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Show THE st TMES-NEW- Contrabaii' By Randall Parrish Copyright A. C Mcdarf & Co. NEPHI. UTAH. S. The Best Sea Story of the War That Has Been Written tor? or In any way a desperate charac- ROBERT HOLLIS MEETS THE MYSTERIOUS GIRL AND HAS LONG TALK WITH HER-W- ORD COMES THAT . WAR HAS BEEN DECLARED e sea captain, who tells the story, Synopsis Robert Hollis, is a guest on Gerald Carrlngton'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 be succeeds in meeting her and having an interview. one-tim- CHAPTER II. 2 Continued. Before the party finally broke up I had outlined my plan. I was in no haste to retire, having slept more or less during the afternoon; I would remain 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 was 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 officer 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 his 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 Carrlngton's hobbies 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 "Steamer chair, concealed myself beneath the folds 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 dispatched to call the second mate. The two came back together. Five minutes later, with no warning sound of approach, I became aware that someone had quietly rounded the end of the cabin. The mate passed me by within a few feet, so close, indeed, I could distinguish the buttons en 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 bis slow walk, but disappeared along the port rail. Fearing he might return, I remained motlon-lesyet 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-besl- de rail, 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, no doubt as to that, with a certain supple grace to her figure noticeable even In that quiet posture. Helped by the support of the flag locker, I tttalned my feet noiselessly, only half determined n the course I had better pursue. However, 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 me. I caught a glimpse of her face, white and youthful, her big eyes staring at me as though In sudden terror. She stepped 'back, then straightened slightly, her questioning eyes never leaving my :face. "I I supposed myself to be alone," she said, the words uncertain, but the 'voice clear. "You are one of the pasoffl--c- er 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 you will trust me enough to explain your object in thus coming uninvited aboard. I should prefer being your friend, if that prove possible." She did not answer, apparently hesitating in surprise at my unexpected plea, and doubtful as to my sincerity. "What is your name?" "Robert Hollis; I live In Chicago." She nodded, and I imagined the expression of her eyes changed slightly. The merest semblance of a smile curved her.lips. "I am rather glad you are my discoverer," she said quietly, "for I know who you are. You are not altogether a stranger." "I am not 1" I exclaimed in surprise. "Oh! I understand: Seeley has told you of me." "Has he indeed! Why Seeley?" "Because I have some reason to be lieve that the second officer is your 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 amuse1 ter?" "You appear a most charming young woman, whom I should be very glad to 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 yon who I am, nor why I am on board the Esmeralda 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 my hesitation.' "You still doubt 'me, Mr. Holllsr "No, It Is not doubt, yet I know so 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 beyond. "So far as I can yes," she answered soberly. "You may call me Vera." iarity with the word, yet utterly unable to Immediately recall the association, "that must be your given, not your family name?" "And you are not even satisfied at this evidence of my trust?" she questioned lightly. "Usually it is considered quite a compliment to be permitted to call a lady by her given name yet I grant you, a stranger, this privilege." "To which I am not insensible; yours is not a common appellative, yet I have known someone so named before." "Indeed! A friend?" "Well, really, I cannot say ; I haven't quite figured It out yet ; only the memory haunts me oddly, as something I ought to remember." "Or else forget," she Interrupted quickly. "What do you say If we blot out all this mystery, and just be natu- - s, star-glea- m , been. "Really, I must have nearly talked I said regretfully. "I do not know when I have before been guilty of such egotism." "Do not say that It was most In teresting. It Is nice to be spoken to as though one was an Intelligent human being It Is quite an experience." "Perhaps I do not understand." "Doubtless not for you are not a girl, and you tell me you never sought society. The very nature of your life has left you frank and straightforward. You talk to me just as you would to a you to sleep," man." "If my frankness has interested you," I ventured, "can you not realize CHAPTER III. how much I desire to learn more who you are, why you are here?" War, and a Copper Pool. "Of course; but I cannot tell you, "Vera," I echoed, in some way Mr. Hollis not yet." vaguely conscious of a strange familShe looked at her wrist watch, hold ment "If I did not chance to know better, Mr. Hollis, I should almost suspect you of being a lawyer," she said cheerfully. "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 you 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 you thoroughly as 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 feeling of disappointment. - "You mean I am to ask no further questions? to forget, if possible, your presence on board?" "Yes; 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 stili on deck that I ought. I am Mr. Carrlngton's when you came." guest, and owe him a certain loyalty "Where? You were expecting me?" you admit that?" "Yes." I indicated the chair in the shadow, "Have I a right to conceal from my but did not venture to move. "I was lying here, covered by a rug, host the knowledge which I have distout did not see you until you appeared covered, that a strange young woman yonder at the rail. Why do you ask has been hidden on board his yacht by one of his officers?" if I was expecting you?" "That must depend altogether on She hesitated Just an instant, but answered frankly. your sense of duty to both Mr. CarringThere was a man here last night, ton and myself," she returned calmly. .after the engines stopped. I believed "Do I appear like a thief? a conspira earliest command. I told of shipwreck In the South seas; of a battle for life in the Indian ocean ; of strange peoples met In every quarter of the earth; of fighting windy gales off the Atlantic coast and the silent desolation of tropic seas. Breathless with Interest she questioned me, and I answered, feeling the magic of her eyes on my face, the soft intoxication of her presence beside me. She was natural, wholesome, the very sort of woman I had dreamed about as being some where in the world, yet had never met before. Her very presence was inspi ration, but beyond this vague Impression my dream did not go. Then I looked aside at her and laughed, realizing suddenly how loquacious I had Breathles With Interest, She tioned Me. Ques- 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 Spain. 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 was 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 realized my purpose, I began speaking. I 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 which re ing 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 choice. You understand I could not 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 yon 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 report ing a heavy fog, through which the yacht was proceeding slowly. The vessel was still within easy view of Montauk, 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 Belgium 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 exclaimed, 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 cannot 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 ray agents to buy, buy. Now, with England in, the result is certain," , He paused, and studied the faces In ' the group. "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 campaign all mapped out; I know 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 approaching, and prepared for It By wireless we can operate surely and secretly, with no possible fear of be trayal. The only question Is, are you ready to back me up?" The expression on the faces of those gathered about him reflected the varied character of the men. They were alike startled by the unexpected turn of affairs, yet financial greed evidently predominated. Even the one German In the group had seemingly forgotten his nationality In view of the golden bait dangling so temptingly before his eyes. Fosdick, actuated by bis lawyer Instincts, and still cool and calculating, was first to question the proposition. "You are perfectly assured of being able to control the market?" Fosdick asked. "I already practically control," returned Carrington confidently. "With a little more capital the game is certain. In twelve hours, gentlemen, we can have the copper situation entirely In our hands. Here are my holdings Individually. I need your help to close the deal." They bent over the papers, eager to grasp the truth, but abundantly satis-fle- d with a quick glance at the magic figures. It was evidently enough a master stroke, a business deal easy to comprehend, and all that remained for them to do was to take their profits. "You you return immediately to New York?" questioned McCann, bis Hps trembling. "Certainly not; our game at present Is to keep out of sight ; permit no one to discover who Is behind the movement. Your personal checks will sat isfy me. I propose holding the yacht, say a hundred miles from shore, and 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 NOT A BIT! PAIN? LIFT YOUR CORNS OR CALLUSES OFF Apply few drop 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 upoa 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 caiios, bnt shrivels them so they loosen and come right out It Is no humbug I 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 his wholesale house. adv. As Mitey Wise Understood It They were talking about aviation. "As I understand said Mr. Mltey Wise, "the monoplane is a flying machine from which one falls, the biplane is one from which two fall If and" "I get you," chirped the quick think- er. "The is one from which they all fall out." Indianapolis News. THIS DRUGGIST KNOWS BEST KIDNEY MEDICINE now." "And L" "and L" echoed from Up to Up. Carrington, pleasantly, smiling 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 I'll 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 far forward. "Sail ho!" "Where away?" echoed the bridge. "Off the starboard bow, sir a big one." We gathered at the rail staring out blankly into the smother. Then suddenly 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. Carrington pointed out Into the blank mist. "There goes one of your bulldogs now," he said. "That fellow has his orders already. In five hours more not a German liner will dare leave New York." With the newt of war and evidences of warlike activities on the sea, Carrlngton's party begin to think they will have some real adventure before they reach their destination. (TO BE CONTINUKD.) 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 betn very successful in the treatment of kidney, liver and bladder troubles 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, 1910. Sedalia, Missouri. Letter to Dr. Kilmer tfN.Co.Y. Blnhmton, W1H Do Prove What Swamp-RoSend ten cents to Dr. Kilmer For Yoa & Co., for a sample size Binghamton, N. Y., Yom bottle. It will convince anyone. 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 Irishman 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 day why he had not turned up the day before, he replied: "I was so ill, sir, that I could not come to work to save me life." "How was It, then, Pat, that I saw you pass the factory on your bicycle during the morning?" asked the fore-- r man. Pat was slightly taken aback, then regaining his presence of mind, he ed : "Sure, sir, that must have been when I was going for the doctor." Pittsburgh Chronicle-Telegrap- Details Wanted. "Even this dog here did his bit In the war." "Who'd he biter Easily Done. "I'd like to get a little runabout." "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 seems about done for." "Yet in its day It cut a dash." Macedonia Country of Queer People. Can a man be said to be partial to a Here In Macedonia we are so very 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 us. Coming hers you pass through that highly flavored town as through a gate, and enter a strange country, a country of queer I'm people, queer animals and queer names helping to save Out of His Line. "Who was the man that just stopped you on the street and waved his hands around so distractedly?" "Oh, that was Stardust the celebrated astronomer, who discovered and named 186 minor planets." .''What was his trouble?" "He couldn't make up his mind whether to came bis new baby Charles or William." white bread by eating more PostToasties HI - whatKre IVU: |