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Show f THE TJMES-NEW- NEPHI. UTAH. S, He paused, and studied the group. jaw 11 n Parrish By Randall C Copyright A. McCIut Sc. Co. ROBERT HOLLIS MEETS THE MYSTERIOUS GIRL AND HAS LONG TALK WITH HER WORD COMES THAT WAR HAS BEEN DECLARED e sea captain, who tells the story, Synopsis. Robert Hollis, is a guest on Gerald Carrington's yacht, Esmeralda, which, with a party of gay New York business men, is making her maiden voyage to the coast of Spain. It Is supposed to be strictly "stag," and Hollis, wandering alone on deck at night is surprised to discover on board a woman who evidently wishes to remain unknown. The next night he succeeds in meeting her and having an interview. one-tim- CHAPTER II. Continued. 2 Before the party finally broke up I had ouuined my plan. I was in no haste to retire, having slept more or lers during the afternoon ; I would re' journ alone on deck, and see what happened. We were steaming right gallantly now, and stars were finding rifts iln the clouds through which to silver the waves of the Sound. The first offl-cwas still on the bridge, but Seeley would relieve him at twelve; there was nothing for me to do but wait until then. I could better my position, however, ;and immediately did so. If the second ofSeer really proved to be the accomplice of the girl, he would very probably take a rather careful survey of the deck aft before permitting her to venture forth from concealment. If tils search disclosed my presence, the young woman would doubtless be ordered to remain below. My choice of position was easily determined. The flag locker was unusually commodious, as one of Carrington's hobbles was to dress the ship handsomely on every gala occasion, and display the colors of all nations. It was built directly against the after rail, and back into Its protective shadow I silently drew a chair, concealed myself beneath of a rug, and lay there quietly. Time dragged, but finally the bell forward announced the hour for the change of watch. I was sailor enough to comprehend the meaning of every sound. I heard someone walk hastily across the main deck, and descend through the companion a seaman dls-- : patched to call the second mate. The back together. Five minutes later, with no warning sound of approach, I became aware that someone had quietly rounded the end of the oabin. The mate passed me by within a few feet, so close, indeed, I could distinguish the buttons on his uniform. and the white cap he wore. Nothing, however, could have occurred to arouse his suspicions, for the man did not even pause in his slow walk, but disappeared along the port rail. Fearing he might return, I remained motion-losyet was doubly assured now that my suspicions were about to be verified. I dared not venture any exploration. Thus far my plan had worked nicely, and I could not now afford to risk discovery. She came so silently, like a gray shadow gliding out of the the night, that she was actually-beslrail, gazing steadfastly out at the silvery water, before I was even clearly aware of her presence. I was scarcely willing to accept the evidence of my own eyes, yet arose slowly to a sitting posture to observe better, dropping the rug silently onto the deck. She heard no sound of the movement, and, with no suspicion of any other presence near, remained motionless, drinking In the soft beauty of the night, and .breathing deeply the crisp salt air. I could see her plainly, silhouetted against the sky, Illumined by the which reflected upward from the water, her hands clasped on the rail, her form bent slightly forward, her skirts blowing lightly In the wind. She was slender and young, do doubt as to that, with a certain supple grace to her figure notlceuble even In that quiet posture. Helped by the support of the flag locker, I tttained my feet noiselessly, nly half determined a the course I liud better pursue. Ilowever, I was left no choice. Something served to startle her, to make her vaguely aware of some other presence on the deck. She turned, still grasping the rail with one hand, and confronted roe. I caught a glimpse of her face, white and youthful, her big eyes staring at me as though In sudden terror. She stepped 'hack, then straightened slightly, her questioning eyes never leaving my face. "I I supposed myself to be alone," lie said, the words nncertaln, but the 'Tolce clear. "You are one of the pas-- er the-fold- s two-cam- then he failed to see me. Was it you, and are you here again tonight to make sure?" "You have guessed the exact truth," I confessed, almost regretfully. "Last night it was a mere accident, but tonight my presence here had an object" "Indeed! What Interest is It of yours?" "None directly, except as I am a friend to Mr. Carrington, the owner of this yacht, and also his guest He assured me only this morning that there was no woman on board, and laughed at me for even imagining such a thing. Naturally I desired to vindicate myself ; then besides the mystery also had its attractions." "No doubt ! And now that you have progressed so far, what further do you purpose doing turn me over to the authorities?" "I do not know," I said honestly. "But I am in hopes yon will trust me enough to explain your object In thus coming uninvited aboard. I should prefer being your friend, if that prove little. You will at least trust me with your name?" Her eyes fell, shadowed by their long lashes. For a moment she looked out across the rail, at the dark water be yond. "So far as I can yes," she answered soberly. "You may call me Vera." CHAPTER III. War, and a Copper Pool. "Vera," I echoed, in some way vaguely conscious of a strange familiarity with the word, yet utterly un able to immediately recall the associa tion, "that must be your given, not possible." your family name?" She did not answer, apparently hesi"And you are not even satisfied at tating in surprise at my unexpected this evidence of my trust?" she quesplea, and doubtful as to my sincerity. tioned lightly. "Usually It is consid "What is your name?" ered quite a compliment to be permit"Robert Hollis ; I live In Chicago." ted to call a lady by her given name She nodded, and I imagined the ex- yet I grant you, a stranger, this privi pression of her eyes changed slightly. lege." The merest semblance of a smile "To which I am not insensible; curved her. Hps. yours is not a common appellative, yet "I am rather glad you are my dis- I have known someone so named be coverer," she said quietly, "for I know fore." "Indeed! A friend?" who you are. You are not altogether a stranger." "Well, really, I cannot say ; I haven't "I am not !" I exclaimed in surprise. quite figured it out yet; only the mem "Oh! I understand: Seeley has told ory haunts me oddly, as something I you of me." ought to remember." "Or else forget" she Interrupted "Has he indeed ! Why Seeley?" "Because I have some reason to be- quickly. "What do you say if we blot lieve that the second officer is your out all this mystery, and just be natu- special friend on board: that through his aid you have found concealment. Am I altogether wrong?" She laughed the sound barely audible, yet evidence of her swift amuse- ment "If I did not chance to know better. Mr. Hollis, I should almost suspect you of being a lawyer," she said cheer- fully. "However, In spite of my present position, I am inclined to be a truthful person. - I fear Mr. Seeley's interest in me Is altogether, or at least largely, mercenary. I will confide in you, and confess that he has already cost me one hundred dollars, and heaven alone knows how much more will be required before we attain deep water, when I hope to be free from bondage." "Good! I am encouraged; now yon will tell me more?" She shook her head. "Not another word, sir. So far, as they say in New York, 'you have the goods on me,' and denial would be use- -' less. Of course, I might have told a falsehood. I am perfectly capable of so doing, and had I been conversing with some others on board, I would have chosen to do so." "Which would seem to Imply that you possess a measure of confidence In me?" "I do, Mr. Hollis," quietly. "Seeley must have given me a most excellent reputation, and deserves reward." "Mr. Seeley gave me your name as one of the passengers, nothing more. I cannot at present explain when, or how, I acquired my Information regarding you. To you I am a perfect stranger, and must remain so, but by some good fortune, I chance to know enough of you to trust yon thoroughly na a gentleman. You understand what I mean?" Her eyes met mine frankly; they were clear, honest eyes, and I felt that I read their direct challenge. "Perhaps so," I answered with a feel"Yon mean I ing of disappointment nm to ask no further questions? to for get. If possible, your presence on board "Yen; can you do this?" "Well, to be perfectly frank, I am not altogether certain that I can, or sengers 7" "Yes; I chanced to be still on deck that I ought I am Mr. Carrington's when you came." guest and owe him a certain loyalty "Where? You were expecting me?" you admit that?" I indicated the chair In the shadow, "Yes." but did not venture to move. "Have I a right to conceal from my I was lying here, covered by a rug, host the knowledge which I have disbut did not see yon until you appeared covered, that a strange young woman yonder at the rati. Why do yon ask has been hidden on board his yacht by one of his officers?" it I was expecting youT" She hesitated Just an Instant, bat That most depend altogether on frankly. your sense of duty to both Mr. CarringThere was a man here last night, ton and myself," she returned calmly. .after 'A engines stopped. I believed Do I appear like a thief a consplra- s, know." "Thank you," and her lips smiled. "Then my case is not quite hopeless. As a "most charming young woman' I unreservedly yield myself to your protection. I cannot tell you who I am, nor why I am on board the Ksmeralda secretly, but I give you my word of honor that no harm shall result from my presence to any of your friends. and I only request you to remain silent for a few hours longer." "You intend later to reveal yourself to others?" "As soon as the yacht is safely at sea, beyond all possibility of putting me ashore." I confess I was puzzled, uncertain; my duty to Carrington seemed clear enough, and yet there was that about the girl which gave me faith in her pledge. She read mj hesitation.' "You still doubt 'me, Mr. Hollis?" "No, It is not doubt yet I know so de ; star-glea- r Breathless With Interest, She tioned Ques- Me. ral for a while? Have you the slightest knowledge of where we are, Mr. Hollis? What Is that light flashing out yonder?" ."Montauk point," I answered, instantly recognizing the peculiar flash. "The eastern extremity of Long Island. We shall be breasting the Atlantic by daylight If all is well. I have good reason to remember Montauk." "Yes? You were there?" "Once ; why, it was sixteen years ago at the close of our war with Spuin. I served on the St Paul, and we came up from Cuba loaded with sick and wounded soldiers Michigan troops mostly and put them ashore at Montauk. I was little more than a boy then, and the suffering witnessed made a deep Impression." "You were a sailor?" "I was twelve years at sea ; my father wn a large ship owner. I left the sea when I was thirty; I had arisen to command, my father died, and I decided I had had enough. I suppose I seem quite ancient to you?" "Indeed you do not I think it is wonderful for you to light your way like that when your father was rich. It was a man's work. Tell me about It Your sea life, I mean." The eagerness of her voice must have touched a responsive chord, for almost before I realised my purpose, I began speaking. X began at the first, relating my life as cabin boy, and as man before the mast my first voyage as mate, and the experiences of my In approaching, and prepared for It By wireless we can operate surely and secretly, with no possible' fear of betrayal. The only question is, are you ready to back me up?" The expression on the faces of those earliest command. I told of shipwreck gathered about him reflected the vaIn the South seas ; of a battle for life ried character of the men. They were in the Indian ocean ; of strange peoples alike startled by the unexpected turn met in every quarter of the earth; of affairs, yet financial greed evidently of fighting windy gales off the Atlan Even the one German tic coast and the silent desolation of predominated. in the group had seemingly forgotten seas. Breathless with tropic interest his in view of the golden she questioned me, and I answered, bait nationality so temptingly before his dangling feeling the magic of her eyes on my eyes. Fosdick, actuated by bis lawyer face, the soft intoxication of her pres- Instincts, and still cool and calculating, ence beside me. She was natural, was first to question the proposition. wholesome, the very sort of woman I "You are perfectly assured of being had dreamed about, as being some- able to control the market?" Fosdick where in the world, yet had never met asked. before. Her very presence was inspi"I already practically control," reration, but beyond this vague impres turned Carrington confidently. "With sion my dream did not go. Then a little more capital the game Is cerlooked aside at her and laughed, realiz- tain. In twelve hours, gentlemen, we ing suddenly how loquacious I had can have the copper situation entirely been. In our hands. Here are my holdings "Really, I must have nearly talked Individually. I need your help to to you sleep," I said regretfully. "I do close the deal." not know when I have before been They bent over the papers, eager to guilty of such egotism." grasp the truth, but abundantly satisf"Do not say that It was most in- ied with a quick glance at the magic teresting. It is nice to be spoken to figures. It was evidently enough a as though one was an intelligent hu master stroke, a business deal easy to man being it is quite an experience." comprehend, and all that remained for them to do was to take their profits. "Perhaps I do not understand." "Doubtless not for you are not a "You you return immediately to girl, and you tell me you never sought New York?" questioned McCann, his society. The very nature of your life lips trembling. has left you frank and straightforward. "Certainly not ; our game at present You talk to me just as you would to a Is to keep out of sight ; permit no one man." to discover who is behind the move"If my frankness has interested ment. Your personal checks will satyou," I ventured, "can you not realize isfy me. I propose holding the yacht, how much I desire to learn more who say a hundred miles from shore, and you are, why you are here?" "Of course; but I cannot tell you, Mr. Hollis not yet" She looked at her wrist watch, holdwhich reing it ouflnto a star-gleavealed the white shapeliness of her arm. "I dare not even remain here with you longer." "But you will come again? This is not to be our last meeting?" She hesitated, her eyes meeting mine almost kindly ; then she held out her hand. "The last yes, in this way. You will meet me again, but not as we are tonight I have truly enjoyed being with you, of hearing your story, but this meeting here alone was not my You understand I could not choice. avoid it and after I was discovered, I had to remain and win your pledge to secrecy. You will not forget that?' "Assuredly not You will not return to the deck tomorrow night?" She laughed softly, and withdrew her hand, which I still held. , Tomorrow night! Oh, I cannot tell; we may be far enough at sea by then so I need no longer seek fresh air by night I told you my concealment was only temporary. Good night Mr. Hollis." The gray dress she wore left upon me the impression that she faded from sight her dim outline vanished so suddenly amid the shadows. I took a swift step forward, impelled by an irresistible desire to ascertain in what portion of the yacht she found concealment, yet paused almost as quickly. Who she was, and why she had chosen so unconventional a manner of joining us, was beyond my guessing. I essayed many a theory, yet one after the other, all broke down, and left me groping In darkness. Only one fact remained steadfast to which I could cling with confidence the girl was no mere ad venturess, no criminal; she was doing nothing of which she was In the least ashamed, nor had she the slightest fear the consequences. I slept so soundly as to be the last guest at the breakfast table the next morning, although as I sat there alone Fosdick returned from the deck to the cabin, seeking a raincoat, and reporting a heavy fog, through which the yacht was proceeding slowly. The vessel was still within easy view of Mon tauk, or had been before the mist shut down, but the really important news had come to Carrington by wireless positive information of the outbreak of war. Russia and France were pitted against Germany and Austria in the death grapple. The German troops had already begun an invasion of on their drive toward Paris. It was still unknown what course England would take. The nature of this news obscured all else, and left me unable to complete my meal. Other messages were momentarily expected, and I dressed hastily, and joined the little group on the deck, just as a cabin boy handed Carrington a new message. He read it, crashing his clenched hand down on the rail. "It's all over with now," he ex claimed, holding the paper aloft and gazing about into our eager faces. "England declares war, gentlemen. She will stand by her treaty with Belgium. Here is our opportunity; listen to me. This Is going to be the greatest war In history ; every nation In Europe may be Involved before It Is ended. Do you realize the commodity most in demand? the one metal those armies can not get along without? It is copper. They must have it and they must buy It of us. This morning, as soon as I received that first dispatch, I wired my agents to buy, buy. Now, with England In, the result la certain." Bel-glu- m conducting the entire business by wireless. That makes it safe and sure." The group of financiers stared at each other, one waiting for the next to voice decision. Fosdick, as usual, took the initiative. "I'm heartily with you, Carrington," he said frankly, "you can count on my check for a hundred thousand dollars right now." "And I," "and I," echoed from lip to Up. Carrington, smiling pleasantly, turned toward me. "And how about you, Hollis? Coming in with us? We ought to have one Chicago representative, you know." I shook my head, doubting my ability to produce the amount required offhand. "Not today ; give me a few hours to think it over. I should like to talk with you privately first" "All right; we shall have enough without you, but Til hold the chance open until you do decide. Let's adjourn to the cabin, gentlemen, where you can draw your checks while the steward opens a few bottles. This is an occasion to be celebrated." We were upon our feet not unwilling to escape from the raw air, when the voice of the lookout sounded muffled, but distinct tar forward. "Sail ho 1" "Where away?" echoed the bridge. "Off the starboard bow, sir a big one." We gathered at the rail staring out Then sudblankly into the smother. denly the mist seemed to roll asunder as though cut by a knife, and there in the rift as If the fog were a frame, appeared one of the finest sea pictures I ever remember seeing. A huge iron warship, her funnels belching smoke at full speed, the white spray racing along her sides, swept Into view. We had a glimpse of the black muzzles of guns protruding from forward and after turrets, of groups of sailors on deck, and in the fighting tops ; a white-cla- d officer leaned over the bridge rail. There was no flag, nor did we need one to know for what she stood. Carring ton pointed out into the blank mist. "There goes one of your bulldogs NOT A BIT! PAIN? "Gentlemen, there is wealth enough here on this yacht to control the entire copper output if we work swiftly. The profit will be enormous. I have the all mapped out; I know campaign where to buy, and my agents are ready to execute my orders. I am going to say to you frankly that I had the thought in mind when I first organized this cruise. I believed this crisis was The Best Sea Story of the War That Has Been Written tor? or in any way a desperate character?" "You appear a most charming youn? woman, whom I should be very glad to the faces LIFT YOUR CORNS OR CALLUSES OFF Apply few drops then Just lift them away with fingers. No humbug! This new drug Is an ether compound discovered by a Cincinnati chemist It is called freezone, and can now be obtained in tiny bottles as here shewn at very little cost from any drug store. Just ask for freezone. Apply a drop or two directly upon a tender corn or callus and instantly the soreness disappears. Shortly you win find the corn or callus se loose that you can lift It off, root and all, with the fingers. Not a twinge of pain; soreness or Irritation; not even the slightest smarting, either .when applying freezone or afterwards. This drug doesn't eat up the corn or callus, but shrivels them so they loosen and come right out It is no humbug It works like a charm. For a few cents you can get rid of every hard corn, soft corn or corn between the toes, as well as painful calluses on bottom of your feet It never disappoints and never burns, bites or Inflames. If your druggist hasn't any freezone yet tell him to get a little bottle for you from nil wholesale house. adv. 1 As Mitey Wise Understood It They were talking about aviation. "As I understand it," said Mr. Mitey Wise, "the monoplane is a flying machine from which one falls, the biplane is one from which two fall and" "I get you," chirped the qnick think"The is one from which they all fall out." Indianapolis er. News. THIS DRUGGIST KNOWS BEST KIDNEY MEDICINE Sixteen years ago I began to sell Dr. Kilmer's Swamp-Roo- t and today I believe it is one of the best medicines on the market; and my patrons are very much pleased with the results obtained from its use and speak very favorably regarding it. Swamp-Roo- t has bein very successful in the treatment of kidney, liver and bladder tFoubles according to the reports received and I have no hesitancy in recommending it for I have great faith in its merits. Very truly yours, OWL DRUG STORE, By R. F. Boies, Oct. 3, 1916. Sedalia, Missouri. Letter to Dr. Kilmer Binfhamton, Co. N. Y. WIH Do For Yoa Prove What Swamp-RoSend ten cents to Dr. Kilmer & Co., Binghamton, N. Y., for a sample size bottle. It will convince anyone. Yoa will also receive a booklet of valuable information, telling about the kidneys and bladder. When writing, be sure and mention this paper. Large and medium size bottles for sale at all drug stores. Adv. An Irish Comeback. An Irishmnn' employed in a large factory had taken a day off without permission and seemed likely to lose his Job in consequence. When asked by his foreman the next dnv whv ha had not turned up the day before, he replied : "I was so 111, sir, thnt I could not come to work to save me life." "How was it, then, Tat that I saw you pass the factory on your bicycle during the morning?" asked the fore- man. I'nt was slightly taken aback, then regaining his presence of mind, he replied : "Sure, sir, that must have beea when I was going for the doctor." Pittsburgh Chronicle-Telegrap- Details Wanted. "Even this dog here did his bit In "That fellow has his orders already. In five hours more not the war." "Who'd he biter a German liner will dare leave New now," he said. York." Easily Done. With the newt of war and evidences of warlike activities on the sea, Carrington's party begin to think they will have some real adventure before they reach their destination. (TO BE CONTINUED.) "I'd like to get a little runnbaut." "Then why don't you ask Miss Flighty to marry you?" Today's pun Many a government weather forecaster has been badly weather beaten. Past Eminence. "The hyphen Rcems about done for." "Yot in its day It cut a dnsh." Macedonia Country of Queer People. Here In Macedonia we are so very Can a man be said to be pnrtlnl to a far away. In actual distance we may thing when he gives his entire attenbe nearer home than If we were In tion to it? Egypt says a correspondent of the Manchester Guardian. We knew a lot Sloth makes all things difficult. Inabout Egypt before we went there, but dustry all easy. American Proverb. very few of us' knew anything at all about Salonica, and the country which One method of dodging popularity lies behind it nor did that country Is to give your neighbors advice. know anything about as. Coming her yoa pass through that highly flavored town as through a gate, and enter a strange country, a country of queer Vm people, queer animals and queer names. to save Out of His Line. 'Who was the man you on the street and that just stopped waved his hands around so distractedly?" "Oh, that was Stardust, the cele brated astronomer, who discovered and named 186 minor planets." "What was his trouble?" "Be couldn't make up his mind whether to cams bis new baby Charles or William." helping bread by eating white more PustToastiQS YOU DOINQf |