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'
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