came to me +for aid, and legal advice. Finally we found the flat where the young +couple had lived. It was deserted, and we learned from neighbors that +they had quarreled, and the wife left him. We have been unable to +discover her whereabouts. She did not return to, or communicate with, +her own people in the West, or with any former friends in this city. +She simply disappeared, and we have some reason to believe committed +suicide. The body of a young woman, fitting her general description, +was taken from the river, and buried without identification." + +"And young Henley?" I asked, as he paused. + +"Henley," he continued gravely, "was at last located, under an assumed +name, as a prisoner in the Indiana penitentiary at Michigan City, +serving a sentence of fourteen years for forgery. He positively +refuses to identify himself as Philip Henley, and all our efforts to +gain him a pardon have failed." + +"But what have I to do with all this?" I questioned, beginning to have +a faint glimmer of the truth. + +"Wait, and I will explain fully. Don't interrupt until I am done. +Here was a peculiar situation. The administrators are all old personal +friends of the testator, anxious to have the estate retained in the +family. How could this be accomplished? Neale laid the case before +me. I can see but one feasible method--illegal, to be sure, and yet +justifiable under the circumstances. Someone must impersonate Philip +Henley long enough to permit the settlement of the estate." + +I rose to my feet indignantly. + +"And you thought I would consent? would be a party to this fraud?" + +"Now, wait, Craig," as calmly as ever. "This is nothing to be ashamed +of, nor, so far as I can see, as a lawyer, does it involve danger. It +will make a man of Henley, reunite him with his wife if she still +lives, and give him standing in the world. Scattered about among +charities the Lord knows who it would benefit--a lot of beggars likely. +We are merely helping the boy to retain what is rightfully his. Don't +throw this chance away, hastily--ten thousand dollars is pretty good +pay for a couple of months' work." + +I sank back into my chair undecided, yet caught by the glitter of the +promise. Why not? Surely, it would do no harm, and, if the +administrators were satisfied, what cause had I to object. They were +responsible, and, if they thought this the best course, I might just as +well take my profit. If not they would find someone else who would. + +"But--but can that be done?" I asked hesitatingly. + +Vail smiled, confident of my yielding. + +"Easily," he assured. "Young Henley has been away five years; even +before that he was absent at school so much as to be practically +unknown except to the older servants. These have all been discharged, +and scattered. The wife is entirely unknown there. Anyone, bearing +ever so slight a resemblance, would pass muster. All you need do is +read the father's letters over, post yourself on a few details and take +possession. We will attend to all legal matters." + +"Then you consider that I resemble Henley?" + +"No," coolly, "not in any remarkable manner, but sufficient for our +purpose--age, size, general appearance answers very well; nose, eyes +and hair are alike, and general contour of the face is similar. There +is not likely to be any close scrutiny. Here is young Henley's +photograph." + +He picked it up from among the papers, and handed it over to me. There +was a resemblance, recognizable now that my attention had been called +to it, certain features being remarkably similar, although the face in +the picture wore a hard, dissipated look utterly at variance with my +own. I glanced at the endorsement on the back. + +"He was going to send this photograph to his father." + +"Yes, but never did. Apparently there is no flaw in our plan." + + + + +CHAPTER III + +I ACCEPT THE OFFER + +I do not know how others might have looked upon such a proposition as +this, but it never occurred to me at the time to doubt the honesty of +Vail's statement, nor could I perceive any great wrong in the action so +calmly proposed. This was Philip Henley's property; his father +undoubtedly intended he should inherit it, and the poor devil was +utterly unable to comply with the terms of the will. The very fact +that he possessed sufficient pride to part with the inheritance rather +than openly reveal his disgrace, appealed strongly. That sort of +fellow must have a strain of manhood in him. If I could serve him, +save the property for him, at almost no danger to myself, and make a +tidy sum of money doing it, why shouldn't I consent? I saw no reason +for refusal. To be sure the method was not lawful, yet was advised by +a lawyer, and agreed to by the administrators. Besides, the keeping of +a few promiscuous charities out of such a gift did not seem especially +wrong--I knew nothing, cared nothing for their loss. They were but +names of no significance. Vail, watching the expression of my face in +the light, seemed to divine my thoughts. + +"Evidently you are recovering your good sense," he remarked easily. +"There is no use acting like a fool in a matter of this kind. You are +lucky to fall into such a chance. You 'll act, I take it?" + +"Yes," the word was out almost before I was aware of speaking. + +"Sensible decision, my man," his face lighting up. "Now there is no +need of our meeting again, or being seen together. The more quiet we +can keep our plans, the better it will be for all concerned. Neale, +hand Craig your copy of the articles of administration, and of the +will." + +I took these and read them over carefully, yet without fully +comprehending the legal phraseology. They were apparently genuine, and +I gathered from them that the facts were exactly as stated. Peter B. +Neale, of Birmingham, was named one of the administrators. The two men +watched me read, and when I laid the papers down Vail was ready with +others. + +"Here is a small packet of letters from Judge Henley to his son," he +said, in a business-like way, "which you had better read, and so +familiarize yourself with local names, and conditions. I have also +drawn up, and had typed, a brief sketch of young Henley's life, which +will aid you in playing the part. You will need a new outfit of +clothes, I presume?" + +"This is my best suit." + +"I thought it probable. Now, if you will sign this paper, I will hand +you a liberal advance." + +I read it over slowly, but it appeared innocent enough. Of course they +would require some guarantee that my work would be performed. Yet +certain questions arose to my mind. + +[Illustration: I read it over slowly, but it appeared innocent enough.] + +"As soon as the property is legally in my possession I am to deed it +over to you?" + +"Certainly; I represent the administrators, and the rightful heir." + +"That will involve forgery on my part." + +He waved his hand, as though brushing away an insect. + +"Technically, yes; but under legal advice, my dear boy, and agreement +of the officials interested in proper settlement of the estate. There +is no danger whatever." + +I was not assured as to this, and yet the man's easy manner, and smooth +speech, served to ease my conscience. + +"And the ten thousand dollars?" I asked. + +"A thousand will be handed you tonight; the remainder may be retained +at the final settlement, together with the compensation of the woman. +You make your own terms with her; so you see you cannot lose. Sign +here." + +"I had forgotten the woman. Is she necessary?" + +"It will be better to have one, as they know down there young Henley +was lately married. Any good-looker, with an easy conscience, will do. +You could coach her on the train." + +"But I don't know a young woman in town," I admitted soberly, "except +my landlady's daughter, and she 's the limit." + +Vail and Neale both laughed. + +"You 're slow, Craig," the former said good-humoredly. "I thought +better of you than that. However, you will have all day tomorrow. Get +on your new clothes, and look around. There 's plenty would jump at +the chance." + +I shook my head. + +"That's altogether out of my line," I averred. "I 'd rather go alone." + +"Well, we 'll not war over that. You can leave your wife North if you +wish. I tell you what you do. Think it over, and call me up by 'phone +about three o'clock tomorrow--here's the number. If you decide on +taking a woman along I know one who will answer, and will have her at +the train." + +"I am to leave then tomorrow night?" + +"Yes, over the Eastern Illinois, at 8:10." + +There was a moment's silence; then he rustled the paper on the table, +and held out a fountain pen. + +"Sign here." + +I was not hypnotized, or unduly controlled; my mind seemed clear, but I +yielded without a word and wrote my name at the bottom of the sheet. +Vail blotted it carefully, folded the paper, and placed it in a drawer +of the table. Then he handed me two bills. + +"There is a thousand dollars there, Craig, and I will send you a +typewritten memoranda of instructions, covering all points in the game. +Where can I be sure of finding you at three o'clock tomorrow?" + +"At 407 Green Street." + +"All right; as soon as you read those instructions call me up by +'phone, and let me know what you have done regarding a woman, and ask +any questions you may desire. That will be all now. Neale, you might +show Craig the way out." + +He put out his arm, and we shook hands, although he did not arise from +the chair. It had all been accomplished so suddenly that I felt +confused, uncertain as to what I had best do. Only the feel of those +bills in my pocket seemed real, and made me fully aware that I was +pledged to the service. Neale stepped into the hall, and I followed +him. The entry way was in darkness, and the man went to the side door +without switching on the light. + +"Is this Mr. Vail's house?" I questioned, and he drew the latch. + +"Yes, and, by the way, it will be as well for you to go out cautiously, +and not be seen. We want to play safe, you know." + +The door opened and closed, leaving me outside in the house shadow. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +AN ESCAPE FROM ARREST + +It was then that the power of thought returned to me. However glibly +those two conspirators might gild over the affair it nevertheless was a +criminal matter to which I had blindly committed myself. Neale's +parting words of warning alone made that clearly evident. They +understood the risk of discovery, and now I also comprehended it with +equal clearness. Fraud and forgery were contemplated, had been coolly +planned, and it occurred to me that I was the one selected for +sacrifice in case of discovery. Vail and Neale were probably safe +enough, as it would be easy for them to deny any participation, but +they had me bound fast. However, I had no thought of withdrawal from +the contract, for, while I saw the danger involved, and realized the +illegality, yet I failed utterly to perceive any real evil. I did not +doubt the truth of all that had been told me, and was willing to assume +the risk. I fingered the crisp bills in my pocket, and the words "ten +thousand dollars" kept repeating themselves over and over. Of course I +would do it; I should be a fool not to. It would be "easy money," and +my earning it could harm no one. + +Not a glimmer of light appeared from within the house I had just left, +and I drew my cap down over my eyes, and stared about, listening. The +hour could not be far from midnight, the night dark, the air heavy with +mist. Glancing out between the houses I caught a glimpse of asphalt +pavement glistening with moisture, and the distant electric light above +the street intersection appeared blurred and yellow. Here, in the +heart of the residential district, the last belated cab had already +drifted by, leaving the silence profound, the loneliness complete. Two +blocks away a trolley-car swept past, an odd, violet light playing +along the wire, grotesque shadows showing briefly amid the enveloping +folds of vapor. The discordant clang of the gong died away into the +far distance. Crouching there in the shade of the wall I felt like a +criminal. Then, angry at myself, I advanced slowly forward, yet +keeping well under cover. + +The light fell slanting across the stone steps in front, and revealed a +narrow opening through the brick coping beyond. I must pass that way +in reaching the street, but hesitated to go forward boldly. I could +see only a few feet in any direction, as the fog was thickening, +driving along the soaked pavement in dense gray clouds, already +beginning to blot from view the houses opposite. Another trolley-car, +dismally clanging its gong, paused a moment at some near-by corner, and +then passed noisily on. The way seemed clear, the street utterly +deserted, and, nerving myself to the effort, I crept cautiously +forward, until I crouched behind the brick coping. There was not a +disturbing sound, and I straightened up, essaying the first quick step +forth into the full gleam of the light. Like some confronting ghost, +scarcely more real than a phantom of imagination, I came face to face +with a woman. + +She had turned swiftly into the narrow gateway leading through the +brick coping, hurrying silently as if pursued, her foot barely planted +upon the step when we met. I stopped, speechless, rigid, my +outstretched hand gripping the rail, but the woman drew hastily back, +her lips parted in a sudden sob of surprise, one hand flung out as if +in self-protection. It was instantaneous, yet before either could move +otherwise, or utter a word of explanation, a heavy footfall crunched +along the walk, and a burly police officer, his star gleaming ominously +in the dull light, rounded the corner a dozen feet away. Neither of us +stirred, staring into each other's bewildered faces, and before either +fully realized the situation, the strong, suspicious hand of the law +had gripped my shoulder. + +"Here, now, an' what the hell are ye oop too, me fine buck?" he +questioned roughly, swinging me about into the light. "Give an account +o' yer-self moighty quick, 'er I 'll run ye in." + +Startled, recalling the money hidden in my pocket, the last injunction +of Neale, I could think of no excuse, no explanation. The girl, still +staring blankly at me, must have perceived how I instinctively shrank +back, my lips moving in an impotent effort at speech. Some sudden +impulse changed her fright into sympathy. However it was the officer +who impatiently broke the silence, swinging his night stick menacingly: + +"Come on now, me lad, hav' ye lost yer voice entoirely? Spake oop +loively--whut ther hell are the two ov' yer oop to, onyhow?" + +She started forward, just a step. + +"Nothing in the least wrong, officer," her voice trembling slightly, +yet sounding clearly distinct. "He--he was merely accompanying me home +from a dance." + +"Whut dance?" + +"Over--over there on 43rd Street." + +"An' do yer live here?" the gruff tone still vibrant with suspicion. +"Fer if ye do, yer 're sure a new gurl," and he peered at her shadowed +face in the dim light. She drew in her breath sharply. + +"No," her voice steadying, now she realized she must carry out the +deception. "My place is three blocks yet, around the next corner." + +"Thet 's a prutty thin story, Miss. Then whut wus the two ov' yer +doin' in here?" + +She clutched the brick coping with one hand, never glancing toward me, +her eyes fixed imploringly on the glistening face of the questioning +policeman. Yet she responded instantly with the quick wit of a clever +woman. + +"I had my foot on the step, tying my shoe," she explained simply. "You +don't arrest people for that, do you?" + +It was plain enough the officer was puzzled, yet he reluctantly +released his grip on my arm, boring the end of his club into the brick +wall. + +"It's half Oi' belave yer stringin' me roight now," he announced +doubtfully, "but Oi 'll give yer ther benefit ov' the doubt; only the +two ov' yer better kape on a-goin' till yer git under cover. Don't let +me run across yer along this beat agin ternight. Be gory av yer do, Oi +'ll let yer explain to ther sargint over at ther station. Go on now!" + +I felt her hand touch my sleeve timidly, and caught a swift glimpse of +her eyes. We must carry out the deception now, and go away together. +There was no other choice. The policeman stared after us through the +mist, rolling his night stick in his hand. I heard him mutter to +himself: + +"It 's a rum go o' sum koind. Thet guy ain't dressed fer no dance. +But, dom me, if she 's the koind o' female ter run in aither. Lord, +but she 's got a foine pair o' eyes in the face ov' her." + +Close together, without venturing to speak or glance around, we walked +forward into the enveloping mist. Her fingers, for appearances' sake, +barely touched the rough cloth of my sleeve. All this had occurred so +swiftly, so suddenly, that I was yet bewildered, unable to decide on a +course of action. The girl, I noticed, was breathing heavily from +excitement, her eyes cast down upon the wet pavement. Once, beneath +the glow of the lamp at the first corner, I ventured to glance slyly +aside at her, in curiosity, mentally photographing the clear outline of +her features, the strands of light brown hair straggling rebelliously +from beneath the wide brim of the hat. I was of rather reckless +nature, careless, and indifferent in my relationship with women. A bit +of audacious speech trembled on my lips, but remained unuttered. My +earlier conception that she was a woman of the street died within me. +There was more than a mere hint of character about that resolute mouth, +the white contour of cheek. She glanced furtively back across her +shoulder--evidently the policeman had disappeared, for she released her +slight grasp of my arm, although continuing to walk quietly enough by +my side, her face partially averted. The night was deathly still, the +sodden walk underfoot scarcely echoing our footfalls, the weird mist +closing denser about us, as we advanced. + +At the second street intersection she turned east, advancing toward +where passing trolley-cars promised some life and activity even at that +late hour. Helpless to do otherwise I moved along with her in the same +direction, our grotesque shadows dimly discernible beneath the yellow +mist of light. Impulsively she stopped, and faced me, her hands +clasped. + +"I--I--please--I will say good night, now," she said, endeavoring to +speak firmly, yet with no uplifting of the eyes. + +Hesitatingly I stood still, feeling strangely embarrassed by this +sudden curt dismissal. + +"Do--do you mean you wish me to leave you alone on the street at this +hour?" I questioned uneasily. "At least permit me to see you home +safely. I will not hurt you, or speak a word." + +There was a tone of earnestness in my plea but she only shook her head +decisively, lips pressed close together. The faint glow of the +overhead light rested on the slightly uplifted face, and the sight of +her features yielded me fresh confidence. + +"You have no cause to feel afraid of me," I went on soberly, in the +silence. "Can't you tell that by my face?" and I removed my cap, +standing before her uncovered. She lifted her lashes, startled and +curious, gazing at me for the first time. I met her glance fairly, and +the slight resentment in her eyes faded, her clasped hands moving +uneasily. + +"I--I am not afraid of--of you," she returned at last doubtfully. "It +is not that, but--but really I cannot permit you to accompany me +farther." + +"Only to the place where you said you lived," I urged eagerly. "I +promise not even to take note of the number, and will never bother you +any more." + +Her fine eyes hardened; then sank slowly before mine. + +"That--that was a lie also," she acknowledged, half defiantly. "I--I +do not live about here." + +I stared at her in sudden doubt, yet remained loyal to my first +impression. + +"All the greater reason then for not leaving you here alone." + +She laughed, a faint tinge of bitterness in the sound. + +"Surely you cannot imagine I would feel any safer in company with a +burglar?" she asked sharply. My face flushed. + +"Why accuse me of that?" I asked quickly. "Merely because I was in +that yard?" + +She drew back a step, one hand grasping her skirt. + +"Not altogether. You were hiding there, and--and you were afraid of +the policeman." + +I could not explain; it would require too long, and she would in all +probability refuse to believe the story. Besides, what difference +could it make? She had as much to explain as I; no more reason to +suspect me than I had her. Let us meet then on common ground. + +"If I grant your hasty guess to be partially correct," I returned +finally, my voice deepening with earnestness, "and confess I was +avoiding observation--what then? Can you not also believe me a man +capable of treating you honorably? Is it totally impossible for you to +conceive of circumstances so compelling, as to cause one to avoid the +police, and yet involve no real loss of manhood?" + +She bowed her head slightly, lowering her eyes before mine. My +earnestness, my apparent education, were clearly a surprise. + +"Yes," she confessed reluctantly enough. "I--I believe I can. There +was a time when I could not, but I can now." + +"Then yield me the benefit of such charity of judgment," I went on. +"At least do not altogether condemn me on mere circumstantial evidence, +and before you learn what has led up to the events of the night. At +least give me opportunity to exhibit my gratitude." + +She remained silent, motionless. + +"Why not? Is it because you have no confidence in me?" I insisted. + +She put out one hand, grasping the iron rail of a fence, and I thought +I could see her form tremble. + +"Oh, no! it--it is not that exactly," she explained brokenly. "I +believe I---I might trust you, but--but of course I do not know. I +think you--you mean well; your words sound honest, and your--your face +inspires confidence. Only I have found so much deceit, so much cruelty +and heartlessness in the world I have become afraid of everyone. But +I--I simply cannot let you go with me--oh! please don't urge it!" + +I leaned forward, my face full of sympathy, my voice low and earnest. + +"And do you suppose I will consent to desert you after that +confession?" I questioned, almost indignant. "I would be a brute to do +so. You saved me from arrest just now; for me to have been taken to +the station house and searched would have put me in a bad hole. It was +your wit that saved me, and now I am going to stay and help you. I 'll +not leave you alone here in the street at this hour of the night." + +She looked at me, her eyes wide open, shining like stars, her face +picturing perplexity, not unmixed with fear, one hand yet gripping the +supporting rail, the other pressed against her forehead. + +"Oh, but you must! indeed, you must!" the words scarcely more than +sobs. "I--I have no place to go!" + + + + +CHAPTER V + +BEGINNING ACQUAINTANCE + +I drew in my breath sharply, my lips set in a straight line. Already +had I half-suspicioned this truth, and yet there was that about the +girl--her manner, her words, even her dress--which would not permit me +to class her among the homeless, the city outcasts. + +"You mean that you are actually upon the streets, with--with no place +to _go_?" + +She did not answer, her head bowed, her face suddenly showing white and +haggard. I stared at her with swift realization. + +"My God, girl! and--and I actually believe you are hungry!" + +Her eyes uplifted to my face dumb with agony, her hand grasp upon the +rail tightening. Then she pitifully endeavored to smile. + +"I--I am afraid I am, just a little." She acknowledged slowly, as +though the words were wrung out of her. + +I straightened up, with shoulders flung back. All that was strong, +determined in my nature, came leaping to the surface. It was my time +to act. + +"Then that settles it. You are coming with me. No! don't shake your +head; I shall have my way this time. There is a respectable all-night +place over there on Desmet Street. I ate there once a week ago. We +'ll go together." + +She drew back, still clinging helplessly to the rail, her eyes on my +face. + +"Oh! you must not--I--" + +My hand touched her arm. + +"Yes, but I shall," I insisted, almost sternly. "Good Heavens, do you +suppose I will leave you here on the street hungry? I 'd never rest +easy another night as long as I lived. You are going with me." + +Feeling my determination she made no further resistance, and I half +supported her as we moved slowly forward through the mist, her face +turned away, her arm trembling beneath the firm clasp of my fingers. +As we advanced I became conscious that my own position was an awkward +one. I had no money of my own with me--not a cent other than those two +five-hundred dollar bills handed me by Vail. The uselessness of +attempting to pass one of these was apparent; it would be better to +plead lack of cash, and put up some security if the man in charge +refused credit. At whatever cost the girl must have food. + +It was much brighter on Desmet Street, numerous electric signs, +advertising various places of business, even at this late hour, +continuing to exhibit their rotating colors, while not a few of the +shop windows remained brilliantly illuminated. Occasionally a belated +pedestrian passed, while trolley-cars clanged their way through the +fog, approaching and vanishing in a purple haze. Three doors around +the corner was the all-night restaurant, through the glass front +revealing a lunch counter, and a number of cloth-draped tables awaiting +occupants. A few of these were in use, a single waiter catering to the +guests; a woman was scrubbing the floor under the cigar stand, while a +round-faced, rather genial-looking young fellow, stood, leaning +negligently against the cashier's desk. Rather doubtfully I glanced +uneasily up and down the deserted street, and then aside into the still +averted face of my chance companion. I had no desire she should +comprehend my dilemma. + +"Would you mind waiting out here on the step a moment?" I questioned +awkwardly, attempting to explain. "Only until I make sure who are +inside. There are some fellows I am not friendly with, and I am not +hunting a rough house with a girl to look after. You won't care for +just a minute, will you?" + +"No," wearily, "I won't mind." + +"You 'll promise not to go away?" + +She shook her head, her eyes staring dully into the mist. + +"No; I won't go away. Where could I go?" + +Scarcely satisfied, yet feeling obliged to take the chance, I stepped +within, and advanced across the room toward the man at the cashier's +desk. He glanced up curiously as I approached, and spoke low, so as +not to attract the attention of others. + +"Pardner, is my credit good for two meals?" I asked genially. "I guess +you 've seen me in here before--I drive for the Wooster Lumber +Company." A night cashier in that neighborhood becomes early +habituated to tales of hard luck. It requires but a few lessons to +render suspicion paramount. The round-faced man, all geniality +vanished, stared directly into my face. + +"Oh, yes, I 've seen you before, I reckon," he acknowledged +noncommitally. "But that does n't necessarily mean we are ready to do +a credit business. Been fired?" + +"No; just happen to be short of cash, and need to eat. I 'll hand it +to you tomorrow." + +"I 've heard that song before. I reckon you 'll have to try your luck +somewhere else, unless you 've got the price." + +"That's the last word, is it?" + +"Sure thing," indifferently. "Nothing doing." + +Realizing the utter uselessness of argument, or of exhibiting my large +bills, I reached inside my coat, unpinned, and held before him on the +desk a bronze medal, fastened to a colored ribbon. + +"Well, is this good for the price?" I questioned. "There 's two of us." + +The round-faced cashier bent forward to look, his eyes widening with +aroused interest. Then he glanced up inquiringly into my face. + +"Yours?" he asked in open suspicion. + +"Ought to be; cost me a Mauser bullet, a dozen bolo cuts, and eight +weeks' hospital." + +The cashier was visibly impressed, turning the medal over in his hands. + +"So! Where was all this?" + +"Down in a rice paddy; place called Baliancan." + +"What regiment?" + +"Third Cavalry." + +The cashier's black eyes flashed, and he extended a cordial hand. + +"Put her there, Amigo," he broke forth warmly. "Lord! but maybe I +don't remember! Say, but you fellows were a husky lot o' bucks. Knew +ye? I rather guess I did. I was bunkin' then with the First Nebraska. +Sure, I 'll stand ye for the meal. Put back yer plaything, and bring +in yer pardner--this spread is on the house. The Third Cavalry has +divided chuck with me mor'n once, an' I ain't goin' back on one of the +boys for the price of a meal." + +Our hands met, clasped closely lying across the desk, our eyes glowing +with suddenly aroused memories of comradeship in a foreign land. Then +I repinned the medal to the front of my rough shirt, gulping a bit as I +strove to speak calmly. + +"It's a woman," I explained, nodding toward the door. "I found her out +there hungry. Could we have that table yonder behind the screen?" + +"Sure; and don't be afraid to order the best in the house. Damn me, +but that was some fight we had at Baliancan, even if the history folks +don't say much about it. I can see you Third Cavalry fellows goin' in +now, up to yer waists in water, an' we wa'nt mor'n a hundred feet +behind. Did you see them Filipino trenches after we took 'em?" + +I shook my head. + +"No; I was down and out long before then." + +"Hell of a sight, believe me--jammed full o' little brown men, deader +than door nails. They died a fighting, all right, an' they sure gave +us a belly full that day. Lost sixteen out o' my company." + +Our eyes lingered an instant on each other's faces; then I turned away, +and walked to the door. She was waiting motionless, her back to the +window, and, when I spoke, followed me in without a word. I led the +way to the secluded table behind the screen, seated her, and took the +chair opposite. Without questioning her wishes I ordered for both, the +girl sitting in silence, her face bent low over the menu card, a red +flush on either cheek. Still obsessed with vague suspicion of her +character I could not forbear a suggestion. + +"What will you have to drink?" I asked, as the waiter turned aside. "I +'d rather like a cocktail to drive the wet out of my system. Shall I +make it two?" + +She glanced up quickly from under shading lashes, her eyes, big and +brown, meeting my own. + +"I prefer coffee; that will be quite sufficient." + +I ran my hand through my hair. + +"Don't you ever drink anything stronger?" I asked, almost tempted to +apologize. "You know lots of women do." + +"I have never formed the habit." + +"Cocktail for you, sir?" said the waiter briskly, flipping his towel on +the table. "Martini, or Manhattan?" + +I dropped my gaze from the girl's face to the menu card. It seemed to +me her eyes had pleaded with me. + +"No; make mine coffee too," I replied gravely, "and hurry the cook up, +will you." + +We sat there waiting without further speech, she nervously fingering +the card, her eyes veiled by lowered lashes. I glanced cautiously +across at her, conscious of my cheap clothing, and vaguely wondering +why my usual off-hand address had so suddenly failed. I felt +embarrassed, unable to break the silence by any sensible utterance. My +eyes rested upon her hands, white, slender, ringless. They were hands +of refinement, and my gaze, fascinated by the swiftly recurring memory +of other days, arose slowly to a contemplation of her face. I had seen +it heretofore merely in shadow, scarcely with intelligent observation, +but now, beneath the full glare of electric light, its revealment awoke +me to eager interest. It was a womanly face, strong, true, filled with +character, not so apt, perhaps, to be considered pretty, as lovable--a +face to awaken confidence, and trust; a low, broad forehead, shadowed +still by the wide-brimmed hat, and the flossy brown hair; the skin +clear, the cheeks rounded, and slightly flushed by excitement; the lips +full and finely arched; the chin firm and smooth. Her greatest claim +to beauty was the eyes, now securely veiled behind long, downcast +lashes. Yet I recalled their depth and expression with a sudden +surging of red, riotous blood through my veins. As I sat there, +uncertain how I might break the embarrassing silence, she suddenly +glanced up questioningly. + +"You--you do not at all understand my position, do you?" she asked +timidly. "I mean why I should be homeless, on the street, alone at--at +such an hour?" + +"No," I responded, surprised into frankness, "you do not seem like that +kind." + +A wave of color flooded her clear cheeks, the brown eyes darkening. + +"And I am not that kind," she exclaimed proudly, her head flung back, +revealing the round, white throat. "You must comprehend that fact at +once." + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +WE OPEN CONFIDENCES + +I bent my head, impressed by her earnestness, every instinct of a +gentleman born, returning instantly. + +"I do comprehend," I admitted seriously. "Believe me I have felt the +truth of this ever since I first saw your face. You have ample reason +for misjudging me, for believing me a criminal, but I possess no excuse +for even questioning you. Shall we not permit the whole matter to rest +there, and pretend at being friends for the moment? You have already +acknowledged being both homeless and hungry. What more do I need know +to be of assistance? The cause of such a condition is no business of +mine, unless you choose to tell me voluntarily. You may not consider +me a gentleman," and I glanced down at my cheap suit. "Yet surely you +cannot regard me as a mere brute." + +She continued to gaze at me, her eyes misty, yet full of wonderment. +My language was not that of the slums, nor were my manners. To her I +must have seemed as strange a character, as she appeared to me. We +were both advancing blindly through the dark. + +"You are also," she affirmed finally, as if half regretting the words. +"You are just as penniless as I." + +"Why should you say that?" + +"Because I know," and by now her eyes were blinded by the tears +clinging to her lashes. "You--you humiliated yourself to serve me; +you--you were obliged to pawn something in security for this food. +I--I saw you--your excuse for leaving me outside was just a sham. You +had no money. I watched through the window, and--and I almost ran +away, only my promise held me." + +I laughed uneasily, yet sobered almost at once, leaning across the +table, all earlier embarrassment vanished. + +"Well, even at that, it would not be my first experience," I said +swiftly. "Poverty is extremely unpleasant, but not a crime. Do not +let that unfortunate condition of my exchequer spoil your appetite, my +girl. I can assure you that is among the least of my troubles. In +fact I have of late become hardened to that state of affairs. My life +has been up and down; I 've ridden the top wave of prosperity, and have +knocked against the rocks at the bottom. Lately I 've been on the +rocks. But good luck, or bad, I am not the sort to desert a woman in +distress." + +"You are a man of some education?" + +"Two years at the University." + +"And now?" + +I smiled grimly, determined to admit the worst. + +"Little better than a tramp, I suppose, although I have held a job +lately--driving for a lumber yard across the river." + +A moment she sat in silence, her eyes lowered to the table. + +"What--what was that you offered the man for security?" she asked +quietly. + +"Oh, nothing much. It had no intrinsic value, and the fellow would not +even accept it. He was willing to trust me." + +"Yes, but tell me what it was? Something you valued highly?" + +I felt my cheeks reddening, yet there was no reason why I should not +answer. + +"It was a medal, an army medal." + +"You were in the army then?" + +"Yes, I served an enlistment in the Philippines, and was invalided +home; discharged at the Presidio. Someway I have been up against tough +luck ever since I got back. I think the climate over there must have +locoed me; anyhow the liquor did. Tonight the pendulum is swinging the +other way." + +"Why do you think that?" + +"I have met you, have I not?" + +There was no brightening of her eyes, no acknowledgment of the words. + +"To have the misery of another added to your own requires no +congratulations," she said gravely. "But I am glad you told me. I +know there are many who return home like that. I can understand why +much better now than I could once. I have had experience also. It is +so easy to drift wrong, when there is no one to help you go right. I +used to believe this world was just a beautiful playground. I never +dreamed what it really means to be hungry and homeless, to be alone +among strangers. I had read of such things, but they never seemed +real, or possible. But I know it all now; all the utter loneliness of +a great city. Why it is easier to fall than to stand, and, oh! I was +so desperate tonight. I--I actually believe I had come to the very end +of the struggle. Whatever happens--whatever possibly can happen to me +hereafter--I shall never again be the same thoughtless creature, never +again become uncharitable to others in misery." Her eyes dropped +before mine, yet only to uplift themselves again, shining with brave +resolution. "Would you care to tell me what it is with you? What it +is you fight?" + +"I am afraid I do not fight, except physically," I confessed soberly. +"Probably that is the whole trouble. If I have ever had a grip I 've +lost it. However I 'm willing to tell my story, although it's a poor +one, just the uninteresting recital of a fool. My home was in New +England, my father a fairly successful manufacturer. My mother died +while I was a child, and I grew up without restraining influence. I +led an ordinary boy's life, but was always headstrong, and willful, +excelling physically. My delight was hunting, and the out-of-doors. +However I kept along with my studies after a fashion, and entered the +University. Here I devoted most of my time to students' pranks, and +athletics, but got through two years before being expelled. +Interesting, is n't it?" + +"Yes," she said. "It is what I wish to know." + +"This expulsion resulted In a row at home," I went on, disgusted at +myself. "And I took French leave. For six months I knocked about, +doing a little of everything, having rather a tough time, but too +obstinate to confess my mistake and return. Of course I naturally fell +in with a hard set, and finally enlisted. My regiment was sent to the +Philippines, where we had some fighting. I liked that, and was a good +enough soldier to be promoted to a sergeantcy. I reckon I had better +have remained in the service, for when I was sent back to Frisco, +because of wounds, and then discharged, I went to hell." + +"And your father does n't know?" + +"Not from me. I had money at first, and transportation to Chicago +where I enlisted. I blew in the cash, and lost the other. Then I +started in to beat my passage east, working only when I had to. I was +thrown off a train about twenty miles west of here, and came into this +burg on foot. It was tough luck for a day or two until I caught on to +a lumber yard job. I 've been working now for a couple of weeks. Nice +record, is n't it?" + +Her parted lips trembled, but those questioning brown eyes never +deserted my face. + +"It is not as bad as I feared, if--if you have told me all." + +"I have confessed the worst anyhow. I 'm a rough, I suppose, and a +bum, but I 'm not a criminal." + +"Why were you at that house? and so afraid of the police?" + +"Well, that is a long story," I replied hesitatingly. "I had been +talking with some men inside, who had offered me work, and good pay. +There was a reason why I did not wish to be seen coming out at that +hour." + +"Not--not anything criminal?" + +"No; I 've confessed to being a good-for-nothing, but I 'm clear of +crime." + +She drew a long breath of relief. + +"I do not quite believe," she said firmly. "You--you do not look like +that." + +I laughed in spite of my efforts. + +"I am delighted to have you say so. No more do I feel like that now. +Yet so the record reads, and you must accept me just as I am, or not at +all. I have nothing else to offer." + +She lowered her eyes, her fingers still nervously fumbling the menu +card. + +"Perhaps I have no more." + +"I have asked no explanation of you." + +"True; yet you cannot be devoid of curiosity. You meet me after +midnight, wandering alone in the streets; you see me boldly, +shamelessly, interfering to prevent the arrest of a strange man; you +hear me deliberately falsify, again and again. What could you think of +such a woman? Then I accept your invitation, and accompany you here, +believing you a criminal. What possible respect could you, or any +other man, entertain for a girl guilty of such indiscretion?" + +"You ask my individual judgment, or that of the world?" + +"Yours, of course; I know the other already." + +I extended my hand across the table, and placed it over her own. A +swift flush sprang to her cheeks, but she made no effort to draw away. +The action was so natural, so unaffectedly sincere, as to awaken no +resentment. + +"I am a young man," I said earnestly, "but I have seen all kinds of +life, both right and wrong, upper and lower. I can realize how easy it +is to sit in a club window, and criticize the people passing along the +street. That is an amusement of fools. The inclination to become one +of that class left me long ago. Now I do not understand why you were +upon the street tonight unattended; why you came to my assistance, or +why you are here with me now. I have no desire to pry into your +secret. I am content to remain grateful, to count this a red-letter +day, because somehow, out of the mystery of the dark, we have thus been +brought together. An old professor used to say all life hinges on +little things, and I believe our chance meeting is going to change both +our lives, and for the better. Without asking a question, or harboring +a suspicion, I have faith in you--is that enough?" + +"You mean, you accept me upon trust?" + +"Certainly; even as you must accept me. I have no letters of +recommendation." + +She was again looking directly toward me, her brown eyes earnest and +fearless. + +"I--I confess I like your face," she admitted, "and I believe you have +tried to tell me the truth about yourself, but our situation is so +peculiar, so different from what I have been taught was proper." She +smiled sadly, her eyes misting. "I am afraid you will not understand. +You can scarcely appreciate how strictly I have been brought up, or +what such an unconventional meeting as this means to me. I ought to be +ashamed of myself." + +"But are you?" + +"Really I--I do not seem to be. It almost frightens me to realize I am +not, I do not understand myself at all. Why should I talk thus frankly +with you? Why feel confidence in you? It is not in accordance with +the rules of my old life, nor of my nature. Such actions would shock +those who know me; they ought to shock me. Am I in a dream, from which +I am going to awaken presently? Is that the explanation?" + +I shook my head. + +"No, not in that sense, at least. Rather the other way around. You +have been in a dream all your life--a dream that some social code +somewhere constituted the real world. Under these petty regulations of +conduct you were not yourself at all, only a make-believe. Something +serious has occurred in your life, and changed all in an instant. You +have been thrown against the real world. You find it not to be what +you supposed. It is no cause for shame or regret; womanhood lies +deeper than any pretense at gentility. Men seldom fail to recognize +this fact--their lives of struggle compel them to, but a woman finds it +hard to understand." + +"To understand what?" + +"How any man meeting her as I have you--in the street at night, under +conditions society would frown at--can still feel for her a profound +respect, and pay her the deference which a gentleman must always extend +to one he deems worthy." + +For a long moment she did not speak, but withdrew her hand from beneath +mine, resting her chin in its palm. + +"What is your name?" she asked finally. + +"Gordon Craig." + +The lashes drooped quickly, securely shadowing the brown depths, the +flush deepening on her cheeks. In the momentary hush which followed +the waiter came shuffling forward with our order. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +THE WOMAN'S STORY + +I had never supposed I lacked audacity, yet I found it strangely +difficult to again pick up our conversation. This woman puzzled me; +was becoming an enigma. She encouraged me, and yet something about her +precluded all familiarity. I was haunted by the vague suspicion that +she might be "stringing" me; that she was not as innocent as she +pretended. Her eyes again glanced up, and met mine. + +"It is a terrible experience being penniless, and alone," she said with +a shudder. "I can never condemn some forms of evil as I once did, for +now I have felt temptation myself. I--I have even learned to doubt my +own strength of character. I walked past a great hotel last evening, +and looked in through the windows, at the dining-room. It was +brilliant with electric lights, in rose globes over the spotless +tables, and hundreds of people were gathered about eating and drinking. +I had been there myself more than once, yet then I was alone outside, +in the misty street, penniless. I had no strength left, no virtue--I +was in heart a criminal. Have you ever felt that?" + +"Yes," I acknowledged, hopeful she would explain further. "I +comprehend fully what you mean. Nature is stronger than any of us when +it comes to the supreme trial." + +"I had never known before. It is strange to confess such a thing, but +it is true. I--I do not believe I am weak as compared with others. +Never before have I had any occasion to question the supremacy of my +will, yet I learned a lesson last night--that I am not a saint. I +actually faced crime, and it did not even look horrible to me! it +appeared justified. Even now, sitting here with you, I cannot believe +I was wicked. You will not misconstrue my words, but--but life is not +always the same, is it? How inexpressibly cruel a great city may be +with glaring wealth flaunting itself in the pinched face of poverty. +How can I help being rebellious now that I have seen all this through +hungry eyes?" + +Her hands were clasped above her plate, the slender fingers +intertwined. I was looking at her so intently forgot to answer. + +"I--I am glad I met you," she said frankly. "I--I think you have saved +me from myself." + +"You asked me my name," I broke in eagerly. "Would you mind telling me +who you are?" + +"I?" the clear cheeks reddening. "Why, I am only a fool." + +"Then there is, at least, one tie between us. But, if we are to remain +friends I must know how to address you." + +Her red lips parted doubtfully, her brow wrinkling. + +"Yes, and we cannot afford to be conventional, can we? I am Viola +Bernard." + +"I knew a girl once by that name; ages ago it seems now. A little +thing in short skirts, but I thought her rather nice. I believe we are +inclined to like names associated with pleasant memories. So I am glad +your name is Viola." + +"It was my mother's name," she said quietly, her eyes downcast, "and I +am not sorry you like it." She stirred the coffee in her cup, watching +the bubbles rise to the surface. "I feel more confidence in you than I +did, because you have been so honest about yourself." + +"I have told you the truth. I think I comprehend one trait, at least, +of your character--you would never again trust one who had deliberately +deceived you." + +She did not remove her eyes from the cup, nor appear to note my +interruption, but continued gravely: + +"I must tell my story to someone; I can fight fate alone no longer. +Perhaps I may not confess everything, for I do not know you well enough +for that, but enough, at least, so you will no longer suspect that I--I +am a bad woman." + +"I could never really believe that." + +"Oh, yes, you could. I have read in your face that my character +puzzles you. You invited me to drink a cocktail to try me. Don't +protest, for really I do not wonder at it, or blame you in the least. +How could you think otherwise? My position was a strange one, bound to +awaken suspicion; my conduct immodest. Yet you must accept my +explanation, for I shall tell the truth. I was never guilty of such an +act before--never! Perhaps because I was never tempted. There is a +home I could return to, and a mother, but they are more than a thousand +miles from here. But I cannot go, even if I possessed the means, +because of my pride--my false pride possibly. I have chosen my course, +and must abide by it to the end." + +She drew a long breath, speaking very slowly. + +"It is a hard story to tell, for the wound is still fresh, and hurts. +I was upon the stage--not long, but with sufficient success so that I +had become leading woman with one of the best stock companies. It was +against my mother's wish I entered the profession, and she has never +become reconciled to it, although our relationship remained pleasant. +A few months ago, while playing in Omaha, I met Fred Bernard. I knew +little of him, but he appeared gentlemanly and well-to-do, and was +presented to me by one in whom I had confidence. He was pleasant, and +apparently in love with me; I liked him, was flattered by his +attentions, and discouraged in my ambition. When he asked me to marry +him conditions were such that I accepted, even consented, under his +urging, to an immediate ceremony. We came to this city, were quietly +married here, and occupied a flat on the north side. My husband did no +work, but received remittances from home, and apparently had plenty of +means. He told me little about himself, or his condition, but promised +to take me to his people in a little while. He said his father was +wealthy, but eccentric; that he had told him of our marriage, but there +had been a quarrel between them, and he could not take me there without +an invitation. I was never shown the letters, but they bore Southern +postmarks." + +She paused, hesitating, her eyes full of pain. + +"I--I was afraid to question, for--for he proved so different after our +marriage. He was a drunkard, abusive and quarrelsome. I had never +before been in intimate contact with anyone like that, and I was afraid +of him. Whatever of love I might have felt died within me under abuse. +He struck me the second day, and from that moment I dreaded his +home-coming. For weeks I scarcely saw him sober, and his treatment of +me was brutal." + +Tears were in her eyes, but she held them back, forcing herself to go +on. + +"Then he was gone two days and nights leaving me alone. He reappeared +the third evening in the worst condition I had ever seen him. He acted +like a veritable savage, cursing and striking at me, and finally drove +me from the house, flourishing a revolver in my face, and locking the +door behind me. I--I sat there on the steps an hour, and endeavored to +go back, but there was no response. I walked the streets, and +then--having a little money with me--found a place to lodge. The next +day I went back, but the flat was locked still, and neighbors said my +husband had left with a traveling bag. I--I was actually thrown out +upon the streets to starve." + +Her voice lowered, so that I was compelled to lean closer to catch the +rapidly spoken words. + +"At first I--I was not altogether sorry. I thought it would be easy to +find work. I was not afraid of that--but--but it was not easy. Oh! +how hard I tried. I faced open insult; cowardly insinuation; brutal +coarseness. I never dreamed before how men could treat women seeking +honorable employment. Scarcely a courteous word greeted me. Refusal +was blunt, imperative, or else, in those cases where vague +encouragement was given, it was so worded as to cause my withdrawal in +shame. If I had been skilled in any business line my reception might +have been different; if I possessed recommendations, or could have +frankly confessed the truth, perhaps I might have been given a chance. +But as it was everywhere, suspicion was aroused by my reticence, my +inability to explain, and the interview ended in curt dismissal, or +suggestive innuendo." + +She paused again, her bosom rising and falling, her cheeks flushed. + +"Go on," I said, encouragingly. "Do not fear I shall misunderstand. I +have been through the same mill." + +She gave me a quick glance of gratitude, pressing back a straggling +strand of hair. + +"But you were not a woman," she insisted, "and could defend yourself +from insult. I endeavored so hard to discover some opening; I even +sought domestic service, and was examined as though I was a horse on +sale. I walked the streets; I refused to despair, or permit myself to +believe failure possible. I went home at night, tired out, to a little +rented room in Forty-Ninth Street, prayed as I used to when a child, +cried myself to sleep, only to wake up the next morning determined to +continue. I was not weak then; I was as strong as any girl could be; +I--I fought it out to the very last," her head suddenly drooping, +"but--but the end came just the same. Perhaps I should never have hung +on so long; perhaps it would have been better to have sent word to my +mother, and asked help to go home. But--but I kept hoping to succeed, +until it was too late. I spent all the little money I had, and pawned +my rings. I had married against my mother's wish. I could not turn to +her for help. Oh, I was tempted; I think you must know what I mean! +You realize what temptation is; how it weakens, and conquers the soul?" + +I closed my hand firmly over hers. + +"Yes, I know." + +Her sensitive face brightened; her eyes clearing of mist. + +"It is a comfort to speak with a gentleman again. I--I had almost +begun to believe there were none left in the world. You give me +courage to go on, to acknowledge everything. Mr. Craig, I was a soul +tottering on the brink when I met you out yonder; a desperate, +disheartened girl, tempted to the point of surrender. I had lost hope, +pride, all redeeming strength of womanhood. I scarcely cared whether +death, or dishonor, claimed me. I do not know what fateful impulse +moves me now, but I can look into your eyes without sense of shame, and +confess this. I was, in all essential truth, a woman of the +street--not yet lowered utterly to that level, not yet sacrificed, but +with no moral strength left for resistance. No fear, no horror. Oh, +God! it seems like some awful dream--yet it was true, true! I had +ceased to struggle, to care; I had begun to drift; I had lost +everything a woman prizes, even my faith in God. I know you cannot +comprehend what this means--no man could. But I want you to try. +Think what it would mean to your sister, to some pure friend in whom +you have implicit trust. Oh, I know what the world would say--the +well-fed, well-clothed, well-housed, sneering world--but it is to you I +appeal for some slight mercy. You have also suffered, and grown weak, +and, because you told me your story first, I dare now to tell mine. I +was a soul on the brink, and--God forgive me!--not afraid of the rocks +below. Like one stupefied I looked down, hated myself and laughed." + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +FACING THE PROBLEM + +My fingers closed yet more tightly over the small hand, but her face +remained rigid, the lines deep about the mouth. + +"The landlady had turned me out," speaking now bitterly and swiftly, +"retaining my few belongings, and calling me a foul name which made me +cower away like a whipped child. I had nothing left--nothing. For a +week I had listened to no kind word, met with no kind act. I was upon +the street, alone, at night, purposeless, homeless, wandering aimlessly +from place to place, weakened by hunger, stupefied by despair. Men spoke +to me, and I fled their presence as though they were pestilence; women, +painted, shameless creatures, greeted me in passing as one of their own +class, and I sought to avoid them. Once I mustered sufficient courage to +ask help, but--but the man only laughed, and called me a foul name. I do +not know where I went, what the streets were called. I remember the +brilliantly lighted hotel: the theater crowds jostling me on the +sidewalks; the saloons where I saw women slipping in through side +entrances, the strains of piano music jingling forth on the night air. +I--I knew what it meant, and lingered, faint and trembling, before one +illuminated front, like a fascinated bird, until a drunken man, reeling +forth, laid hand on my shoulder with proposal of insult. I broke away +from him, and ran into the dark, every nerve tingling." + +She shuddered, catching her breath sharply. + +"Then--then I found myself out among the residences, where everything was +still and lonely, walking, walking, walking, every shadow appearing like +a ghost. I sat down to rest on the curbing, but a policeman drove me +away; once I crept into a darkened vestibule in a big apartment building, +but another discovered me there, and threatened to take me to the +station. I did n't care much by that time, yet finally he let me go, and +I crept miserably on. I became afraid of the police; I felt as I suppose +criminals must feel; I slunk along in the dark shadows like a hunted +thing. The night grew misty and damp, but I found no shelter. I had no +will power left, no womanhood, no remorse; I had become a thing to play +with, a body without a soul. I had ceased to care, to think, to even +remember; I only wanted to drop the struggle, and have it over with. +Perhaps I should have taken my own life, had I only known how to +accomplish it--it seemed infinitely worse to live than to die. It was +thus I came there, to that corner. I heard the policeman approaching +along the side street, and, terrified, sprang into the yard to +escape--then--then, I met you." + +Someone laughed at one of the other tables, and I wheeled about in my +chair. For an instant I believed her voice had been overheard, but +instantly realized the mistake and turned back, noticing how she was +trembling. + +"Tell me," I questioned earnestly, "what caused you to interfere between +me and the officer?" + +"What! Oh, I hardly know," a touch of hysteria in the nervous +exclamation. "It was just a natural ending to all the rest, I suppose. +I was a criminal in heart, a fugitive; I hated the law, and was afraid of +the police. I merely did what occurred to me first, without thought, +volition, purpose. I was compelled to choose instantly between his mercy +and yours; the--the difference seemed small enough then, but--but I +realized you were frightened also, and--and so I preferred to trust you. +That was all; it was my fate, and--and, well I did n't care much how it +ended." + +"But you endeavored to escape from me; you sought to compel my leaving +you?" + +She lifted her face again, flushing, saddened, slightly indignant, the +brown eyes widening. + +"Perhaps the soul was not all dead," she returned gravely. "Perhaps +womanhood was not all gone. I did not know you; I was in terror." + +"And now?" + +Our eyes met, her own cleared of tears, gazing frankly at me. + +"I am not afraid; I believe I have found a man, and a friend." + +I was conscious of a sudden wild throb of the heart, a swift rush of +blood through my veins. + +"I might have doubted that myself a while ago," I acknowledged almost +bitterly, "but now I am going to make good. Lord! how a fellow can run +to seed when he lets himself go. Don't you know you are helping me, as +much as I am you? You didn't find much out there--only a drunken +discharged soldier, an ex-hobo, with a laborer's job. I 've wasted my +chance in life, and been an infernal fool. I can see that plain enough, +and despise myself for it. I knew it before you came--the difference was +then I did n't care, while now I do. You have made me care. Yes, you +have, girl," as she glanced up again, plainly startled by this unexpected +avowal. "You care, and because I know you do, things are different. I +mean it; this is no word play. I tell you when a man has been steadily +dropping, in his own estimation, as well as the social scale; when he has +just about lost his pride, his self-respect, his realization of right and +wrong; when he sees nothing ahead worth fighting for; when he seeks +happiness in drink, and makes companions out of crooks and hobos, that is +when it amounts to something to have a real woman like you come into his +life, and hear her speak of trust and friendship. Lord! it 's like a +breath of pure air amid the foulness of the pit. I believe in _you_, and +I have n't believed in anybody for a long while. Perhaps you didn't +wholly mean all you said to me; perhaps you 'll forget about it when your +luck changes, but it 's a thing that is going to stay with me; you can +bet on that! I guess it was what I 've been hungry for; the loss of it +had taken the very heart out of me," I paused, fearful I might be going +too far, yet given fresh courage by the expression of her face. "You see +you belong to my class, little girl, and--and you are the first of them +to speak a kind word to me in five years. It's--it's a bit tough to be +cut dead by your own class." + +It was her hand, white and slender, which reached shyly across the table, +and touched mine, but her eyes alone made answer. + +"That is all right," I continued, my voice shaking. "I understand how +you feel. Anyhow you 've made a new man out of me; maybe the stuff is +n't much, but there is a soul in it somewhere, and you 've given that +soul something to get a grip on. That was all I needed, just to get my +teeth set. But what about you? This is no fit place for your kind--you +better go home to your mother." + +She shook her head with decision. + +"Why not? is she hard?" + +"Yes, she would be very hard with me." + +"Do you mean you would rather risk it here with--with me, than go back, +and face her?" + +"Yes, even that," she replied soberly. "I have courage to fight it out +here, but not there. I know what it will mean if I go back--reproaches, +gossip, ostracism--all the petty meannesses of a small town. I loathe +the very thought. I am strong again, and I will not go. It is between +God and me, this decision; between God and me." She drooped her head, +hiding her face upon her arms, her shoulders trembling. "You--you may +despise me; you may think me the lowest of the low, but I--I am going to +stay here." + +I sat in silence, amazed, puzzled, gazing across at her, my face sober, +my hands clinched. + +"You actually mean you dare risk yourself here--with me?" + +"With your help; with you as a friend to talk to--yes." + +I drew in my breath sharply, my forehead beaded with perspiration. + +"But stop and think what I am," I urged recklessly. "A mere hobo." + +She raised her face, the flushed cheeks wet, the brown eyes glowing +indignantly. + +"No," she said earnestly. "You are not that; you are a man." + +For a long minute I did not answer, unable to determine what to do, how +to act. We had both finished our meal, and there was no excuse for +lingering longer at the table. + +"You will go with me, then?" + +"Yes." + +I pushed back my chair, and she arose also, following me without question +as I passed across to the door. The cashier nodded to my good night, and +I opened the door for her passage to the street. The mist of the cloudy +night had been blown away by an increasing breeze. The air was warm, and +the sky brightening in the east. I glanced aside into her face, and led +the way into a near-by park, the two of us trudging along a well-kept +gravel path, until I discovered a bench hidden from observation amid +surrounding shrubbery. + +"I 've simply got to think this whole matter out," I explained simply. +"It's happened so unexpectedly. I 'm stumped as to what had better be +done." + +She remained standing, resting one hand on the back of the settee, a +slender figure, neatly enough dressed, yet exhibiting evidence of her +long night's wandering. + +"You mean I am a problem? You--you do not know what to do with me?" + +I glanced at her, surprised by the change in her voice. + +"Naturally; a young woman is usually a problem, isn't she? This +particular one has come with a suddenness sufficient to jar anybody's +nerves. Three hours ago I was without responsibility, a mere log adrift +on the current. I 've hardly wakened up yet to the change in conditions. +Here I am a fellow so utterly worthless that I have n't even been able to +take decent care of myself alone, yet all at once the duty fronts me to +double my responsibilities." + +Her cheeks reddened. + +"No, you are not! Is that then your conception of me? Let me tell you +differently. Just so soon as this city wakes up, I am going to start +forth again and seek work." + +The smile I was attempting faded. + +"Seek work! I understood you confided yourself to my care." + +"Not--not in that way--never!" indignantly. "You had no right to so +construe my words. You--you know I am not like that. I trusted you as a +man; I--I gave you my--my confidence as a friend," her speech growing +swift, and impetuous. "Do not make me sorry. I will not accept your +money; I will never remain dependent upon you, or a burden. I have +regained my courage, and am no longer afraid. All I needed was to know +that I was not all alone--I can fight for the rest." + +"Mrs. Bernard," I began quietly, realizing her spirit. "You have given a +wrong meaning to my words; I respect you, believe in you, and merely +desire to help you to the best of my ability. Sit down here, and let us +face this thing squarely together. We must n't act like children, or +close our eyes to facts. For instance--we have both been up all night. +That is n't specially new for me, but it is to you, and the exposure and +strain shows. You are not fit to go out hunting employment." + +"Poverty has no choice," bitterly. "The fact that I am tired does not +matter." + +"Oh, but it does. Now I am not quite so badly off as you suppose. All I +ask is a chance to think, to arrange some plan. Won't you sit quietly +there until I puzzle it out?" + +She sank down wearily upon one end of the settee, and I took the other, +leaning forward, my face in my hands. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +WE COMPLETE ARRANGEMENTS + +For a few moments as I sat thus in silence the obvious way out never +once occurred to me. Somehow the memory of my own position had become +blotted out in contemplation of the serious predicament of my +companion. How could I assist her in spite of her pride, and her +determination to continue the struggle alone. I could not take her to +my boarding house, which was exclusively for men, nor did I have any +acquaintance able to furnish her employment. I shoved my hands deep +into my pockets, and my fingers touched the two bills handed me by +Vail. For an instant I failed to realize their significance, and then +the recollection of my own engagement came swiftly back. At first the +memory was a disgust; the very presence of the girl, and her tale of +struggle, made me realize the sordidness of this plot in which I was +involved. Somehow it struck me then as a dirty, underhanded scheme. +Yet, as I reviewed the details, this conception largely vanished. We +were defrauding no one, merely protecting a man helpless to protect +himself, backed by legal advice, as well as by the desire of the +administrators of the will. The comparatively large sum of money +offered me for the service was not excessive considering the amount +involved, or the way in which I physically resembled the party +represented. The feeling of resentment died away, but I doubted if she +could be made to look at it in the same light. I glanced across to +where she sat, the gray dawn giving me clear view. Her head rested +back upon one arm, and she was asleep. Uncomfortable as she looked, +she was still resting, the tired lines of her face less noticeable. I +had no heart to awaken her, and remained motionless, thinking it all +over carefully in detail. + +We remained undisturbed, our settee removed from the main pathway, +along which a few early workmen passed. She was the very one to act +the part of Philip Henley's wife, if she would consent. Her +refinement, the clear innocence of her face, would be convincing, and I +began already to long for her company. Yet she would have to be told +every detail, convinced the apparent fraud was justifiable. I rather +dreaded the look in her eyes when she first heard the proposal, and her +questioning me. While I still hesitated, fearful of refusal, the sun +shining upon her face awoke her suddenly. She straightened up +instantly, but her eyes smiled as they met mine. + +"I was asleep," she said in surprise. "For how long?" + +"Nearly two hours." + +"And you have sat there quietly all that time?" + +"That is nothing. I was tired, but not sleepy. Besides, I had so much +to think about." + +"You mean regarding what you shall do with me," and she arose to her +feet. "It is time now I did something for myself." + +"Wait, please," and I extended my hand, almost forcing her back upon +the settee. "Let me say a word first before you decide to go. All I +told you last night about myself is true, with one exception. I have +money, and profitable work in view--see!" and I held before her the two +bills. + +She gazed at them with wide-open eyes, half convinced of some +legerdemain. + +"A thousand dollars," she exclaimed bewildered. "_You_! why, what does +it all mean?" + +"Yes, and nine thousand more promised, when I complete work that ought +not to require to exceed two months. I was not without money in the +restaurant, only I could not ask the cashier to change so large a bill. +Sit down again, please, and let me tell you the story." + +She did so, almost reluctantly, as though doubting my sanity, but I +could note a change in the expression of her face as I proceeded. I +told it slowly, carefully, pausing to explain each detail to her +questioning, yet was not interrupted more than once or twice. Somehow, +as I thus repeated the proposed scheme to another it did not appear +quite as easy, or honorable, as when I faced it alone. However, I +struggled through, painting the affair as well as I could, but without +daring to propose her cooperation. Her wide-open eyes on my face gave +me a thrill of apprehension I could not analyze. + +"That 's the whole story," I ended, rather lamely. + +"What do you think of it?" + +"I--I hardly know," with slow hesitation. "It is very strange. Tell +me the young man's name again." + +"Henley--Philip Henley." + +"And the town?" + +"Carrollton, Alabama." + +"And he is in prison for crime, you say--what crime?" + +"Forgery, a fourteen-year sentence." + +"Did they tell you when he was sent there?" + +"No; I believe not." + +"And his wife has disappeared? They can find no trace of her?" + +"So both men assured me." + +"And this one named Neale--are you certain he is an administrator?" + +"Yes, I was shown a certified copy of the will; everything seemed to be +exactly as represented." + +She pressed one hand to her forehead, her eyes on the ground. I +watched her, an unasked question trembling on my lips. Suddenly she +looked up again, her cheeks flushed. + +"You were going to suggest that I go with you, were you not?" she asked +swiftly. "That I play the wife's part? Why did n't you ask it?" + +"Because I lacked courage," I replied frankly, yet leaning eagerly +toward her. "I was afraid you would take such a proposition wrongly." + +"Then you retain some respect for me; some faith in my character?" + +"I certainly do," earnestly. + +"And you see nothing wrong in carrying out your part? You mean to go +to Carrollton with someone--a woman?" + +"I--I agreed to the terms--yes." + +She drew a long breath, her eyes upon mine. + +"Then I will go also," she said soberly, and held out her hand. + +"You mean that?" + +"Yes--why not? Surely it is as right for me as for you. You wished me +to say yes, did you not?" + +My face must have answered, as my lips failed, but she went on swiftly: + +"Then I will go; only remember it is acting, a mere play in which I +have a certain part to perform. We are to be friends throughout it +all--actors on the stage. There must be no misunderstanding about +this." + +I had recovered my voice now, realizing all she meant, and anxious to +reassure her. + +"Certainly. There will be no mistake, Mrs. Bernard. That was why I +hesitated to ask you, for fear you might misinterpret my purpose. You +are the very woman to do this. I dreaded to have with me the kind Vail +would have sent. I am delighted--truly I am, and nothing shall occur +to cause you any regret." + +"We go tonight?--I shall need clothing." + +"Of course; that was what this money was advanced for, to outfit us. +How much will you need?" + +She thought a moment, a little line of perplexity between her eyes, +finally naming a sum which surprised me. + +"Not more than that?" I exclaimed. "Surely that is not enough." + +"Oh, yes, it is," laughing. "There will be no dressing. All I need do +is appear neat." + +We sat there and talked it over, deciding exactly our course of action. +At nine o'clock I left her, hunted up the nearest bank and got change +for my bill. Then I gave her the amount asked, and we separated, to +meet again late that afternoon at the depot. I felt no doubt as to her +being there on time. My day was a busy one, as I had to visit my +boarding house, buy needful clothing, and arrange for transportation. +At the moment specified I called up Vail on the phone, and he responded +instantly, the very tone of his voice evidencing the relief he felt at +hearing from me. + +"Began to think I had skipped with the thousand?" I asked. "Well, I +have n't, for the other nine looks too good." + +"You are going, then?" + +"Sure; all packed, and transportation bought. Best of it is I 've +found the right woman to go along with me. + +"Good; I didn't know what to do about that--the one I had in mind is +out of town. Who is she?" + +"Oh, never mind her name; she is all right, a friend of mine." + +"Not likely anyone I know. Where are you?" + +I told him, and he agreed to send over certain papers to me by +messenger. These arrived promptly, and I studied them carefully until +nearly train time, getting all the facts firmly implanted in my mind. +Then, my heart beating somewhat faster than usual, I took cab to the +depot, more deeply interested I fear in again meeting Mrs. Bernard, +than in the adventure itself. We met beneath the grim shadow of the +train shed. + + + + +CHAPTER X + +AT THE PLANTATION + +The events of the day had changed her greatly. At first, as she came +toward me through the crowd near the gate, holding out a neatly gloved +hand, I could scarcely realise that this well-dressed, soft-voiced lady +was the homeless creature I had consorted with the night before. Her +eyes laughingly challenged mine, while the hours since had given her +back perfect control. + +"So you did not even know me," she said pleasantly. "Oh, but you did +not--you were passing by when I spoke. Don't apologize, for really I +take it as the highest compliment. You are wonderfully improved +yourself. If I had ever doubted your claim to having been well born I +would realize the truth now. That is something not easily +counterfeited." + +"And something evidently you need never try to counterfeit," I added, +forgetful of our peculiar relations, as I gazed at the arch face under +the broad hat brim. "Pray how did you work such a marvelous +transformation on so small a sum? I had a theory marriage was +expensive." + +Her cheeks flamed. + +"That depends," she replied; "I had excellent training. The marvel is +even greater than you suppose, for behold this case also filled with +necessities. Is this our train?" + +"Yes," and I took up the grip she designated as hers. "Let us get +settled and into the diner, for I am hungry as a wolf." + +I had procured opposite sections, and, before retiring, we studied the +papers, together with Vail's letter of instruction, and thus came to a +complete understanding. She was quick-witted, and spoke frankly, and +yet, when I finally lay down in my berth I felt less well acquainted +with her than before. Somehow, in a manner inexplainable, a vague +barrier had arisen between us. I could not trace it to any word or +action on her part, and yet I felt held away as by an invisible hand. +Her very cordiality exhibited a reserve which made me clearly +comprehend that the slightest familiarity would be checked. Evidently +she had determined coolly to carry out the deceit, to act her part to +perfection, because of the reward, and she meant I should comprehend +her exact position. I fell asleep dissatisfied, half believing she was +also playing a part with me, although it was impossible to conceive her +purpose. The conception even came that she was herself an adventuress, +yet I throttled the thought instantly, unwilling to harbor it. + +It was at the close of the following afternoon when our train reached +Carrollton. The depot must have been a mile from the town, and very +few people were upon the platform, two drummers and ourselves the only +ones to disembark. The traveling men hastened to the nearest hack, +while I glanced about in search of a conveyance. The only other +vehicle present was a two-seated surrey, driven by a rather +disreputable negro. I approached in some doubt. + +"No, sah," he said, grinning. "Dis yere am my own curridge, sah; +tain't nuthin' ter do wid de Henley plantation. I reckon dey done did +n't git no telegram. Dey sure did n't less dey wus oxpectin' one, an' +cum inter town after it. Yes, sah, I know whar de place am all right. +I done worked dar onct. I reckon you 'se Massa Philip Henley, sah; +though you 've sure growd some since I saw you de las' time. I 'se ol' +Pete, sah; I reckon you remembers ol' Pete." + +"Of course I do," I returned heartily, encouraged by his words to +believe I would pass muster. "Can you drive us out?" + +The negro scratched his head. + +"I reckon as how I can, sah, leastwise so far as ther gate. It's going +to be plum dark when we gits dar, an' dis nigger don't fool round dar +none in de dark." + +"Why, what's the trouble, Pete?" + +"Cause ol' Massa Henley's ghost was hangin' round, sah. I ain't nebber +seen it myself, an' I don't want to, for he was sure bad 'nough alive, +but dar 's niggers what has." + +"Oh, pshaw," I laughed, turning toward the silent girl. "We will risk +the ghost if you 'll drive us out. Put in the grips." + +"Yes, sah. I reckon this yere am de new missus." + +"Yes," and I assisted her into the rear seat. "That's all; now jog +along." + +He climbed into his place, but with no special alacrity; but whipped +his team into a swift trot, evidently anxious to complete the trip as +early as possible. I glanced aside at my companion, observing the +paleness of her face. + +"Surely you are not afraid of the negro's ghost?" I questioned. + +"Oh, no, but the strangeness of it all has got on my nerves. I did not +suppose it would be so hard, and--and I am not so sure now that we +ought to do this." + +"But that is foolish," I insisted, a bit angrily. "We talked it all +over, you know, and no harm can be done, except through our discovery. +Don't fail me now." + +"Oh, I am not going to fail," indignantly. "The ride will steady my +nerves," she leaned forward whispering, her head inclined toward the +front seat. "Perhaps he can tell us who we shall meet there?" + +"Pete," I asked, "who is out there now?" + +The negro turned, so I could see the whites of his eyes. + +"At de Henley plantation, sah? Why, I reckon de oberseer an' de +housekeeper--both white folks. I done don't know just who dey am fer +shure, cause dey don't stay long no more. I reckon dey can't abide dat +ghost, sah, an' de field han's dey won't stay on de place at all affer +dark." + +"The overseer and housekeeper then are newly employed?" + +"Dem am de fac's, sah. Deh ain't been dar no time at all, an' I reckon +as how dey won't stay long, though de niggers say de oberseer am a hell +ob a man." + +Here was a pleasant situation surely. While the conditions were +favorable enough so far as our purpose was concerned, yet I fervently +wished we had postponed our arrival until daylight. While the negro's +ghost had no terrors for me--indeed, merely afforded amusement--I +realized my companion was not so indifferent. She pressed closer to me +in the narrow seat, her eyes on the dusky shadows. I endeavored to +laugh away her fears, but got little response. The road was a lonely +one, although apparently well traveled, bordered by rail fences and, +deserted-looking fields. Once we passed through a swamp, and skirted +the edge of timber. Then we turned to the right into a branch track, +where low bushes brushed our wheels. By this time it was quite dark, +and Pete was obliged to hold in his horses. There was a quarter moon +in the sky, just enough to give everything a spectral look, with no +human habitation visible, and owls hooting dismally in the distance. +It was uncanny in the extreme, and even I felt the desolation, and +became silent. Pete whistled stoutly, but without enthusiasm, +occasionally turning his head to make sure we were still there. I +could hear her quick breathing, and feel an occasional clutch of her +fingers on my sleeve at some unusual sound. Suddenly the negro pulled +up before a high hedge, and I perceived the white glimmer of a gate +opposite us, the black shadow of trees beyond. + +"Here we am, sah," he whispered, glancing about fearful, "an' de good +Lord knows I 'se glad tain't no furder. You just han' me a dollar, +sah, an' den I 'se goin' fur to git out o' dis." + +"Is that the house in there?" + +"Suah, you ought for to know dat. Tain't changed none, 'cept run down +a bit, far as I know. Here am your grips, sah." + +We had no sooner alighted than he wheeled his team, and departed, +whipping the horses into a run. I felt her hand grip my sleeve, and +glanced aside into her face. + +"Frightened?" I asked, endeavoring to speak easily. "Don't let that +fellow bother you; surely you do not believe in spooks?" + +"No," her voice trembling, "but it is all so desolate. I--I wish we +had waited until daylight." + +"Well, frankly, so do I," I responded, "but the thought comes too late. +There is nothing left us but to try the house; we cannot pass the night +out here." + +"No, oh, no!" + +"Then come on," and I picked up the suit cases. "We will probably be +laughing at ourselves in five minutes. You will have to unlatch the +gate." + +It was held in place by a sagging rope, but opened noiselessly, and we +advanced onto a brick walk, so little used as to be half hidden by +weeds growing in the crevices. The moon dimly revealed rank vegetation +on either side, while ahead, beneath the tree shadows, the darkness was +profound. There was no sound, no faintest gleam of light to indicate +the house, and I was compelled to advance cautiously to keep to the +path, which apparently wound about in the form of a letter "S." We +were at the foot of the front steps, the building itself looming black +before us, almost before we realized its nearness. I could perceive +the outlines indistinctly, and the deserted desolation affected me +strangely. Perhaps some of the negro's superstition had got into my +blood, for I felt my heart leap when the girl suddenly sobbed, +clutching me in an agony of fear. Yet the very knowledge of her fright +stiffened my resolution, and I dropped the grips to clasp both her +hands. + +"Don't!" I insisted. "I know the place looks leery enough, but Pete +said the overseer and housekeeper were here. Doubtless they are in the +back rooms. Wait here until I go up and rouse them." + +"Oh, no; I could not stand it to be left alone." + +"All right; here, take my hand, and we 'll go up together." + +They were broad wooden steps, leading to a wide porch, the roof +supported by heavy columns. Beyond was the dark bulk of the house, +shapeless in the gloom. We were within a single step of the top when a +man--seemingly a huge figure--suddenly emerged from the shadow of a +column, and confronted us. + +"What ther hell," he ejaculated sullenly, "are you doin' here?" + +I paused with foot uplifted, too astounded at the apparition to +respond, conscious my companion had shrunk behind. + +"Well, speak up!" growled the voice. "What 's wanted?" + +It was not in my nature to fear men, and this was evidently a man. I +could feel the warm blood surge back to my heart. + +"You surely startled me, friend," I explained. "Are you the overseer?" + +"I reckon I am, but what I want to know is, who you are?" + +"I?" striving to regain my wits. "Why, I am--am Philip Henley; we--we +have just got in from the North." + +"How did you git out yere?" + +"A negro drove us from the station--old Pete who worked here once; +maybe you know him?" + +The man grunted. + +"What become of the nigger?" + +"He simply dumped us out at the gate, and drove back as though the +devil was after him. He said the place was haunted." + +"And he hit it about right at that, as ye'r' likely to find out afore +mornin'. Is that a woman with you?" + +"Yes--may we come in?" + +"Oh, I reckon I ain't got no license to turn yer away, if yer mind ter +risk it. Lord knows I 'm willin' 'nough to hav' company. Git yer +duds, an' I 'll light up, so yer kin see a bit." + +He disappeared, and I lugged the grips to the top of the steps, where +we waited. Then a faint light streamed out through the open door, a +moment later outlining his figure. + +"Come on in," he said, still gruffly. "Yer don't need be afeerd o' me, +mam, and the housekeeper be yere directly." + +I confess I entered the dim hall reluctantly, obsessed by some strange +premonition of danger, but Mrs. Bernard clung to me, and the sight of +her white face gave me new courage. + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +A PLEASANT WELCOME + +It was an old-fashioned living room into which we entered, the floor +unswept, the chairs faded and patched. Curtains were drawn closely at +the windows, while the single oil lamp stood on a center table littered +with old newspapers. I dropped the grips on the carpet, not so much +interested in my surroundings as in the appearance of the man in +charge. The shading of the light gave me only a partial view of the +fellow, but he was big, loose-jointed, having enormous shoulders, his +face so hidden by a heavy mustache, and low drawn hat brim, I could +scarcely perceive its outline. He appeared a typical rough, wearing +high boots, with an ugly-looking Colt in a belt holster. + +"Where are you from?" I asked, surprised at this display of firearms. + +"Texas," with a grin, not altogether pleasant. "That's an ol' friend." + +"No doubt, but I see no sense in wearing it here. What are you afraid +of?" + +He stroked his mustache, eyeing me. + +"Wal, personally, stranger, I ain't greatly feerd o' nuthin', but I wus +hired fer to keep people outer this shebang. There ain't no work goin' +on, so I don't hav' no niggers to keep folks out." + +"Who employed you?" + +"That don't make no difference. Those wus my orders--not to talk, nor +let enybody hang 'round except you folks." + +"Then we were expected?" in surprise. + +"Sure; I reckon yer 'd a been hoofin' it up the road long afore this +otherwise. Still, I dunno," with a suggestive wink, "I 've got a +likin' fer pretty girls." + +I glanced at her, where she had sank down on a dilapidated sofa, but no +expression of her face told me she had overheard. It was the man's +wink, more than his language, which angered me. + +"Cut out your references to the lady," I said in a low tone, "unless +you are starting in for trouble." + +"Oh, skittish, hey! Wal, stranger, I never run away frum no troble +yet, an' I reckon I don't begin now. Besides, yer need n't ride no +high hoss with me. I 'm on ter your game." + +His words sufficed to silence my batteries. I felt no fear of the man, +big as he was and armed, but the thought that he might have been sent +there by either Neale or Vail, and informed of the conspiracy, made me +cautious about angering him. I must discover first the exact situation +before locking horns with this Texas steer. + +"Oh, do you!" I returned carelessly. "All right, then, we 'll let it +go at that; only please remember the lady is under my protection. What +is your name?" + +"Coombs," in better humor, feeling he had bluffed me. "Bill Coombs." + +"Can we have a bit of lunch?" + +"I reckon yer can. Ol' Sally is a rustlin' some grub now. I stirred +her up when I furst cum in." + +He sat down cross-legged on a chair the other side the littered table, +and stared at us, his hat still drawn down over his eyes. Whether the +fellow knew no better or was deliberately insolent, I could not clearly +determine. However, it was easy to perceive the girl was alarmed, and +my thought was with her. This unmannerly brute could wait until we +were alone for his lesson. I had handled worse men than him in my +time, and I proposed finding out before we retired who was master. So +when he even rolled and lit a cigarette, eyeing me closely during the +operation, I pretended to take no notice, but spoke to her quietly, in +a voice which would not carry across the room. + +"Don't mind him," I whispered. "He's only a rough-neck trying to bully +a bit. I'll teach him his place before tomorrow." + +"It is not the man so much," she replied, giving me a glimpse of her +eyes. "But it is all so desolate and gloomy. I have never been +superstitious, but that negro's fear actually gave me the creeps. I +have been seeing shadows ever since." + +I laughed lightly, touching her hand. + +"Still we 've found nothing else than live ones. Shadows won't hurt +us, and this place will look better by daylight." + +"You have n't any nerves." + +"Oh, yes, I have; only they are trained. I didn't anticipate an easy +job when I came down here. It's assumed a different form, that's all." + +"You do not like it?" + +"Not altogether," I admitted. "I am beginning to wonder if those +fellows were square, if they gave me the straight story. Coombs' words +would seem to indicate that he knows I 'm a fraud. Perhaps he did n't +mean that, but it sounded so. Why should they tell that rough-neck +their plans, and send him down here? I 'll find out what he knows, and +how he knows it, before another ten hours. If he 's here to spy on us +I 'll make him earn his money." + +She did not look around. + +"Are--are you just beginning to doubt what those men told you?" + +"Doubt!" in surprise. "No; I don't know that I do. But I don't like +to be mistrusted and watched. Why? Do you think they are +double-crossing us?" + +"I 've--I 've taken your word," she said quickly. "But it has never +seemed quite right to me. I--I hardly know why I consented to come, +only I was so miserable, anything seemed better than the life I was +leading." + +"You saw all the papers," I interposed, "and they bear out every +statement." + +"Yes, but could they not be forged? Why should any honest lawyer +advise a client to undertake such a fraud?" + +"Why, really I do not know," I returned, looking at her in +astonishment. "Of course it does seem queer, but the case is a +peculiar one, and, perhaps, can be solved in no strictly legal way. If +you felt so about it, why did you not say so before?" + +"Don't get angry--please. I hardly think I was myself then. It was +just an impulse I could not resist to get away from the past. I was +desperate enough then for anything. I don't think I cared whether it +was right or wrong. But on the train I lay awake and thought it all +over, and--and I would have gone back then if I could. I am sorry, so +sorry, but I am thoroughly ashamed of myself--here, as I am." + +"You mean, pretending to be my wife?" + +"Yes; that--that is bad enough, surely. I must have been crazy to ever +consent. Even if the truth is never known I can no longer respect +myself. But--but that is not all--we are actually criminals, engaged +in a criminal plot. Because the plan was concocted by a lawyer makes +no difference. We could be arrested, imprisoned." + +"I supposed you understood." + +"No doubt I did, but my brain was numbed; I could not comprehend. It +was not your fault, but mine; I do not blame you. Only, must we go on?" + +"We shall have to play out the game tonight, at least," I said, +startled by her earnestness. "I will talk with Coombs, and will tell +you the result tomorrow. Your nerves are all unstrung, and the affair +may appear different by daylight." + +She put her hand in mine, her eyes on my face. + +"No; it is not my nerves. See, my hand does not tremble; I am not +afraid physically. I 've simply come to myself; I 'm convinced we 're +doing wrong." + +"But you will wait until morning? until I have talked with Coombs?" I +asked anxiously. + +"Yes," after an instant's hesitation. "There is nothing else I can do." + +The Texan got noisily to his feet, and swaggered across the floor. + +"If you all hav' got through yer whisperin'," he said roughly, "I +reckon Sally 's got ther grub laid out." + +I bit my lips to keep back a hot reply, feeling the restraint of her +eyes, and we followed him into the next room. The table was set for +two, and I could distinguish the shadow of a woman standing motionless +in the farther corner. The dim light barely revealed her outlines. + +"Yer kin talk it out yere," announced Coombs, waving one hand, "cause I +won't be present, havin' et already. I reckon Sally won't interfere +none." + +He slammed the door viciously going out, causing the lamp to sputter. +Then the woman came silently forward, a coffeepot in her hand. She was +a mulatto perhaps sixty years of age, her face scarred by smallpox, and +with strangely furtive eyes. Somehow she fitted into the scene, and I +saw my companion gazing at her almost with horror, as she flitted about +us silently as a specter. I endeavored to talk, while eating heartily, +for I was hungry, but found it difficult to arouse Mrs. Bernard to any +response, and she merely toyed with her food. In despair I turned to +the other, hopeful that a question or two might dissolve the spell. + +"You are the housekeeper, I believe?" + +She favored me with a single glance of surprise. + +"Yes." + +"Have you been here some time?" + +"No." + +"You probably knew the old Judge?" + +"No." + +Her monosyllabic answers were perfectly colorless, and, with this last, +she picked up an empty dish, and vanished. I endeavored to laugh, but +there was no response in the eyes of the woman opposite. She dropped +her fork, and pushed back her chair. + +"Oh, I simply cannot stand this place!" she exclaimed. "There is +something perfectly horrid about it, and--and the people. How shall I +ever get through the night?" + +"That is nothing," I soothed, although hardly at ease myself. "She is +evidently of the taciturn sort. We don't need to keep these servants, +you know. I 'll hunt up some more cheerful in town tomorrow. Why, by +Jove, it's ten o'clock already. Have you finished?" + +"I could n't choke down another mouthful." + +"Well, don't be afraid. They mean well enough, no doubt. Sallie!" + +She came gliding in, her back to the door. + +"Are you the one who is to show us to our rooms?" + +"Yes." + +She picked up the lamp and went out, and Mrs. Bernard followed +instantly, evidently afraid to be left in the dark. I followed with +the grips, trailing up the stairs, having seen nothing of Coombs in the +front room. In the upper hall our guide threw open two doors, going +into the rooms and lighting lamps, thus giving glimpses of the +interiors. The one in the corner was the larger, and better furnished. + +"This will be yours," I said, placing her valise on the floor. "You +can feel safe enough there with the door locked--yes, there is a +key--and I will be right opposite if you need anything." + +She gave me her hand, but I felt it tremble. + +"You are still afraid?" + +"Yes, I am--but--but I am not going to be such a fool." + +As her door closed I turned to the mulatto, who still stood there, lamp +in hand. I was not sleepy, and I wanted most of all to have an +understanding with Coombs. I could not talk with the fellow in the +presence of Mrs. Bernard, for he was the kind to be handled roughly for +results, but now I was ready to probe him to the bottom. "Is the +overseer downstairs?" + +"No." + +"See here, Sallie," I insisted warmly, "I 'm master of this house and I +want some kind of answer besides yes, and no. Where is he?" + +"Ah reckon he's out in one o' ther cabins, sah--he done don't sleep in +the house nohow." + +"He does n't sleep here! Why?" + +"Ah spect it 's cause he 's afeerd too, 'sah," she replied, her snaky +eyes showing. "Ah 's a voo-doo, an' ah don't care 'bout 'em tall, but +good Lor', dar ain't no white man wants ter stay in des yere house +mor'n one night." + +She laughed, a weird, grating laugh, and started downstairs. I stood +still, watching her light disappear. Then, swearing at myself for a +coward, stepped back into my own room, and closed the door. + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +THE DEAD MAN + +This revealment of conditions left me thoroughly puzzled. I was not +frightened at the situation, for I largely attributed the fear shown by +both Pete and Sallie to negro superstition. I could have dismissed +their faith in a haunted house with a smile, and gone to sleep myself +with an easy conscience, confident that a noisy wind, or a hooting owl, +was the sum and substance of all the trouble. But Bill Coombs was a +very different proposition. He was of the hard-headed kind, not to be +easily alarmed by visionary terrors, and yet he was manifestly afraid +to sleep in the house. I was sufficiently acquainted with his type to +comprehend there must be some real cause driving him to retreat to the +negro cabins for rest. He was a rough of the Southwest, illiterate of +course, but a practical fellow, and, without doubt, a gun-fighter. He +had been employed because of these very characteristics, and it would +require surely a very real ghost to drive him away. + +I sat there for some time smoking, endeavoring to think it all over +coolly, and listening intently. At first I could distinguish the +rattle of dishes downstairs, as Sallie cleared the table, and, a little +later, heard Mrs. Bernard moving about uneasily in her room across the +hall. But at last these sounds ceased, and the house became still. I +removed a portion of my clothing and lay down on the bed, a certain +uneasiness preventing me from undressing entirely. I was tired, but +with little inclination for sleep. The room was large, the furniture +of old style and well worn, the light of the small hand lamp leaving +much of the spacious apartment in shadow. It was not only imagination +which kept me wakeful, but the dim suspicion engendered in my mind by +what Mrs. Bernard had said below. Could there be any truth in her +questioning of the motives actuating the man who had sent us here? Had +we come--mere pawns in some game of crime--deceived, perhaps betrayed +to arrest? Was Coombs here merely to watch us, and report to Neale and +Vail how we carried out our part of the bargain? The affair certainly +looked altogether different now I was upon the ground, although I could +figure out no possible object those men could have. At least they +could accomplish nothing without my cooperation, and, if I discovered +any evil afoot, I could block them instantly. I was there to save this +property for the rightful heir, and was determined now to see that +Philip Henley received all that was due him. It was after one o'clock +before I fell into a drowsy sleep. + +Indeed, it hardly seemed to me that I had entirely lost consciousness, +when I was jerked bolt upright by the sharp report of a firearm. For a +single instant I imagined the shot fired within my room; then I sprang +to the door, and flung it open, peering out into the hall. Everything +was still, the rays from my lamp barely extending to the head of the +stairs. I could neither see, nor hear anything, and yet I had a +strange premonition that I was not alone. There was an automatic +revolver in the pocket of my coat, and I stepped back after it, picking +up the lamp on my return, determined on a thorough examination of the +upper story. There was no doubt about the shot--the sound was no +effect of a dream. I wondered if the girl had been awakened by the +report, and paused to listen at her door, but no sound reached me from +within. The thought that she might have discharged the weapon occurred +to my mind, but was as instantly dismissed, as I was convinced she +possessed nothing of the kind. + +I moved down the hall cautiously, regretting the need of a lamp, but +the place was strange, and I dare not venture about in the dark. Old +as the house was, there was no creaking of boards underfoot, and, +strain my ears as I would, not the slightest sound reached me. + +The first doors I came to were ajar, but the moon was at the back of +the house, and I was obliged to enter each apartment, and flash my +light into the corners to make sure they were vacant. These were +medium-sized bedrooms, comfortably furnished, although containing +nothing new. Only one exhibited any evidence of late occupancy, being +in considerable disorder, the bed unmade, some discarded garments +strewn about the floor. I prowled about within this room for some +time, even invading the closet, but discovered nothing more suspicious +than a loaded revolver in a bureau drawer, together with some torn +letters, and an old newspaper. This was a local sheet, containing a +notice of the death of Judge Henley, which I took time to read. The +letters were in such scraps I could not even decipher the address. + +One fact, however, was revealed--some man had been sleeping up here +lately, and it was not Coombs, but a much smaller Individual. This +knowledge made me even more cautious, as I tiptoed down the hall, now +narrowed by the back stairway. The first door opened into a bath-room, +the tub half full of dirty water, a mussed towel on the floor. The +last door, leading to a room apparently extending clear across the rear +of the house, was tightly closed. I set my lamp down well out of +sight, and gripped my revolver, before attempting to manipulate the +knob. It opened noiselessly; moonlight streamed through one window, +where the curtain was not closely drawn, but the gloom was too dense to +reveal much of the shrouded interior. I could dimly perceive a table, +and some chairs, one overturned. There was no movement, however; no +sign of present occupancy. Convinced as to this, I slipped back for my +lamp, shading the flame so the light was thrown forward into the room. +A single glance revealed everything. The table, a common deal affair, +contained two bottles, one half filled, and three dirty glasses, +together with a pack of disreputable-looking cards, some of these +scattered about the floor. There was no other furniture, and the walls +were bare, a dirty gray color. But what my eyes rested upon in sudden +horror, was the body of a man, curled up in a ball on the floor as a +dog lies, his face hidden in his arms. That he was dead I knew at a +glance. + +I had seen violent death often, but this was different, and I shrank +back, staring at that motionless form as though stricken by paralysis. +There was no movement in the room, no sound except the fluttering of a +curtain. With effort I gained control over my nerves, and moved slowly +forward, placing my lamp on the table, so as to have both hands free. +This murder--or was it suicide?--had occurred within ten minutes. I +turned the man over, revealing a bearded face, the features prominent +but refined. He was no ordinary rough, and his clothing was of +excellent material. He had been shot in the back of the head. + +It was murder then--murder! In an instant I pictured the tragedy +exactly as it must have occurred--the open window, the overturned +chair, the scattered cards, telling the whole story. Just what was the +fellow doing here alone at that hour? Why should he have been killed? +Even as I struggled with the horror, a sudden gust of wind extinguished +the lamp, and I gripped the table, staring about in the haunted +darkness. A moment and my eyes adapted themselves to the new +environment, the moonlight streaming through the open window, and +across the man's body. With heart quaking like a frightened girl, I +stole across the floor, and glanced out. A single story extension, +probably the kitchen roof, was below. Kneeling upon this the assassin +could easily fire into the room. Beyond, the pale moonshine revealed a +patch of grass, a weed-entangled garden, and behind these a dense +forest growth. To the right of the garden I could dimly distinguish a +row of small cabins, the negro quarters. Coombs would be occupying one +of these, and they were so close that, even if asleep at the time, he +could scarcely fail to hear the report of the gun in the silent night. +Yet there was no light along the row of huts, no sign of human presence. + +All this was but a rapid survey, for I dare not remain there, my back +to that black interior. The body of the dead man huddled on the floor, +the unknown mystery of the dark house, filled me with an awful dread. +Seized by sudden terror I caught up the extinguished lamp, scarcely +breathing until again outside in the hallway, the door closed behind +me. Trembling in every limb I felt my way along through the darkness, +guiding myself by the wall. What could I do? What ought I to do? I +knew nothing of the house, or where to find the woman; I was not even +sure of her presence. Indeed, the very memory of her snaky eyes gave +me new horror. And Coombs! Suspecting him, as I did, it would be the +height of folly to seek him out yonder in the dark. There was nothing +left but to await daylight; to remain on watch, endeavoring alone to +formulate some plan of future action. + +Accustomed as I was to danger, the situation set my pulses +throbbing--the intense blackness, the silence, the memory of that dead +face, utterly unnerving me. I imagined things--a presence in that +deserted hall through which I groped. Some unknown horror close at +hand, even a spectral passing down the stairs. I listened, clinging to +the banister-rail, feeling again helplessly for matches. Perhaps the +faint scuffling was some scurrying rat, or some puff of wind in a +chimney hole, but God only knows how glad I was to discover the open +door to my own room again. There were matches there on the table, but +my hand trembled so I struck three before the wick of the lamp caught +fire. When I ventured to look out again, holding the light so as to +see, the hall was desolate. I tiptoed across, and listened at her +door; there was no sound within. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +I GET INTO THE GAME + +I crept back, closed the door behind me, and sat down facing it. My +hand shook as I lit a cigar. This was becoming serious, a ghastly +tragedy, in the playing of which I scarcely knew my part. The whole +affair had seemed so simple at first, almost humorous. The earliest +impression being that it was no more than a good joke. I was willing +enough to be an instrument for keeping certain unknown institutions out +of a legacy bequeathed them by a crazy man, and saving the property to +his rightful heirs. Why not? especially as the very administrators +themselves considered it the proper thing to do. Of course a technical +crime was involved--I must pretend to be another, even forge that +other's name, but for no criminal purpose. I was merely paid for the +risk assumed, and it was easy money. Perhaps the years of rough life I +had led had blunted my sensibilities to large extent--had left me less +capable of distinguishing between right and wrong, yet, not until Mrs. +Bernard had so unexpectedly voiced her doubt did I so much as suspicion +I was being made a catspaw of for a criminal end. I was not willing to +confess as much even now, but I saw the affair from a new viewpoint. I +was not so sure, so certain, that I understood the entire truth. + +Coombs was no plantation overseer, but a mere Texas bully. The very +appearance of the man told that, and those neglected, weed-grown fields +were another proof. What was he here for, then? And Sallie! Lord, I +could despise that Texas rough, but the snaky eyes of the woman made me +shiver, and look about apprehensively. Then there was the dead +man--the _dead man_. There echoed into my brain the woman's whisper in +the parlor below, "I 'm not afraid, but I am beginning to believe we +'re doing wrong." There was wrong somewhere surely--cowardly crime, +murder! But were we connected with it? Was it also part of the plot +in which we were employed? I could not understand, yet resolved one +thing clearly--I would find out tomorrow, early, before she had to be +told the ghastly discovery of the night. With the first return of +daylight I would seek out Coombs, tell him what I had seen, and compel +him to confess the truth. Then I should know how to act, how to +approach her, and explain. My nerves steadied as I sat there in the +silence, and my mind drifted to the woman sleeping across the hall. +Then, my cigar smoked out, I also fell asleep in the chair. + +The gray of dawn was on the windows when I awoke, my body aching from +its unnatural position. For the instant I imagined some unusual sound +had aroused me, yet all was quiet, the only noise the twittering of +birds from without. I closed my eyes again, but a ceaseless train of +thought kept me wide awake, and, finally, I got upon my feet and looked +out into the dawn, determining to explore our strange surroundings +before any others were astir. With loaded revolver in my pocket, I +slipped into the hall. The faint light revealed its shabbiness, the +grimy rag carpet, and discolored walls. Some spirit of adventure led +me the full length until my hand was upon the latch of that last door. +I could not resist an impulse to look upon the dead man again by +daylight, and thus assure myself of the reality of what seemed only a +dream. I opened the door slowly, noiselessly, and peered cautiously +within. The light was strong there, revealing clearly every nook and +corner of the room. All was exactly as I recalled it to memory--the +stained walls, the dirty floor, the table littered with cards, the +overturned chair and the motionless body of the dead man. I ventured +half way to the window, staring about at every sign revealed in the +glare. From the wound in the head a dark flow of blood stained the +floor, and, as I bent closer, noticed the eyelids were lowered over the +dead eyes. Shot as he had been, killed instantly, the hand of the +assassin must have performed this act. Then surely this killing had +been no common quarrel, but a planned assassination, the culmination of +some prearranged plot. + +This knowledge, while it set my heart throbbing in realization of new +danger, yet served also to stiffen my nerves. What had we blindly +drifted into? What was behind this lawlessness which could make murder +commonplace? What mystery lurked about this haunted, hideous house +where death skulked in the dark? My thought was not so much concerned +with myself, and my own danger, as with that of the young woman whom I +was bound to protect. She had come innocently, driven by desperation, +to play a part she already loathed in this tragedy, and now I alone +stood between her and something too awful to contemplate. Now, before +she awoke I must discover the truth, and thus be prepared to get her +safely away. + +I closed the door on the silence, and stole quietly downstairs. There +was no movement, no sound in the great house. The front room, hideous +in its grimy disorder, was vacant, and I opened the front door +noiselessly, and stepped forth into the spectral gray light of the +dawn. The first glimpse about was depressing enough. I had no +conception of what I was confronting, or of what was to be revealed by +my explorations, but the dismalness of the picture presented to that +first glance gave me a shock impossible to explain. The house itself, +big and glaring as it was, was nevertheless little better than a ruin, +the porch beams rotten, the front blinds sagging frightfully, the paint +blistered by the sun. Several of the windows were broken, and the +steps sagged and trembled under my weight. The front yard, a full half +acre in extent, was a tangled mass of bushes and weeds, a high, +untrimmed hedge shutting off all view of the road. The narrow brick +path winding through this mass of vegetation was scarcely discernible, +apparently seldom, if ever, used. I was unable to determine the +position of the gate so luxuriant was the weed growth, and thick the +shrubbery. From the foot of the steps a narrow passage trampled into +the dirt circled the corner of the house, disappearing within a few +feet. This was the only sign visible of human occupancy. + +Convinced that this must lead to the rear, and possibly the negro +cabins where Coombs slept, I followed its tortuous windings, although +half afraid to desert my guardianship of the house even for this +purpose. Still there was little to be feared so long as Mrs. Bernard +remained securely locked in her room. I was freer for exploration now +than I would be later, and must know at once the conditions with which +we had to contend. Beyond doubt the woman was still asleep, and, +perhaps, by the time she aroused and appeared below stairs I could find +a reasonable explanation of all this mystery--something to smile over, +rather than fear. While this was but a vague hope, it still yielded me +a measure of courage as I picked my way cautiously along the south side +of the house, avoiding the windows as much as possible, until I emerged +into a somewhat clearer space of ground at the rear. The kitchen was +an ell, constructed of rough boards, but with shingle roof. The door +stood ajar, and I glanced in, only to find the room empty, the pots and +pans used the night before still unwashed. + +There was nothing there to interest me, and I crossed a narrow space of +grass to where a broken picket fence was visible amid a fringe of +weeds. No description can fitly picture the gloomy desolation +surrounding that ramshackle place. It got upon the nerves, the decay, +the neglect apparent on every side. The very silence seemed +depressing. Evidently this fence, now a mere ruin, had once served to +protect a garden plot. But I saw merely a tangled mass of wild +vegetation, so thick and high as to obstruct the view. Narrow +footpaths branched in either direction, and I chose to follow the one +to the right, thinking thus to skirt the fence, and learn what was +beyond, before approaching the negro cabins on the opposite side. To +my surprise, I found myself suddenly standing on the bank of a narrow +bayou, the water clear, yet apparently motionless, the opposite shore +heavily timbered. Owing to a sharp curve I could see scarcely a +hundred yards in either direction, yet close in beside the shore a +light boat was skimming over the gray water. Even as I gazed, the +fellow plying the paddle saw me, and waved his hand. In another moment +the bow grounded on the bank and its occupant came stumbling up the +slight declivity. + +He was a medium-sized, wiry-looking fellow, with olive skin and small +mustache, dressed in brown corduroy, a colored handkerchief wound about +his head in lieu of a hat. As he came to the level where I stood, he +stopped suddenly, staring into my face. + +"Sacre! I thought eet vas Coombs. Who are you, M'sieur?" + +"I came in last night," I replied evasively, "and was just looking +about a bit." + +"So! you know Coombs, hey?" + +"I 've met him--yes." + +The black eyes searched my face, and I noted his right hand touch the +hilt of a knife in his belt. + +"What water is this?" I asked, ignoring his action, "bayou?" + +"Oui, M'sieur." + +"Are we near the sea?" + +"Twenty-seex mile. You not know where you are? 'Tis odd you not know, +M'sieur." + +I laughed, enjoying his bewilderment, yet not realizing how to turn it +to better account. + +"Oh, no. I came by train in the night, and am a little hazy as to +location. You live about here?" + +"Som'time; then off again--sailor." + +I nodded to prove I understood, but the man stopped uneasily. + +"Whare Coombs? You know, M'sieur?" + +"_No_, I don't," I acknowledged. "Asleep in his cabin likely." + +The Creole, for such he undoubtedly was, made a swift resolve. + +"'Tis like, M'sieur. I find out, maybe you come too!" + +The last was more of an order than a question, and the fellow stepped +back slightly in a manner almost a threat. Understanding the +significance of the gesture I gave it no apparent heed, but turned in +the direction of the cabins. I had no reason to avoid Coombs; indeed, +I desired to see him, and I had no intention of permitting this lad to +suppose that I feared his veiled threats. Without so much as glancing +back at him I advanced along the footpath, my hands in my pockets. Yet +my mind leaped from point to point in eager speculation. The whole +thing was puzzling. I had come expecting a mere bit of play-acting, +with all details left in the control of others. I anticipated no more +than a few weeks of idleness, with, perhaps, the overseeing of a +plantation, to partially keep my time occupied. Instead I found myself +instantly involved in a network of mystery where even murder was part +of the play. Little as I liked Coombs, this Creole was even more +dangerous. The one was a rough, the other a venomous snake. So far as +the original purpose of my adventure was concerned it had already +largely faded from recollection. The swift recurrence of more +startling events dominated. The spirit of adventure, with which I was +liberally endowed, was fast taking possession of all my faculties. +Whatever mystery surrounded this house, whatever of crime lurked in the +neighborhood, I became determined to solve. For the moment I forgot +even Mrs. Bernard, and my own assumed character, in the excitement of +this new chase. + +"Ze right; turn to ze right, M'sieur," said a voice behind me, and then +I saw Coombs standing before the door of the second cabin. Half +dressed as he was, his ever-present "gun" hung low at his hip, and his +face scowled in surprised recognition. + +"What does this mean, Broussard?" he growled savagely. "Where did you +pick up that fellow?" + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +THE CONFESSION + +I caught the wicked, snaky gleam of the Creole's eyes. All his early +suspicion of me had revived instantly. + +"At the landing," he hastened to explain. "How could I tell? He said +he knew you, M'sieur." + +"Oh, he did, hey! Well, all I know about him is that he blew in here +last night with a woman; claimed to be young Henley, and took +possession of the place. I reckon it 's about time I saw some papers +to prove what yer are, young feller, 'for yer go snoopin' round at +daylight. What's yer game enyhow?" + +The man's bluster gave me my clew. The thought suddenly occurred to me +that, for some reason, he was more afraid of me than I of him. And if +I met him on the same ground he was of the disposition to give way +first. + +"You can see my authority, Coombs, any time you are ready to exhibit +your own," I returned coolly, leaning back against the side of the +cabin, and staring him straight in the eyes. "I 've got more occasion +to question you, you big brute, than you have me. Who is going to +prevent my walking about these grounds? You? Just try the experiment, +and see how it comes out. If you are the overseer here, then it is my +money that is paying your wages, and from the look of things," and I +swept my hand toward the surrounding weeds, "you 'll not hold the job +long at that." + +Coombs did not cringe, but my tone brought him uneasiness. + +"The niggers won't work," he returned gruffly. "Thar ain't a nigger on +the place." + +"Apparently white men enough hanging around. What 's the matter with +the negroes?" + +"Ghosts," and the fellow laughed. "Maybe yer've seen sum?" + +I straightened up, stung by the sneer in his voice. + +"No; but I 've seen something more to the point--a murdered man." + +"What?" + +"Just what I said. There was a man killed last night in that back room +upstairs. Shot in the head through the window. I heard the shot and +investigated. His body lies there now." + +I saw Broussard's snaky eyes flash across toward Coombs' face, but the +latter remained motionless. + +"It's a damn lie!" he ejaculated roughly. "There is no body there." + +"Easily settled. Come with me, and I 'll show you." + +Rather to my surprise neither objected to the test, and we tramped in +single file toward the house. Some precaution kept me at the rear, and +I followed silently when Coombs entered the open door of the kitchen. +Unknown to me there was a narrow back stairway, and we mounted this +without exchanging a word. In the upper hall Coombs threw open the +rear door, and, stood aside, not even looking within. + +I glanced past him. There was the furniture as I remembered it, the +dirty walls, the opened window. But the overturned chair stood against +the wall, the cards were stacked on the table, and there was no body +lying on the floor. So startled was I by this discovery that I could +scarcely credit my eyesight, but was brought to a realization of the +truth by Coombs' harsh laugh. + +"Well, where 's yer dead man? I reckon ye don't see none, hey!" + +"No," I insisted, "but I did see one--twice. The body lay there where +the stain shows on the floor. It has been carried away within half an +hour." + +"A likely story. Who could do the job? Nobody round this shebang but +Sallie an' me. I sure ain't been in yere, an' I reckon it wan't +Sallie. So cut it out, young feller. After breakfast you an' I 'll +hav' a talk, an' find out a few things. Come on, Broussard, an' let 's +talk over that matter o' ours." + +The two went down the stairs together, and I closed the door of the +rear room, and stepped out into the hall. Sallie was in the kitchen, +for I heard her voice questioning the men as they passed through. Out +of the window I caught a glimpse of them both disappearing through the +weeds toward the bayou. As to myself I was more at sea than ever. The +sudden disappearance of the body had left me bewildered, yet more +strongly convinced than before that this was no ordinary affair. +Evidences of a plan, of cooperation, rendered the situation serious. +That dead body had not moved itself; human hands had accomplished the +deed during the brief period of my absence outside. Whose hands could +have done it? Not those of Coombs, surely, for he could not have +passed me and attained the house while I was in the garden unseen. Nor +Sally, for she possessed no strength to more than drag the dead man to +some near-by covert. With the possibility of this in mind I searched +the vacant rooms of that floor, closets and all, thoroughly, but to no +result. There was, therefore, but one conclusion possible--unknown +parties were involved. We were not alone in the house in spite of its +apparent desertion. + +I paused in doubt before Mrs. Bernard's door, convinced this was the +truth. Should I tell her frankly the story of the night, my vague +discoveries, my suspicion? I surely had no right to deceive the woman, +or keep her with me. I had determined myself to face it out, to risk +life if need be, to learn the truth. But I had no right to further +involve her. She had accompanied me thus far innocently enough, +accepting my explanation, driven to acquiescing by the desperate +situation in which she found herself. Already she regretted her hasty +action. To involve her still deeper would be heartless. I could not +do it, at least not without full confession. + +I rapped at the door twice before there was any movement within. Then +her voice asked who was there, and at my answer she came out fully +dressed, fronting me with questioning eyes. + +"The night has rested you," I said smilingly, my heart beating in swift +appreciation of her beauty. "Are you ready for breakfast?" + +"For anything to escape the loneliness of that room," she replied +seriously. "If I really look rested, it is not from sleep for I have +passed the night in terror." She held out her hands as though seeking +to assure herself of my real presence. "Tell me what is wrong with +this house? What occurred last night?" + +"I am not altogether sure myself," I said, striving to speak quietly, +and holding her hands tight, "But I will tell you all I know, after you +have explained. Were you disturbed?" + +"Yes, but I hardly comprehend what was reality, and what dream. I +slept some, I am sure, lying pressed upon the bed. At first I thought +that was impossible, I was so frightened, and I had so much to think +about, but found myself too utterly exhausted to keep awake. Yet my +slumber was fitful, and filled with dreams. But I am sure of some +things--my door was tried twice, and I heard someone prowling about the +hall--" + +"That might have been me," I interrupted, "as I was out there during +the night, but I certainly never tried your door." + +"You had a light?" + +"Yes." + +"I saw that shining over the transom; it was much later when my door +was tried; not long before daylight I think. Whoever it was, passed +out the front hall window onto the porch roof. My light was burning, +although turned low, and no doubt he saw me sitting up, wide awake on +the edge of the bed, for he had disappeared by the time I gained +sufficient courage to approach the window and look out." + +"Climbed down the trellis, probably," I said, deeply interested. "It +appears strong enough to support a man. I wish you had got sight of +the fellow." + +She lifted her hands to her head. + +"But I was so frightened. My head throbs now with pain. I cannot +explain, but--but I had begun to hate this mission of ours before we +ever reached here, and then this awful house, and that man and woman. +I almost begged you not to leave me alone, yet I conquered that +weakness, and said good night, and locked my door. You never realized +how I felt." + +"No, not entirely, although I did comprehend you were sorry you had +consented to come." + +"Not that altogether," and her eyes uplifting met mine, "I was +frightened last night in the darkness. I confess I completely lost my +nerve, and would have run away if I could. Perhaps I even said things +which made you believe I regretted my action in coming with you. But I +am more myself now, and I mean to remain, and discover what it all +means. Can you guess why?" + +"No; I would naturally suppose the night would have added to your +terror, your desire to get away." + +"Then you do not suspect even now who I am?" + +"Who you are? Only as you have told me." + +"And I told you only a half truth. I am the wife of Philip Henley." +Her cheeks flushed, a touch of passion in her voice as she faced me. +"That is the truth. Do you suppose that I would ever have come here +with you otherwise? No matter how desperate my condition was that +would have been impossible. I should have despised myself. Even as it +was I have been thoroughly shamed to have permitted you to think of me +as you must. Now I tell you the truth--I consented to come because I +am Philip Henley's wife." + +My surprise at this swift avowal kept me silent, yet I could not +conceal the admiration from revealment in my eyes. She must have read +aright, for she drew back a step, grasping the knob of the door. + +"I--I wanted to tell you yesterday--all the way coming down here. I +felt that I could live the deceit no longer. I do not blame you, Mr. +Craig, for you are a man, and you had every reason to believe that you +were doing nothing really wrong. I wanted to learn all I could before +I confessed my identity, and--and I wanted to discover just what you +were like." + +"You mean whether I could be trusted?" + +"Yes; I--I could not tell at first. We met so strangely, and merely +because I liked you from the beginning was not enough. You understand?" + +"Yes, and now?" + +She looked at me frankly. + +"Now I am simply going to trust you fully. I must; there is no other +way. I thought it all over and over again last night, and determined +to confess everything as soon as we met this morning. I am Viola +Henley, Mr. Craig, and I need you." + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +THE DECISION + +I had had time to think, swiftly to be sure, yet clearly enough. +Surprised as I was by her statement, yet the truth as thus revealed +failed to startle me seriously. Vaguely I had suspicioned the +possibility before, not really believing it could be so, and yet struck +by the similarity in circumstances of the two women. Consequently the +shock of final discovery was somewhat deadened, and I retained the pose +of thought. Moreover, to know her identity was an actual relief. +Before, I had half doubted the righteousness of my cause, at times +almost felt myself a criminal. Now that I could openly associate +myself with Philip Henley's wife, in a struggle to retain for her what +was justly her own, all feeling of doubt vanished, and I became grimly +confident of the final result. Perhaps the relief I felt found +expression in my face, for the woman exclaimed: + +"I believe you are actually glad; that it pleases you to know this." + +"It certainly does," I replied swiftly, "for now I can work openly, +knowing exactly what I ought to do. I have felt like a rat skulking in +a hole. I believed what those men told me; they convinced me with +proofs I could not ignore, but they must have lied. In some details, +at least, they must have deceived. How would it be possible for Philip +Henley to be in a penitentiary convicted of crime?" + +"It would not be," she returned firmly. "There was no time after I +left him for an arrest and conviction. That alone is sufficient to +convince me of fraud and conspiracy. More than that, Philip Henley was +not one to commit a crime of that nature, and there was no reason why +he should. His remittances were amply sufficient. Under the influence +of liquor he might commit assault, or even murder, but never forgery." + +"Then what do you think has occurred?" + +"Either one of two things," she said soberly. "He is dead, or +helplessly in the power of those men who sent you here. There is no +other conclusion possible. They had possession of his papers--even his +private memoranda. They knew more of conditions here than I had ever +been told. In my judgment, he is dead. Otherwise I cannot conceive it +possible they would dare attempt to carry out such a conspiracy. The +very boldness of their plan convinces me they believed no one lived to +expose them. They knew he was dead, and believed, if I still lived, +that I knew nothing of this inheritance. The telegram announcing the +Judge's death I never saw. It must have arrived while Philip was too +intoxicated to grasp its meaning." + +"You know nothing then of the two men, Neale and Vail?" + +"No; there is a Justus C. Vail, a lawyer in the city. I found the name +in the directory, and called at his office. He was away making +political speeches; had been gone two weeks." + +"Then the fellow assumed that name, thinking I might be familiar with +it, and thus be impressed with the legality of the transaction. As to +Neale, I will go to the courthouse in this county, and find out about +him. Only first of all we must understand and trust each other. We +have got some shrewd villains to fight, men capable of resorting to +desperate measures. You have told me the whole truth about yourself +now?" + +"Absolutely, yes. I told you the truth before, except only my real +name. I was married to Philip Henley. Wait, here is my marriage +certificate; I have always kept it with me, for I have been afraid of +him almost from the first. I gave you the name Bernard unthinkingly, +as that was the name he insisted upon living under. He explained his +father required this, or else would stop his remittances. I had to +humor him, although I thought it most strange. Is that all you wish to +know?" + +"All now, yes. I must have time to think, and plan what is best for us +to do. I can already see my duty sufficiently clear, but not how to go +at it. The fact is, Mrs. Henley--" + +"Would it not be better for you to call me Viola?" she interrupted. +"Someone might overhear, and we must continue to carry out the +deception, I suppose." + +"It will be safer, if you do not object." + +"I? Oh, no; I shall not care in the least. You were saying?" + +"This, Viola," and her eyes suddenly flashed into mine, "the conditions +I have already discovered here--in this house--are no less strange, and +dangerous than the mission which brought us here. Everything looks +bad. You ought to know it, and you are strong enough to be told. I do +not know who tried your door last night, and later escaped down the +trellis. If I did I could determine what action to take. But one +thing I do know--there was murder committed in this house." + +"Murder!" her face went white, her fingers clasping my sleeve, "Who was +killed? Coombs? That woman?" + +"Neither. A man I never saw before. I heard the same shot which +frightened you; took my lamp and investigated. I found him lying dead +on the floor of the rear room. He had been shot in the back of the +head through an open window." + +"Merciful God! and the body still there." + +"No, but its disappearance only adds to the mystery. I dared not +create an alarm at once, as we were in a strange house, and I had no +means of knowing where to find either Coombs or the housekeeper. Nor +did I venture to leave you alone unguarded. As soon as daylight came I +went in there again to convince myself the murder was not a dream. The +man's body lay there undisturbed. I turned him over, and examined the +wound. Then I went out and found Coombs, who sleeps in one of the +negro cabins. He sneered at my discovery, but finally accompanied me +back to the house. I could not have been absent to exceed thirty +minutes, and yet, when we opened the door of that rear room, the body +had disappeared--vanished completely. Not a thing remained to tell of +any tragedy." + +"It had been dragged into some other room; hidden away in some closet. +The woman did it." + +"That was my thought at first. As soon as I got free from Coombs I +searched this floor, every inch of it, and found nothing, not even so +much as a stain of blood. The dead man was heavily built, and Sallie +could never have lifted him alone. There were others--men--concerned +in the affair." + +"And you saw none?" + +"Only a Creole who came down the bayou by boat just as I reached the +bank. He had some message for Coombs--a snaky-eyed little devil--but +he had nothing to do with the removal of the body, for he was not out +of my sight after he landed." + +Bewildered consternation was clearly manifested in the girl's white +face, and yet there was a firmness to the lips that promised anything +but surrender. I was sufficiently a fighting man to comprehend the +symptoms, and my own heart throbbed in quick response to her +anticipated decision. For an instant she seemed to struggle to regain +her breath. + +"Oh, how terrible! I can scarcely realize that all you have told me +can be fact. It sounds incredible, monstrous. Why, it is as if we +lived in a wild land, and another century. No novelist could conceive +of such a horrible condition. There were pirates along this coast +once--I have read of them--but now, in our age of the world, to even +dream of such a state of affairs would be madness. What can it mean? +Have you any theory?" + +"Absolutely none; I am groping in the dark, without a single clew. All +I know is that Coombs is a big ruffian, but too cowardly to commit +murder. The Creole might, and I would n't trust Sallie with a knife on +a dark night, but, in my judgment, there are others involved about whom +we know nothing." + +"You mean there is a band? that we have stumbled into a rendezvous of +outlaws?" + +"I suspicion so. This plantation has been practically abandoned for +years. Even when the Judge was alive he lived in town, and could get +no negroes to work out here because they believed the place was +haunted. A bayou comes within a hundred yards of the rear of the +house, so concealed by trees and weeds as to be almost invisible until +you stand on the banks. We are only a little over twenty miles from +the Gulf. Altogether this would make an ideal hiding place for Mobile +or New Orleans thieves. I don't say this is the solution, but it may +be. More likely they will prove to be a local gang, smugglers, or +moonshiners with a touch of modern piracy on the side." + +"What do you mean to do?" + +The question was asked quietly, and I glanced at her, noting the color +had returned to her cheeks. + +"I? Why remain and ferret it out, I suppose," and I laughed. "I was +never very good at running away, and really I must get at the bottom of +this affair. Coombs is going to have a talk with me later--intends to +make sure who I am, no doubt--and I may learn something from him during +the interview. Anyhow, I am just obstinate enough to stay it out." + +"What about me?" + +"You better return to town; a traveling man on the train said there was +a good hotel. Probably Coombs has some kind of a rig we can drive down +in. I 'll ask him after breakfast." + +"Is it because you do not wish me with you?" + +I hesitated slightly, confused by such direct questioning. + +"I shall feel more free alone," I replied at last, "for I shall have +only myself to guard. I am used to taking care of myself. Besides, +this is likely to prove a rather unpleasant situation for a lady. You +must remember I propose to fight this thing out now in the open. I am +going to be Gordon Craig, and not a make-believe Philip Henley. The +scene has changed, and I 'm glad of it. I feel more like a man +already." + +"And you conclude I can be of no help, no assistance--" + +The cracked voice of Sallie came to us up the stairs, the unexpected +sound startling both. + +"I reckon you all better com' down an' eat." + +She stood in the light of the front door watching us, and we descended +the flight of steps without exchanging a word. The woman turned and +walked in advance into the dining-room. + +"Where is Coombs?" I asked, looking about curiously. + +"He done eat already, but I reckon he 'll be 'round 'gain after a +while. You all just help yerselves." + +We endeavored to talk as we sampled the meal, directing our +conversation into safe channels, both obsessed with a feeling that +whatever we said would be overheard. The woman vanished into the dark +passage leading toward the kitchen, but no sound of labor reached us +from that direction, which made me suspicious that she lingered not far +from where we sat. I caught Mrs. Henley's eyes occasionally straying +in that direction uneasily. Yet she managed to keep up a sprightly +conversation, largely relating to the country we had traveled over. +Neither of us ate heartily, merely toying with the rather unpalatable +food, and, as soon as we dared, pushed back our chairs. It was a +relief to get out of the room, but as we stood a moment in the front +doorway, breathing in the fresh air, I noticed a giant form approaching +the house through the weeds. + +"Coombs is coming already for his interview," I said hastily. "As it +may be stormy perhaps you had better retreat upstairs." + +She glanced in the direction of his approach, and drew slightly back +into the shadow of the hall. There was a flush on her cheeks, and her +eyes met mine almost defiantly. + +"I will go," she said quickly, "but I shall not leave this house while +you remain." + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +COMPELLING SPEECH + +She was gone before I could speak, before I could even grasp the full +purport of her decision. I followed the flutter of her skirt up the +stairs, half tempted to rush after, yet as instantly comprehended the +uselessness of any attempt at influencing her. Even the short space of +our acquaintance had served to convince me that she was a woman of +resource, of character, and determination. If she felt it right to +remain no argument would be effective, or have the slightest weight. +Perhaps another night would change her mood, but now, in the sunshine, +her courage would hold steadfast. Even as these considerations flashed +across my mind, I heard the thud of Coombs' feet upon the steps of the +veranda. That he had been drinking I realized at a glance, and it was +equally evident that he planned to overawe me by brutal domineering. +In spite of every effort to control my expression I could not restrain +a smile at the manifest bluster of his approach. + +"So yer 've got through eatin', hey," he began coarsely. "Whar 's the +female? Thought I saw her here." + +"You did," I returned coldly, "but Mrs. Henley has returned to her +room." + +"Mrs. Henley, huh! Think yer kin pull thet bluff over me!" + +"What bluff?" + +"Aw, this Henley racket you sprung last night--'bout yer being young +Phil Henley come back." + +"Did I say that?" + +"Yer shure did," eyeing me in some surprise. "I reckon my ears heard +all right. Why, what are yer this morning?" + +"If I ever made any such claim as that, Coombs, it was merely to assure +our admittance. You were not overly-cordial, you know, and I did n't +propose having the lady walk back to town. It's different this +morning, and I am going to be just as frank with you as you are with +me. Is that square?" + +"I reckon," uneasily, not yet able to gauge my purpose, and feeling his +bluff a failure. "I ain't got nothin' ter lie about so fur as I know. +Let's go inside, whar we kin have it out quiet like." + +I followed him into the front room, and he kicked out a chair so as to +bring my face to the windows. As I sank into it I noticed a dusty +mirror opposite which gave me a dim reflection of the entire room. +Coombs shut the door leading to the back of the house, and sat down +facing me, his big hands on his knees. His effort to look pleasant +only made him appear uglier than usual. + +"Wal, go on!" he said gruffly. + +I crossed my legs comfortably, and leaned back in the chair, quite +conscious of thus adding to his irritation. If I could only anger the +fellow sufficiently he might blurt out something of value. Anyhow, my +best card was cool indifference. + +"There is not much to say," I replied deliberately. "I 'll answer your +questions so far as I think best, and then I 'll ask a few of you. The +lady upstairs is Viola Henley, the wife of Philip Henley. She has come +down here to take legal possession of this property. That is the +situation in a nutshell. I am merely accompanying her to make sure +that she gets a square deal." + +His jaw sagged, and his eyes wandered. + +"Oh, hell," he managed to articulate. "What is your real game?" + +"Exactly as I have stated it, Coombs. To the best of my knowledge +Philip Henley is dead--at least he has disappeared--and his widow is +the rightful heir to this estate." + +"Wal, I reckon he ain't dead--not by a jugful." + +I felt the hot blood pump in my veins. Did the man know this to be +true, or was he merely making the claim for effect? + +"That, of course, remains to be proven," I returned smilingly. + +"Oh, does it, now! So does this yer wife business, to my thinkin'. +Wal, it won't take long ter settle the matter, believe me. Who are you +enyhow?" + +"My name is Craig--Gordon Craig." + +"A lawyer?" + +"Not guilty." + +"A damn detective?" + +"Same plea." + +I thought he gave a grunt of relief; anyhow there was more assurance in +his manner, a fresh assumption of bullying in his voice. + +"All right, then; I reckon I got yer number, Craig. Yer after a little +easy money. Somehow yer caught onto the mix-up down yere, an' framed +up a scheme to cop the coin. Might hav' worked too if I had n't been +on the job, an' posted. Damn nice-lookin' girl yer picked up--" + +"Drop that, Coombs!" I interrupted sharply, leaning forward and staring +him in the eyes. "Let loose all you care to about me, but cut out the +woman!" + +"Oh, too nice, hey!" + +"Yes, too nice for you to befoul even with your tongue. If you mention +her name again except in terms of respect there is going to be trouble." + +He laughed, opening and closing his big hands. + +"I mean it," I went on soberly. "Don't think I am afraid of you, you +big slob. No, you keep your hands where they are. If it comes to a +draw you 'll find me quick enough to block your game. Now listen." + +Had I been less in earnest, or less puzzled as to the real situation, I +would have laughed at the expression upon the man's face. With hat +pulled over his eyes, he sat stiff, staring at me, his fingers +twitching nervously, unable to determine just the species confronting +him. I made no display of a weapon; he could not be sure that I was +armed, yet my right hand was hidden in the side pocket of my coat. I +could read the doubt, the indecision in his mind, as plainly as though +expressed in words. The brute and the coward struggled for mastery. + +"I 've told you the truth about who we are, and our purpose in coming +here," I went on slowly and clearly, "because I have decided to fight +in the open. Now I want to know who you are? What authority you have +on the Henley plantation? Speak up!" + +The reply came reluctantly, but there must have been a sternness in my +face which compelled an answer. + +"I told yer--I 'm the overseer." + +"A fine specimen, from the looks of the place; what was you ordered to +grow--weeds?" + +"Thet 's none o' your business." + +"It 's the business of the lady upstairs, Coombs, and I am representing +her at present. It will be just as well for you to be civil. Who +appointed you to this position--the administrators?" + +"I reckon not." + +"Ever hear of a man named Neale, P. B. Neale?" + +"No." + +"Or Justus C. Vail?" + +He shook his head. + +"No one sent you any word then that we were coming? or gave you any +orders to look after us?" + +The blank expression of his face was sufficient answer. I waited a +moment, thinking, endeavoring to determine my next move. This +knowledge made one thing clear--we were playing a lone hand. As well +planned as was the scheme of those two conspirators they had reckoned +without sufficient knowledge of the existing conditions here. But was +this true? Would villains as shrewd as they be guilty of such neglect? +Besides, they had assured me that the overseer would be notified of our +coming. Suddenly there flashed back to my memory a picture of that +murdered man in the rear room. Could he be the connecting link? the +overseer sent by Neale? If this horrible suspicion was correct it only +proved the desperate character of those against whom I contended. And +if true only the harshest measure would compel Coombs to acknowledge +the truth. I drew in my breath, every nerve braced for action. Then I +jerked the revolver from my pocket, and held it, glimmering ominously +in the light, across my knee. + +"You probably have some reason for lying to me," I said coldly, "and +now I am going to give you an equally good reason for telling the +truth. What do you know about the administrators of this estate?" + +He was breathing hard, his eyes on the shining barrel. + +"There is one named Neale, is n't there?" + +"I--I reckon so." + +"How do you know?" + +"Wal," feeling it useless to struggle against the argument presented by +the blue steel barrel, "Hell, all I know is a fellow com' 'long yere a +while back with a paper signed Neale, thinkin' ter take my job." + +"What happened to him?" + +"Oh, he just nat'ally got kicked out inter the road, an' I reckon he 's +a running yet. He was a miserable Yankee runt, an' I did n't hurt the +cuss none to speak of. What yer askin' all this fer enyhow," he +questioned anxiously, "an' a drawin' that gun on me?" + +"It seemed to be the only available method for extracting information. +Pardon my insistence, Coombs, but was n't that dead man up there the +fellow Neale sent?" + +"Not by a damn sight," and I could see the perspiration break out on +his forehead. "Why, there wan't none enyhow. That guy skipped out +North agin." + +"All right; we'll let it go this time. Now one more question and I am +done. Under whose orders are you in charge here?" + +He was so long in answering, his eyes glaring ugly under heavy brows, +that I elevated my weapon, half believing he meditated an attack. + +"You 've got to answer, Coombs," I said sternly, "or take the +consequences. I 'm in dead earnest." + +Suddenly I became aware that his glance was not directly upon me, and I +lifted my own eyes to the surface of the tarnished mirror behind where +he sat. It reflected the large portrait of the late Judge Henley +hanging on the opposite wall, and--by all the gods!--I thought I saw it +move, settle back into position! I was upon my feet instantly, +swinging aside into a better situation for defense. Perhaps that +seeming movement, swift and elusive, might be a figment of imagination, +a mere trembling of the glass. But I was taking no chances. The very +conception of some hidden peril threatening me from behind awoke the +savage in me instantly. Before Coombs could realize what had occurred +I had the gun muzzle at the side of his head. + +"Now answer," I commanded sharply. "Whose orders put you here?" + +He choked, shrinking back helpless in the chair. + +"By God! you won't always have the drop on me--" + +"Well, I have now. Speak up; who is the man?" + +His eyes ranged along the wall, an expression in them like that of a +whipped cur. + +"Philip Henley," he whispered, so low I scarcely caught the name. + +"What!" + +"Wal, I told yer," he growled resentfully. "Yer kin believe er not +just as you please, but, so help me, that's the truth. I reckon I +know." + +As I stared at him, half believing, half incredulous, I became +conscious that she stood in the hall doorway. Coombs lifted his head, +glad of any respite, and I glanced aside also, dropping the revolver +back into my coat pocket. + +"You--you were quarreling?" she asked, coming into the room, "you were +so long I became anxious, and came down." + +"Nothing serious," I assured her, smilingly. "Coombs here was a little +reluctant to impart information, and I was compelled to resort to +primitive methods. The result has been quite satisfactory." + +"Kin I go now?" he asked uneasily. + +"Yes, by way of the front door." + +I watched his great hulking figure until he disappeared along the path +leading around the house. I had no fear that he would ever face me +openly; all I needed to guard against was treachery. Then I turned and +looked into the questioning eyes of the woman. + +"What did you learn? What did he say?" + +"Only one thing of real importance," I answered in subdued tone, "and I +dragged that out of him by threat. He was not employed by Neale, and +the fellow who was sent down here to assist us was disposed of in some +way." + +"Killed, you mean?" + +"I suspect as much, but Coombs claims he was kicked off the place, and +returned North." + +For a moment she stood silent, breathing heavily, her eyes on my face. +In the pause I saw again the picture of the old Judge, and remembered. + +"Why is he here then? What authority has he?" + +"Come outside into the garden, and I will tell you the whole story. +Somehow I feel here as though we were being watched every minute. +Never mind a hat; we will find shade somewhere." + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE + +In front of the veranda, and to the right of the brick walk, the +latticework of a small summerhouse could be discerned through a maze of +shrubbery and weeds. No path led toward it, yet we made the difficult +passage, by pressing aside the foliage, and discovered a rustic seat +within, where we were completely screened from observation. I felt the +slight trembling of the woman's form from suppressed excitement, but +the adventure with Coombs had only served to stiffen my nerves. With +flushed cheeks, and eyes bright and questioning, she could scarcely +wait for me to begin. + +"Now tell me; surely we are out of sight and hearing." + +"I do not think I shall ever be entirely assured as to that until I +know more of our exact situation," I replied, speaking cautiously. "We +may have been seen coming here, and those weeds would easily conceal an +eavesdropper. The truth is, I have gained very little information of +value, and am as mystified as ever. If that fellow told the truth it +is beyond my understanding." + +"But you are sure he knows nothing of those men who sent you here?" + +"Yes, he had never heard of Vail, and all he knew about Neale was that +name was signed to the orders of the new overseer." + +"Under what authority is the man acting?" + +I hesitated, not venturing to look at her, conscious of a personal +feeling which I must conceal. + +"Do you not wish to tell me?" + +"It is not that," I hastened to explain, but finding the words hard to +speak. "I think he lied, and yet cannot be sure. He claims to be +working under the orders of Philip Henley." + +"What! Impossible!" + +"So I felt, and consequently hesitated to tell you, but now that I have +been compelled to do so, I will explain in full. He said this under +the menace of a revolver, a condition which often inspires men to speak +the truth. I can scarcely imagine his making up such a story, for he +is a dull-witted fellow, and even before he had threatened to test your +claims to be Henley's wife." + +"You told him, then?" + +"Everything, except the original cause of our being here. I determined +this morning to fight in the open, under my own name. That is the +right way, is it not?" + +"Yes, I think so," and she lifted her eyes to mine. + +"I like you better for that." + +"I think I like myself better also," I said with a laugh. "I confess I +did n't care much at first. The whole affair merely represented a +lark, an adventure with me. But after what you said the night of our +arrival I began to view the thing in a new light, and to despise my +part in It. Yet even then I felt bound to carry out my agreement. It +was only when you told me your identity, that I felt free to decide +otherwise." + +"Why should that make such a difference? If I had not been the one, +then it would have been some other woman defrauded." + +"True, but a mere unknown, a shadow. Besides, I had no reason +previously to know that a fraud was contemplated--those rascals told a +most plausible story, leaving me to believe I served the real heirs. +Now I comprehend their true purpose and--and, well, knowing you it has +become personal." + +"I do not altogether understand." + +"Why, it is simply this," I went on desperately, "I want to serve you, +and I want you to respect me. Down in your heart you have n't really +been assured that I was not one of that gang of conspirators. You came +down here to watch me. Now I am going to stand up as Gordon Craig, and +fight it out for you." + +There was a knot of blue ribbon at her throat, and I reached out and +unpinned it before she had time to protest. + +"See, there are your colors, and I do battle under them. Whatever the +final results you are never going to doubt me any more--are you?" + +Her eyes were veiled by long lashes, and I could see the heaving of her +breasts. + +"No--no. I scarcely think I ever did doubt you, only it was all very +strange. Nothing seemed real; it was more like a stage-play in which I +acted a part--our first meeting, our being thrown together on this +quest. I have not known what to think, even of myself." + +"We are both getting our heads above the mist now," I interrupted +gently, "and deep as the mystery appears, when finally solved it will +likely prove a very sordid, commonplace affair. The main thing is for +us to thoroughly understand and trust each other." + +"You need not doubt me." + +"I have already learned that. It is more important that you fully +trust me." + +"I do," and both her hands were impulsively extended. "I have from the +very first. I did not come here to watch, but because I believed in +you. Truly this was my motive rather than any thought of the property. +Indeed I hardly realized at the start that this was my affair; I merely +had a feeling that you needed me. That--that morning on the bench," +she paused, her voice choking in her throat, her eyes misted, "why, +I--I was scarcely rational; my mind could not even grasp clearly what +you endeavored to tell. I was so far from being myself that I failed +to recognize my own name. Perhaps that was not strange as I always +lived under another. So it was not that, not any selfish motive, which +impelled me to accompany you. I came because--because I knew you +needed me. I had an intuition that you were going into danger, into +some trap. I cannot explain, no woman can, how such knowledge lays +hold upon her. I merely acted instinctively. It was not until that +afternoon that I realized clearly what this all meant to me personally. +I seemed to wake up as from a dream. Then I sat down in the rest room +of one of those big department stores, and thought it all out. At +first I determined to tell you everything, but I did--did not know you +at all. I trusted you, I believed in you; you had impressed me as +being a real man. But this was merely a woman's intuition. There were +circumstances that made me doubt, that compelled caution. I--I had to +test you, Gordon Craig." + +"My only wonder is that you retained any confidence." + +"Oh, but I did," she insisted warmly. "That alone brought me here. I +thought of appealing to a lawyer, to the police, and then your face +rose up before me, and my decision was made. I came back to you that +night because--because I believed you to be a gentleman." + +"And now? henceforth?" + +Her eyes never wavered, although there was a high color in her cheeks +as my hands clasped her own more closely. + +"I am convinced I chose aright. You are the man I thought you to be. +I am glad I came." + +For an instant the hot blood coursed through my veins; I seemed to see +only the beauty of her flesh. Wild words leaped to my lips, only to be +choked back unspoken, although I scarcely knew what strength combined +to win the swift struggle. Impulse, made with sudden revelation of +love, swept me perilously near to outburst, yet reason held +sufficiently firm to restrain; the flood of passion. I knew I must +refrain; I read it in the calm depths of those eyes fronting me in +frank friendship. A word, a single, mad, ill-considered word, would +sever the bond between us as though cleft by a sword. With any other I +might have dared all, but not with her. Reckless as my nature had +grown in the hard school of life, I shrank from this test, dreading to +see her face change, her attitude harden. And it would; there had +already been sufficient revealment of her character to make me aware of +how firm a line she drew between right and wrong. It was not in her +nature to compromise. She trusted, me--yes! But as a "gentleman." +Should I fail in that test of her faith I could never again hope to +regain my place in her esteem. I have wondered since how I ever won +that swift, deadly battle; how I ever crushed back the wild passion, +the mad impulse to clasp her In my arms. Yet, under God's mercy I did, +my voice emotionless, my face white from restraint, my lips dry as with +fever. The one thing I was sure about just then was that we must break +away from this personal conversation; flesh and blood could stand the +strain no longer. + +"Let's not talk of ourselves then," I said, releasing her hands, "but +of what we must face here. We trust each other; that is enough for the +present surely. You will not leave, and let me ferret out the mystery +alone, so we must work together in its solution. I have told you that +Coombs claims to be working under the orders of your husband. Is that +possible?" + +"I cannot conceive clearly how it could be, and yet he might have +received notice of his father's death in time to assume control of the +estate by telegraph, or even by letter." + +"I hardly think Coombs has been here so short a time." + +"He might have been the old overseer, however, and retained." + +"True; yet how could Philip Henley know that he had inherited the +property?" + +She thought a moment seriously, a little crease in the center of her +forehead. + +"Of course, I can only guess," she hazarded at length, "but it would +seem likely he was notified of his father's death by one of the +administrators, and doubtless told at the same time of his inheritance. +He was the only son, and there were no other near relatives. It would +be only natural for him to retain the old servants until he could come +here and select others." + +"There is only one fact which opposes your theory," I acknowledged, +"otherwise I would accept it as my own also. Coombs plainly threatened +to confront you with Henley to test your claim to being his wife." + +She pressed her hand to her temple in perplexity. + +"Even that would not be impossible," she admitted reluctantly, "for he +must have known of the Judge's death even before--before I left. Only +I do not believe it probable, as he was in no condition to travel, and +had very little money. Besides," her voice strengthening with +conviction, "those men who sent you here--Neale and Vail--would never +have ventured such a scheme, had they been uncertain as to Philip +Henley's helplessness. I believe he is either in their control, or +else dead." + +"Then Coombs lied." + +"Perhaps; although still another supposition is possible. Someone else +may claim to be the heir." + +This was a new theory, and one not so unreasonable as it appeared at +first thought. Still it was sufficiently improbable, so that I +dismissed it without much consideration. She apparently read this in +my face. + +"It is all groping in the dark until we learn more," she went on +slowly. "Have you decided what you mean to do?" + +"Only indefinitely. I want to make a careful exploration of the house +and grounds by daylight. This may reveal something of value. Then we +will go into Carrollton before dark. I cannot consent to your +remaining here another night after what has occurred. Besides, we +should consult a lawyer--the best we can find--and then proceed under +his advice. Do you agree?" + +"Certainly; and how can I be of assistance?" + +"If you could go back to the house, and keep Sallie busy in the kitchen +for an hour; hold her there at something so as to give me free range of +the house." + +"With Sallie!" she lifted her hands in aversion. "It does n't seem as +though I could stand that. But," she added, rising resolutely to her +feet, "I will if you wish it. Of course I ought to do what little I +can. Why, what is this? a seal ring?" + +She stooped, and picked the article up from the floor, out of a litter +of dead leaves, and held it to the light between her fingers. As she +gazed her cheeks whitened, and when her eyes again met mine they +evidenced fear. + +"What is it?" I asked, when she failed to speak. "Do you recognize it?" + +She held it out toward me, her hand trembling. + +"That--that was Philip Henley's ring," she said gravely. "Family +heirloom; he always wore it." + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +BEGINNING EXPLORATION + +This apparently convincing evidence that Henley was not only alive, but +had preceded us to Carrollton, left us staring into each others' faces, +more deeply mystified than ever. + +"He must be here," she articulated faintly. + +"At least it would seem that he has been. The seal is a peculiar one, +not likely to be duplicated. But I doubt if he is here now, for he +could have no reason for avoiding us, unless--" + +"I know what you mean," she replied, as I hesitated, "unless he +intended to repudiate me, to refuse me recognition." + +"Is he that kind of a man?" + +"No; not when sober. Under the influence of liquor he becomes a brute, +capable of any meanness." + +"Perhaps that may be the secret then. The others here may be keeping +him intoxicated, and hidden away for purposes of their own. However, +this need not change our plans. Will you go in to Sallie?" + +"Yes; it will be a relief to be busy, to feel that I am accomplishing +something." + +I stood upon the bench, from where I could look out above the weeds and +tangled bushes, and followed her course to the house. At top of the +steps she paused an instant to glance back, and then disappeared +within. I waited patiently, knowing that if she failed to discover the +housekeeper, she would give some signal. Meanwhile I watched the +weed-grown area about me carefully in search of any skulker observing +our movements. I could see little through the tangle, yet succeeded in +convincing myself that I was alone, and free to begin my explorations. +Yet I faced this work with less enthusiasm than I felt when first +proposing it. The knowledge that Philip Henley was alive; that any +discoveries I might make would benefit him even more than his wife, had +robbed me of my earlier interest in the outcome. Nothing I had heard +of the man was favorable to his character. I felt profoundly convinced +that whatever affection his wife might have once entertained for him +had long ago vanished through neglect and abuse. My sympathies were +altogether with her, and I had already begun to dream of her as free. +She had come into contact with my life in such a way as to impress me +greatly; we had been thrown together in strange familiarity. Little by +little I had grown to appreciate her beauty, not only of face, but also +of womanly character. Already she swayed and controlled me as no other +of her sex ever had. I thrilled to the touch of her hand, to the sweep +of her dress, and the glance of her eye. Not until now did I realize +fully all she had unconsciously become to me, or how I dreaded the +reappearance of Henley. Would she return to him? Would she forgive +the past? These were haunting questions from which I found no escape. +I could not be ignorant of the fact that she liked me, trusted me as a +friend. But beyond this rather colorless certainty I possessed no +assurance. I thought I had read a deeper meaning in her eyes, enough +to yield a flash of hope, but nothing more substantial. And now--now +even this must be rubbed out. She was not the kind to ever compromise +with duty, nor to pretend. No love for me, even if it had already +begun to blossom in her secret heart, would make her disloyal to sacred +vows. I knew that, and deep down in my own consciousness, honored her +the more, even while I struggled against the inevitable. Yesterday I +might have spoken the words of passion on my lips, but now they were +sealed, and I dare not even whisper them to myself, yet it was out of +this very depth of impossibility that I came to know love in its +entirety, and realize what Viola Henley already was to me. + +But I was never so much a dreamer, as a man of action, and the +necessity of active service forced me to cast aside such thoughts +almost instantly. There was work, and danger, ahead, and I welcomed +both eagerly. This was the way to forget. Aye! and the way to serve. +I felt the revolver in my pocket, took it out and made sure it was in +readiness; then advanced cautiously toward the house. The hall was +empty, and so was the front room. The latter appeared desolate and +grim in its disorder and dirt. My thought centered on that picture of +Judge Henley hanging against the further wall. Perhaps it had not +moved; the supposition that it did might have been an illusion, +produced by some flaw in the mirror opposite, or by a freak of +imagination. Yet I could never be satisfied until I learned absolutely +what was concealed behind that heavy gilded frame. There was mystery +to this house, and perhaps here I had already stumbled upon the secret. +I opened the door leading to the rear, silently, and listened. There +were voices talking at a distance, two women, one a pleasant contralto, +the other cracked and high pitched. The lady was doing her part; I +must do mine. I closed the door gently, and stole over toward the +picture, half afraid of my task, yet nerving myself for the ordeal. + +A black haircloth sofa, with broad mahogany arm, offered two easy +steps, enabling me to tip the heavy frame sufficiently so as to peer +behind. The one glance was sufficient. Underneath was an opening in +the wall, much less in width than the picture, yet ample for the +passage of a crouched body. The arm of the sofa made egress +comparatively easy, while the frame of the picture, though appearing +heavy and substantial, was in reality of light wood, and presented no +obstacle to an active man. The passage was black, and I thrust my head +and shoulders in, striving to discern something of its nature. For +possibly three feet I could trace the floor, but beyond that point it +seemed to disappear into impenetrable darkness. This line of change +was so distinct that I surmised at once it marked a descent to a lower +level, either by ladder or stairs. Well, this would benefit me, rather +than otherwise, for if anyone was concealed therein it would be down +below, where the light streaming into the upper passage, as I pressed +back the frame to gain room for my body, would be unnoticed. There was +no hesitancy as to what I must do. Now I had discovered this secret +passage it must be thoroughly explored. The safest way was to burrow +through the dark, trusting to hands and feet for safety, and prepared +for any encounter. Whoever might be hidden away there would certainly +possess some light, sufficient for any warning I needed. Every +advantage would remain with me concealed by darkness. + +If I felt any premonition of fear it was not serious enough to delay +progress, nor did I pause to consider the possible danger. Wherever +Coombs had gone, he was not likely to remain absent for long, nor could +I expect Mrs. Henley to remain with Sallie a moment longer than she +deemed necessary. This was my opportunity and must be utilized +promptly. Standing on the sofa arm I found little difficulty in +pressing my body forward into the aperture, until, extending at full +length, the picture settled noiselessly back into place against the +wall, excluding all light. After listening intently, fearful lest the +slight scraping might have been overheard, I arose to a crouching +position, able to feel both the sides and top of the tunnel with my +fingers. Inch by inch, silently, my soft breathing the only noticeable +sound, I worked forward, anxiously exploring for the break in the +floor, which I knew to be only a few feet distance. Even then I +reached it unaware of its proximity, experiencing a sudden, unpleasant +shock as my extended hand groped about touching nothing tangible. + +I was some time determining the exact nature of what was before me. +There were no stairs, nor did any shafts of a ladder protrude above the +floor level. Only as I lay flat, and felt cautiously across from wall +to wall, could I determine what led below. All was black as a well, as +noiseless as a grave, yet there was a ladder exactly fitting the space, +spiked solidly into the flooring. My groping fingers could reach two +of the rungs, and they felt sound and strong. With face outward I +trusted myself to their support, and began the descent slowly, pausing +between each step to listen, and gripping the side-bars tightly. The +blackness and silence, combined with what I anticipated discovering +somewhere in those depths below, set my nerves tingling, yet I felt +cool, and determined to press on. Indeed, deep in my heart I welcomed +the adventure, even hoped it might end in some encounter serious enough +to arouse me to new thoughts--especially did I yearn to learn something +definite about Philip Henley. This to me was now the one matter of +importance; to be assured that he was living or dead. Nothing else +greatly mattered, for nothing could again efface from my memory the +woman he had called wife. Right or wrong, I knew she held me captive; +even there, groping blindly in that darkness, every nerve strained to +its utmost, my thought was with her, and her face arose before my +imagination. Unexpectedly, unexplainably love had come into my +life--the very love I had laughed at in others had made me captive. +And I was glad of it, reckless still as to what it might portend. + +I counted twelve rungs going down, and then felt stone flags beneath my +feet, although the walls on either side, as I explored them with my +hands, were still of closely matched wood. The passage, now high +enough to permit of my standing erect, led toward the rear of the +house, presenting no obstacle other than darkness, until I came up +suddenly against a heavy wooden door completely barring further +progress. As near as I could figure I must be already directly beneath +the kitchen, and close in against the south wall. No sound reached me, +however, from above, nor could I, with ear against the slight crack, +distinguish any movement beyond the barrier. Cautious fingering +revealed closely matched hard wood, studded thickly with nail heads, +but no keyhole or latch. Secure in the feeling that no one else could +be in this outer passage, and completely baffled, I ventured to strike +a match. The tiny yellow flame, ere it quickly flickered out in some +mysterious draft, revealed an iron band to the left of the door, with +slight protuberance, resembling the button of an electric-bell. This +was the only semblance to a lock, and I was in doubt whether it would +prove an alarm, or some ingenuous [Transcriber's note: ingenious?] +spring. There was nothing for it, however, but to try the experiment, +and face the result. + +Almost convinced that the pressure of my finger would ring an electric +bell, I drew my revolver, and crouched low, prepared for any emergency, +as I pressed the metal button. To my surprise and relief the only +thing to occur was the slow opening of the door inward, a dim gleam of +light becoming visible through the widening crack. The movement was +deliberate and noiseless, but I dropped upon hands and knees in the +deepest remaining shadow and peered anxiously into the dimly revealed +interior. It was a basement room, half the width of the kitchen +overhead, I should judge; the walls of crude masonry, the floor of +brick, the ceiling, festooned by cobwebs, of rough-hewn beams. The +light, flickering and dim, came from a half-burned candle in an iron +holder screwed against the wall, revealing a small table, two chairs, +one without a back, and four narrow sleeping berths made of rough +boards. This was all, except a coat dangling from a beam, and a small +hand-hatchet lying on the floor. There was, in the instant I had to +view these things, no semblance of movement, or suggestion of human +presence. Assured of this, although holding myself alert and ready, I +slipped through the opening. Even as I stood there, uncertain, and +staring about, a sharp draught of air extinguished the candle, and I +heard the snap of the lock as the door behind blew back into position. +About me was the black silence of a grave. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +A CHAMBER OF HORROR + +I backed against the wall, crouching low, revolver in hand, scarcely +venturing to breathe, listening intently for the slightest sound to +break the intense silence. My heart beat like a trip-hammer, and there +were beads of cold perspiration on my face. The change had occurred so +swiftly as to leave me quaking like a coward at the unknown terrors of +the dark. Yet almost within the instant I gripped my nerves, +comprehending all that had occurred, and confident of my own safety. +There must be another opening into this underground den--one leading to +the outer air--judging from that sudden and powerful suction. The very +atmosphere I breathed had a freshness to it, inconceivable in such a +place otherwise. With the first return of intelligence my mind gripped +certain facts, and began to reason out the situation. That sudden +sweep of air could only have originated in the opening of some other +barrier--a door no doubt leading directly to the outside. I had seen +no occupant of the room; without question it was deserted at my +entrance. Yet someone had been there, and not long before, as was +evidenced by the burning candle. Nor, by that same token, did this +same mysterious party expect to be absent for any length of time. +Apparently I had intruded at the very moment of his departure. +Wherever that second passage might be, the former occupant of this +underground den had evidently entered it previous to my opening the +inner door. Still unaware of my presence he had unfastened some other +barrier, and the resultant draught had extinguished the candle, and +blown shut the door at my back. This seemed so clearly the truth that +I laughed grimly behind clinched teeth. The solution was easy; I had +but to discover the extinguished candle, relight it, search out the +second passage, and waylay the fellow when he returned unsuspicious of +danger. + +Confident as to the correctness of my theory, and eager for action to +relieve the tension on my nerves in that black silence, I began feeling +a way along the wall toward the right, in the direction where I +remembered the iron light bracket to be situated. The rough stone +surface was unbroken, and I encountered no obstacles under foot, my +groping search being finally rewarded by touch of the iron brace. I +could clearly trace the form of the bracket, and determine how it was +fastened into place, yet to my astonishment there was no remnant of +candle remaining in the empty socket. Grease, still warm to the touch, +proved conclusively that I had attained the right spot in my search, +yet the candle itself had disappeared. Beyond doubt the draught of air +had been sufficiently strong to dislodge it from the shallow socket, +and it had fallen to the floor. I felt about on hands and knees, but +without result, and finally, in sheer desperation, struck my last +match. The tiny flare was sufficient to reveal the entire floor space +as well as the wall, but there was no remnant of candle visible. I +held the sliver of wood, until the flame scorched my fingers, staring +about in bewilderment. Then the intense darkness shut me in. + +I crouched back to the wall, revolver in hand, and it seemed as though +the blood in my veins had turned to ice. What legerdemain was this! +The candle was there, and not half burned, when I entered. I saw it +with my own eyes. How then--in the name of God--could it have vanished +so completely? There was no germ of superstition in my nature, and, +had there originally been, it could never have out lived the practical +experiences of the past few years. There was but one way to account +for this occurrence--some human, aware of my presence, had removed the +candle, had stolen through the pitch darkness silently, and as swiftly +disappeared. I was locked in, trapped, and not alone! + +I confess for an instant I was panic-stricken, shrinking back from the +horror of the black unknown which enveloped me. I could see and hear +nothing, yet I seemed to feel a ghastly presence skulking behind that +impenetrable veil. My first inclination was to creep back to the door, +and escape into the outer passage. Yet pride restrained me, pride +quickly supplemented by a return of courage. It was a man surely, a +thing of flesh and blood, I was called upon to meet. He was no better +armed than myself, and he possessed no advantage in that darkness, +except his knowledge of surroundings. I straightened up, and advanced +slowly, testing the wall with my hand, every muscle stiffened for +action, listening for the slightest sound. I encountered nothing, +heard nothing, until my groping fingers touched the rough plank of a +sleeping berth. I explored this cautiously, lifting the edge of a +coarse blanket, and reaching up to make sure the one above was also +unoccupied. Satisfied that both were empty I worked my way blindly +along to the second tier. As I reached into the lower of the two bunks +my finger came in contact with some substance that left the impression +of a human body beneath the blanket. I jerked away, startled, +expecting my light touch would arouse the occupant. There was no +movement, however, nor could I distinguish any sound of breathing. + +Convinced I had been mistaken, I reached in once more to assure myself +of the truth, and my hand touched cold, clammy flesh. The shock of +discovery sent me reeling backward so suddenly that I slipped and fell. +It was a man--a dead man! In imagination I could see the wide-open, +sightless eyes, staring toward me through the dark. Trembling with the +unreasonable terror of unstrung nerves, I yet managed to regain my +feet. It was not the dead body, so much as the black gloom, which +robbed me of manhood. I could not see where to go, how to escape. At +whatever cost I must procure light. The very desperation yielded me +reckless courage. Shaking as with palsy, yet with teeth clinched, I +reached forward, groping my way back to the side of the bunk. I +touched the edge of the blanket, and thrust it away, feeling the body. +The man was fully dressed, lying upon his back, and I experienced no +difficulty in attaining the pockets of his coat. In the third I found +what I sought--a box of matches. + +Never before, or since, have I experienced such relief, as when my +fingers closed over this precious find. I struck one, and as the +phosphorus head burst into flame, stared about the vacant room, and +then down into the dead face within the bunk. The man had been killed +by the stroke of a hatchet, and was almost unrecognizable. Not until +the blazing match had burned to my finger tips was I sure of his +identity--then, to my added horror, I recognized Coombs. I struck a +second match, assuring myself beyond doubt, and drew the blanket up +over the disfigured face. As the brief light flickered and died, I +grasped the full significance of the man's death, the probable reason +for his being stricken down. Whoever had been hidden behind that +picture, crouching in the passage, had overheard his confession to me. +This was vengeance wreaked upon a traitor, the executed death sentence +of desperate men. And it had just been carried out--within the hour! +The murderers might be even now lurking within the shadows watching my +every motion. + +Again a slender match flared into tiny flame, casting about a dim +radius of light, partially reassuring me that I was alone. Before it +flickered out into darkness my eyes made two discoveries--the opening +of a dark passage to the left of the bunks, and a ghastly hand +protruding from the upper berth. I was scarcely sure this last was not +a vision of my half-mad brain, but a fourth match revealed it +all--above the murdered Coombs, hidden beneath blankets, was the body +of the strange man shot in the upper room. My God! the place was a +charnel house! a spot accursed! I crept back from that ghastly scene +of death as though invisible hands gripped my throat. I fairly choked +with the unutterable horror which overcame me. And yet I knew I must +act, must go on to the end. Even as I crouched there, trembling and +unmanned, seeing visions in the darkness, hearing imaginary sounds, my +thought leaped back to the girl upstairs. It was the one remembrance +which kept me sane. It was not the dead, but the living, I had to +fear, and it was not in my nature to shrink back from any man. I could +feel the courage returning, the leap of hot blood through my veins as I +straightened up. + +I risked one more match to make certain of the opening through the +wall, dimly glimpsed beyond the berths. My eyes were not deceived; +here was a second wood-supported passage, unblocked so far as I could +perceive, but black as pitch. I held the flaming splinter aloft, +anxiously scanning the few feet thus revealed, but as it sputtered out, +the red ash dropping to the floor, I felt renewed confidence that I was +alone, unobserved. Whoever those assassins might be, they had +departed, leaving only the helpless dead behind. No doubt they would +come again to remove the bodies, to seek refuge in this hidden hole. +But for the moment I was there undiscovered, and must utilize each +precious instant for discoveries and escape. Wild recklessness, a +desire to break away from those grewsome surroundings, overcame all +caution. Swiftly as I dared in the dense blackness I crept forward, +feeling the smooth wall with eager fingers, my right hand still +nervously gripping the revolver butt. Then I came to the door, similar +to the other, although no groping about would reveal the catch, or +enable me to force it open. + +Again I struck a match, guarding the infant flame with both hands +against a slight draught which threatened its extinction. There was no +sound, no warning of imminent danger. All my coolness had returned, +and my every thought centered on quickly discovering the lock of the +door. Yet, even in that instant, I caught glimpse of a shadow on the +wall, and made one swift, automatic effort to leap aside, dropping the +fatal match. The movement was too late! Something descended crashing +upon my head, and I pitched forward into unconsciousness. + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +TAKEN PRISONER + +It must be I lay there practically dead for some time. I had no +knowledge of being approached, or handled, and yet every pocket was +rifled, the revolver jerked from my hand, and my coat ripped from my +body. Like so much carrion the fellows had flung me back against the +wall, so as to make room for the swinging open of the door. I lay +there huddled up in shapeless disfigurement, blood staining the stones, +one arm twisted above my head. Consciousness returned so slowly, the +benumbed brain began to flicker into activity before a stiffened muscle +relaxed. I was awake, able to perceive dimly, and to realize my +situation, before my body responded to action. Returning life seemed +to sweep downward as the mind grasped the realities, bringing +consciousness of pain, throbbing head and aching muscles. Little by +little, silently, comprehending now what had occurred, and warned by +the sound of voices not far away, I changed posture slightly, +straightening out cramped limbs, and so turning my head as to enable me +to see along the passage where a ray of light streamed. There was a +mist before my eyes, but this lessened, and I began to view +intelligently the scene. + +I lay twenty feet from the entrance to this habitation underground, +thrust into the black shadow behind the door which stood partially +ajar. My position precluded any possibility of learning what was +beyond that wooden barrier, but I could plainly view the entire north +portion of the interior, although the only light radiated from a +flickering candle. One edge of the table came within my vision, a man +sitting beside it, his back turned toward me. I made out little of +this fellow's characteristics, as I saw only a pair of broad shoulders, +encased in a rough shooting coat, and a fringe of black whiskers. He +was smoking a short-stemmed pipe, and contented himself with a +growling, indistinct utterance when addressed. Opposite, however, was +a man of a different type, slender and active, his hair very dark and +inclined to curl, a rather long face, slightly olive-hued, with a small +mustache waxed at the ends. His black, sparkling eyes attracted me +first, and then his long, shapely hands. These grasped a sheet of +paper, and I noticed others, including several unopened envelopes, +lying before him on the table. He laughed a bit unpleasantly, a row of +white teeth visible beneath the dark mustache. + +"It's just as I thought, Herman," he said genially. "The fellow is a +mere adventurer. There will be no one to take his disappearance +seriously. Look at this document." + +He held out a half-printed, half-written sheet which I instantly +recognized as my discharge, but the big man only nodded, his hands in +his pockets. + +"I not read English--you know dot," he said placidly. + +"True, I had forgotten. This is the fellow's army discharge; only +issued six or seven weeks ago at Manila. He was serving in the ranks +over there. Got back to this country broke, most likely, and fell into +the hands of those schemers up North, willing enough to do anything for +a bunch of coin. The poor devil probably has n't got a friend on +earth." + +"But someone know he come here." + +"Only the two who sent him, and they 'll never dare tell, and the +woman. She is safe enough. Nigger Pete drove them out here, and we +can close his mouth easily enough. It's been easy, Herman, and now +with these two settled it leaves me a clear field." + +"Maybe so--yes. But vat you think it all mean? I would know how eet +vas dey come." + +The younger man shuffled the papers restlessly, his eyes on the face of +the other. + +"I confess there are some details missing, Herman," he said slowly, +"but in the main it is clear enough. I take it this man Neale is a +damned rascal. He went North to find the heir, discovered that he was +either dead, or had disappeared, ran into some scamp of the same kidney +as himself, and, between them, determined to cop the coin. That's my +guess. Then they picked up this penniless soldier, who, by the way, +resembles the missing son a bit, and sent him down here to play the +part. Wrote him out full instructions," tapping the papers +suggestively, "and then sat down there to wait results." + +"Vel, maybe so--but vat about the girl, hey?" + +"Someone they picked off the streets. He 's told to do it in this +letter. They thought it best to prove their man married, and so had to +procure a woman. We won't have any trouble with her." + +"Vat you do to be sure?" + +"Turn her loose in New Orleans with a few dollars," carelessly. "All +she knows about the affair can't hurt us if she does squeal. There are +plenty of ways to shut her mouth. I 'll know better how to handle her +case right when I see her. Broussard is a long time at his job." + +"Perhaps she fight heem--hey?" + +"The worse for her--that Creole is a wild-cat. But I wish he would +hurry, so we can get through the Gut on the flood tide; that boat draws +more water than is comfortable in this lagoon." + +"You need not worry," said the German, placidly looking at his watch. +"I take eet through safe. She dam good sea boat, an' where I come in I +can go out. Ach! 'tis the fellow come now." + +The newcomer passed so close beside me I could feel his foot touch +mine. As he hurried forward I realized the eyes of the two men would +be upon him, and that any movement of mine would be unobserved. The +door remained ajar, and, if escape was possible, now was the time. +With head reeling dizzily, I crept through the opening, yet held the +latch, fascinated by the first spoken words within. + +"Well, Broussard, what is it?" + +"All seen to, sir." + +"The bodies are planted then?" + +"The men attended to that." + +"And the woman?" + +"On her way; there was no trouble. Sallie had her doped, sir." + +"I expected she would. Then that finishes our job here, Herman, and +the quicker we are off the better." The two men arose to their feet, +Herman grumbling something in German, but the younger man interrupted. + +"We got the fellow after you left, Broussard; hit him a bit too hard it +seems, but no one will ever investigate, so it's just as well. +Adventurer named Craig, just discharged from the army." + +"Where is he?" + +"Lying there in the passage behind the door. Have Peters and Sam bury +him along with the others, and then join us. We 'll go aboard." + +I shut the door, and started down the passage. For a dozen steps it +was black as night; then there was a sharp swerve to the right, and a +gleam of daylight in the far distance. Already they were at the +barrier, and I ran forward recklessly, eager to escape into the open. +The way was clear, the floor rising slightly, yet without obstructions. +I could hear voices, the pounding of feet behind, and I made desperate +effort to outdistance my pursuers. That they were merciless I knew, +and my only hope lay in attaining some hiding place in the weeds before +they could emerge into the daylight. I thought of nothing else. But +as I burst, straining and breathless into the open, hands gripped me +from both sides. An instant I struggled to break free, fighting with a +mad ferocity, which nearly accomplished the purpose. I had one down, a +bearded ruffian, planting my fist full in his face, and sent the other +groaning backward with a kick in the stomach, when the three from +within burst forth and flung me face down into the earth, and pinned me +flat beneath their weight. An instant later Broussard's belt was +strapped tightly, binding my hands helplessly to my sides, and I was +hurled over so that I stared up blindly into the face of the fellow in +command. His black eyes were sneering, while the unpleasant smile +revealed a row of white teeth. + +"Great God, man," he exclaimed, "you must have the skull of an +elephant. Are you actually alive?" + +"Very much so," I gasped, defiant still. + +"Maybe I finish heem, Monsieur," questioned Broussard, with knee still +planted on my chest. "Then he not talk, hey?" + +The leader laughed, with a wave of the hand. "You take the fellow far +too seriously. Let him up. I 'll find a way to close his mouth if it +ever be necessary. Besides, he knows nothing to do any harm. A bit +groggy, my man. Hold him on his feet, you fellows." + +I stood helpless, my arms bound, gripped tightly on either side, gazing +full into the villain's face; out of the depth of despair and defeat +there had come an animating ray of hope--they were going to take me +with them. Even as a prisoner I should be near her. Would yet be able +to dig out the truth. + +"You take heem along, Monsieur?" It was Broussard's voice. "Zat vat +you mean?" + +"Certainly--why not? There's plenty of work for another hand on board. +Trust me to break him in. Come, hustle the lad along, boys. I 'll be +with you in a minute." + +They drove me forward roughly enough, the German marching +phlegmatically ahead, still silently puffing at his pipe, and leading +the way along a narrow footpath through the weeds. This wound about in +such crazy fashion that I lost all sense of both direction and +distance, yet finally we emerged into an open space, from which I saw +the chimneys of the old house far away to our left. The path led +onward into another weed patch beyond, down a steep ravine, and then +before us stretched the lonely waters of the bayou. Hidden under the +drooping foliage of the bank was a small boat, a negro peacefully +sleeping in the stern, with head pillowed on his arm. Herman awoke him +with a German oath, and the way the fellow sprang up, his eyes popping +open, was evidence of the treatment he was accustomed to. A hasty +application of an oar brought the boat's nose to the bank, and I was +thrust in unceremoniously, the three others following, each man +shipping an oar into the rowlocks. Herman alone remained on shore, +scattering the embers of a small fire, and staring back toward the +house. A few moments we waited in silence, then the slender figure of +the one who seemed the leading spirit, emerged from out the cane. He +glanced at the motionless figures in the boat, spoke a few words to +Herman, and then the two joined us, the latter taking the tiller, the +former pushing off, and springing alertly into the bow. + +Lying between the thwarts, face turned upward, all I could see +distinctly was the black oarsman, although occasionally, when he leaned +forward, I caught glimpses of the fellow I believed to be the captain +of the strange crew. Our boat skirted the shore, keeping close within +the concealing shadows, as evidenced by overhanging trees. The only +word spoken was a growling command by Herman at the rudder, and the +oars were noiseless as though muffled. Yet the men rowed with a will, +and scarcely twenty minutes elapsed ere we were scraping along the side +of a vessel of some size, and then came to a stop at foot of a +boarding-ladder. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +ON BOARD THE SEA GULL + +The Captain--for so I must call him--went up first, after hailing the +deck in French, and receiving some answer. Then, under Herman's +orders, I was hustled roughly to my feet, and bundled aboard. My head +still reeled dizzily, and the two men gripping my arms, hurried me over +the rail so swiftly my first impressions were extremely vague. I knew +the sides of the vessel were painted a dull gray, as nearly an +invisible color as could be conceived; I recall the sharp sheer of her +bow, the clearness of her lines, and the low sweep of her rail. Less +than a 1,000 tons burden, I thought, and then, as my eyes swept aloft, +and along the decks, I knew her for either a private yacht, or tropic +fruit steamer. + +"First stateroom, second cabin," said a new voice, sharply. "Lively +now." + +"Shall we unloose the ropes, sir?" + +"Yes; fasten the door, and leave a guard. Stow away the boat, +Broussard. Everything ready, Captain." + +I went down a broad stairway, shining brass rails on either side, which +led to a spacious after-cabin. A table extended its full length, +already set for a meal, and a round-faced negro, in white serving +jacket, grinned at me, as the men pressed me between them into a narrow +passage leading forward. A moment later I was unceremoniously thrust +into a small apartment on the right, the ropes about my wrists +loosened, and the door shut and locked behind me. For perhaps five +minutes I lay where I had been so unceremoniously dropped, weakened by +loss of blood, and dazed by the rapidity of events. I found it hard to +adjust my faculties to this new situation. I knew what had occurred, +but into whose hands I had fallen, and what was the purpose of this +outrage, was beyond my comprehension. One thing, however, was +sufficiently clear--these men were playing for big stakes, and would +hesitate at nothing to accomplish their purpose. They had already +killed without remorse, and that I still survived was itself a mere +accident. Yet the very fact that I lived yielded me fresh confidence, +a fatalistic belief that my life had thus been spared for a specific +purpose. It might yet be my privilege to foil these villains, and +rescue Mrs. Henley. It was my belief she was also on board this +vessel. I had no reason to assume this, except the wording of +Broussard's report which I had overheard. But she was a prisoner, and +this vessel would be the most likely place for her to be confined. I +sat up, my flesh burning, and stared about. The light shining through +the single closed port was dim, convincing me the sun had already set, +yet I could perceive the few furnishings of that interior. These +consisted merely of a double berth, a blanket spread over the lower +mattress, and a four-legged stool. Hooks, empty, decorated the walls, +and a small lamp dangled from the overhead beam. As I got to my feet I +could feel a faint throb of the engine, and realized we were moving +slowly through the water. The glass of the porthole was thick, but +clear. I knelt on the berth, and looked out, dimly perceiving the +shore-line slipping past, with an ever-broadening stretch of water +intervening. Then I sat down helplessly on the stool, and waited for +something to occur. Escape was impossible; I could only hope for some +movement on the part of my captors. + +I had little enough to think over, for the few words spoken in the +cellar had furnished no clew. My purpose there was known, and these +men had considered it worth while to put me out of the way, and to pick +up my companion also, yet I could not directly connect this action with +Judge Henley's will. We might have merely crossed their path, +interfered with their criminal plans. If so, then it was more than +likely our release would not be long delayed. Indeed, the man who +appeared to be the chief, had already said he would turn the girl free +in New Orleans, where she could do them no harm. New Orleans then was, +doubtless, the port for which we sailed. My knowledge of distance was +vague, yet that could not be a long voyage, nor one involving any great +danger. It was clear they meant no personal harm to her, and they +would never have brought me on board alive, if they had deemed it +necessary to otherwise dispose of me. These considerations were in the +main reassuring, and as I turned them over in my mind I drifted into +better humor. Besides, my head had ceased to ache, and a little +exercise put my numbed limbs into fair condition. + +It was fully an hour after the coming of darkness before I was +disturbed. Then the door opened, and the entering gleam of a light +swinging in the passage revealed the grinning negro steward bearing a +well-filled tray. This he deposited in the berth, while applying a +match to the lamp overhead. I saw no shadow of any guard outside, but +the fellow made no effort to close the door, and I did not move, +confident he was not alone. As he turned to go, however, curiosity +compelled me to question him, his good-natured face provocative of +courage. + +"Say, George, what boat is this?" + +"Mah name is Louis, sah." + +"All right, Louis, then; what's the name of this vessel?" + +"She am de _Sea Gull_, an' a mighty fin' boat, sah." + +"So I judge; what is she, fruiter, or private yacht?" + +"I reckon I don't just know," and he grinned. + +"Perhaps then you will inform me where we are bound--I suppose you know +that?" + +"No, sah; de captain he nebber done tol' me, sah, nothing 'bout his +personal plans. All he done said wus fer me to hustle sum grub in +yere." + +"But surely," I Insisted warmly, "you know what voyage you signed on +for?" + +"Wal, boss, I did n't sign on fer no vige. I 'se de steward, sah, an' +I just naturally goes 'long where ebber de ship does. 'T ain't rightly +none o' my business what de white folks 'cides to do. Good Lor', dey +don't never ask dis nigger nuthin' 'bout dat. All I got ter do is just +go 'long with 'em--dat's all." + +The shadow of a man blocked the doorway. He was one of those who had +been in the small boat, and I noticed a revolver at his waist. + +"That's enough, boy. Come, now, out with you," he commanded gruffly. +"Never you mind the door; I 'll attend to that." + +He pulled the door to after the retreating form of the negro, and I +heard the sharp click of the latch, and then his voice, muffled by +intervening wood, ordering the steward aft. There was no appearance of +any lock on the door; probably there was none, as otherwise it would +not have been necessary to post a guard. However, this was clearly no +time to experiment and I was hungry enough to forget all else in the +appetizing fragrance of the meal waiting. I fell to eagerly, convinced +there was a good cook on board, and enjoying every morsel. This did +not look as though I was destined to suffer, and merely being confined +in these narrow quarters for a few hours was no great hardship. +Probably the girl was receiving very similar treatment, and, as soon as +the _Sea Gull_ made whatever port was aimed at, we would both be put +ashore, and left to proceed as we thought best. Indeed, sitting there +alone, under the inspiration of choice food, well cooked, I became +quite cheerful, dismissing altogether from my mind any apprehension +that this attack upon us had any connection with the inheritance of +Philip Henley. These people were lawless enough, without doubt--the +murders already committed were evidence of that--but all they desired +so far as we were personally concerned, was to get us safely out of the +way, where we could no longer interfere with their plans. What those +plans might be I could merely conjecture, with little enough to guide +my guessing. They might be filibusters, connected with some revolution +along the Central American coast, smugglers, or marauders of even less +respectability. Their methods were desperate enough for any deeds of +crime. Without doubt they utilized this comparatively forsaken lagoon +as a hidden rendezvous, and the deserted Henley plantation--from which +even the negroes had been frightened away--was an ideal spot for them +to meet in, plan their raids, or secrete their spoils. These fellows +were doubtless the ghosts which haunted the place, and had given it so +uncanny a reputation throughout the neighborhood. They would naturally +resent any interference, any change in ownership, or control. +Possibly, if they were thieves, as I more than half suspected, they had +loot buried nearby, and were anxious to get us out of the way long +enough to remove it unobserved. This appealed to me as by far the most +probable explanation. + +I had cleaned the dishes, and was sitting on the stool, leaning back +against the wall, already becoming sleepy, listening to the rhythmic +pulsation of the engines at low speed, when the door opened again, and +the guard stood revealed before me in the glare of light. + +"The old man wants you," he explained brusquely, waving his hand aft as +though specifying the direction. "Come on, now." + +"What does he want?" + +"How the hell do I know! But let me tell you, his orders go on this +boat." + +I preceded him along the narrow passage, utterly indifferent to the +threat in his manner, but still conscious that one hand gripped the +butt of his revolver. Without doubt the fellow had orders to be +vigilant, and, perhaps, would even welcome some excuse for violence. I +gave him none, however, hopeful that the approaching interview might +yield new information. The cabin was unoccupied, the table swung up +against the beams of the upper deck, the heavy chairs moved back +leaving a wide open space. The furnishings were rich, in excellent +taste, the carpet a soft, green Wilton; the hanging lamp quite ornate, +while a magnificent upright piano was firmly anchored against the butt +of the aftermast. It was a yacht-like interior, even to the sheet +music on the rack, and a gray striped cat dozing on one of the softly +cushioned chairs. Gazing about, I could scarcely realize this was an +abode of criminals, or that I was there a captive. It was the sudden +grip of my guard which brought the truth relentlessly home. + +"This is no movin' picture show," he muttered. "Hustle along thar, in +back o' that music box. See--the way I 'm pointin'." + +There was but one door, evidence that a single cabin occupied the +entire space astern, and I stopped before it, my companion applying his +knuckles to the wood, but without removing his watchful eyes from me. +A muffled voice asked who was there, and at the response replied: + +"Open the door and show him in, Peters, and remain where you are within +call." + +I entered, conscious of a strange feeling of hesitancy, pausing +involuntarily as I heard the door close, and glancing hastily about. I +had expected a scene of luxury, a counterpart of the outer cabin. +Instead, I stood upon a plain, uncarpeted deck, the white walls and +ceiling undecorated. On one side was a double tier of berths, lockers +were between the ports, and heavy curtains draped the two windows aft. +Opposite the berths was an arm rack, containing a variety of weapons, +and the only floor covering was a small rug beneath a desk near the +center of the apartment. This latter was littered with papers, among +them a map or two, on which courses had been pricked. Beyond these all +the room contained was a small bookcase, crowded with volumes, and a +few chairs, only one upholstered. The only person present occupied +this, and was seated at the desk, watching me, a cigarette smoking +between his fingers. It was the olive-hued man of the cellar, the one +I had picked as leader, and his teeth gleamed white in an effort to +smile. In spite of his skin and dark eyes, I could not guess at his +nationality, but felt an instinctive dislike to him, more deeply rooted +than before, now that I comprehended how completely I was in his power. + +"Take a seat, Craig," he said, speaking with a faint accent barely +perceptible. "The second chair will be found the more comfortable. +Now we can talk easily. May I offer you a cigarette?" + +I accepted it more to exhibit my own coolness than from any desire to +smoke, but without other response. The man had sent for me for some +specific purpose, and I desired to learn what that might be before +unmasking my own batteries. + +"A smoke generally leaves me in more genial humor," he continued, +ignoring my reticence. "Mere habit, of course, but we are all more or +less in slavery to the weed. I trust you have been fairly comfortable +since coming on board the _Sea Gull_." + +"As much so as a prisoner could naturally expect to be," I replied +indifferently. "This vessel then is the _Sea Gull_?" + +He bowed, with an expressive gesticulation of the hand. + +"At present--yes. In days gone by it has been found convenient to call +her the _Esmeralda_, the _Seven Sisters_, and the _Becky N_. The name +is immaterial, so long as it sounds well, and conforms to the manifest. +However, just now the register reads _Sea Gull_, Henley, master, 850 +tons, schooner-rigged yacht." + +"You are under steam?" + +"Exactly; auxiliary steam power." + +"In what trade?" + +"Operated for pleasure exclusively," a slight tone of mockery in the +soft voice. "A rather expensive luxury, of course, but available all +the year around in this latitude." + +"I failed to catch the captain's name--yours, I presume?" + +He laughed, pausing to light another cigarette. + +"Still it is one you seem fairly familiar with--Henley, Philip Henley." + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +I CHANGE FRONT + +This statement of his identity, spoken calmly, and smilingly, was such +a surprise that I could but stare at the man, half convinced I had +misunderstood his words. + +"You see, Craig," he continued quietly, apparently comprehending my +state of mind, "your little game is up. Not a bad plan +originally--something of a criminal genius that fellow Neale--but he +failed to count on the fact that I was very much alive, and fully +capable of attending to my own affairs. By the way, what part did the +girl play in this little conspiracy? Merely a friend of yours, who +came along for company?" + +"Certainly not," I replied indignantly. "Have you seen her?" + +"Not yet; I preferred coming to an understanding with you first." + +"A condition you may not find as easy as you anticipate," I retorted, +angered at his cool insolence. "If you are Philip Henley, then the +lady you are holding prisoner is your wife." + +He laughed, leaning back again in his chair. + +"Well, hardly. I rather surmised that was the idea from a sentence or +two, in these instructions," and he touched a bundle of papers on the +desk. "Careless way to carry such evidence around--shows the amateur. +Thought it would add to the appeal to justice for Henley to have a +wife, I presume. Why not a child also? Permit me to state, my dear +sir, that I possess no such encumbrance." + +"It happens," I contended coldly, "that I have seen the marriage +certificate." + +He sat up stiffly, the sarcastic grin leaving his face, and replaced by +an expression of vindictiveness. + +"Oh, you have! As much a forgery as some of these other precious +documents. You will certainly grant that I ought to know whether I am +married or not?" + +"I made no assertion relative to that." + +"What did you assert?" + +"That Philip Henley was married, and that his wife--or widow, as the +case may be--is the lady who accompanied me to Carrollton." + +He leaned forward, both arms on the desk, his black eyes narrowed into +mere slits. + +"Oh, I see," finally. "Driven out of one position, like a good +general, you have another in reserve. You are more of an antagonist +than I had supposed, Craig. So now it is the widow who claims the +ducats. Am I also to understand that you are prepared to submit proof +of the death of Philip Henley? By the saints; I am becoming +interested." + +"Naturally, if you claim to be the man. I have not said he was dead, +for I do not know. I came down here believing him alive. His wife is +almost convinced otherwise. All I am actually certain about now is +that you are not the man." + +"You are extremely free-spoken for a fellow in your condition. You +will at least confess that I am master on board this ship; that my word +here is law, and you are in my power." + +"Yes." + +"Then why expose yourself, and that young woman, to unnecessary danger? +To be frank, Craig, I sent for you just now in a friendly spirit. You +can be decidedly useful to me, and I can afford to pay well for +services rendered. Now wait! don't break in until I am through. I +know who you are, and how you originally became involved in this +affair. You have no personal interest in the final outcome, so you +receive the amount promised. You are a mere soldier of fortune, an +adventurer. Good! Then it is certainly to your interest to be on the +winning side. What did Neale, and that other fellow--Vail--offer?" + +I sat looking at him steadily for a moment. That he was a shrewd, +scheming villain I had no doubt, but the one question which controlled +my answer was the thought of how I could best serve her. If I followed +my inclination, told him frankly that I had already deserted my +allegiance to those men in the North, and only remained loyal to the +woman, the confession would possibly react upon us both. We would be +held prisoners indefinitely. If, on the other hand, I appeared to +hesitate, a way of service might be opened before me, and, with it, a +path to freedom, for us both. The decision had to be made quickly. + +"Never mind the sum," I said soberly. "I am not altogether mercenary, +although I need money. I 'll say this, however, and you can take it +for what it may be worth. I originally came into this game believing I +was doing a kindness to a helpless man who was being defrauded of his +rights. There is no necessity of my going into details, but Neale told +me an apparently straight story, and convinced me my part was a mere +form. Later I learned different, and promptly quit. I have n't sent +in a line of report to my employers." + +"What convinced you of the fraud?" + +"A conversation with Mrs. Henley." + +"Oh, the woman, hey!" his tone again sarcastic. "Always the woman; +more to be valued than great riches, aye! even than fine gold. Good +Lord, Craig, don't be a wooden-headed fool. I tell you plainly Philip +Henley was never married, and I know. This girl is a mere adventuress +unworthy of any consideration." + +"You claim still to be Henley?" I asked, stifling my indignation. + +"Not only claim, but am. My identity is already firmly established in +court. Lawyers have the final papers ready to file." + +"You do not in any way resemble the photograph shown me of the man." + +"A fake picture; we have known something of Neale's plans from the +first." + +The man was apparently so confident, that I began to doubt my own +conclusions, and yet I could not doubt her. Whatever other falsehoods +might compass me about, she was to be implicitly trusted. + +"Is the woman on board?" I questioned. + +He hesitated just an instant. + +"Yes." + +"Will you have her brought here?" + +He walked across the cabin twice, turning the proposition over in his +mind. Apparently concluding that the ordeal might as well be over with +first as last, he opened the door, and gave an order to Peters. Then +he returned to his seat at the desk. + +"This is all silly enough, Craig, but I might as well convince you both +now, as later, that I hold the cards. The lady may try a bluff, if she +is that kind, but it will be soon over." + +We waited silently, and I endeavored swiftly to formulate a +satisfactory course of action. In spite of all my faith in her--which +could never waver--it was clearly evident this fellow had us helpless +in his grasp. If I was to become free to act it could only be by +yielding to his expressed desires, and apparently accepting his claims. +That this would separate me for the time from Mrs. Henley, alienate her +friendship, was a certainty. Yet I must risk all this even to be of +real service. The end would justify the means. We were confronted by +no common scoundrel, and here was a case where fire could only be +fought with flame. I did not for an instant believe he was Philip +Henley, yet he was apparently fortified with strong evidence to sustain +that claim. The very fact that he so strenuously denied that Philip +was married, convinced me he was an impostor, that he had never even +heard of this secret wedding. Probably the Judge had not mentioned it +while living, nor written any memoranda concerning it. Yet Neale knew, +and there could be no question as to the truth of the matter. In view +of all I decided openly to cast my fortunes with the man, and appear +angry at the deceit with which she had ensnared me. I dreaded the +result, the expression my apparent desertion would bring to her face, +but this seemed the only was possible for me to unmask the fellow. He +had clearly enough catalogued me in his own class, as one who would +serve any master for sufficient reward. Very well, let him so continue +to think, until I could turn the tables, and pay him back in his own +coin. And the quickest way in which to convince him that I was +altogether his man, was to denounce the girl in his presence, and +frankly avow myself on his side. Difficult as this task would +prove--at least until I could make some explanation to her--it was the +sensible course to pursue. I hardened myself to it, my eyes on the +outlines of the man's face, as he shuffled the papers on his desk. + +"Do you mind telling me where this vessel is bound?" I asked, not only +curious to learn, but also anxious to break the silence. + +"No objections whatever, Craig, if I knew myself," he answered +carelessly. "The _Sea Gull_ being my property sails on my orders, and, +at present, those orders are merely to put out to sea." + +"You spoke of leaving the lady ashore at New Orleans." + +"Oh, back at the house? You overheard that? Well, I am not above +changing my mind in such matters. From what you have just told me I +infer the young woman is more dangerous than I had supposed. Perhaps +some foreign port would be the safer landing place. I shall determine +that after our coming interview. This will be the lady now." + +We both arose to our feet as she entered, glancing about her curiously +at the rather strange surroundings, then stopping irresolutely, +apparently recognizing neither of us. The light from the hanging lamp, +waving somewhat from the movement of the vessel, served to soften the +lines of her face, and reveal the delicate beauty. About her were no +signs of fatigue or fear. Suddenly the light of recognition leaped +into her eyes, and she took a quick step forward. + +"Mr. Craig--you here? Why, I can hardly understand. Were you made +prisoner also?" + +"I suppose that to be my status, although I hardly know," I answered, +yet unable to refrain from accepting the extended hand. "I was +certainly brought aboard in chains, and much against my will. I +presume you know this person?" + +She swept my face with a swift, questioning glance, and then looked +beyond me at the man standing beside the desk. + +"No, I do not," slowly. "I have no remembrance of ever seeing him +before." + +"Is that not rather strange," I asked, steeling myself to the task, +"after asserting that he was your husband? He is the owner of this +vessel--Philip Henley." + +She reached out gropingly, and grasped the back of a chair, staring at +his face, and then glancing into mine, as though bewildered, suspecting +some trick. I could see her lips move, as if she endeavored to speak, +but could not articulate the words. Henley---for I must call him +that--advanced a step toward us, his thin lips fashioning themselves +into an ironic smile. + +"You receive this information about as I supposed you would, Madam," he +said coldly. "I was doubtless the very last person you expected to +encounter. Your accomplice here informs me that I am supposed to be +dead. I am inclined to think you were both mistaken--but not more so +than in regard to my marriage." + +She straightened up, her eyes shining. + +"You are not Philip Henley," she said firmly. "He is my husband." + +The smile widened, revealing the cruel white teeth. + +"I expected heroics. It was hardly to be supposed that you would +confess your fraud at once, and--before your lover." + +She shrank back, her hands still extended. + +"My--my lover--" + +"Now stop!" I broke in, every nerve tingling, as I stepped between +them. "Another insinuation like that, and you will learn what I can +do. You may be captain of this boat, but you are alone with us now, +and I can kill you before you could utter a cry. So help me God, I +will, if you dare insult her again." + +He reeled back against the desk, although I do not think I touched him, +and his hand sought an open drawer. I knew him instantly for a coward, +and gripped his wrist, hurling him from me half across the room. + +"I 'll stand here, and you over there. I prefer dealing with your kind +with bare hands. Now if you have any reply to make to this lady's +assertions put it in decent language." + +He gasped a bit, rubbing his bruised wrist, his eyes shifting to the +closed door as though contemplating an alarm. But I stood where I +could block any effort, and I doubt if he liked the expression on my +face. + +[Illustration: He gasped a bit, rubbing his bruised wrist.] + +"There is no use going off at half cock, Craig," he snarled. "I did +n't mean any insult. And I 'll get you for that some time. You 'll +learn yet what the _Sea Gull_ is." + +"No doubt," I coincided, tired of his threats, and awakened to the fact +that this quarrel was not likely to help our chances. "But for a few +minutes it will be worth your while to listen to me. I am not +defending this woman from anything but unnecessary insults. If she has +deceived me I want to find it out. If you are Philip Henley, as you +claim to be, you must have evidence to prove it. Convince me that her +assertions are false, and you will not find me unreasonable." + +"Gordon Craig, do you mean--" + +I turned to her, steeling myself to look into her appealing eyes. + +"I have been honest with you from the beginning," I Interrupted +abruptly. "Now, if I discover that your statements are false, the +inducements are all the other way. I am a soldier of fortune." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +THE SECRET OF THE VOYAGE + +Henley laughed, the sound grating harshly on my nerves, yet I made no +movement of protest as he stepped silently back to his desk. I was no +longer afraid of the fellow, even although he might have a weapon +concealed in one of the drawers, for I knew I had drawn his fangs. +This open avowal on my part was sufficient to convince one of his +stripe that I was concerned only with my own interests. Whatever +suspicion he may have previously entertained regarding my relations +with the lady were now thoroughly evaporated. Assured in his own mind +that Philip had never been married, he was now easily convinced that I +had merely associated myself with a girl from the streets, whom I was +only too glad to desert upon any plausible excuse. His words confirmed +my judgment. + +"Well said, my man. Now we begin to understand each other. Of course +I have the proofs. I would be a fool to sit in such a game without a +winning hand. Sit down, both of you, while we talk this over. There +is no reason why the three of us should not be friends, providing you +are sensible." + +She had never removed her gaze from me, standing white-faced and rigid, +as though unable to fully comprehend. I doubt if she heard, to +distinguish, a syllable he spoke, her every thought centered on my +renunciation. + +"But--but I am his wife," she panted indignantly. "Philip Henley's +wife. I--I showed you our certificate." + +"A fake, a forgery," asserted the other roughly, before I could find +voice. "You had it framed up all right, if you had never run across +me. Show me the paper." + +"I cannot, for it is not here. I placed it in my valise back at that +house." She stepped forward with hands held out toward me. "But you +know--Gordon Craig, you know. I could not have forged that; I had not +time; no information which would have led to such an act. You tell him +so." + +"I hardly think he will, Madam," returned the Captain shortly, +evidently feeling it better not to let me speak. "And there is no use +going on with this any farther. Answer me a question or two, that is +all. Did n't Craig tell you why he was coming down here?" + +"Yes," the single word scarcely audible. + +"He explained to you in detail what was expected of him?" + +"Yes." + +"Some hours before you left, was n't it?" + +"Yes." + +"Then you had sufficient time, and knowledge to complete your plans. +When did you first tell Craig you were Philip Henley's wife?" + +I clinched my hands at the bewildered embarrassment in her eyes, at the +sneer in the voice of the questioner, yet held myself silent. + +"It was after we came here; when I was frightened, and felt that I must +confess the truth. I--I had begun to trust him." + +"Oh, indeed, and you failed to tell him at first because you did not +trust him." + +"Partially that--yes. Although I do not think the name Henley was even +mentioned during our first interview. I am sure I did not realize it +was my husband's father who was dead until later." + +"Exactly; you picked up a strange man on the street; agreed to go off +on a criminal mission with him, and now expect us to believe you +perfectly innocent of any wrong intent." + +"That will be enough," I interrupted, unable to remain quiet any +longer. "The motives of the woman, and how we chanced to meet, are no +concern of yours. If you are Philip Henley, prove it, and let it go at +that. I have told you plainly enough where I stand." + +He gazed with black eyes narrowed into slits at the two of us, too +pleased with himself to doubt his success. The sarcastic smile curling +his lips caused me to swear under my breath, but I had gone too far now +to retreat. + +"Just as you say, Craig," affecting an easy good nature. "That is +perfectly agreeable to me. However, as it makes no difference what the +late Mrs. Henley thinks, we will dismiss her from the case, and settle +the affair quietly between ourselves. I 've got a proposition which +will interest you." He touched a button, and I heard the sharp tingle +of a bell outside. Almost instantly the door in the cabin opened. +"That you, Peters? Conduct the woman back to her stateroom, lock the +door, and bring me the key." + +He bent forward, searching for something in a pigeonhole to his right, +and I caught her eyes, touching my lips with my fingers to signal +silence, while an inclination of the head told her to go without +resistance. The swift change of expression on her face proved her +instant comprehension, as, without uttering a word of protest, she +turned, and disappeared. Henley never glanced up from his work of +selecting papers from a bundle under his hands, nor did I move, until +after Peters returned with the key. Henley dropped it into his pocket. + +"That will be all," he said; "you can go." + +"You mean I am off duty, sir?" + +"Certainly; you understand English, don't you? There will be no more +guard work tonight." + +As the door closed again behind Peters the fellow rose to his feet, and +held out his hand. "You are the kind I like, Craig," he said +cordially. "At first I had my doubts about you, and no doubt have been +harsh. To be perfectly honest I thought you would be all right under +ordinary circumstances, but was afraid the girl had a sentimental hold +on you which would make you difficult to handle. Lord, she thought so +too. Did you see her face when you first sided in with me? She wilted +completely. Well, that will make the rest easy. Sit down again, and I +will explain what I want you for." + +I accepted the chair indicated, but was not yet altogether ready to +hear his proposition. + +"Just a moment," I said firmly. "I may be the man you want, and all +that, but I have got to be convinced first that I am not making another +mistake. I came down here originally believing myself an agent of +justice, only to discover I had been duped. This time I insist on the +truth. I may be a soldier of fortune, but I prefer choosing the side +on which I fight." + +"You mean you wish to assure yourself I have the right of it," he asked +smilingly, "before you enlist? There is nothing unreasonable to that. +Unfortunately, however," and he picked up the papers from the desk, "I +can only furnish you corroborative proofs now. Still, I think these +will be convincing. The legal papers, which absolutely establish my +identity as Philip Henley, are in the hands of lawyers, who represent +me at Carrollton. The case will not come up for adjudication for +several weeks yet," speaking slowly, and with careful choice of words, +"but my contention as heir to the property is thoroughly established. +It had to be, for as you know the Judge's son had been away from this +neighborhood for years, practically ever since boyhood. He was almost +unknown to the local inhabitants, even to the servants. He was even +reported as being dead. This state of affairs made identification the +most important thing to be considered. Consequently all documents +bearing directly on that point are, at present, out of my reach. You +understand?" + +"Yes; only you must have retained something to substantiate your word." + +"Precisely. I was coming to that. I have letters from my father which +should be sufficient. You have seen Judge Henley's writing?" and he +handed me a half dozen missives. They were without envelopes, each +beginning simply, "My Dear Son," relating principally to local +conditions on the plantation, and occasionally expressing a desire for +the wanderer to return, and assume the burden of management. Instead +of names, initials were employed to designate individuals referred to, +and it was evident the recipient had been addressed at various places. +That they were in the crabbed and peculiar handwriting of the old Judge +was beyond all question, and the dates covered several years. I read +them through carefully, puzzled by their contents. + +"There are no envelopes?" + +"No; I never keep them--why?" + +"Only that no name is mentioned; they begin all alike, 'My Dear Son.'" + +"I never thought of that," he, admitted, simulating surprise, "but can +supplement by showing you this picture, taken three years ago at +Mobile. Of course you will recognize myself, but may never have seen a +photograph of Judge Henley." + +"I never have." + +"Well, that is his likeness, and there are those on board who will +identify it. Does this satisfy you that I am what I claim to be?" + +In truth it did not, for I would have believed nothing in opposition to +the positive statement of the woman that he was not Philip Henley. Her +simple assertion weighed more with me than any proofs he might submit. +Yet his coolness of demeanor, and the tone of the letters, evidently +written in confidence from father to son, were unanswerable. Under +other conditions--divorced from what I knew--they would be conclusive. +Now I could only wonder at them, groping blindly for some solution. +Were they really addressed to him, or had he stolen them? If the +latter, then how had he succeeded in getting his picture on the same +plate with Judge Henley's? And what were those other more important +documents on which he rested his claim? These considerations flashed +through my mind, yet I was sufficiently aroused to answer quickly, +aware that even the slightest hesitancy might awaken suspicion. + +"It would seem to be unanswerable," I replied, replacing letters and +photograph on the desk. "What hurts my pride is to have been made such +a fool of." + +"That's nothing, Craig; we have all had that experience. You merely +fell into the clutches of some shrewd men, and a designing woman. +Fortunately you have discovered the truth before any great harm has +been done, and I stand ready to give you a chance now on the winning +side. I would rather have you with me than opposed, and there will be +more money in it for us both. What do you say?" + +"I should prefer to know more about your proposition." + +"It has nothing whatever to do with the Henley matter," he exclaimed, +leaning back in his chair, and surveying me shrewdly through his dark +eyes. "That is practically settled already, so you will not be further +involved with the girl." + +"You would oblige me by leaving her name out of the discussion then," I +interposed coldly. "Even her presence on board is distasteful under +the circumstances." + +He chuckled, well satisfied with his diplomacy. + +"I understand that; however, we cannot obliterate her entirely. Pretty +enough to be useful too, I imagine, if she can ever be brought to view +this affair from the right angle. Could n't you be induced to attempt +a little, missionary work? Love-making at sea is said to be especially +pleasant." + +I shook my head, gazing directly into his eyes, barely able to keep +from throttling him. + +"Drop it," I said sternly. "The girl is to be left alone if I have any +part in your scheme. Now I want to know what is expected of me; may I +ask questions?" + +He lit another cigarette, calmly indifferent to all outward appearance. + +"Certainly--fire away." + +"Where are we bound?" + +"Spanish Honduras," lazily, but spreading out a map, and tapping it +with his finger. "Perto Cortez, if we can make that port safely; if +not then somewhere along the coast between there and Trupillo. There +will be signals." + +I leaned forward, startled out of my self-restraint. "Honduras! Good +Lord! what are you--a filibuster?" + +"Hardly," with a short laugh. "That is too dangerous a job, and not +money enough in it. I prefer to do my revoluting through others, and +cop the swag. That is the safe end of the game. It happens to be +Honduras just now; I have been equally interested in other downtrodden +countries. In truth, friend, I am a patriot for revenue only." + +"You mean you furnish arms?" + +"For a suitable consideration--yes. In strict confidence I will state +that securely packed away in the hold of the _Sea Gull_--largely in +boxes labeled machinery--are twenty thousand rifles, six rapid-fire +guns, and a sufficiency of ammunition for a small army. Once safely +landed the profits of the voyage will total one hundred and fifty +thousand dollars, gold. A rather tidy sum, hey?" + +I grasped the idea swiftly enough, and it cleared up some of the shadow +of mystery. But the situation was rendered no more pleasant for us. + +"Then you are not sailing for New Orleans?" + +"Not until my hold is empty. We cleared from there, light, three weeks +ago." + +"You mean to retain the lady on board?" + +"Unless she prefers to jump overboard." + +"And what have I to do with all this? You said you had use for +me--what use?" + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +I JOIN THE SEA GULL + +I can see the fellow still, as he sat there smiling, his teeth revealed +under his mustache, his eyes filled with cunning. + +"You! why you chance to be the very sort of man I need. The devil +could not have sent me a better," he said, with some enthusiasm. "You +are an American soldier, the best-drilled men in the world for +irregular service. You can understand that the longer I can keep those +fellows down there fighting, the more I will sell. Good! that is part +of my business. And the better they are drilled, the longer they will +keep it up. That is what I want you for--to help make that mob of rags +into an army. By God! you can do it, and I am willing to pay the +price." + +I got up, and walked across the cabin, apparently struggling with +temptation, arguing the matter over with myself. In very truth, +however, there was little choice. Either I must coincide with his +desire, or be thrust helplessly back into my old quarters, under guard. +There was no mercy, no weakness, behind the smile with which he watched +me. The man was a tiger who would kill me with as little remorse as he +would brush a mosquito from his cheek. If I yielded, if I exhibited a +willingness to fit into his plans, well and good. But if I decided +otherwise the jaws of the trap would close. I did not care so much for +myself--it would be a pleasure to defy him--but the memory of the girl +was vivid. What would happen to her, alone on this lawless ship, +surrounded by the gang of wolves with which it was manned? The thought +sickened me. Even already I had imagined a gleam of lust in the eyes +of the fellow when he glanced covertly at her, and distrusted him as I +would a snake. And he was owner and captain, his word on board the +supreme law, even unto death. There was nothing left me but to agree +to his proposition, and thus purchase freedom. Yet I must not appear +too eager. + +"I perceive your point," I said at last, facing him. "But what is +there in it for me?" + +"A good round sum," he replied. "More than you ever made before, I +warrant, not excepting the promises made you in this Henley will case. +We 'll talk the details over later." + +"Who is responsible for my pay?" + +"See here, Craig, the case stands like this. The revolutionists down +there asked me to find them a competent drill-master, and they will pay +royally. They 've got the money, too, scads of it. There will be no +trouble on that score. Besides, I need a reliable man ashore to look +after shipments. We have to land our goods in a hurry, you understand, +at night, without checking up. I can afford to hand you something +pretty nice on the side to assure myself a square deal. I had a fellow +picked out for the berth--a retired German officer---but he failed to +show up when we sailed. Now I have run across you I am damned glad he +did. You are more the style of man I want. Come, now, I don't believe +you can afford to turn this offer down." + +"It looks good," I confessed, but still hesitating. "Only I shall have +to have it in writing, and more in detail." + +"We'll talk that over in the morning; it's late now. Take the third +stateroom starboard: it's all ready for you." + +"Then I am no longer to consider myself a prisoner onboard?" + +"Certainly not. Practically you are one of us." + +"And I have the freedom of the deck?" + +He smiled grimly, gazing intently at me. + +"That is safe enough, I reckon, even if I questioned your interest in +this adventure. There must be ten miles of water already between us +and the coast. There are no limits on your liberty, but I would n't +advise your going forward at present--not until the men understand the +situation--they 're a hard lot." + +"Revolutionists?" + +"Hell, no; plain New Orleans wharf rats, the scouring of the Seven +Seas." + +"Who is first mate--the German?" + +"Yes, Herman, a fine sailor; was with the Hamburg people until he had a +wreck. The Creole Broussard is second, and the two of them together +could tame a cargo of wild-cats. Is that all, Craig?" + +"All at present." + +"Good night then; think this over, and we 'll have another talk +tomorrow. The third starboard stateroom is yours." + +I took his hand, feeling the sinewy grip of his lean, brown fingers, +and turned to the door, cursing myself under my breath for a weakling, +and yet utterly unable to perceive how I could choose otherwise. The +single lamp in the main cabin was turned low, only faintly illuminating +the interior. In the quiet I could feel the movement of the vessel, +and realized there was some sea on, although the engines were being +operated only at half speed. This seemed odd, if speed was desirable, +as I supposed it must be on a voyage of this nature. However that was +none of my affair, and, heaven knows, I had enough to consider in my +own situation. I was not in the least sleepy, and sank down in the +first chair to think, my eyes on the Captain's door. But I was not +disturbed. If this was my case exclusively I doubt if it would have +greatly worried me. Indeed, I might have rejoiced over the outlook, +welcoming the excitement, and rough experience promised in a new land. +I possessed the adventurous spirit, and the position offered had its +appeal. But the girl stood directly in the way. What Henley meant to +do with her was problematical--I had not thought to ask--but he either +intended putting her ashore in Honduras, or else holding her prisoner +on board until the _Sea Gull_ returned North. Either contingency was +bad enough, and the suspicion flashed suddenly across me that the final +decision would depend on how kindly she might receive the attentions of +the Captain. Nor did I question the result. I had not known the lady +long, but, in that brief time, our relations had been sufficiently +intimate to yield me a good insight into her womanly character. There +would be no yielding, no compromise. Neither threats nor promises +would change her attitude in the least. Not only did she know the +fellow to be a lying knave, but he was not of the sort to ever +influence her in the slightest degree. I could imagine how she would +look at him, with those searching eyes burning in indignation, and her +instant squelching of his first protestations. There would be no need +of my help to repel the insults of such a beast. But afterwards there +would, for I realized also what he would become after such a repulse--a +cold, sneering Nemesis, revengeful, ready to crush even a woman +remorselessly. And he possessed the power, the means to make that +revenge complete. I felt my teeth lock, my hands clinch in sudden +anger. Perhaps I could accomplish little in her defense, but I +intended to be free to do that little. Whatever fate might be in store +for us, that sneering, olive-hued devil should receive his deserts if +ever he attempted wrong to her. That had become the one purpose of my +heart, for I realized here skulked the real danger, the deeper peril of +our situation. + +I may have remained there for a quarter of an hour, motionless, +thinking over every incident, and reviewing carefully, and in detail, +the various happenings which had led to our present condition. The +only result was to enlist me yet more strongly to her service. +Believing her statement I could see nothing in her conduct to +criticize, and she appealed to me in all womanhood. I would be a +dastard to doubt, or desert, her cause now, and the warm blood throbbed +in my veins responsive to the memory of what had already been between +us. No one disturbed me, the Captain was still in his stateroom, +where, once or twice, I imagined I heard him pacing the floor. The +steward had apparently retired for the night, although it was not late, +as a glance at my watch proved. My eyes traced the doors on either +side, ten altogether, each plainly numbered, and I opened the one +assigned to me, and glanced within. Except that it was more +commodious, and contained a washstand at one corner, it did not differ +greatly from the other forward where I had been held prisoner. + +I wondered which of these others might be hers, and passed silently +from door to door, vaguely hoping for some sign of guidance. They were +all tightly closed, and I dare not try the locks, as I was certain one, +at least, of the under officers would be sleeping below. My round had +brought me to the second door on the port side when, in the dim light, +I perceived something lying at my feet, and stooped down to better +determine its character. It was the end of a very narrow light blue +ribbon, apparently caught beneath the door. Assured that she was the +only one of her sex aboard, I drew the strip forth, fondled it, +imagined I had seen it before, struggling with a desire to make myself +known. The door before which I hesitated was numbered "5." Whether by +accident, or design, she had left the one clew I most needed. Indeed, +at the moment, I believed the ribbon had been purposely dropped. That +last meeting of our eyes had reassured her of my loyalty; with the +quick intuition of a woman she had comprehended the truth, and this +ribbon, apparently carelessly dropped, was for my guidance. I thrust +it into my pocket, but the soft touch of the silk seemed to bring back +to me a sense of caution. I knew the door was locked, and assured +myself there was no space beneath. If I was to communicate with her, +other means must be employed. What? This was the second stateroom on +the port side. Judging from my own, the width of each room would be +about six feet. There ought to be no difficulty in locating her +porthole from the deck above, nor in attracting her attention. + +The one thing I desired now was to reestablish myself fully in her +confidence, assure her I was at liberty on board, able and willing to +be of service. This necessity overshadowed all else. If I could +discover means of communication we could plan hopefully, assured of +cooperation. And this seemed possible, the way to its accomplishment +open. Shadowed from observation by the thick butt of the after-mast, I +wrote a few lines hastily on the back of an envelope, thrust it into my +pocket, and ventured up the companion stairs. Reaching the top, and +stealing to one side out of the dim range light, I took hasty survey of +the deck. It was a dark night, although a few stars were visible, and +the _Sea Gull_ was steaming slowly through a fairly rough sea, pounding +against her port quarter. Little twinkles of light were visible off +the port side, so numerous as to make me suspicion land, while a narrow +strip of moon, barely exposed beneath an edge of cloud, convinced me +our course was almost directly east. This was strange if the boat's +destination was Spanish Honduras, and the Captain was, as he contended, +desirous of making a swift passage. I recall this flash of thought, +yet my attention almost instantly reverted elsewhere. The closer we +hugged the shore the greater the opportunity for escape, the more vital +the necessity of immediately establishing communication with the fair +prisoner below. + +A glance sufficed to convince that I was alone, and unobserved. The +deck was unobstructed aft, except for a small boat swung to davits +astern, and the cabin transoms. These last were elevated some three +feet, but considerable space separated from the rail. I slipped into +this opening on the port side, crouching in the dense shadow, until +again assured I was alone. My position afforded as good a view forward +as the darkness would permit, and likewise enabled me to see into the +dimly lit cabin below. The fact that Henley--for whatever his name +might be, this was the one to which he laid claim--had not left his +stateroom, or made any effort to observe my movements, was a decided +encouragement. Beyond all question he believed me safely in his grasp, +and his promise of liberty on board was being substantiated. I was not +to be watched, or spied upon. For the first time I began to feel a +true sense of freedom. + +The deck forward of the main mast was too dark for observation, +although I was certain of a group of men gathered in the waist to +leeward. Occasionally the sound of a voice was blown back, and I could +perceive the dull, red glow of a pipe or two. The main body of the +watch these would be, and even as I stared at the lumping shadow, a +command was roared from the bridge, and two shapeless figures detached +themselves from the mass, and ran forward. The bridge itself was +partially outlined against the lighter sky, giving me a vague glimpse +of two figures, one standing motionless, as though gripping the rail, +and peering straight ahead into the smother, the other striding back +and forth. The last appeared a huge shadow, his coat flapping in the +wind, and I knew he must be the German first mate, Herman. + +Satisfied on these points, and with a glance below at the unoccupied +cabin, I stepped back and paced off the distance, until convinced that +I had safely located where the porthole of number "5" should be. I +leaned over, seeking to trace its outline by some reflection of light +from within, but the receding side of the vessel baffled me. Yet, +assured that I must be correct in my measurements, I marked the spot on +the rail, and began search for some means by which I could open +communication with the girl below. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +THE FREEDOM OF THE DECK + +The flag locker was astern, and standing on it I could feel inside the +boat swung to the davits. It was a small, light boat, fashioned like a +cutter, a good sea-going craft for its size. Two oars and a short mast +together with a roll of canvas were stowed on top the thwarts, and +secured by lashings. I cut one of these, and drew forth about three +fathoms of line, sufficiently pliable for my purpose. The severed end +of cord I thrust down out of sight, where it would escape any +superficial examination. Anxious as I was to carry out my plans +rapidly I could not refrain from passing my hands over the boat, +impressed by its lightness and sea-going qualities, and inspired by the +thought it might eventually aid in our escape. It hung ready for +launching, the falls easily unhooked, and two pair of hands would be +sufficient to lower it into the water. There was a locker forward I +was unable to reach, but two water kegs, filled, were strapped under +the stern sheets, leading me to believe the craft was fully equipped +for immediate service. My mind filled with a daring hope by this +discovery, I fastened the note to the end of the cord, weighted it with +a bunch of keys, and crept back to where I had marked the rail. Inch +by inch I payed out the line, leaning well over. At last my ears +detected the dangling of the metallic keys against glass, and, by +manipulating the rope, managed to make them sound with clear +insistence. I repeated the effort several times before there was any +response. Then the port seemed to be opened cautiously, although no +gleam of light shot forth. She had evidently extinguished her lamp +before venturing to answer the signal, but I felt her grasp on the +cord. Then it was left dangling against the closed port, leaving me to +infer that she was reading the hasty note. + +I must have hung there gazing down into the black shadows for two or +three minutes, before my line was again hauled taut, but, as I +straightened up, prepared to haul up the returning message, I saw the +shadow of a man passing across the cabin below. He was already at the +foot of the companion stairs; in another minute would be on deck. +There was no time to do otherwise, and I released my grasp of the rope, +letting it drop silently into the water. I had barely turned my back +to the rail when Henley emerged within six feet of me. For an instant +his gaze was forward, and then, as his eyes accustomed themselves to +the darkness, he turned slightly and perceived me, peering at me in +uncertainty. + +"Who is this? Oh, you, Craig," he questioned sharply. "Not asleep +yet?" + +"Not even drowsy," I said, pretending an ease I was far from feeling. +"The crack on my head yesterday pains considerable, and besides I +wanted to think over your proposition a bit." + +"You must have the skull of an elephant, or a negro, to have any head +at all," he agreed, apparently satisfied. "But I would advise sleep +nevertheless. You think favorably of my plan, I hope." + +"I see no reason to refuse, if the pay is all right." + +"It will be; trust me for that. A beautiful night this--the air as +soft as June. I was about to turn in, but decided to take a whiff on +deck first." + +"Rather a captain's duty, is it not?" + +"I believe so, in regular service, but this is decidedly irregular. +The fact is, that while I am the owner of this vessel, and technically +in command, I am no navigator. I merely give my general orders, and +trust the seamanship to Herman. He is perfectly trustworthy and +capable, and I never interfere. The last voyage I doubt if I was on +deck twice, although, of course," he added soberly, "my word goes if I +should care to exercise authority." + +I remained silent, staring out across the water, endeavoring to +reconcile his statements, and wondering what message it was I had +dropped into the deep. + +"What are those lights off yonder?" I asked, at length, pointing. + +"Shore lights." + +"Then we are steering east?" + +"A bit south of east, yes; odd course for Honduras, you think?" + +I nodded, willing enough to let him talk. + +"We are playing the game safe, Craig; that's all," he explained, both +hands gripping the rail. "You see we cleared for Santiago, and are not +anxious to be seen and reported by any west-bound ships. We are +keeping well to the north of their course now, and tomorrow will be +hidden among the islands off the west Florida coast. Then, as soon as +it is dark, we will shoot out under full steam, into the Gulf. The +chances are we 'll cross the lane unobserved; if we should intercept a +liner, she won't identify us in the dark, as we burn no lights. By +daylight we 'll be well beyond their look-outs, and can steer a +straight course." + +Vague as my memory was regarding the Gulf and its surrounding coast +line, this explanation seemed reasonable enough, and I remained silent, +gazing off across the water. He did not speak again, yet the very +proximity of the man irritated me, my dislike and distrust of him so +deep rooted that I could scarcely bear his near presence. I wanted to +be alone, where I could think out some feasible scheme of escape. + +"I have had enough for tonight," I said finally, "and am going to turn +in." + +"Best thing you can do," he coincided, but without looking toward me. +"Will follow suit as soon as I smoke a cigarette. See you tomorrow." + +I went down the companion stairs directly to my stateroom, not even +glancing aside, feeling confident that he would be watching me from +above. I had every reason to believe I had won his confidence, that he +counted me as already among those he controlled and commanded, yet he +was not a man who would ever rise above suspicion, and his trust would +always be limited. Without lighting a lamp I lay down, still partially +dressed, on my bunk, my mind busily occupied with desperate plans, none +of them satisfactory. We would not be far from land, according to his +statement, until late the following night. The small boat hanging +astern was fully capable of transporting the two of us safely, and I +was sufficiently acquainted with such a craft to feel no doubt of my +ability to navigate it if once afloat. But unless Mrs. Henley was also +given her freedom on board, I could perceive no means of reaching her. +With her stateroom key hidden in the Captain's pocket, any plan I might +formulate was useless. Nor was it at all probable she would be +released until we were well at sea. Baffled by these conditions I +tossed and turned for an hour, hearing Henley return to his cabin, and +marking a swifter pulsation of the engines. Finally worn out mentally, +as well as physically, I fell asleep. + +When I awoke the sun was shining through the glass of my porthole, and +glancing forth I caught the dazzle of the water. The vessel was +motionless, apparently riding at anchor, the sea barely rippled by a +gentle breeze. Refreshed by sleep and more eager than ever to be in +action, I dressed hurriedly, and stepped forth into the cabin. The +breakfast table was set for one, and the black steward was lolling +lazily in a chair. At sight of me he got to his feet. + +"Ah suah thought you was n't nebber goin' ter wake up, sah," he said +genially, showing his teeth. "Ah bin waitin' fer yer mor'n two hours, +Ah reckon." + +"For me! Have the others eaten then?" + +"Mostly, sah, mostly. De Captain he nebber eat no breakfast; he say et +ain't good fer his libber--yaw; yaw!--but de mates dey both bin down." + +"What time is it?" + +"Most ten, sah." + +"I did sleep, that 's a fact, Louis. However, I 'll try and do full +justice to anything you got," and I seated myself at the table. "Has +Mrs. Henley breakfasted yet?" + +"Who, sah?" + +"The lady you have on board." + +He scratched the wool on his head vigorously, glancing behind the mast +as though uncertain what he had best answer. + +"Ah suah nebber know'd dat wus her name, sah; no sah, Ah nebber done +suspected it. Yes, sah, she had her breakfast, but, Ah reckon she did +n't eat much." + +"You served her here at the table?" + +The negro, apparently anxious to escape from the topic, shook his head. + +"No, sah; in her room, sah," his voice low. "De Captain, he unlock de +doah, an' then lock it agin. He say she done gone crazy, but Lor' she +don't look dat-a-way to me. You like sugah in your coffee, sah?" + +In spite of the seeming geniality of the steward, and his eagerness now +to question me, I realized that he was thoroughly dominated by personal +fear of the man aft. The less I questioned him the better, probably, +as there was a strong possibility that he would be interviewed later +relative to our conversation. Henley was only testing me, and would +use the darky, if he could, to learn more of my plans. So, although, a +number of questions trembled on my lips, I left them unasked, and +finished my meal in silence. Louis hovered around, dropping a sly hint +now and then, which only served to increase my suspicion that he might +have received instructions to draw me out. If so, the experiment was a +failure, and, after a light meal, I lit a pipe, and, ignoring him +completely, strolled out on deck. There was evidently no hope that the +woman would be released at present, and I could formulate no plan of +communicating with her, but I was no less anxious to view our +surroundings. + +I found the after-deck entirely deserted, and there was no one visible +on the bridge. Two or three sailors--the anchor watch--were forward, +engaged in some service about the capstan, and a fellow was swabbing +the deck amidship. I heard Broussard's voice at a distance, but could +not locate him. However, no one paid the slightest attention to me, as +I stood smoking, and gazing curiously around. Everything appeared +peaceful enough. We were lying in a small harbor, within a hundred +feet of the shore, completely concealed on the sea side, by a thick +forest growth lining the higher ridge, of what appeared a narrow +island. The _Sea Gull's_ fires were banked, only a thin vapor arising +from the stack which instantly disappeared. In the opposite direction +there was a wide expanse of water, quiet as a mill-pond in spite of a +fresh breeze, revealing in the distance the faint blue blur of a +far-off coast line. Nothing broke the vista except the white sails of +two sloops, evidently fishing boats, far off on the horizon. It was an +ideal spot in which to lie--to quietly hide in during the hours of +daylight, probably never approached but by stray fishermen. Ashore +everything appeared primitive and uninhabited, except for one of the +_Sea Gull's_ small boats beached directly opposite, the crew hidden in +the brush. + +I walked leisurely around the cabin transom, peering into the boat +swung astern, so as to better familiarize myself with its equipment, +meanwhile keeping a wary eye on the cabin below, where the negro was +clearing the table, and then, satisfied I had everything photographed +upon the mind, sauntered forward toward the bridge, aiming to exchange +greetings with the Creole mate. Broussard was not a man to expect +favors from, and I had hated him with the first glimpse of his face, +yet he possessed his racial characteristic of impulsive speech, and was +thus far more approachable than the gruff German first officer. +Perhaps, if he believed me an accomplice, he might be led to talk, and +even be induced to let drop some hint which would later prove useful. +I met him just forward of the chart-house, and the manner in which he +eyed me was immediate proof that he remained uninformed as to my new +status on board. + +"How you com' on ze deck, M'sieur?" he asked, his eyes threatening. +"By Gar, I thought you down below, locked in all tight," and he waved +an expressive hand aft. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI + +THE NEW PERIL + +I laughed, but without paying him the compliment of looking at him. + +"I 've changed allegiance, that's all, Broussard. It's money which +makes the mare go with all of us, eh? The Captain turned me loose last +night." + +"You wif us? You go volunter?" + +"Well, something like that. I 'm to be drill-master, or general, for +those tattered battalions down in the jungles. What do you think of +the job?" + +He shrugged his shoulders, and then grinned. + +"What ze dif!" and he swept his hands about in expressive gesture. +"Sea--land, if only one gets the price, M'sieur. But for me I like to +go, to move; not lie still an' rot." + +"Of course," falling into his mood, "that's in your blood, I reckon, +but the Captain said we were only to hide here for a day." + +"Maybe day, maybe week. No one knows how long. We wait till the sea +is clear. Bah! the man 'fraid of shadow. He give me sheep, an' I show +heem." + +"You 'd take a chance?" + +"Oui, M'sieur. I wait till dark, no more, den I take ze chance. But +ze Capitaine, he no sailor, M'sieur; I know heem long while." + +"How long?" + +"Oh, seek, eight year." + +"Then you can tell me if he is really Judge Henley's son?" + +"Oui, M'sieur; 'tis sure I can. I hav' been with heem there," his +brown hand outstretched landward, "where we got you, hey, many the +time; besides, the Judge he been on zis sheep. Of course he was son; +why you think not?" + +I shook my head, unwilling to discuss the affair with the fellow, yet +impressed by his statement. + +"I am beginning to believe I do not know very much about it, +Broussard," I explained briefly, moving aside to the rail. "I came +down South with another story pumped into me, that's all." + +"And ze young woman," he persisted, following me closely, "why she +come?" + +"For the same reason I did." + +He laughed, his eyes sparkling. + +"More like 'cause she love you, hey! Sacre, she was fine-lookin' girl, +but," shrugging his shoulders, "'t is the Capitaine, not ze mate, who +may admire." + +I turned on the fellow, my blood boiling. + +"What do you mean by that! That Henley will dare intrude himself?" + +"_Sacre_, an' why not, M'sieur! He is ze Capitaine; nobody tell him +not on ze _Sea Gull_. I know him seek, eight year, an' he devil with +women. She not ze furst to be on board ze sheep. Zar no use you be +mad, M'sieur; he laugh at you." + +"Then for once he will laugh at the wrong man, Broussard," I said +soberly. Regretting the threat even as I uttered it, I left him and +walked aft, aware as I turned of the sneer on his face. Yet even then, +although burning with anger, I knew better than to remain. I dare not +speak the bitter words on my tongue, feeling certain that whatever I +said would be repeated to Henley. I despised Broussard, and would have +taken the rat by the throat, but for a wholesome fear of his master. I +knew men well enough to understand the character of the _Sea Gull's_ +Captain. With unlimited power in his hands he was not an antagonist to +be despised. He was a cruel, merciless coward, and, in spite of my +boast, I realized how helpless I was to oppose his will, here, in the +midst of men who would obey his slightest command. Nor did I doubt his +purpose; now that he had seemingly won me over to his scheme, he would +turn his attention to her, feeling secure from interference. I had +permitted him to believe that she was but a chance acquaintance, in +whom I felt little interest, and he would consequently anticipate no +serious protest from me. Even if I did intervene he possessed the +power to render me helpless. And he was Judge Henley's son, or, at +least, so these men believed who had been associated with him for +years. The situation grew more and more complicated; it was no longer +merely her word against his, and yet I could not doubt the truth of any +statement she had made to me. There was a mystery here unexplained, +involving the dead, and strangely complicating the lives of the living. + +I paced the deck undisturbed, struggling vainly to evolve some +solution. Broussard stared in my direction for a moment, but made no +effort to follow, and finally disappeared forward. There was nothing +on sea or land to distract my attention, and I felt that I would be +nearer to her below in the cabin than on deck. The skylight was +closed, although even then it gave me a partial view, and, as I gazed +through the clouded glass, I perceived a shadow pass. The next instant +the negro steward emerged from the companion. Some swift impulse led +me to crouch instantly out of sight, until the sound of his feet on the +deck convinced me the fellow was going forward. I watched him +cautiously; he stopped twice to glance back, but, perceiving nothing, +finally vanished into the forecastle. While I in no way connected his +actions with myself, yet the disquieting thought as instantly occurred +to me that the negro's going forward had left the Captain and Viola +Henley alone below. If the steward was acting under orders his being +dispatched from the cabin at this hour was for a purpose. Determined +to learn what this purpose might be, I crept to the door of the +companion, and then down the stairs. + +The main cabin was vacant, but the door of number 5 stateroom stood +slightly ajar. Assured I should find it empty, my heart already +beating furiously, I took a swift glance within. It in no way differed +from the room which had been assigned me opposite, and everything was +in perfect order. Evidently the girl had departed without a struggle, +and with full expectation of an early return. Her small hand-bag lay +on the berth unlatched, and a handkerchief, together with a pair of +gloves, were upon the chair. That she had not gone on deck was a +certainty, while the deserted cabin led me irresistibly to suspect the +Captain's quarters. He had dismissed the steward on some excuse, +opened her door, and, using some pretense, or authority, had impelled +her to accompany him. She had no means of resistance even if she had +suspected his purpose, and the probability was the fellow had been +plausible enough to achieve his point without violence. This was all +clear enough to my mind, but what I could do to help her, to overcome +him, was not so evident. I was alone, unarmed, surrounded by men under +his command. + +Possibly, even now, I was under surveillance. The negro had left the +cabin, I knew, but where was Herman? Broussard was in charge of the +deck, and hence this would be the first mate's watch below. Impressed +with this disconcerting thought, I emerged again into the main cabin. +The stateroom doors were all closed, and I had to guess which was the +German's. I was sure, however, that Broussard occupied the first on +the port side; I had heard him open that door while talking to the +steward, and it was highly probable the first mate had the apartment +opposite. Judging from the position of the doors these would be larger +than the other staterooms, and, if Herman was the real navigator of the +boat, he would require good quarters. I listened at the door, but +heard nothing; then, rendered desperate by the delay, tried the knob +cautiously. The door was unlocked, opening noiselessly. A glance +convinced me the room was unoccupied, and I stepped inside, gazing +about in surprise. It was nearly twice the size of my own apartment, +containing a wide single berth, several comfortable upholstered chairs, +and a large desk, on which stood a sextant, besides several charts, one +unrolled. To my left, close against the side of the vessel was a +narrow door standing ajar, and through the opening I caught sight of a +porcelain bath tub. + +Instantly my mind leaped to a conclusion--the first mate was not on +board; he was ashore with the boat party, and that beast Henley, was +entirely alone. He had taken advantage of the opportunity. But what +in God's name could I do! If I broke down the door into his cabin, the +noise would be heard on deck, and besides, the fellow was armed. The +only result of such an effort would be my own imprisonment, leaving her +in more helpless stress than before. Without knowing why, I stepped +around the desk, and peered into the bathroom. It was small, but +perfect in arrangement, and, to my surprise, revealed a second door. +In an instant I understood--this was not Herman's private bath, but was +also used by the Captain; that second door led to the after-cabin. I +was there in two strides, my ear at the crack listening. Nothing +reached me but the murmur of a voice, the words indistinguishable, yet +this was sufficient to convince me that I was on the right trail. The +two were together, and here was an opportunity for me to reach them +unobserved. Slowly, using every precaution to avoid noise, I turned +the knob, and opened the intervening door a scant inch. I could hear +the voice now plainly, but my view was blocked by a heavy curtain. +Breathless, I drew a fold aside, and caught a glimpse of the interior. + +Neither occupant was facing in my direction, and both were too deeply +interested to observe. Besides, the possibility of intrusion was not +in their minds. Henley stood beside his desk, the same sneering smile +I had learned to hate, curling his lips, his eyes on her face in a gaze +that was insult. The girl, evidently retreating before him, alarmed by +some word he had uttered, or by his approach, had reached the door, and +grasped the knob. The expression on her face told me she had +discovered it locked, herself a prisoner, and that she had turned in +desperation. Her first, swift, unrestraining speech gave me full +understanding of her despair. + +"You have trapped me here--you--you brute," she burst forth. "What you +said out yonder was all a lie to--to get me to come with you!" + +"Well, what of it?" insinuatingly. "All is fair in love and war, I +have heard, and this is either the one or the other. Why should n't it +be me, my dear, as well as the other?" + +"What do you mean? Do you connect me with Gordon Craig?" + +"Of course," and he laughed. "Why shouldn't I, please? You came with +him from the North, did you not--traveling as his wife? Picked the +fellow up on the street, did n't you? My dear, this assumption of +outraged virtue is all thrown away on me--I happen to know your +history." + +She took a deep breath, standing straight before him, her cheeks +burning. + +"Perhaps you think you do," she said, now in full control of herself. +"But you are going to learn your mistake. I am here under unpleasant +circumstances, yet, I am not subject to your insult. I refuse to +answer you, or remain in your presence," she stepped aside, leaving +free passage. "You will unlock that door." + +"Hardly that," and I could see his fingers shut down on the top of the +desk. "It takes more than a few words to change me. Really, I like +you better than I did. You are decidedly pretty now you are angry. +Besides, what have I to be afraid of? There is no one but us in this +part of the ship; I fixed that up before I went after you; even your +friend Craig is mooning around somewhere on deck, dreaming about a +fortune. If you cry out, no one will hear you, and if they did, God +pity the man who attempted to come in here. I 'm Captain of the _Sea +Gull_, and there 's not a rapscallion on board who would risk his skull +to help you. Even Craig would n't; Lord, he even told me himself you +were nothing to him." + +"He--he told you that!" + +"He certainly did, in this room. Come, now, what is the use of being +such a cat? I 'm not a bad fellow if I am treated half-way decent. I +'ve got money to spend, and know how to spend it." He took a step +forward, but she never moved. + +"Don't touch me," she said in a tone that stopped him. "I am a woman, +but I can defend myself." + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII + +THE TABLES TURNED + +There was that about her attitude, and the expression of her face, which +restrained the fellow. No doubt he suspected for a moment that she might +be armed, for his quick glance swept her from head to foot. Then his +eyes hardened. + +"That is the worst thing you can do--threaten me," he said sharply. "I +never take that from man or woman. See here, do you realize where you +are? how completely you are in my power? Do you?" + +She did not quail, or look aside; nor did she answer, standing straight, +her eyes on his face, her bosom rising and falling from swift breathing. + +"I doubt if you do," he went on, angered by her contempt. "Well, think +it over. This is my ship, and we 're at sea. I 'm owner and captain, +and my word on board here is the law. More than that, there is n't a +man-jack of the crew aft of the main mast. They are forward on my +orders, and they 'll stay there until I send for them. You could scream +your head off, my beauty, and no one would hear you, or dare interfere. +Now do you perceive why it is to your interest to be kind to me?" + +"I do not." + +He laughed, rendered ugly by her open defiance. + +"Then I 'll teach you. You are not the first of your kind I have tamed, +young lady. The door is locked, and you have n't any weapon; don't try +to fool me!" + +"I have told you once," she said earnestly, "not to touch me." + +He glanced about sneeringly, yet impressed by her manner of speaking. + +"Good Lord! do you mean Craig? A lot that fellow will help you. But we +'ve had enough of this. Will you come over here to me?" + +"No!" + +"Then I'll take a chance; damn me, but you're worth it!" + +Neither one saw me, yet I was across the room before he had taken the two +steps forward, and gripped her arm. I saw her struggle to break free, +and then, out of the shadow I leaped at him, both hands seeking his +throat. There was to be no alarm, no shooting, if it could be avoided. +While it might be true, as he had boasted, that the crew was forward, we +could afford to take no chance. The very impetus of my rush sent him +staggering, and left her helpless on the deck; yet I got grip on his +collar, choking back the first cry, and struck him once, a half-arm jolt, +which would have sent him sprawling, but for the cabin wall. Yet he +rallied so quickly as to overcome this advantage. Judging him from his +size I had underrated his fighting ability, for he was all muscle, swift +in movement as a cat, squirming out of my grasp before I could close +firmly. His contact with the wall helped him to keep his feet, yet, +quick as his recovery was, he failed to break my grip, and we struggled +fiercely for advantage. He recognized me, and understood instantly. He +was a wrestler, while I must rely upon sheer strength to overcome his +tricks. Even as he adventured first I had him pinned tight, and we +strained back and forth across the cabin deck, neither able to throw the +other, in grim, relentless struggle. My fingers were wrenched from his +throat, yet the fellow made no outcry, realizing doubtless he would not +be heard. His eyes blazed with hate, merciless, vindictive, and he +struggled like a fiend to break free. I saw the girl, still dazed from +her fall, struggling to her feet, with face uplifted, then my every +consideration was riveted on my antagonist. This was to be no boy's +play, no easy victory; his muscles were like iron, his movements so quick +and unexpected as to put me on the defensive. I could only hold tight, +braced for the strain, yet forced back in spite of every effort, inch by +inch across the floor, my feet tangled in the rug. Neither could strike, +nor kick; I was weaponless, and I dare not release his arms for fear he +might possess a gun. Once I bent him back until he seemed helpless, yet, +by some trick, he wiggled free, and thrust me against the desk, its +corner gouging into my side. The pain gave me superhuman strength, and I +swung him sideways, the two of us tripping over the chair, and coming +down heavily on the deck. By some luck I landed on top, and, before he +recovered from the shock, had wrenched one arm free, locking my fingers +in his throat. + +He squirmed under me like an eel, but could not break the grip, his face +purpling, until he lost all power. Fierce as the battle had been I +retained sufficient sense to loosen my death grip while the man still +breathed, lifting my head sufficiently to glance about. My own breath +came in sobs, and the perspiration almost blinded me. + +"Bring me something to tie him with," I said brokenly. "Anything; yes, +that belt will do." + +She tore it from the hook on the wall, and thrust it into my hands. With +a single movement I had it buckled securely about his arms, and was free +to sit up, and stare about. A cord from the portiere curtain draping the +bathroom entrance completed his lashings. With wicked eyes he stared up +at me, unable to move a muscle. + +"By God, Craig!" he snarled, "you'll both wish you 'd killed me before ye +'re done with this job." + +I made no reply, using the corner of the desk to help me get to my feet. + +"Do you hear!" he shouted. "What chance have you got to get away?" + +"That is for me to decide," I answered. "But if you open your mouth +again I 'll gag you. Now stop it; the first word you utter will mean a +handkerchief in your mouth." + +I stooped down, and dragged him to one side. As I straightened up again +she was facing me, her eyes frankly meeting mine. + +"You--you know how I came here?" she asked, as though that was the most +important. + +"Of course; I overheard most of the conversation." + +"How did you find out? how did you get here?" + +"Your door was left ajar, and I found my way through the connecting +bathroom yonder." + +"Then--then, we can escape in the same manner." + +"I hardly think that will be necessary. I 'll go through our friend's +pockets for his keys." I turned him over, and began the search. "Ah, a +revolver; I thought probable--in protection against a woman, you cur. +Here are keys; now let's see what they fit." + +The third one tried unlocked the door, but even as I tried them in the +lock, my mind swiftly reviewed the situation in which this affair left +us, and leaped forward toward a possible solution. It must be open war +from now on. No pretense on my part would ever again win me the +confidence of the man I had fought and conquered. Henceforward, we could +expect no mercy on board. Yet how was it possible to escape, or avoid +discovery? To attempt leaving the _Sea Gull_ before dark would be +suicidal; no boat could be lowered unseen, and even if one reached the +surface of the water, we would surely be overtaken, and brought back. +Yet there was a chance that what had occurred in this cabin could be kept +concealed for a few hours, until darkness gave us better opportunity for +successful action. The memory of what Henley had said to me the evening +before--that he was only technically in command; that for days at a time +he never appeared on deck in person, gave me the clew. If he could be +kept absolutely secure in his cabin, unable to create any alarm, we would +be free to plan our escape. There were but two points of danger to be +guarded against--Herman and the steward. The former, when he returned +from shore, might seek him for final orders, and the latter, if he failed +to appear in the cabin for the regular meal, would endeavor to learn his +desires. I would have to guard against these contingencies, and, with +the first in mind, I stepped across to the bathroom, and was gratified to +learn that the door leading into the mate's stateroom could be locked on +the inside. With this private approach barred I felt confident of being +able to guard the single entrance remaining. I met her waiting for me as +I stepped out from behind the curtain. + +"Well, what can we do?" + +"Keep the fellow tied, and wait for night," I answered soberly. "That is +our only chance. The mate is ashore--we are lying in the cove of a small +island off the Florida coast, waiting for darkness, and a chance to slip +through into southern waters." + +"Do you know where this boat is bound?" + +"Yes--Spanish Honduras; we are loaded with munitions of war," I laughed. +"I was to be a general down there." + +"You!" + +"Yes; swift promotion, was n't it! Our friend yonder promised the job; +all I had to do was to desert you, and join his outfit." + +"And you consented?" + +"With a mental reservation. It gained me a few hours' freedom at least, +and surely has done you no harm. Did you doubt me?" + +"Oh, I hardly know. I was so miserable locked up alone, unable to even +learn where we were going, that I lost faith in everyone. You acted so +strange." + +"I had to play my part. But you received my note?" + +"Yes, and it helped me wonderfully, although even then I scarcely +comprehended why all this pretense was necessary. Surely you do not +believe this man is Philip Henley? that--that I have told you a lie?" + +"No, I do not," I answered earnestly. "It is my absolute confidence in +you which has held me steadfast. He has shown me evidence of his +identity which would have convinced me under other circumstances--letters +and pictures; I will show them to you, for I know where they are kept in +the desk--but in opposition I had your word, and I believed in that. No +evidence would shake my faith in you, and I am certain now there is fraud +here--some devilish plot concocted to steal Judge Henley's fortune." + +"What letters? What pictures were they?" + +"Letters from the Judge to his son--intimate, family letters, and a +photograph of the father and this man taken together." + +"And were the letters addressed to Philip?" + +"The envelopes had been destroyed, and no name was mentioned, but the +photograph was endorsed in the Judge's handwriting." + +She sank down on a locker, and hid her face in her hands. The pitiful +dejection in her attitude compelled me to bend over her in quick sympathy. + +"Please do not take it like that," I urged. "We shall find a way of +escape if we keep our courage, and work together." + +"Oh, it is not that," and she looked up into my face. "I am not afraid. +Only I cannot bear the thought that you doubt me ever so little. I know +I have been indiscreet, that you might justly deem me an adventuress. +But I am not, Gordon Craig; I am a good woman left to fight alone, and I +must have your faith, or break down utterly." + +"Why do you suppose you have not?" I asked, grasping her hands in +complete forgetfulness. "We are together now in open fight against these +villains. There is no longer any purpose in acting a lie." + +"It was a lie?" + +"A bare-faced one. Never for an instant did I intend deserting you, or +becoming that man's tool." + +"And you believe me--all I have told you; that I am really the wife of +Philip Henley?" + +"Yes," I answered through clinched teeth, struggling to control myself. + +For a moment she sat in silence, and, while I dare not look at her, I +knew her eyes were upon my face. + +"Then I will do whatever you say, go wherever you tell me," she promised +gravely. "I cannot decide for myself. I am too confused to think +clearly, but I trust you as a friend." + +"Is--is that all?" I stammered, unable to restrain the words. + +"All! What do you mean? is that not enough?" in surprise. + +My eyes met hers, and I cursed myself for a fool. + +"Yes--I--I meant nothing," I managed to explain lamely. "That was a slip +of the tongue. Please forget it, and keep faith in me." + +I drew aside the curtain draping one of the after ports, and glanced out, +eager for anything to distract attention. Through the clear glass I +could see the curve of shore-line forming the little cove. Just within +the foam of the breakers a half dozen men were launching a small boat. I +stared at them an instant, before realizing what it meant. Then I +dropped the curtain. + +"The mate is coming aboard," I said swiftly. "You must go to your room; +here is the key; lock yourself in, and only open when you hear my voice." + +"And you--?" + +"I must take care of myself; don't worry about me." + +She hesitated, yet the expression of my face decided her, and she held +out her hand. + +"I--I said I would do whatever you told me to, and here I am questioning +the first thing. Forgive me." + +Without so much as a glance at our prisoner, she opened the door, and, +with a swift look about the outer cabin, disappeared. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII + +THE CREOLE'S STORY + +My time of preparation was brief, yet I already had a plan of operation +outlined. In truth, there was small choice left me. I must keep +Henley concealed and silent until darkness rendered our escape +possible. In order to accomplish this it would be necessary to prevent +either the steward or the mate from entering the after cabin. All +peril from the negro I dismissed quickly, confident that his knowledge +of my standing on board would impel him to accept any explanation I +might make. But with Herman the situation was not so clear. Whether, +or not, the Captain had informed him that I was a volunteer on their +lawless expedition, I did not know. We had not met since coming +aboard, and, unless he had received direct orders regarding my status, +any interference on my part would be apt to arouse instant suspicion. +Nor was he the kind to brook any assumed authority. I had him placed +as a gruff, hard-fisted sea-dog, who would strike first, and +investigate later--one in dealing with whom either diplomacy or force +might prove equal failures. Yet I possessed this advantage--I could +deal with him alone. With but two watch officers on board, only one at +a time could leave the deck, and Broussard, I felt assured, had no +privileges in the Captain's cabin. From what I knew of Henley I +doubted if even the first officer felt privileged to invade the privacy +of his chief without some special reason. There was discipline on +board, strict discipline; there had to be to control such a crew, and +it was my impression Henley was the very kind to insist on every +privilege of his station. Herman was of value merely for his ability +as navigator; socially, the Captain and he had nothing in common. It +was on this theory I decided to work. + +As I lifted the helpless Captain into his berth, his eyes glaring at me +in impotent rage, my ears could distinguish the sound of oars as the +small boat rounded the stern of the _Sea Gull_. Much as I despised the +fellow, I hated to gag him, yet our safety depended on his silence, and +I dare not neglect the precaution. Even as the boat grated along the +side, I stepped forth into the main cabin, and sat down to wait. To my +surprise and relief, it was Broussard who came down the companion +stairs, driving the steward before him. + +"Vat for you loaf, hey!" he snapped fiercely. "By Gar, I teach you. I +work four--seek--hour an' nodding to eat. You say ze Capitaine send +you; bah! eet vas not so--nevaire! Vat you hav'--hey?" + +The negro mumbled something through thick lips, and the irate mate +gripped him by the collar of his jacket, shaking the fellow as he might +a dog, and hurling him half across the deck. + +"Sacre! I keel you for five cent. Queek now--jump! Put all on right +way, by Gar, or I show you. Here you--ze brandy furst." + +The steward slunk into the passage leading to the pantry, and the +Creole, turning, saw me. + +"Ah, M'sieur; I saw you not. Pardon ze roughness, but consider, no +dinare, an' I been on deck seek hour; no sleep, no eat, only work. I +lose ze tempair, M'sieur." + +"That is not to be wondered at," I answered, affecting good humor. +"Has the first mate been ashore?" + +"Oui, M'sieur; asleep in the sun, I bet you. Bah! any man could watch +the sea from the cliff. Dat job not need ze furst officer. Sacre! but +'t is a dog's life at sea." + +I nodded my head, too busily engaged with my own thoughts to give much +consideration to his troubles. Still, this situation, as revealed by +Broussard's complaints, would afford us a respite of at least four +hours. If this was the Creole's watch below, then Herman would keep +the deck. Even lying there at anchor those fellows would not leave the +crew alone. There was too much at stake, and besides there must still +remain a look-out ashore. However it was a relief to know that the +German had nothing of importance to communicate to Henley, no occasion +even to come below. Broussard sank back into a chair, watching the +frightened negro hurry back and forth. At last, satisfied that +everything available had been produced, the former strode across to the +table, jerked out a chair, and waved his hand toward me in invitation +to join him. + +"The lazy dog! 'T is likely all you will get, M'sieur. Maybe you eat +with me--hey? Or would you wait for ze Capitaine?" + +"I 'll take pot-lunch with you, Broussard," I agreed genially, speaking +loud enough so the negro would overhear. "I 've got to get accustomed +to camp fare, and am hungry enough to begin. Besides, Captain Henley +is laid up in his berth with a sick headache, and does n't wish to be +disturbed. He told me to tell you, Louis." + +"Yes, sah! Shall Ah make you sum coffee, sah? Massa Broussard he +don't nebber drink none." + +"Yes, and, by the way, Louis, take a lunch in to the lady; fix up +something neat if you can, and let me know when it is ready. All +right, Broussard, a nip of that brandy would help me." + +He passed the bottle, and a clean glass across the table, watching me +pour out the liquor with a sarcastic smile. + +"You know ze Capitaine before, maybe?" he asked. + +"No," I answered, wondering what he could be aiming at, but willing to +give him a free rein. "Only since he tapped me on the head back in the +cellar. However, he has been square with me, and seems to be a pretty +good fellow." + +"You think so--hey! Maybe so while he get you with heem. Den he ze +devil. I know, M'sieur. I see heem for long while on ze ocean; zat +whar' you fin' out." + +I began eating slowly, exhibiting an indifference I was far from +feeling, yet swiftly determining that no matter how much antagonism +might exist between the two men, I would never trust the Creole. Still +I might use him to advantage; induce him to talk freely under the spur. + +"What has he done to you?" I asked carelessly. + +"By Gar!--what!" firing up at the recollection. "Get out o' here, yer +damn coon!" turning fiercely upon the steward, and then leaning across +the table, lowering his voice, which yet trembled with passion. +"Sacre, M'sieur, it was I do his dirty work five--seek--year. He no +sailor, but I sail ze sheep for him--see? Tree, four time I sail ze +sheep, an' he make ze money. Vat he geef me? Maybe one hundred ze +month--bah! eet was to laugh. Zen he fin' zat Dutch hog, Herman, an' +make of heem ze furst officer. He tell eet all me nice, fine, an' I +tink maybe eet all right. You know he promise beeg profit--hey! an' I +get ze monies. Oui, it sound good. But Herman big brute; he gif me ze +ordaire, and I not like eet. I tells ze Capitaine, an' by Gar! he keep +me tied up before ze port watch. You stan' zat, M'sieur?" + +I shook my head, uncertain just what stand to take. + +"Nevar!" he went on, barely pausing for breath. "I show ze damn +half-breed; you vait, I git heem." + +"What do you mean by half-breed, Broussard?" I questioned, surprised. + +He laughed, but not pleasantly. + +"He vas ze mongrel--sure; you know not zat? Sacre, I tell you zen. +What you zink him, white man? Pah! you see hees mother--she mulatto. +Ze damn dog!" + +"How do you know that?" + +"How I know! I tell you I sail with heem long while. He nevar tell, +but I fin' eet out. I listen, I hear ze talk, but I say noddings, +M'sieur. Vat I care while he treat me right? But now I show heem vat +I know. He not lord eet over me ven ol' Sallie vas his mother--by Gar! +no!" + +"Sallie! You cannot mean that mulatto woman back on the plantation?" + +"Sure, the ol' rip." + +"Then his name is not Henley?" + +"Why not, M'sieur? The ol' Judge was his father." + +The whole thing came to me in a flash, as I stared across at the mate, +who scarcely realized yet the revelation made. He was brooding over +his wrongs, and how he was to be avenged. + +"Good God!" I breathed, "so that 's the way of it!" + +Broussard looked up, a cunning smile on his face. "By Gar, I forget," +he said softly. "You vas after ze monies too, hey! Bah! eet make no +difference vat you know. He haf you here all right, var' you keep +still or--" and he drew the back of a knife across his throat. "I +vonder he not keel you furst, M'sieur; maybe he use you, an' then, hav' +you shot in ze South. Oui, zat be ze easy vay. Why you ever cum down, +an' claim to be Philip Henley--hey?" + +"That was all a mistake," I returned deliberately. "I came merely to +look after his interest?" + +"Interest! Why a dead man hav' interest?" + +"Do you mean Philip Henley is dead?" + +"You pretend not know? By Gar, eet queer. Vell, I tell you, M'sieur. +Ze hole back ov ze picture; I lie there one night an' leesten, week, +ten days ago. Ze Capitaine talk with Sallie. He hav' letter from +North--one, two sheet paper--an' eet tell heem how eet all vas. +Someone write heem--I link maybe Pierre Vonique who went way long time. +No matter; vat he told was zat M'sieur Philip die--die queek frum +accident. Nevah speak, an' when zey pick heem up, zar was noddin' in +hees pocket. See, M'sieur! He vas robbed. Vonique he hear about eet, +an' fin' ze body. No one know who ze man is, but Vonique know. To +prove eet he send ze ring--ze signet ring--off ze finger. Zen he +write, 'Look out, someone has ze papers. Watch who comes.' Zat vas +true, M'sieur." + +I hung on his words, fascinated, never doubting, the very thought of +her freedom obscuring all else. It was only as he stopped speaking, +and resumed his meal, that I gained control of my voice. The affair +was clear enough now, except for some few corroborative details. + +"And someone did come, Broussard?" + +"Oui, damn queek--a fellow with a letter from Philip; eet was sign hees +name, hees handwrite, appoint heem overseer." + +"And what became of him?" + +The Creole shrugged his shoulders. + +"'T is not my business, M'sieur. He go way somewhere queek. Maybe he +not like ze place." + +The dead face of the bearded man in the rear room rose before me. But +Broussard went on. + +"Zen you came, M'sieur, 'long wiz ze girl. Ze Capitaine he laugh, eet +was so easy. Why ze girl, M'sieur?" + +"Philip Henley was married." + +"Non, non, impossible; eet cannot be shown. 'T is not of ze record. +Ze Capitaine not 'fraid any more; he just play wiz you like ze cat wiz +ze mouse. He know Philip dead; he has ze proof, an' now he breaks ze +will, an' gets ze monies. Ze damn dog rich now; zen he be more rich." + +"Do you know an executor of the will named Neale--P. B. Neale?" + +"Oui, M'sieur." + +"Who is he? What does he look like?" + +"He vas a planter two mile west Carrollton. I see heem maybe ten days +ago--leetle short man wif bald head." + +He poured out another drink of brandy, and, downing it, pushed back his +chair. + +"By Gar, I talk too mooch, maybe," he said, yawning. "But eet make no +dif. Ze Capitaine he cop ze monies just ze same, an' eet better you +know. Now I turn in an' sleep." + +He crossed the cabin to his stateroom, and closed the door. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX + +UNDER WAY + +The negro brought the girl's lunch on a tray, and I took it in to her, +barely pausing long enough to speak a few encouraging words, for fear +of some interruption. Then I sat down and watched while the remnants +of our meal were being removed. Except for an occasional footstep on +the deck above, and the swift movements of the steward, nothing +interrupted my thoughts. After Louis had carried the last dishes into +his pantry, and run the table up on its stanchions, he also +disappeared, and in the silence I could hear the heavy breathing of the +sleeping mate. For the first time I comprehended clearly the entire +situation, and I could face it with understanding. Broussard's anger +had served me well, and it never occurred to me to doubt this story, +told under the inspiration of liquor. It dovetailed in with all I +previously knew. + +The facts were clear. Philip Henley was dead, killed while +intoxicated, either accidentally, or for purposes of robbery. And he +had been robbed when picked up by the police, nothing to identify him +being found. Beyond doubt this half-breed brother had dispatched a man +North to look him up--possibly to assassinate him if necessary. The +fellow had either done the job, or been anticipated in his purpose. In +either case he was present to identify the body, and had written at +once, enclosing the signet ring as proof. That was the same ring we +had round in the arbor, and which Viola had instantly recognized. And +those men who had made a tool of me were the robbers. They had found +papers and letters which opened before them this scheme of fraud; then, +with his residence address, using his keys, they had learned everything +necessary for the completion of their plans. A copy of the Judge's +will must have been in Henley's possession, and, no doubt, some +lawyer's letter, describing the situation, received since the departure +of his wife. Apparently everything two clever crooks needed to know +was in their possession. All they needed to do was pull the strings, +using a figurehead to represent Philip Henley. That was the part for +which I was chosen. They had to construct a lie in order to interest +me, yet that was comparatively easy, and there was a strong probability +of success but for peculiar conditions of which they could know +nothing. The half-breed had never been mentioned; he was the monkey +wrench thrown unexpectedly into their well-oiled machine. Yet, even +without him, the reappearance of Philip Henley's wife was sufficient to +cause disaster. + +Philip Henley's wife! The magic of the words halted me. Then now, if +all I had learned was true, she was his widow. What would that mean to +me! The swift beating of my heart answered. As I sat there alone, in +the silence I forgot everything save her, and my mind dwelt upon every +word and look which had passed between us. These had been innocent +enough, and yet, to my imagination, stimulated by this discovery, +formed the basis of a dream of hope. I knew this, that however +sincerely she might have once supposed she loved Henley, his neglect, +cruelty, dissipation, had long ago driven all sentiment from her. +Before we met, her girlhood affection had been utterly crushed and +destroyed. Loyal, she was, and true to every tradition of her +womanhood. No audacity, no boldness, could penetrate her reserve, or +lower her self-respect. Before I knew who she was, when I had every +reason to doubt and to question, I was still restrained by an invisible +personality which kept me helpless. It was to guard his interest, not +her own, that she had accompanied me on this expedition, risking her +good name in the belief that he was unable to care for his own. What +would she do now? how would she feel toward me? What change would it +make in the friendly relationship between us? I longed to tell her, +and yet shrunk from the task. She could not fail to know how much I +cared; careful as I had been in word and action, yet a dozen times had +my eyes revealed the secret. I had seen her draw back from me, half +afraid, had her restrain me by a gesture, or a word. This could be +done no longer--we were free now, I to speak, she to listen, but I +could only guess the result. Back behind the rare depth of those eyes +her heart was hidden, and thus far I had probed for its secret in vain. + +The sunlight streaming in through the upper transom told me the sun was +dipping into the west. If we were to get away when night came there +were many things to consider first; especially was I obsessed now with +a desire to overhaul the Captain's papers, and secure those which would +be of benefit. We must possess more proof than the garrulous talk of +the second mate, and surely that proof would be discovered in the after +cabin. The noise of the steward's dish-washing had ceased, and +cautious investigation discovered him sound asleep, curled up like a +dog, on the deck. Assured as to this, I ventured up the companion +stairs, and indulged in a glance forward. Except for a group of +sailors doing some sail patching in the shade of the charthouse, no one +was visible. The vessel rocked gently, and far forward there was a +sound of hammering. The mate would be there, overseeing the job +whatever it might be. There was a dark cloud overshadowing the eastern +horizon, with zigzag flashes of lightning showing along its edge, but +the sea was barely rippled. There was no sign of any boat along the +beach of the cove, and the fishermen had disappeared, not a glimmer of +white sail showing above the waters. Surely no better opportunity than +this could be given. + +I stole back, silent and unobserved, listened an instant to Broussard's +steady breathing, then unlocked the Captain's door, and entered his +cabin. His wicked eyes, blazing with hate, glared at me as I +approached, and, inspired by some sudden feeling of sympathy, I bent +over, and removed the gag from his mouth. The result was an outburst +of profanity, bristling with threats, but these as instantly ceased as +I picked up the cloth again. + +"It's just as you please," I said soberly. "Either lie quiet, or have +this back--it's up to you." + +"Do you mean to kill me?" + +"Not unless I have to, but I hold some things more valuable than your +life. Just at present I mean to look over your papers." + +He must have realized I was beyond playing with, and impervious to +threats, for he lay quiet, but with glaring eyes following my every +movement, as I threw open the drawers of the desk, and began handling +their contents. For some time I discovered nothing of special +interest, only an accumulation of business letters, manifests and old +sea charts, showing that the _Sea Gull_ had been concerned in a vast +variety of enterprises. It was only after I had thus emptied the +unfastened drawers that I came upon one securely locked. I tried key +after key before discovering the right one, realizing from Henley's +squirming that I must be drawing near the goal. The first paper +touched was a copy of the will, and a little further rummaging put me +into possession of various documents which, I believed from a cursory +glance at their contents, were of utmost value. These I hastily +transferred to my coat pocket, making sure I had the original letter +descriptive of Philip Henley's death, as well as the copy of a +memorandum which the half-breed had evidently drawn up for the +convenience of his lawyers. I ran through this last swiftly, surprised +at its frankness, and convinced that the attorneys employed must be as +great rascals as the man who commanded their services. Evidently they +had requested full particulars so as to be prepared for any emergency. + +I presume this search, swift as I endeavored to conduct it, occupied +fully a half hour, every nerve strained by fear of interruption. +However, I could not desist until I had handled every scrap of paper, +and the result well repaid the risk. Once I heard steps above on the +deck, but, so far as I knew, no one entered the outer cabin. + +"I think I've got your number," I said finally, wheeling about to look +at him. + +"You 've got to get away first," he sneered defiantly, "and you 'll not +find that so easy. My turn will come yet, you spy, and then you 'll +learn how I bite." + +I laughed, feeling no mercy. + +"All in good time, friend; I think you have had your innings; now it's +mine. So you are Charles Henley?" + +He did not answer. + +"The illegitimate son of Judge Henley and a negro mother. That's a +clever forgery, that paper of legal adoption, I admit. Must have had +legal advice for that. What did you pay the lawyers?" + +He stared at me with compressed lips. + +"Not ready to confess yet? Well, you will be. By the way, who was +that Pierre who wrote telling you of Philip's death? Not Vonique, was +it?" + +"You damn white devil!" he burst forth, tortured beyond resistance. +"What do you know about him? Who told you?" + +"You 'll learn it all soon enough." + +"You 're a sneaking detective!" + +"Oh, no, Henley; I 'm merely a man who drifted into this adventure +blindly, but now I am going to fight it out for sake of the woman. +It's a pity for you that you did n't tap me on the head a bit harder +back in the cellar." + +His teeth ground together savagely, and he burst into a string of oaths. + +"That's enough," and I got to my feet. "I see I 'll have to gag you +again." + +"Where 's the steward?" + +"Asleep in the pantry when I came in here." + +"And Herman--has n't he got on board yet?" + +"Oh, yes; two hours, or more, ago. He has the deck watch, while the +Creole is below. Anything else you desire explained?" + +"You think you 're smart, but you 'll sing a different song before I 'm +through," he snarled. "I 'm hungry, and I want to know why that +Dutchman did n't come down here and report." + +"You 'll have to stand the hunger for awhile. As to Herman, I suppose +he had nothing to tell. Well, I 've wasted time enough." + +I replaced the gag, and took a survey of the cabin to make sure all was +secure. Uncomfortable as the man was, he was not in the slightest +danger, and I felt little tenderness. He would not remain long +undiscovered after we got away, and our only possible safety required +harsh methods. Nothing had occurred in the outer cabin during my +absence, but the growing shadows evidenced the approach of twilight. +In those waters night came quickly. Locking the Captain's door, I +entered my own stateroom, and sat down on the lower berth to wait, +leaving my door slightly ajar. The cabin grew constantly darker, +although outside, through the open port, I could still distinguish +gleams of light along the water surface, and the heights of the island. +Herman came down, and entered his stateroom, but without closing the +door. He remained but a moment, or two, and then hurried back on deck. +Suddenly a gust of wind blew in through the port, and it began to rain +gently, but in huge drops. Far away was the rumble of thunder, echoing +across the open sea. The storm was evidently coming up slowly from the +east, as all the western sky was clear, and streaked with golden red. + +Then a sailor--I thought he was Peters, but could not tell--came +shuffling down the companion stairs, his oilskins rustling, and pounded +on the second mate's door. + +"All hands, Mr. Broussard!" + +There was a muffled response, and the Creole, buttoning his jacket as +he passed, followed the other on deck. A moment later I heard the slow +throb of the engines, and glanced out to note the shore-line slipping +past into the gloom. The _Sea Gull_ was under way. + + + + +CHAPTER XXX + +WE MAKE THE EFFORT + +It would be some time yet--fifteen or twenty minutes at the +best--before I dared attempt to carry out my plan of escape. In spite +of the overspreading cloud, and steady rainfall, daylight lingered in +the west, and a spectral glow hung above the ocean. It was a peculiar, +almost ghastly light, yet of sufficient intensity to render objects +visible for a considerable distance. However, there were preliminaries +to be attended to, and I was eager to be busy. + +The steward had aroused from his nap, and I watched him lower the +table, and spread it with a white cloth. Now the distant clatter of +dishes proved him to be in the pantry. He could be dealt with there +even to better advantage than in the cabin, and, noncombatant as he +undoubtedly was, I felt it safer to place him beyond power to create +any alarm. The task confronting me was far too serious to leave our +rear unguarded. I slipped silently along the short passageway, and, +watching his back closely, investigated the lock on the pantry door. +It was of the spring variety, easily set to fasten, and could not be +operated from the inside. As I pressed in the catch there was a +clicking sound, which caused the negro to turn around, the whites of +his eyes gleaming oddly. + +"Oh, my Lordy! I nebber heard you, Massa Craig. By golly, sah, dis +yere niggah sure thought he was shot." + +"Not yet, Louis," I replied quietly, standing in the opening, one hand +still on the latch. "But it is just as well for you to be serious +about it--I 've got the weapon all right--see," and I pushed the +revolver butt forward into his range of vision. "I don't mean to hurt +you so long as you keep still." + +"What--what you a-goin' fer to do, sah?" + +"Get away from this ship if I can, and you are going to help by +remaining right where you are, boy. First, what's in that small boat, +hung to davits astern--provisions, I mean?" + +His teeth chattered so he could hardly answer, but finally words came +through his lips. + +"Thar 's a breaker of fresh water, an'--an' a package o' sea-biscuit, +sah. Ah--Ah reckon that's all." + +"Good; do you happen to know how far we are away from the main coast?" + +"A a-bout thirty-five mile, sah." + +"Florida?" + +"Yes, sah." + +"What is the nearest town?" + +"Ah--Ah reckon it would likely be Carlos, sah, but it don't 'mount ter +much." + +"Can you tell me the compass point?" + +He scratched his head, his confidence that he was not going to be hurt +returning, as I questioned him. + +"Wal', sah, I ain't no sailor man myself--no, sah; but de second mate +he done point it out dis mohnin' when Ah was on deck, an' he say it lay +nor'east by east, sah. Ah members dat distinctly." + +"That will be all, Louis. Now listen to me. I am going to shut this +door, and lock you in. I 'll be on board here for an hour yet, and if +you utter so much as a whimper I 'll come down here, and fill you full +of lead. Are you going to keep still?" + +"Ah--Ah sure am, sah; my Lordy! Ah don't want fer to be no dead +niggah." + +"Well, you will be if I hear a peep out of you." + +I closed the door, testing it before turning away, smiling grimly to +myself at recollection of those white eyeballs glaring at me through +the gloom. Louis was evidently not the stuff of which martyrs are made. + +There was a small tell-tale compass fastened to a beam over the table. +I unscrewed this without difficulty, and dropped it into my pocket. It +would be a dark night with that cloud shutting out the sky, with +probably not a shore light visible. Then I climbed the companion +stairs to take a survey of the deck. As the cabin lights had none of +them been lit, I could stand in the shadow of the hood without fear of +being seen, and my eyes, accustomed to the slow approach of darkness, +could see fairly well. No attempt had been made to spread sail, +although doubtless a closely reefed jib helped to steady the vessel, +which was advancing steadily under medium engine power. Quietness, and +secrecy was clearly the aim sought, for the stacks discharged only a +faint haze of smoke, instantly disappearing into the cloud mass above, +while the sound of the revolving screws was scarcely discernible. +Nevertheless we were slipping through the water at fair rate of speed, +leaving a very perceptible wake astern. Judging from our present +progress the _Sea Gull_ would prove herself a clipper once under full +steam. The open decks glistened with water, although the rainfall was +light and intermittent; thunder rumbled to the northward, with +occasional flashes of lightning. Even as I stood there, staring +forward, endeavoring to make out certain objects in the gloom, the +overhanging cloud seemed to close in across the western sky, instantly +plunging us into night. Like a spectral ship we swept through the +slight smother, gently lifted by the long swell, without a light +burning fore or aft. I heard no movement of men, no voice shouting +orders, yet before that last gleam faded, I had seen outlined several +figures on the bridge. To better assure myself that no watch was upon +the after deck, I circled the cabin, and then, crouching in the shadow +of the rail, advanced even with the chart-house. From this point I +could distinguish voices in conversation, but the forms of the men +could not be discerned. Still, without accurately locating them, I had +ascertained all I required to know, and made my way back along the +slippery deck. All hands were on duty forward, and would be held there +for a time, at least, while the _Sea Gull_ was slipping through the +danger zone. But supper had not been served, and one of the watches +might be piped down at any moment. This would bring one of the mates +aft to the cabin. + +Driven by the thought, I rapped softly on her door, and she came forth +instantly, fully dressed. + +"You are ready?" + +"Yes." + +"You 'll need a waterproof of some kind--it's raining outside. Wait a +moment; there will be a coat in some of these staterooms." + +I found one, a fisherman's slicker, and wrapped her in it. It was a +world too big, but I tightened the belt, and turned up the skirts, so +she managed to walk. It would serve to keep her dry, although worn +under indignant protest. + +"Oh, I can't," she proclaimed. "Why, I must be a perfect fright." + +"Not to me; besides, it's dark as Erebus. Here, let me take your hand; +I know every step of the way." + +I led her forward slowly, so that the flapping of the oilskins against +the stair-rail would not be heard. The steady patter of rain on the +deck planks drowned what little noise we made, and as we emerged into +the hood a gust of wind drove the moisture into our faces. I could +feel my heart thump, yet it was more because of her proximity than any +excitement of adventure. So far as I could perceive, peering out into +the storm with hand shading my eyes, the way was clear, and, bidding +her stoop low, we slipped back along the narrow deck passage into the +shadow cast by the boat. Here, protected as we were by the bulge of +the cabin, there was slight probability of our being observed, and I +stood up, again examining the tackle to reassure myself of its proper +working. I even tested the boat's weight in sudden fear lest I could +not hold it alone. Then I whispered to the shapeless form crouched +beside me. + +"Now," I said, "step on my knee, and I 'll help you over. Don't +hurry--only be quiet." + +"How can I with this ridiculous thing on?" + +"You must try. That's it; now just let me lift you--steady yourself +with the tackle." + +She peered back at me over the side of the boat, her hair shining with +moisture. + +"Now are you coming?" + +"No; I shall have to remain here and lower the boat." + +"But I don't know what to do." + +"Listen, and I 'll tell you. Turn about and face the stern. Yes, that +is the way I mean; keep your hand on that rope so as not to make a +mistake. Now take this knife; don't drop it. The moment the boat +touches the water--an instant before, if possible--cut the rope you +have hold on. Then hurry forward and cut the other. You understand?" + +"I--I think so; I am to cut this first and then the other." + +"Yes; now don't fail. You see we are launching this boat above the +screw. There is bound to be suction. If you cut as I say, you will +drift off bow on to the course of the vessel, and will float free; +otherwise the boat is likely to be swamped. You see what I mean?" + +She nodded. + +"The quicker you can get to that second rope," I added seriously, "the +better your chances." + +"Then I 'll get out of these oilskins," and she struggled out of them, +with every semblance of relief, tucking the bundle out of sight. "I +don't care if I get wet. But--but, what are you going to do?" + +"Jump for it, as soon as you are fairly afloat. I 'll be aboard before +you know it. Are you ready?" + +She was looking forward, and her hand gripped mine. Her failure to +answer, and the sudden pressure of fingers, was a warning of danger. I +glanced back across my shoulder. In front of the cabin stood a man +staring aft. His huge bulk, even in that darkness, told me it was +Herman. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXI + +THE OPEN BOAT + +Following the first impulse of this alarming discovery I pressed her +back into the boat, and crouched low myself behind the protection of +the flag locker. The fellow might not have seen us. How still it was; +only the swish of water astern, and the continuous patter of rain. The +pounding of my heart was like that of a trip hammer, as I listened +intently for any movement. For a long moment of suspense there was +none; then I heard his heavy step on the deck, as he came slowly +forward around the bulge of the cabin. The very manner of his advance +told me his uncertainty; something had occurred to arouse suspicion--he +had heard a noise, or seen a shadow--and was investigating curiously. +He came up to the stern rail, standing still, a huge bulk in the gloom, +his gaze on the swinging boat. Then, unsatisfied, he leaned forward, +and began to explore with one hand. Apparently he touched something +strange; the edge of her skirt it must have been, for there was a bit +of cloth in the lifted fingers. Noiselessly I arose to my feet, +planting myself firmly on the wet deck. There was but one means of +escape now, and big as the fellow was, I must accept the chance. +Another minute would mean discovery, and his bull voice would roar the +length of the ship. He neither saw, nor heard me, his whole attention +concentrated on the boat. Without warning, putting every ounce of +strength into the blow, I struck, landing square on the chin. There +was a smothered groan, and he collapsed, hurled back bodily, his arms +flung up. I heard him thud against the rail, his great form bending to +the shock, and then he went over, whirling through the air. + +The result was so sudden, so unexpected, as to be all accomplished +before I realized its possibility. I saw him go down, blindly clawing +with his hands at the open air, and yet it was more a delirium than a +reality. There was no splash, no cry, and I leaned over the rail, +rubbing my bruised knuckles, and staring down into the black void where +the fellow had disappeared, scarcely believing the truth of what I had +actually witnessed. + +"What is it?" she asked, her voice barely audible. "What has happened?" + +Her voice seemed to recall me instantly, to restore my numbed faculties. + +"Why, really I hardly know," I answered, yet stepping back to grip the +ropes. "The fellow had hold of your dress, did n't he?" + +"Yes, oh! I was so frightened, and--and then he jerked me horribly." + +"That was when I hit him. I must have got the big brute just right. +He fell back as if he had been pole-axed, crashed into the rail, and +went overboard." + +She looked down into the swirl beneath, clutching the edge of the boat +with her hands. + +"Is--is he down there--in the water? Do you--you suppose he is +drowned?" + +"I don't see what else he could be. I did n't mean to kill him; just +to knock him out, but I don't believe he had any swim left by the time +he hit the water." + +"I--I cannot bear to think of it!" + +"Now see here," I said, coming back to my senses. "This is all +foolishness, and losing us time. I 'm not sorry he is out of the way; +it was either his life or ours. He was a big, lawless brute, a +murderer at heart, if he was n't in deed. Now there is all the more +reason for us to hurry. Have you got the knife?" + +"Yes." + +"Then get hold of that stern rope; I am going to lower away." + +She obeyed me, but it was mechanical, her eyes still fixed upon the +water. + +"Be quick now," I said sternly, and my hand pressed her shoulder. +"Your life depends on your promptness." + +I loosened the ropes, permitting them to run slowly through the blocks. +There was no creaking, and I rejoiced at the ease with which I +sustained the weight, as the boat descended. Slowly it sank below into +the darkness, until it was merely a black, shapeless shadow outlined +against the water. I felt the strain on my arms as the swell gripped +its keel; then the stern swung free, and I knew she was scrambling +forward, knife in hand, for the other rope. Almost before the boat +could swing about, the second stay dangled, and all my straining eyes +could perceive was a dark, indefinite shadow drifting out of sight +astern. Without uttering a sound, or wasting a second, I dived from +the rail. I came up to the surface, swishing the water from my eyes. +Five fathoms away was the shapeless outline of the boat, tossing +helplessly on the swell, the girl still in the bow, her very attitude +bespeaking terror. + +"It's all right," I called, loud enough for her to hear. "Throw out an +oar on the left, and hold her. I 'll be there in a minute." + +She heard me and understood, for with one sob of relief plainly audible +in the still night, she shipped the oar. Weighted by sodden clothes +even that short distance tested me, yet her efforts, small as they +were, halted the boat's drift, and I made it, almost breathless, when I +finally gripped the gunwale, and hung on to regain a measure of +strength. + +"Oh, thank God!" she exclaimed, staring at me, "I--I thought you were +lost." + +"My clothes are like lead," I panted. "They dragged me down twice. +That's over with now." + +"But--but what could I have done if you had not come!" + +"Don't think of it; the danger is all over. You need n't pull on the +oar; just hold it straight out; that will keep the boat's head forward." + +"Can you get over the side?" + +"In a moment---yes; as soon as I get my breath back. Did you notice +any alarm on board the _Sea Gull_?" + +She shaded her eyes with one hand, holding the heavy oar against her +body, and looked ahead. + +"No; I was not thinking about that--only of your danger, and my awful +position. I was never so frightened before." + +"Can you still see the vessel?" + +"Just a shadow against the sky. I--I think she is moving straight +ahead." + +"Then we have not been missed, nor the mate. Doubtless he was going +below for his supper. Now lean well over to port--yes, the left--and +balance the boat; I am going to climb in." + +With a struggle, I made it, rolling over the low gunwale, the water +draining from me into a pool at the bottom, the slight chill of the +night air making me shiver. It was not raining now, although there was +a vapory mist in the atmosphere, almost a drizzle. I sat up, and +touched her hand where it grasped the oar. + +"You are a fine brave girl," I said sincerely, unable to restrain my +admiration. + +She dropped her head, and began to sob. + +"Oh, no, no! I am not," she replied, tremblingly. "I am such a +coward. You cannot know the terror I have felt." + +"That is the test of courage; you faced peril realizing all you risked. +Not one in a thousand would have done as well." + +"You--you really think so?" and she glanced toward me, "or are you +merely seeking to encourage me? But you are soaking wet, and must be +cold." + +"A little damp--yes," and I laughed, stretching my limbs, "but there is +plenty to do now to keep me warm. Where is the _Sea Gull_? I hardly +know in which direction to look." + +She pointed over the port bow, and, with an effort, I managed to make +out, through the misty gloom, a faint shadow against the sky. Not a +light was visible, nor could I decipher any real outline of the vessel. +Even as I stared in uncertainty this dim spectral shade vanished, +swallowed up in the night. + +"Why," she said, "it is gone now; I cannot see it at all any more." + +"The best luck that could happen to us. Now we will widen the stretch +of water as much as possible." I leaned over, and clawed about until I +found the discarded oilskins, and wrapped them about her, despite +protests. + +"No, not another word, young lady. I shall have to work and cannot be +bothered with such things, while you must sit there and hold that oar +until we have some sail spread. This mist is as bad as rain; your +jacket is soaked already. Have n't you learned yet to obey your +captain's orders?" + +"I was never very good at that." + +"Obeying, you mean? Well, you have no choice now. Hold steady while I +step the mast." + +Fortunately the spar was not a heavy one. Except for the roll of the +boat I could have handled it alone, but fearful of capsizing, I lashed +the oar into position, and she helped me steady it down until it rested +solidly in the socket. Our eyes met. + +"You are not so frightened now." + +"Not when I am busy; it--it was being left alone, and--and thought of +that drowned man." + +"Of course, but my being here makes a difference?" + +"Always," she confessed frankly. "Somehow I can never be afraid with +you. But--but what shall we do now?" + +"I hardly know what to put you at--oh, yes, here is a tin, and you can +bail out this water sloshing about in the bottom. That will be +valuable service." + +"What will you do?" + +"Rig up the sail the best I can in the dark; there is breeze enough to +give us some headway, and ship the rudder." + +"Do you know which direction to steer?" + +"Not now, but I have a compass in my pocket; a northeast course would +be sure to bring us to the coast, and towns are scattered along. I +found that out from Broussard yesterday." + +She made no response, bending over with the tin dipper, and I went at +my task, straightening out ropes so they would work easily through the +blocks. In spite of the darkness I was not greatly hampered, as +everything had been stored away in shipshape manner, and came +conveniently to hand. The wind freshened perceptibly while I was thus +engaged, veering into the southeast, so that all the cloth I dare +spread was the jib and a closely reefed mainsail. The boat acted a bit +cranky, but, confident she would stand up under this canvas, I crawled +back to the tiller, eased off the sheet a trifle more, and waited +results. We shipped a bucket full of water, and then settled into a +good pace, a cream of surge along our port gunwale, and a white wake +astern. The woman kept on bailing steadily, until the planks were dry, +and then crept cautiously back to the thwart just in front of me, +leaning over slightly to keep clear of the occasional flap of the sail. + +I hoped she would speak, and thus afford me some excuse for telling +what I had discovered on board the _Sea Gull_, but she sat there in +silence, staring straight ahead into the ceaseless drizzle, her +oilskins gathered tightly. Holding the tiller under my arm I unscrewed +the face of the compass, and made a guess at our position. However, +there was no star, or other mark of guidance, by which I could steer; +only the wind, which apparently shifted in gusts, and I could merely +hold the leaping craft in the course I deemed safest. I doubt if the +eye penetrated twenty feet beyond the boat's rail, but we raced through +the smother in a way that gave me a certain thrill of exultation. At +least we were clear of the _Sea Gull_, and safe enough, unless a storm +arose. With the return of daylight a course could be set for the +coast, which would n't be far away. So I stared into the darkness, and +waited, scarcely bold enough to break the silence. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXII + +A TALK IN THE NIGHT + +I wondered what awaited us ahead in that black mystery of waters; had +they discovered yet our absence on board the _Sea Gull_? If so, what +would Henley do? Knowing that I had rifled his desk, his one thought +upon release would naturally be the recovery of the papers. Besides, +smarting from his bonds, and thirsting for revenge, he would never +permit the vessel to depart from these waters without an effort to +overtake us. Private vengeance would outweigh all other +considerations. God pity us if we ever fell into his clutches again. +And there would be no doubt as to the manner of our escape--the trail +left was a plain one. I could imagine the scene on board when the +discovery of our escape was first made--the search for the missing +mate, the discovery of the loss of the boat, the dangling ropes proving +how it had been lowered. Then would follow an excited investigation +below, revealing the steward locked into his pantry, and the raging +captain tied and gagged in his berth. I could not forbear laughing to +myself at the picture, and yet never was insensible to the danger still +confronting us. + +There was in my mind, now I had leisure to consider, no doubt as to +what those on board that vessel would do. They would realize we were +somewhat astern, and, in the hope of sighting us at daylight, would +cruise back and forth in those immediate waters. Any moment the _Sea +Gull's_ sharp prow might loom up out of the black wall. As she carried +no lights there would be no warning. It occurred to me that they would +be more apt to take a course well in toward shore, anticipating I would +endeavor to reach the protection of the coast under cover of darkness. +Someone would discover the loss of the tell-tale compass, which would +naturally confirm that suspicion. Convinced of this I steered more to +the eastward, feeling of the face of the compass again to assure myself +of the direction. I found even this small change an advantage in more +ways than one, as the boat moved steadier, and I was able to spread a +larger amount of canvas. Lashing the tiller, I crept forward and shook +out an additional reef, hauling the ropes taut. By this time the wind +had steadied into a brisk breeze, and the rain had ceased. Crawling +back across the thwarts, I took the jumping tiller again into my hands, +and held her nose to it, seeking every advantage. I had brought back +with me a tin of biscuit from the bow locker, more as an excuse for +opening conversation than from any feeling of hunger. + +"It must be pretty close to midnight," I said finally. "Are you +hungry?" + +The shapeless form in the oilskins straightened slightly, and I knew +she had turned her face toward me. + +"Hungry! Oh, no; I had not thought of that." + +"You have been crying?" + +"Yes; it is so foolish, but I am so frightened out here in this little +boat. The darkness, and that awful water has got upon my nerves. +You--you must n't scold me." + +"Of course not--I feel the weight myself," I replied kindly. "This +experience is almost as new to me as to yourself. You must remember I +am no sailor." + +"Yet you understand boats; you know the sea." + +"Only a little about small boats; I picked that up in the Philippines; +but I have never had to rely entirely upon myself before." + +"But you are not afraid?" + +I laughed softly, hoping to reassure her. + +"Not of those things which most affect you, at least. I can handle the +boat all right in this sea and wind, while the darkness possesses no +special terror." + +"Nor the memory of that dead man float--floating somewhere yonder?" + +"I have hardly thought about him. I have seen so many dead men in the +past three years I have become hardened possibly. You must n't let +your mind dwell on that grewsome incident. It was unavoidable, our +only means of escape. His death was an accident." + +"What is it then you are afraid of?" + +I told her, dwelling upon our situation so far as I could understand +it, and describing the change in my plans. She listened quietly, +asking a question now and then, sitting erect, the oilskins thrown +aside, and one hand grasping the boat's rail. + +"What papers did you find in the desk?" + +"Letters mostly, establishing the identity of the Captain." + +"Who is he--really?" + +"Charles Henley--Philip Henley's half brother by a negro mother. Did +you ever hear of him?" + +"No; I was never told there was such a man." + +"I doubt if anyone, outside those immediately interested, ever knew the +circumstances. Of course the family kept it a close secret. This is +where the man had all the advantage. As soon as the Judge died he +determined to represent himself as Philip, and claim the property. + +"As Philip had been absent so long, no one could dispute successfully +his claim to be that individual. He possessed ample evidence that he +was the son of Judge Henley." + +"But surely he would anticipate that my hus--Philip--would hear of his +father's death?" + +"He took the chance of getting the property into his hands first. As I +understand the matter he possessed no knowledge that the Judge was in +communication with Philip. He believed the latter had disappeared +utterly, and would only learn of his inheritance through accident. To +prevent this he dispatched a man North to discover him, if possible, +and keep him under surveillance. He thought he had every avenue +guarded." + +"And--and you said his mother was a negress?" + +"Yes--old Sallie." + +"What! That awful creature!" + +"Probably she was not that in her younger days." + +"I cannot imagine such a thing. How did you learn this?" + +"From Broussard first. They have been together for years, but I +happened to discover the fellow when he was angry over a punishment. +He talked more freely than he intended to do, and later I verified all +he said by the letters found." + +"Then, strange as it sounds, it is true?" + +"Without doubt. Moreover," and I lowered my voice in sudden +embarrassment, "within the last two weeks the Captain had received news +from his agent in the North, which gave him fresh confidence. From his +standpoint he no longer had any cause for fear from the chief source." + +"What--what do you mean?" + +"You will believe me? You will not think I manufacture this?" + +"Certainly not:--but--but I do not understand." + +"Well, the man reported that he had found trace of Philip Henley; he +told of the life the man was leading, and where he lived. I think all +this must have been immediately after your separation, as he mentioned +no wife. However, he described something even more important." + +"You must tell me," she burst forth, as I hesitated. "Don't be afraid +to trust me with all you know." + +"I am not afraid," I returned stoutly enough, "not in the sense you +mean, at least, yet it is never easy to be the bearer of evil news." + +"It is evil?" + +"Misfortune, certainly. The man reported the death of your husband." + +"His death! You are sure?" + +I could hear her quick breathing, as she leaned forward, all attention +riveted on me. + +"Yes." + +"You saw the report?" + +"I have it with me; as soon as it becomes daylight you can read it +yourself." + +"Yes, but tell me now what he said; how it happened." + +"The report was specific, and would seem to be true. He says that +Philip Henley, while intoxicated, was struck and killed by an +automobile. The date given was after you left him. His body was found +by the police but his pockets had been rifled, and there were no marks +of identification on his clothes. He was buried unknown, but the +informant claimed to have visited the morgue, viewed the body, and +states positively the dead man was Philip." + +"And--and you think--tell me what you believe, Gordon Craig." + +"There is but one conclusion to my mind. I have no doubt as to the +entire truth of the story. The silence and disappearance of your +husband is evidence that he is either dead, or, in some other way, +helpless. The former explanation is the most probable, and, coupled +with this fellow's statement, seems unquestionable. There would be no +apparent reason why he should lie." + +"No; there is none. I--I--really, I have thought this all the time; +but about those others?" + +"Vail and Neale, you mean? It seems to me they fit in exactly with the +story. Everything had been removed from Philip's pockets, and all +ordinary means of identification destroyed. There must have been a +purpose in this, and it must have been done by a second party, as there +is no suggestion of suicide. My theory is this--the body was either +found by others before the police arrived, or else the automobile party +which killed him paused long enough to ascertain the extent of his +injuries. In either case his pockets were searched, and all contents +removed. Do you comprehend what that would mean?" + +"I--I think so; but tell me yourself." + +"He certainly had papers with him dealing with his inheritance. To a +shrewd, criminal mind they would be suggestive. He also, undoubtedly, +had keys to his apartments. With these in their possession it would be +comparatively easy for unscrupulous persons to ascertain the entire +nature of the case, and secure all necessary documents. Then there +would be nothing more needed except a man capable of passing himself +off as Philip Henley." + +"And Vail was not a lawyer," she asked breathlessly, "nor Neale one of +the executors?" + +"In my judgment the fellows merely took those names to impose upon me, +to help bolster up their story, and make it appear probable. They were +simply two crooks, willing to take a chance for a pot of money. I +happened to be the one selected to pull their chestnuts out of the +fire." + +I saw her head sink into the support of her hands, and knew she was +sobbing silently. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIII + +WE UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER + +"You think my conclusions must be correct?" I could not refrain from +asking. + +"Yes; even without seeing the letter, but," and she glanced up quickly, +"the ring--Philip's ring--we found?" + +"I forgot to mention that. Its presence here alone is convincing. It +was sent to Charles Henley by his agent, who claimed to have removed it +from the finger of the dead man." + +"Then every doubt is removed; the one killed was my hus--husband." + +There was a long, painful silence, during which I stared out into the +dark, mechanically guiding the boat, although every thought centered on +her motionless figure. What should I say? how was I to approach her +now? Before there had always been a frank spirit of comradeship +between us; no reserve, no hesitancy in the exchange of confidences. +But with this assurance of Philip Henley's death, everything was +changed. I longed to go to her and pour out my sympathy, but some +instinct held me back, held me wordless. I knew not what to say, or +how any effort on my part would be received. Instantly there had been +a barrier erected between us which she alone could lower. Those were +long minutes I sat there, speechless, gazing straight ahead, my brain +inert, my hand hard on the tiller. Suddenly, with a swift thrill which +sent my blood leaping, I felt the soft touch of her fingers. + +"Are you afraid to speak to me?" she asked, pleadingly. "Surely I have +said nothing to anger you." + +"No, it is not that," I returned in confusion, not knowing how to +express the cause of my hesitancy. "I am sorry, and--and I sympathize +with you, but I hardly know how to explain." + +She was looking at me through the darkness; I was able to distinguish +the white outline of her uplifted face. + +"I am sorry--yes," very slowly, "but perhaps not as you suppose. It is +hard to think of him as dead--killed so suddenly, without opportunity +to think, or make any preparation. He--he was my husband under the +law. That was all; he was no more. I do not believe I ever loved +him--my marriage was but the adventure of a romantic girl; but if I +once did, his subsequent abuse of me, his life of dissipation, +obliterated long since every recollection of that love. He is to me +scarcely more than a name, an unhappy memory. I told you that frankly +when I believed him still alive. We were friends then, you and I, and +I cannot conceive why his death should sever our friendship." + +"Nor has it," I interposed instantly. "It was not indifference which +silenced me. Rather it was the very strength of my feeling toward you. +I was fearful of saying too much, of being too precipitate." + +"You imagine I would fail to value your friendship at such a time?" + +"Don't," I burst forth impetuously; "you talk of friendship when all my +hope centers about another term. Surely you understand. I am a man +sorely tempted, and dare not yield to temptation." + +She drew her hand away from my clasp, yet the very movement seemed to +express regret. + +"You speak strangely." + +"No, I do not; the words have been wrung from me. I am in no way +ashamed, although I realize this is neither the time nor the place. +Remember you have been under my protection ever since that night we met +first on the streets; you are alone here with me now, but still under +my protection. I cannot take advantage of your helpless condition, +your utter loneliness. If I did I should never again be worthy of the +name gentleman." + +"I regret you should say this." + +"No more than I do; the words have been wrung from me." + +"And we are to be friends no longer? Is that your meaning?" + +"You must answer that question," I replied gravely, "for it is beyond +my power to decide." + +Her head was again uplifted, and I knew she was endeavoring to see my +face through the gloom. There was silence, the only sounds the slash +of the boat through the water, and the slight flapping of the canvas. + +"I am a woman," she said at last, "and we like to pretend to +misunderstand, but I am not going to yield to that inclination. I do +understand, and will answer frankly. We can never be friends as we +were before." + +My heart sank, and I felt a choke in my voice difficult to overcome. + +"I was afraid it would be so." + +"Yes," and both her hands were upon mine, "in our position we cannot +afford to play at cross purposes. You have been loyal to me, even when +every inducement was offered elsewhere. There was a moment when I +almost doubted, but it was only for a moment. Then I seemed to sense +your plan, your purpose, and from that time on I have trusted you more +completely than ever before. This is confessing a great deal, for it +is my nature to be reticent--I have always been hard to become +acquainted with." + +"I have not found you so; I feel as though I had known you always." + +"That comes from the peculiarity of our first meeting, the +unconventional manner in which we were brought together. I was not my +natural self that night, nor have I ever been able since to feel toward +you as I have in my relations with other men. Indeed I have been so +frank spoken, so careless of social forms, as to make you question in +your own mind my real womanhood." + +"No; never that!" I protested. + +"Oh, but you have," and she laughed softly, a faint trace of bitterness +in the sound. "You need not deny, for I have read the truth in your +face, yet without resentment. Why should you not, indeed? No man +would wish his sister to take the chances I have with an absolute +stranger. My only excuse is the seeming necessity, and the confidence +I felt in my own strength of character. I permitted myself to come +South with you, knowing your purpose to be an illegal one; I placed +myself in a false position. In doing this I was actuated by two +purposes; one was to save this property which had been willed to my +husband by his father. Do you guess the other?" + +"No," I said, impressed by the earnestness with which she was speaking. +"You will tell me?" + +"I mean to; the time has come when I should. It was that I might save +you from a crime. You had been kind to me, sympathetic; I--I liked you +very much, and I knew you did not understand; that you were being +misled. I could not determine then where the fraud was, but I knew +there was fraud, and that you would eventually become its victim." + +"You cared that much for me?" + +"Yes," she confessed frankly, "I did. I would never have told you so +under ordinary conditions. But I can now, here, where we are--alone +together in this boat." She paused, as though endeavoring to choose +the proper words. "We both realize the changed relations between us." + +I drew a quick, startled breath. + +"That--that I love you!" the exclamation left my lips before I was +aware. + +"Yes," she said calmly. "I could not help that. At first I never +deemed such a result of our friendship possible. I was Philip Henley's +wife, and I gave this possible danger scarcely a thought. Indeed it +did not seem a danger. While it is true he was husband in name only, +yet I was wife forever. That is my religion. Now the conditions are +all changed, instantly changed by his death." + +"You believe then he is dead?" + +"I am as sure of it as though I had seen his body. I feel it to be +true." There was an instant of hesitation, while I waited +breathlessly. "Do you understand now why because of the fact we can no +longer remain friends?" + +"Yes," I burst forth, "because you know how I have grown to feel toward +you; you--you resent--" + +"Have I said so?" + +"No, not in words; that was not necessary, but I understand." + +"Do you, indeed?" + +I stared toward her, puzzled, bewildered, yet conscious that the hot +blood was surging through my veins. + +"You cannot mean the other?" I questioned, the swift words tripping +over themselves in sudden eagerness. "That--that you love me?" + +"And why not? Am I so different from other women?" + +I held the tiller still with one hand, but the other arm was free, and +I reached out, and drew her toward me. There was no resistance, no +effort to break away. I could see her face uplifted, the wide-open +eyes. + +"Different! Yes; so vastly different, that I misunderstood everything. +But now I know, and--and sweetheart, I love you, I love you." + +It could not have been long, not to exceed a moment or two, when a +sudden leaping of the boat brought us back to a realization of our +position. As soon as I had regained control of the craft, I reached +out again and touched her hand. + +"This is all so strange, so unexpected, I can scarcely comprehend what +has occurred." + +"Strange, yes, in the way it has happened," she coincided. "But we +cannot afford to dwell upon that now. We are in peril. Do you really +know where we are? for what you are steering?" + +"It is largely a guess; there is nothing to give me guidance, except as +I unscrew the face of this compass and feel the needle." + +"Then we may still be within view from the deck of the _Sea Gull_ at +daybreak?" + +"Yes; that will depend entirely upon luck." + +She turned away, and sat quiet, staring forward intently into the black +void. + +"What time is it now?" + +"Nearly three." + +"In two hours it will be dawn." + +"Yes." + +I thought I could see her clasp her hands together; then suddenly lean +forward. + +"Why, look there!" she exclaimed quickly. "See! to the right. +Merciful Heavens! it is a ship!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIV + +THE REVENUE CUTTER + +The vision, indistinct in the gloom, was blotted out from me by the +intervening sail. It was only as I leaned well to one side that I +could distinguish the dim outlines. By that time we were almost upon +it, and I could only sheer away to avoid collision. It was hard to +determine the nature of the vessel, the sides looming so close above +us, but it was not the _Sea Gull_. I was certain of that from the +height of the rail, and the outline of a square foresail showing dimly +against the sky. From poop to bow there was not a light visible, and +the hull moved through the water like that of a spectral ship. +Apparently we were unnoticed, and as the stretch of water widened +slightly between us, I called out: + +"Ahoy there! Take us aboard!" + +I shouted twice, before a head popped over the rail, and stared down in +apparent amazement. + +"Hullo, the boat! Who are you? What do you want?" + +"Small boat adrift; two passengers; throw us a rope." + +"All right; standby!" + +I could hear his voice up above, shouting orders; there was a rush of +feet, and a rope's end fell within reach. The head bobbed over the +rail again, and, a moment later I had helped her up a swaying boarding +ladder, and felt the solid deck under my feet. The intense darkness +puzzled me, not a gleam of light showing anywhere. Suddenly a hand +touched my arm. + +"This way, sir; help the lady aft--the deck is clear." + +I could see nothing, barely the planks underfoot, yet there was nothing +to do but obey, with his fingers gripping me. + +"What kind of a boat is this?" she whispered. + +"I 'm sure I don't know; not big enough for a passenger liner." + +"The officer is in uniform." + +"Are you sure?" + +We were at the head of the companion stairs, and descended carefully, +clinging to the rail. The officer, groping in the darkness, opened a +door at the bottom, and hurried us into the lighted cabin. Facing us, +one hand resting on the table, stood a short, sturdy man in uniform. +Before I could speak, or do more than glance about the interior, my +eyes still blinded by the sudden blaze of light, he began questioning. + +"Who are you? how did you come to be adrift in these waters? Answer +up, sir--you 're no fisherman." + +"We escaped from a vessel last evening, sir." + +"Escaped! By Gad! are we in a state of war? What do you mean by +escaped--run away?" + +"Yes, sir," and I stepped aside so he could see her more clearly. "We +were being held as prisoners." + +His eyes flashed to her face, rested an instant, and then his cap was +in his hand. + +"I beg your pardon, young lady," he said gravely, "but this is all most +strange. I could almost imagine this was a century or two earlier when +pirates roamed these seas. You were prisoners you say, and escaped." + +"Yes," I answered, before she could do so, "but you must pardon us +details until we know who it is that questions us." + +"Oh, exactly; you are unaware of the nature of this vessel." + +"Yes, sir." + +"Well, this is the revenue cutter _Saline_, which I have the honor to +command." + +I understood the situation in a flash, my heart leaping in fierce +anticipation. + +"Mr. Smith, assist the lady to a chair, and have the steward bring a +glass of wine. Now, sir, are you ready to answer." + +"I am; we were prisoners on board the _Sea Gull_. It is a long story, +envolving a will, in which the master of that vessel was interested. +We escaped in a small boat last evening, and have been floating about +since." + +"The _Sea Gull_? Do you remember the name, Mr. Smith?" + +"No, sir; perhaps a description--" + +"A schooner-rigged steam yacht," I explained briefly, "clearing from +New Orleans for Santiago." + +The two exchanged glances. + +"I begin to see light," said the Captain calmly. "I think the _Sea +Gull_ must have originally sailed as the _Mary Somers_. Do you happen +to know, sir, where she was really bound, and the nature of her cargo?" + +"I do; Spanish Honduras, with munitions of war." + +"Exactly, under command of a half-breed named Henley. By Gad, Smith, +this sounds too good to be true." + +He walked across the cabin twice, thinking, not even glancing up as he +passed us. Suddenly he stopped, facing me. + +"Where did he get you two?" + +"In a bayou off the Alabama coast." + +"And you got away last evening--how?" + +"By imprisoning the Captain and steward below; I was obliged to knock +the first mate overboard, but we were unseen by any others. Let me +tell you the whole story; it will scarcely require five minutes." + +He nodded his head, walking back and forth as I reviewed the events +swiftly. I hardly think he asked so much as a single question, his +eyes upon my face and then upon the face of the girl. + +"A rather strange tale," he commented when I had concluded, "and, +perhaps, the whole is not told. However that is none of my affair. +Now listen; this is a revenue cutter. We were ordered out of Pensacola +four days ago to intercept this boat on which you two were prisoners. +We have n't even sighted the vessel, and if we did would be perfectly +helpless; as she can steam three knots to our one. Only some streak of +wonderful good luck would ever enable us to capture her. I half +believe you are the good luck, if you do what I suggest." + +"What?" I asked. "I will be willing. Would you need Mrs. Henley also?" + +"Yes," he turned to the officer who was still standing. + +"How large was the boat, Mr. Smith?" + +"Capable of transporting about fifteen, sir." + +"Hardly enough; still I don't know; we could afford to take a chance. +What crew did the _Sea Gull_ carry?" + +"I do not know how many were below, sir," I answered, beginning dimly +to conceive his purpose. "I never saw to exceed a dozen on deck in a +watch." + +"Any evidence they were armed?" + +"I know they were not; the officers carried weapons, but would never +trust the crew." + +"And only two officers remaining?" + +"There may be an engineer, sir." + +He pondered a moment, grave-faced, and silent. + +"It is not a very complicated plan, but we will try It. I don't think +Henley will leave these waters without an effort to recover his boat, +and prisoners. He will want those papers, and revenge on Craig here. +He has no warning that we are after him. I believe the fellow will +cruise about in the same neighborhood until daylight. What do you say, +Smith?" + +"I agree with you, sir." + +"Good; then all we have got to do is lay a trap; the boat's the trap." + +"You mean conceal a squad of men in the bottom, and send it adrift +again?" + +"Exactly; lower the mast, as though Craig here had been unable to step +it; or, better still, heave it overboard; the loss of weight will give +room for another man. Then cover the lads over with the canvas. They +will never suspect the ruse on the _Sea Gull_, or study it out through +glasses. They 'll simply recognize their boat, and steer for it." + +"The fighting odds will be pretty heavy, sir," said Smith soberly. + +The Captain's smile lit up his stern features. + +"I would not so consider if it was my privilege to be along," he +replied. "We must trust to surprise, and get the crew below fastened +down before an alarm is sounded on board. A dozen armed men ought to +clear the decks. How do you look at the affair, Craig? Will the plan +work?" + +"I am not sure I understand exactly what is proposed, sir?" + +"My thought is, that this man Henley will be sufficiently anxious to +get hold of you two again, and regain those papers, so that he will +steam about slowly all night, hoping to get sight of the missing boat +at daylight. He has no means of knowing that the revenue officers are +after him. If he sights us at daybreak, he 'll make a run, and show us +a clean pair of heels. He 'd be hull down in five hours, for this is a +slow old tub. Now what I propose is this," and the Captain counted off +the points on his fingers. "There is about an hour of darkness +left--sufficient to enable me to run this cutter in behind Cosmos +Island safely out of sight. In the meanwhile we 'll dismantle that +small boat a bit, slip a dozen good men under the canvas, and turn her +adrift." + +"And you wish me to go also?" + +"Yes, if you will." + +"And Mrs. Henley?" + +"That would be the only way to allay suspicion on the _Sea Gull_." + +I hesitated, half turning so as to look at her. Our eyes met, and she +must have instantly read the question in mine, for she arose to her +feet, and rested one hand on my arm. + +"You wish to say yes?" she asked quietly. "You believe the plan will +succeed?" + +"It sounds feasible. I would gladly go myself, but I hesitate at +exposing you; there will be fighting." + +"But my being there is one of the requisites of success?" + +"I suppose so. If you were not visible in the boat, they might +suspicion the truth." + +She glanced toward the waiting Captain, and then back into my face. + +"Then I will go, of course," she said smilingly. "Let us not discuss +it any more." + +The Captain stepped forward, bowing, bare-headed. + +"Most bravely spoken," he said soberly. "I owe you a debt, madam. Mr. +Smith, have the boat prepared at once to carry out my idea." + +"To leave the impression that an incompetent seaman had been in charge +of it through the night, sir?" + +"Exactly; the mast overboard, and the canvas stowed badly." + +"Yes, sir, a big sheet." + +"Bunch it so as to leave all the space possible; leave the jib set; it +will help conceal the men. Send Lieutenant Hutton here." + +"He will have command of the party?" + +"Yes; let him pick his own men, and then report to me; arm them with a +revolver apiece. Be lively about it." + +He turned to us as Smith left the cabin. + +"I cannot offer you much at this hour," he said genially, "but the boy +has some hot coffee ready. Bring on what you have, Joe." + + + + +CHAPTER XXXV + +THE DECK OF THE SEA GULL + +The dawn broke gray and desolate, the vista of restless waters growing +gradually wider, as the light spread out across the eastern sky. The +clouds yet hung thick and low, yielding a ghastly aspect to the dawn, +somberness to the picture of breaking waves tipped by flying vapors of +mist. I sat at the tiller, grasping one of her hands in mine, and +staring anxiously about the broadening circle. The boat in which we +rode, while buoyant enough, still bore the outward appearance of a +wreck, the broken stump of a mast barely showing sufficiently high to +support the flapping jib, and the wet canvas of the mainsail completely +concealing everything forward. The men were lying low, so completely +hidden as to be invisible even to us, but the Lieutenant sat upright, +with head above the mass of sail, and was scanning the sea with +glasses. He was a resolute-looking fellow, with brown eyes, and a +reddish tinge of hair. As he lowered the glasses a moment, I saw him +glance back at us curiously. + +"Had n't seen you before," he explained cordially enough. "Dark when +we came over the side, you know. Bad morning." + +"The fog is lifting. What is that black mass out there?" + +"Cosmos Island," and he turned his lenses the other way. "The next ten +minutes will give us a clear view." + +I looked at her, noting how tired her eyes appeared in the gray light, +although they smiled courageously. + +"I wish you were not here," I whispered. + +"Please do not say that. I--I really I wished to come. I do not think +I could have let you go without me." + +"But you are so tired--" + +"No more than you, I am sure. Why, I have done nothing except to stay +awake. You have had all the work and worry. It will not be long now." + +"No; we shall know in a few minutes if the _Sea Gull_ is standing by +hunting us. If she shows up, you must do exactly as I say. You +promise that?" + +"Of course," and the clasp of her hand tightened. "You have no reason +to doubt me." + +The Lieutenant's eyes were on the widening sea line, and I bent down +and pressed my lips to her bare arm. I glanced up again into flushed +cheeks. + +"It has been a great night," I said sincerely. "The one in all my life +best worth living through." + +"I almost believe you mean that." + +"Don't you?" + +"Can you not read my answer in my eyes?" + +"Craig," exclaimed the Lieutenant suddenly, "that must be the fellow +off there to port. Here, try the glasses--just where the cloud is +lifting a bit." + +I was some time gaining the proper focus, but when I once had the +distant vessel caught fairly in the lens, I recognized her instantly. + +"That's the _Sea Gull_, and, by heavens, they are keeping a sharp +lookout on board. See! she is swinging on her heel already; they've +sighted us." + +He grasped the glass, and stared out through it in silence for several +minutes. Then he thrust it into a pocket and settled back out of sight +behind the canvas screen. + +"You have called the turn," he said quietly, "and the dance is about to +begin. Unship your rudder and let it go. Let them think you are +wrecked, helpless to escape, and they will be more careless. You men +there, loosen your guns, and be ready to scale a ship's side in a +jiffy, but lie perfectly still until I give the word." He turned his +head. + +"You understand what you are to do, Craig, you and the lady?" + +"I think so. We are to obey Henley's orders, and go on board." + +"Yes, but do something as soon as you reach the deck to attract +attention, and get them away from the rail. Try and get the lady as +far astern as possible, for there is likely to be some fighting. Are +you frightened, miss?" + +"No," although her voice trembled from excitement. "You need not worry +about me." + +I caught the gleam of admiration in the Lieutenant's eyes as he looked +at her, but almost instantly his thought centered on his own work. + +"All right, then; I shall not wait for any signal. Now listen, men; +these are my last orders. When I say go, get up any way you can, and +hit the first man you see. Hit hard, but no shooting unless they use +firearms. But fight like devils, and do it quick. They outnumber us +three to one. Marston, you and Simms take the stoke hold and the +forecastle. Keep those fellows below down with your revolvers. Shoot +if you need to. The rest of you stick close to me. All clear, lads?" + +"Aye, aye, sir," returned the muffled voices from beneath the canvas. + +I unshipped the rudder, letting it disappear noiselessly beneath the +waves, and the boat's head swung slowly around, and we drifted +helplessly, the jib flapping. With our eyes on the approaching vessel +we remained motionless in the stern, our hands clasped. The flush had +faded from out her cheeks, yet once she turned toward me and smiled. +Forward not so much as the twitch of a muscle revealed any other +presence in the boat, the only visible thing a jumble of ropes and +canvas, apparently dragged hastily from the water by inexperienced +hands. The waves tossed us about so that any seaman would recognize +instantly our predicament. The manner in which the jaunty _Sea Gull_ +bore down upon us was proof that those on board had already grasped the +situation, and had no remaining suspicion of treachery. She was under +steam, with no sail set, and the rapidly increasing light gave me a +fairly clear view. In low monotone, without turning my head, I managed +to convey my observations to the motionless officer. + +"She 's heading straight toward us under low pressure. There are two +men on the bridge, and a lookout on the bow. Now she 's swinging to +port to bring up close. There 's a group at the rail near the +starboard gangway. About ten, I should say. Can you see, Viola?" + +"Twelve," she answered quietly, "and three forward. The third man at +the rail is the Captain, and he has a glass." + +"By George! you are right. I recognize the fellow now. Broussard is +on the bridge. They expect no trouble, Lieutenant, and only have the +regular watch on deck. They are getting too close for me to talk any +more." + +It was indeed a beautiful picture had we only been in a mind to enable +us to enjoy the scene. The deserted ocean, rolling gray and dismal +under the cloudy sky, white caps showing in every direction as our boat +was flung helplessly aloft on the steady roll of the sea. The coast +line was not visible from our elevation, and nothing broke the gray +round of horizon but clouds of floating vapor, slowly drifting away +before the sun, which was already yielding a faint crimson glow to the +east. Behind us, probably two miles distant, arose the rough ridge of +Cosmos Island, while bearing down upon us from the north, with a +westward sheer sufficient to expose her beautiful lines, came the _Sea +Gull_. Yet graceful, handsome as she appeared, my entire attention +centered on the group of men at her rail. They were watching us +intently, Henley with a glass at his eyes. Twice I saw him turn, and +wave his hand to Broussard on the bridge, slightly altering the +vessel's course, and once the sound of his voice echoed faintly across +the intervening water. + +It was quite evident that as yet he perceived nothing to arouse +suspicion, for, with a swing like a hawk, the _Sea Gull_ bore down upon +us, the engines slowing, and then reversed. We were staring up into +the faces that looked curiously down at us. Henley gripped a stay and +swung himself to the rail; farther aft the negro steward hung over, his +mouth wide open, grinning at the spectacle. + +"Hard down!" yelled the Captain, motioning with one arm. "Plug her, +man. Now you damned army hound," he called to me, "catch that rope, +and make fast." + +One of the hands flung the coil so that it fell at my feet, and I did +as directed, as otherwise we would have been crushed under the vessel. +As it drew taut, the boat swung in gently against the side of the _Sea +Gull_. Above us Henley hung, leaning far enough out so he could look +down. + +"Now, you damn thief," he screamed, "it's my turn to play jailer. Come +up, both of you." + +"Just a moment, Captain Henley," I answered, rising to my feet. "If +there is anyone to be punished I am the one; this woman had nothing to +do with it." + +"That 's for me to decide," he snarled, and whipped out a revolver. "I +know how to handle both of you. Come, jump now, you dog, or you never +will move again. Pass the girl up first, and be lively about it. Give +them a hand there, Peters, and don't be too easy." + +There was no excuse for delay; besides, those lads under the heavy +canvas must be nearly smothered. With my arm about her I lifted her up +to where Peters could reach down, and grasp her hand, and then followed +as quickly as possible. Henley had swung down to the deck, and stood +there, his men grouped about him, the revolver still in his hand. One +glance at his face told me he was insane from rage, thinking only of +revenge. + +"Take the woman below," he snapped, his cruel teeth gleaming. "By God! +she 'll get her lesson. Here, Louis, you damned nigger, don't you hear +me? Lock her in, and bring me the key. I 'll handle this sniveling +thief first. So you could n't run a boat, hey! Not so easy as it +looked, was it, you dog. Thought we 'd be gone this morning, didn't +you? You 'll find I 'm not quite as easy as all that. Now, by God! +you 'll take your medicine!" + +I still stood motionless, my back to the rail, letting him rave, but +watching every movement. I knew the girl's eyes were on my face, +although I did not venture to glance toward her, not even when the +negro guided her aft through the ring of seamen. Yet this was the one +thing I was waiting for, my heart beating fiercely, in fear lest the +Lieutenant might give signal for attack too soon. I remember the faces +about me, fierce, scowling faces, of men wild to lay hold upon me at +the first word of command, yet it was Henley I looked at, measuring the +distance between us, and watching the revolver in his hand. What did +he mean to do? Kill me, or give me over into the hands of those +merciless devils? All I could read in his eyes was hatred, exultation, +consciousness of power. Suddenly he laughed, a sneering, cynical +laugh, as though he thought me cringing before him in terror. The man +judged me by himself, and believed me helpless. + +"Hard luck, Craig--hey!" he began tauntingly. "Played with the wrong +man, did n't you. Now I 've got the girl just as I want her, and as +for you--Lord! but I 'll keep you to play with all the way to Honduras. +It will be a pleasant voyage, my friend. Here, Masters, you and Peters +stand by. Now, you robber, give me those papers." + +I handed them out, watching closely. Peters stood at my right, one +hand on my arm; the other fellow must have been behind me. Henley +grasped the envelope, opening the flap to be sure of its contents. The +movement caused him to lower the revolver, and avert his gaze, for just +an instant. With one motion I flung Peters aside, and jammed a +clinched fist into the Captain's face. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVI + +IN POSSESSION + +Masters must have struck me at almost the same instant my fist landed +on Henley, for we went down together, his revolver discharging, the +flying bullet gouging my shoulder, burning the flesh like a red-hot +wire. Yet I grappled him even as we crashed to the deck, but the +fellow lay stunned, motionless as a dead man. Everything happened +quicker than I can tell it; with such rapidity, indeed, that not a hand +touched me. I could barely struggle up on one knee, dazed still by the +stroke which had floored me, and glance about, when the blue-jackets +came tumbling over the rail, and leaped at the astounded crew of the +_Sea Gull_. It was a swift, short fight, the assailants having every +advantage. I saw the Lieutenant, bare-handed, dash into the group, +striking out left and right, his men at his heels. There was a volley +of oaths, a thud of falling bodies, a sharp command, and the shrill +pipe of a boatswain's whistle. Two men rushed forward, the first +disappearing behind the chart-house. The second encountered Broussard +stepping off the bridge ladder, and hurled the fellow to the deck with +one blow of a sledge-hammer fist. Scarcely pausing to see whether he +was alive or not, the assailant ran on toward the forecastle. + +The whole affair was over in two minutes, the blue-jackets circling out +like a fan, and pressing their enemy into a helpless mass against the +rail. For a moment the fight was furious, every man for himself, then +the Lieutenant drove like a wedge into the bunch, and it was all over. +I struggled to my feet, still viewing all through a mist, and swaying +back and forward as I endeavored to steady myself on the rolling deck. +There was no one at the wheel, and the bow of the _Sea Gull_ was +swinging slowly about. + +"On to the bridge there, Coates, and hold up her head," sang out the +officer. "Boatswain, take charge of these beauties, and run them into +the forecastle. Leave two men on guard, and take a squint into the +engine room. Report to me here." + +He took off his coat, examined a long slit in its side where a vicious +knife had ripped it from shoulder to tail; then slipped it on again, +and watched his men drive their prisoners forward. + +"I 'd like to know which one of them did that," he growled, glancing +toward me. "Say, what 's the matter with you--shot? You 're white as +a sheet of paper, man." + +"I got one on the head with a belaying pin from the heft of it. The +bullet touched me--here. Lord, how it burns." + +"Who did the shooting?" + +"Henley here," and I touched the fellow with my foot. "He fired just +as I hit him." + +The Lieutenant stepped forward and looked down into the upturned face. + +"So that's the man!" he exclaimed. "We 've done a good day's work. I +'ve heard stories of that half-breed ever since we 've been on this +coast. He must be a natural devil, but he 's played hide and seek with +Uncle Sam for the last time. This will be a feather in the 'old man's' +cap. He 's waking up." + +Henley stirred as he spoke, and opened his eyes, staring up into my +face, and then at the Lieutenant's uniform. The sight of the latter +perplexed him. + +"Who the hell are you?" he asked angrily, making an effort to rise. +"Where is Broussard?" + +"Henley," I said, stepping in between them, "the game is up, and the +best thing you can do now is keep quiet. This gentleman is Lieutenant +Hutton, of the Revenue Cutter _Saline_, and his men have the crew of +the _Sea Gull_ under hatches forward. Give me back those papers." + +[Illustration: "Give me back those papers."] + +He had the envelope still clasped in his left hand, and he glanced at +it dully, and then beyond me toward Hutton. Apparently his brain, yet +numbed by the blow, failed to entirely comprehend. The Lieutenant, +however, was a man of action. With grip on his collar he jerked the +poor wretch to his feet, and held him there. + +"Hand over those papers to Craig," he ordered shortly, "and be lively +about it. I have n't anything to do with that affair, and I don't +think you will have much more from now on. You are my prisoner, and +you are good for a ten spot at least. Stand up, you coward." He +forced him back against the rail, and glanced about the deck. The +boatswain was coming aft. + +"Well, Sloan, how did you find things?" + +"All serene, sir; the whole crew bottled up, and mighty little fight +left in them." + +"The engine room?" + +"The engineer was a bit ugly, sir, and had to be man-handled proper. +He 's lyin' in a coal bunker with a sore head, cussin' blue. But the +assistant is a young fellar, an' kin run the engines. I left him in +charge with a couple o' lads lookin' after him." + +"Who has the wheel?" + +"Somers, sir." + +"All right; have steam kept up, and make the course south, southeast. +Send a couple of men here to get this boat on deck. Put all the +fire-room fellows who won't work into the forecastle with the others. +Here, take this man along also. He 's the Captain, but no better than +the rest." + +Henley started back, with some crazy hope of resistance, but the great +fist of the boatswain gripped his collar. + +"Come on, you," he said, jerking him savagely. "Yer bloody pirate; +make another crack, an' I 'll land yer one. Is he that Henley, sir?" +of the Lieutenant. + +"Yes; ever hear of him?" + +"Have I! Aye, many the time. He 's wanted in Galveston, sir, for +somethin' worse than runnin' arms--it was a knifin' job, sir." + +"And not the last either, if what Craig says is true. Take the fellow +forward. Ah! there comes the _Saline_ now--just poking her nose out +from behind the ridge." + +I looked as he pointed, clutching the recovered papers in my hands, and +forgetful of Henley. The sun had discovered an opening in the cloud +bank, and a long shaft of golden light played across the water, +gleaming with white caps. Into its radiance the revenue cutter was +gliding, outlined against the leafy shade of Cosmos Island, her flag +standing out like a board in the fresh breeze, her cutwater churning up +a mass of foam. She made a beautiful picture, one that fascinated me +for the moment, and caused me to forget my own immediate incidents. I +was brought back to a realization of the situation by Hutton's hand on +my shoulder. + +"Nice-looking old girl, but, like all of her sex, a gay deceiver. +Slowest tub that ever floated a U. S. flag; any coal barge could get +away from her in a fair wind. Take her half an hour now to get within +hailing distance, and the old man raging to learn the news. How do you +feel? still groggy?" + +"All right, except for a stiff headache." + +"Then come into the cabin. There is nothing more to do on deck, and I +want to get sight of the ship's papers. Where was the fellow cleared +for?" + +"Santiago." + +"And his cargo?" + +"Miscellaneous; mostly farm machinery--worth investigating." + +"I 'll have some of the boxes broken open, but will take a squint at +the papers first. What became of the girl?" + +"The steward took her below, and locked her in before the fracas +started." + +"I thought so; I heard a little of the talk, and hung back so as to +give you plenty of time." He laughed, good-humoredly. "Nice little +scrap, Craig; those fellows never even heard us, until I was over the +rail. By the way, is the young lady married? I never heard the whole +story." + +"She is a widow," I replied, a bit stiffly, resenting his flippancy of +tone. "She was the wife of this Henley's half brother, but I have +every reason to believe he is dead." + +He looked into my face, a glint of amusement in his eyes. + +"Let us hope the good news is true," he said soberly. "Come, don't +flare up, man; I recognize the symptoms. But don't you think she will +be crying her pretty eyes out down below?" + +We went down the companion stairs together, into a deserted cabin. No +steward was in evidence, and, finding the Captain's stateroom locked, +the Lieutenant kicked open the door, and entered. I turned back, +explored the passage, and finally dragged Louis out from a dark corner +of the pantry. That darky was plainly in a state of funk, his legs +trembling, and the whites of his eyes much in evidence. + +"Oh, Lor', Massa Craig," he whined. "Ah ain't done nuthin', deed Ah +ain't, sah!" + +"You locked up the girl." + +"Ah just had to, sah. Captain Henley he just nat'rally skin me alive, +sah, if Ah don't. But Ah nebber hurt her none." + +"Where is she?" + +"In number five, sah; here--here am de key." + +"All right, Louis," and I tossed him into one corner. "Now listen; set +that table, and get some food on it quick. Make coffee, but don't wait +for anything else." + +"Yes, sah." + +I crossed the cabin, and inserted the key. As the door opened she +stood there waiting, her hands held out. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVII + +A HOMEWARD VOYAGE + +"It--it is all over with? You have been successful?" + +"Yes, don't worry," and I held her hands fast, looking into her eyes. +"There can be no further trouble. Captain Henley and his crew are +prisoners." + +"And no one was hurt? You were not?" + +"Oh, there are a few sore heads, but nothing serious. I got a crack +myself; bled a little--see." + +She placed her fingers on the wound, stroking the hair gently, her eyes +full of anxiety. + +"Is that all? Please tell me; I--I heard a shot fired." + +"Henley's revolver; no damage done. Really you must accept my +assurance. Come out into the cabin; Louis is getting breakfast ready." + +"Where is the Lieutenant?" hesitating slightly. + +"In Henley's cabin, going through the papers. He wants to have a full +report ready when the _Saline_ comes up. The three of us will +breakfast together." + +"You must permit me to wash the wound on your head first," she +insisted. "The hair is all matted with blood. Please." + +"Of course," and I laughed. "Even then I will not be very presentable; +these clothes are frightful; the last week has been a strenuous one." + +"What about me!" and she shot a look downward. "I 've only had the one +dress." + +"The marvel of it," I interrupted ardently. "You look as though you +had just come from the dressing-table." + +"You do not think so!" + +"But I do; still, it may be a case where love is blind." + +The fresh color swept into her cheeks. + +"That is the only explanation possible, I am sure. See how the skirt +is stained, and the lace ruffle is almost torn off." + +"Oh, well, don't worry; the Lieutenant has lost his natty appearance +also. Some villain slashed his coat its full length. However, I +accept your offer." + +She ministered to me with womanly gentleness, parting the matted hair, +and cleansing the wound with water. While in no way serious it was an +ugly bruise, and required considerable attention. Sitting there on a +stool while she worked, I could hear Louis bustling about in the cabin, +but my mind was busy with a thousand matters requiring settlement. At +last I refused to be ministered to any longer, laughing at her desire +to bandage my head, and insisting that all I needed now was breakfast. +As we entered the cabin, the Lieutenant stood in Henley's door. + +"I was looking for you, Craig," he said, coming forward, and bowing to +my companion. "Here is a newspaper clipping which may be of interest. +I found it on the deck." + +I read it hastily, and, in silence handed it to her, watching her face +as she read. It was a local item describing the finding of a dead body +which could not be identified. The details of the man's appearance as +well as the clothes worn were carefully depicted, evidently in hope +someone might thus recognize the party. She remained with the bit of +paper in her hands for what seemed a long while, while we waited. Then +her eyes were slowly lifted to our faces. + +"That was Philip Henley," she said soberly. + +"You are sure?" + +"There is no possibility of mistake; the description is almost +photographic and the clothing I remember well." + +"Your husband, madam?" asked the Lieutenant, as I remained silent. + +"Yes; legally my husband, although he had driven me from him by +dissipation and neglect. I--I cannot tell you the wretched story now." + +"Nor do I ask it," he hastened to assure her. "What is it, Mapes?" + +A blue-jacket stood at the foot of the stairs, one hand lifted in +salute. + +"The _Saline_, sir, is alongside, and hailing us. The boatswain sent +me, sir." + +We followed the two on deck, and, after one glance about, I led her +around the bulge of the cabin to the narrow deck space astern. The +boat in which we had escaped had been hoisted into its davits, and we +halted in its shadow. The sea was gently rolling in great crested +waves, with no land visible except Cosmos Island. The most of our crew +must have been busy forward, as only three or four hung over the port +rail in idle curiosity. The two vessels moved side by side, separated +by a narrow stretch of green water, a thin vapor of smoke visible. I +could perceive the whiteness of the _Saline's_ deck, and the group of +officers on the bridge. The Captain, facing us, hollowed his hands. + +"What have you to report, Mr. Hutton?" + +"The vessel is in our possession, sir, and the crew under guard below." + +"Any injuries?" + +"None serious, sir." + +"And the Captain--the half-breed Henley; did you get him?" + +"He 's with the others." + +"Better put the fellow in irons, Hutton. There are some serious +charges against him, you know. Have you men enough?" + +"I could use a half dozen more." + +"Very well; I 'll send them over with Mr. Steele." + +"What is to be our course, sir?" + +"Pensacola. Don't wait for us." + +"Aye, aye, sir. Shall I hold Craig and the lady?" + +"Not on this case; we have all the evidence needed. If you take their +addresses that will be all that is necessary. Pleasant voyage!" + +He waved his hand, and then, perceiving us as he turned away from the +rail, lifted his cap in salute. A moment later a boat heavily manned +shot out from the cutter's black side, and headed toward us. We stood +there alone in the shadow, watching its approach. + +"It is all over now, dear," I whispered. + +"Yes, but--but I do not feel as though I could ever touch that money." + +"You will have no choice. The courts will decide that." + +She glanced aside at me shyly, and one hand rested on the rail of the +boat. + +"I know what I would like to do with some of it." + +"What?" + +"Buy this--this boat." + +"In memory?" + +"Of course--you loved me then." + +"And now, and always. Do you know what is the first thing I shall do +when we make Pensacola?" + +"No." + +I clasped the straying hand and drew her to me, looking down into her +eyes. + +"Telegraph my father I am coming home." + +"Is that all?" + +"And that I shall bring a wife with me. Right here I end my career as +a soldier of fortune." + +Under the protecting shadow of the boat our lips met. + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GORDON CRAIG*** + + +******* This file should be named 17765.txt or 17765.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/7/6/17765 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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