From: Gatesy <de...@co...> - 2009-08-16 18:09:24
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T. There is a chance. And I hope you will find her." Captain Rifle rose from his chair and walked nervously back and forth. "It's a bad blow for the ship--her first trip," he said. "But I'm not thinking of the _Nome_. I'm thinking of Mary Standish. My God, it is terrible! If it had been anyone else--_anyone_--" His words seemed to choke him, and he made a despairing gesture with his hands. "It is hard to believe--almost impossible to believe she would deliberately kill herself. Tell me again what happened in your cabin." Crushing all emotion out of his voice, Alan repeated briefly certain details of the girl's visit. But a number of things which she had trusted to his confidence he did not betray. He did not dwell upon Rossland's influence or her fear of him. Captain Rifle saw his effort, and when he had finished, he gripped his hand, understanding in his eyes. "You're not responsible--not so much as you believe," he said. "Don't take it too much to heart, Alan. But find her. Find her if you can, and let me know. You will do that--you will let me know?" "Yes, I shall let you know." "And Rossland. He is a man with many enemies. I am positive his assailant is still on board." "Undoubtedly." The captain hesitated. He did not look at Alan as he said: "There is nothing in Miss Standish' |