The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, September 13, 1903, Page 12

BRE STER'S 2 This is the fourth and last in- stallment of “Brewster’s Millions.” Watch these pages for a genuine sur- prise next Sunday. Copyright 1903 by Herbert 5. Stone & Co. All rights reserved. CHAPTER XXIIL AN OFFER OF MARRIAGE. HE summer is scarcely a good time to visit Egypt, but Monty and his guests had a desire to see even a little of the northern coast of Africa. It was decided, therefore, that after Athens, the “Flitter” should €0 south. The yacht had met them at Naples after the automoblle pro- cession—a kind of triumphal progress,— was disbanded In FTorence, and they had taken a hurried survey of Rome. By the middle of July the party was leaving the heat of Egypt and finding it not half bad. New York was not more than a month away as Brewster reckoned time and dis- tance, and there was still too much money in the tressury. As September drew near- er he got into the habit of frequently for- getting Swearengen Jones until it was too late to retrace his steps. He was coming to the “death struggle,” as he termed it, an. there was something rather terror- izing in the fear that “the milllon might dle bard” And so these last days and nights were glorious ones, it one could have looked at them with unbiased, untroubled eyes. But every member of his party was praying for the day when the “Flitter” would be well into the broad Atlantic and the worst over. At Alexandria Brewster had letters to some Englishmen, and in the few enter- tainments that he gave succeeded once again in fairly outdoing Aladdin. A shelk from the iInterior was a guest at one of Monty’s entertainments. He was a burly, hot-blooded fellow, with a densely-populated harem, and he had been invited more as a curiosity than as one to be honored. As he came aboard the “Flitter” Monty belleved the invita- tion was more than justified. Mohammed was superb, and the women of the party ade so much of him that it was small that his head was turned. He fell desperately in love with Peggy Gray on sight, and with all the composure of a potentate who has never been crossed he sent for Brewster the next day and told him to “send her around” and he would arry her. Monty's blood bolled furious- for a minute or two, but he was quick to see the wisdom of treating the propo- sition diplomatically. He tried to make it lain to the sheik that Miss Gray could accept the honor he wished to confer n her, but it was not Mohammed's tom to be denled anything he asked —especially anything feminine. He mplacently announced that he would ome aboard that afternoon and talk it ver with Peggy. Brewster looked the swarthy gentleman er with unconcealed disgust in his eyes. he mere thought of this ugly brute so much as touching the hand of little Peggy Gray filled him with horror, and yet there was something laughable in the situa- 1. He could not hide the smile that ame with the mind picture of Peggy listening to the avowal of the shelk. The Arab misinterpreted this exhibition of mirth. To him the grin indicated friend- ship and encouragement. He wanted to give Brewster a ring as a pledge of af- fection, but the American declined the of- fering and also refused to carry a bag of jewels to Peggy. “T'll let the old boy come aboard just to see Peggy look a hole through him,” he resolved. “No matter how obnoxious it may be, it isn't every girl who can say an Oriental potentate has asked her to marry him. If this camel-herder gets dis- agreeable we may tumble him into the sea for a change. With the best grace possible he invited the shelk to come aboard and consult Miss Gray in person. Mohammed was a good bit puzzled over the intimation that it would be necessary for him to plead for anything he had expressed a desire to possess. Brewster confided the news to “Rip” Van Winkle and “Subway” Smith, who had gone ashore with him, and the trio agreed that it would be good sport to let the royal proposal come as a sur- prise to Peggy. Van Winkle returned to the yacht at once, but his companions stayed ashore to do some shopping. When they approached the “Flitter” later on they observed an unusual commotion on deck. Mohammed had not tarried long after their departure. He gathered his train together, selected a few costly presents that had been returned from the harem and advanced on the boat without delay. The captain of the “Flitter’”’ stared long and hard at the gayly bedecked launches and then called to his first officer. To- gether they watched the ceremonious ap- proach. A couple of brown-faced heralds came aboard first and announced the ap- proach of the mighty chief. Captain Perry went forward to greet the shelk as he came over the side of the ship, but he was brushed aside by the advance guards. Half & hundred swarthy fellows crowded aboard and then came the shelk, the per- sonification of pomp and pride. “Where is she?” he asked in his native tongue. The passengers were by this time aware of the visitation and began to straggle on deck, filled with curiosity. “What the devil do you mean by com- ing aboard in this manner?”’ demanded the now irate Captain Perry, shoving a couple of retainers out of his path and facing the beaming suitor. An interpreter took & hand at this juncture and the doughty captain finally was made to un- derstand the object of the visit. He laughed in the shelk’s face and told the mate to call up a few jackies to drive the “dagoes” off. “Rip” Van Winkle in- terfered and peace was restored. The cruise had changed “Rip” into & happler and far more radlant creature, so it was only natural that he ghould have shared the secret with Mary Valentine. He had told the story of the shelk’s demand to her as soon as he came aboard, and she had divulged it to Peggy the instant “Rip” was out of sight. Brewster found the shelk sitting in state on the upper deck Iimpatiently await- ing the appearance of his charmer. He 4id not know her name, but he had tranquilly commanded “Rip” to produce all of the women on board s0 that he might select Peggy from among them. Van Winkle and Bragdon, who now was In the secret, were prepar- ing to march the ladies past the ruler when Monty came up. “Has be seen Peggy?” he asked of Van ‘Winkle. “Not yet. She is dressing for the occa- sion.” “Well, wait and see what happens to him when she gets over the first shock,” laughed Monty. Just then the shelk discovered Peggy, who, pretty as a_picture, drew near the strange group. To her amazement two slaves rushed forward and obstructed her passage long enough to beat their heads on the deck a few times, after which they arose and tendered two magnificent neck- laces. She was prepared for the proposal, but this action disconcerted her; she gasped and looked about in perplexity. Her friends were smiling broadly and the sheik ha. placed his hands over his pal- pitating heart. “Lotharfo has a pain” whispered “Rip” Van Winkle sympathetically, and Brewster laughed. Peggy did not hes- itate an instant after hearing the laugh. She walked stralght toward the sheik. Her cheeks were pink and her eyes were flashing dangerously. The persistent brown slaves followed with the vels, but she ignored them completely. Brave as she intended to be, she could not re- press the shudder of repulsion that went “Are You Tired, Peggy?”’ Asked Brewster, With a Touch of Tenderness. over her as she looked eager Arab. Gracqful and slender she stood before the burly Moham#ned, but his ardor was not cooled by the presence of so many witnesses. With a thud he dropped to his knees, waobling for a moment in the successful effort to maintain a poetic equilibrium. Then he began pouring forth volumes of shattered French, Eng- lish and Arabic sent!ment, accompanied by facial contortions so intense that they were little less than grewsome. “Oh, joy of the sun supreme, jewel of the only eye, hatken to the entreaty of Mohammed.” It was more as If he were commanding his troops in battle than pleading for the tender compassion of a lady love. “I em come for you, queen of the sea and earth and sky. My boats are here, my camels there, and Mohammed promises you a palace in the sun-lit hills it you will but let him bask forever in the glory of your smile.” All this was uttered in a mixture of tongues so atroc- fous that “Subway"” Smith afterward de- scribed it as a salad. The retinue bowed impreesively and two or three graceless Americans applauded as vigorously as if they were approving the actions of a well- drilled comic opera chorus. Sallors were hanging in the rigging, on the davits and over the deck house roof. “Smile for the gentlemen, Peggy,” com- manded Brewster delightedly. “He wants to take a short bask “You are very rude, Mr. Brewster,' said Peggy turning upon him coldly. Then to the waiting, expectant sheik: “What is the meaning of this eloquence?” Mohammed looked bewlildered for a moment and then turned to the inter- preter who cleared up the mystery sur- rounding her English. For the next three or four minutes the air was filled with the “Jewels of Africa,” “Star,” “Sun- light,”” “Queen,” “Heavenly Joy,” “Pearl of the Desert,” and other things in bad English, worse French and perfect Arabic, He was making promises that could not be redeemed if he lived a thousand years. In conclusion the gallant sheik drew a long breath, screwed his face into a sim- pering, grin and played his trump card in unmistakable English. It sounded pathet- ically like “You're a peach.” An indecorous roar went up from the white spectators and a jacky in the rig- ging, suddenly thinking of home, piped up with a bar or two from “The Star Spangled Banner.” Having accomplished what he consid- ered to te his part of the ceremony the sheik arose and started toward his launch, coolly motioning for her to fol- low. 8o far as he was concerned the mat- ter was closed. But Peggy, her heart thumping like a trip-hammer, her eyes full of excitement, implored him to stop for a moment. “I appreciate (his great honor, but T have a request to make,” she said clearly. Mohammed paused {rresolutely and in some irritation. “Here's where the heathen gets it among the beads,” whispered Monty to Mrs. Dan, and he called out: ‘‘Captain Perry, detall half a dozen men to pick up the beads that are about to slip from his majesty’s neck.” L XXTIV. full upon this THE SHEIK'S TRAGEDY. Peggy gave the shelk an entrancing smile, followed by a brief glance at the beaming Miss Valentine, who nodded her head approvingly. “Won't you give me time to go below and pack my belongings that they may be sent ashore?” she asked naively, “Thunder!” gasped Monty. “That’s no way to turn him down.” ““What do you mean, Monty Brewster?" she cried, turning upon him with flashing eyes. “Why, you're encouraging the old guy,” he protested, disappointment in every in- flection. “And what if T am? Isn’t it my affair? ¥ THE BUNDAY CALL. { By Richard P. Greaves X 1 think I am right in suspecting that he has asked me to be his wife. Isn't it my privilege to accept him if I wish?”’ Brewster’'s face was a study. He could not believe that she was In earnest, but there was a ghastly feeling that the joke was being turned on him. The rest of the company stared hard at the flushed Pegg8Y and breathlessly awalted developments. “It won’t do to trifle with this chap, Peggy,” sald Monty, coming quite close to her. “Don’t lead him on. He might get nasty if he thinks you're making sport of him."” “You are quite absurd, cried, petulantly. sport of him.” "“Well, then, why don’t you tell him to g0 about his business?’ “I don’t see any beads lying around loose,” sald “Rip” tormentingly. The sheik impatiently sald something to the interpreter and that worthy repeated it for Peggy's benefit. “The Son of the Prophet desires that you be as quick as possible, Queen of the World. He tires of walting and com- mands you to come with him at once.” Peggy winced and her eyes shct a brief look of scorn at the scowling shetk. In an Instant, however, she was smiling agreeably and was turning toward the steps. ““Holy mackerel! Where are you going, Pegey?” cried Lotless, the first to turn tearful. “To throw some things into my trunk,” she responded airily. “Will you come with me, Mary?” “Peggy!"” cried Brewster angrily. hae gone far enough.” “You should have Monty,” she sald quietly. ““What are you going to do, Margaret?” cried’ Mrs. Dan, her eyes' wide with amazement. “I am going to marry the Son of the Monty,” she “l am not mgking “This spoken sooner, “‘One of the Boats Came Up and They Were Drawn Over the Side to Safety.” Prophet,” she replied so decidedly that every one gasped. A moment l'ater she was surrounded by a group of excited women, and Captain Perry was calling the “jackies” forward in a voice of thunder. Brewster pushed his way to her side, his face as white as death. “This isn't a joke, Peggy,” he cried. “Go below and I'll get rid of the shelk.” Just then the burly Algerfan asserted himself. He did not like the way in which his adored one was being handled by the “‘white dogs,” and with two spear- men he rushed up to Brewster, jabbering angrily. “Stand back, you idiot, or I'll punch your head off,” said Brewster, with sud- den emphasis. It was not until this moment that Peggy realized that there might be a serious side to the little farce she and Mary had decided to play for the punishment of Brewster. Terror suddenly took the place of mirth and she clung frantically to Monty's arm. “I was joking, Monty, only joking,” she cried. “Oh, what have I done?” “It is my fault,” he exclaimed, “but I'll take care of you, never fear.” “‘Stand aside!” roared the shelk threat- eningly. The situation was ominous. Frightened as they were the Wwomen could not flee, but stood as If petrified. Sallors eagery swarmed to the deck. “Get off this boat,” said Monty, omi- nously calm, to the interpreter, “‘or we'll pitch you and your whole mob into the sea.” “Keep cool! Keep cool!” ecried “Sub- way" Smith quickly. He stepped between Brewster and the angry suitor, and that action alone prevented serious trouble. While he parleyed with the sheik Mrs. De- Mille hurried Peggy to a safe place below deck, and they were followed by a flock of shivering women. Poor Peggy was al- most in tears with the piteous glances she threw at Brewster when he stepped be- tween her and the impetuous shelk, who had started to follow, struck deep into his heart and made him ready to fight to the death for her. It took nearly an hour to con- vince the Algerian that Peggy had misunderstood him and that Amer- ican women were not to be wooced after the African fashion. He finally departed with his entire train, thoroughly dissatisfied and in high dudg- eon. At first he threatened to take her by force; then he agreed to give her an- other day in which to make up her mind to go with him peaceably, and again he concluded that a bird in the hand wis worth two in the bush. That night Brewster entertained on board the yacht, several resident French and English acquaintances being the guests of honor. The story of the day was told by Mrs. Dan DeMille, commissioned especi- ally for the duty. She painted the scene so vividly that the guests laughed with joy over the discomfiture of the sheik. Peggy and Brewster found themselves looking sheepishly at one another now and then in the course of the recital. She purposely had avolded him during the evening, but she had gamely endured the ralliery that came from the rest of the party. If she was a bit pale It was not surprising. Now that it was over the whole affair appalled her more than she could have suspected. When several of the guests of the evening soberly an- nounced that Mohammed was a danger- ous man and even an object of worry to the government, she felt a strange catch in her thoat and her now mirthless eyes turned instinctively to Brewster, who, It seemed, was the shelk's special object of aversion, The next day she and Monty talked it over. The penitence of both was beauti- ful to behold. Each denled the other the privilege of assuming all the blame and both were so happy that Mohammed was little more than a preposition in their con- versation so far as prominence was con- cerned. But all day long the harbor was full of fisher boats, and at nightfall they still were lolling about, sinister, restless, mysterious like purposeless buzzards. And the dark men on board were taking up no fish, neither were they minding the nets that lay dry and folded in the bot- tom of their boats. Far into the night there was revelry on board the Flitter, more guests having come out from the city. The dark hours before the dawn of day had arrived be- fore they put off for shore, but the fisher boats were still bobbing about in the black waters of the harbor. The lights gradually disappeared from the port-holes of the yacht, and the tired watch was about to be relieved. Monty Brewster and Peggy remained on deck after the guests had gone over the side of the ves- sel. They were leaning over the rall aft listening to the jovial voices of the visit- ors as they grew fainter and fainter in the.distance. The lights of the town were few, but they could plainly be seen from the offing. ‘““Are ycu tired, Peggy?”’ asked Brew- ster, with a touch of tenderness. Some- how of late he had often felt a strange desire to take her in his arms, and now it was strong upon him. Bhe was very near, and there was a drooping weariness in her attitude which seemed to demand protection. “I have a queer feeling that something awful going to happen to-night, she answered, trouble in her soft “You're nervous, that's all,” he 'said, “and you should get to sleep. Good- night.” Their hands touched in the dark- ness, and the thrill that went over him told a truth of which he had been only vaguely consclous. The power of it made him exultant. Yet when he thought of her and her too quiet affection for him it left him despondent. Something bumped against the side of “Try as He Would, Monty Could Not' See Peggy Alone.” the ship and a grating sound followed. Then came other gentle thuds, combined with the soft swish of water disturbed. Peggy ani Brewster were on the point of going below when their attention was caught by these strange sounds. “What is it?" she asked as they paused irresolutely. He strode to the ratl, the girl following close behind. Three sharp little whistles came from above and be- hind them, but before they had time even to speculate as to their meaning the re- sult was in evidence. Over the sides of the ship came shad- owy forms as if by magic; at their backs panther-like bodies dropped to the deck with stealthy thuds, as if coming from the inky sky above. There was in instant of dreadful calm and then the crisis. A dozen sinewy forms hurled themselves upon Brewster, who, taken completely by surprise, was thrown to the deck in an instant, his attempt to cry out for help being checked by heavy hands. Peggy's scream was cut off as quickly, and para- lyzed by terror, she felt herself engulfed in strong arms and smothered into si- lence. 1t all happened so quickly that there was no chance to give the alarm, no opportunity to resist Brewster felt himself lifted bodily, and then there was the sensation of falling. He struck something forcibly with all his weight-and fell ‘back with a crash to the deck. Afterward He found that the ef- fort to throw him overboard had failed only because his assailants in their haste had hurled himself against an unseen stanchion. Peggy was botne forward and lowered swiftly into arms that depdsited her roughly upon somethng hard. There was a jerky, rocking motion, the sudden splash of oars, and then she knew no more. The invaders had planned with a‘crafti- ness and patience that deserved success. For hours they had waited, silently, watchfully and with deadiy assurance. How they crept up to the “Flitter” in such numbers gnd how the more dearing came &board long before the blow was MIL LI struck, no one ever explained. So quick- ly and so accurately was the abduction performed that the boats were well clear of the yacht before alarm was given by one of the watch who had been over- looked in, the careful assault. Sleepy sailors rushed on deck with a promptitude that was amazing. Very quickly they had found and unbound Brewster, carried a couple of wounded shipmates below and had Captain Perry in his pajamas on deck to take command. “The searchlight!” cried Brewster fran- ticaily. “The devils have “stolen Miss Gray.” While swift the boats for hands were lowering the chase others were carrying firearms on deck. The searchlight threw its mighty white arm out over the water before many onds had passed, and eager eyes were looking for the boats of the pillage: Arabs.had reckoned without the se light. Their fierce exultation died denly when the mysterious streak of light shot Into the sky and then swept down upon the sea, hunting them out of the darkness like a great and relentless eye The “Flitter's” boats were in the water and manned by sturdy oarsmen before the glad cry went up that the robber fleet had been discovered. They were so near the yacht that it was evident the dusky tribesmen were poor oarsmen. In the clear light from the ship's deck they could be seen paddling wildly, their white robes fluttering as though Inspired by fear. There were four boats, all of them crowd- ed to the gunwales. “Keep the light on them, captain,” shouted Monty from below. “Try to pick out the boat that has Miss Gray on board. Pull away, boy This means a hundred dollars to every one of you—yes, a thou- sand if we have to fight for her!” “Kill every damned one of them, Mr. Brewster,” roared the captain, who had retired behind a boat when he became aware of the presence of women on deck. Three boats shot away from the side of the yacht, Brewster and Joe Bragdon in the first, both armed with rifles. “Let’s take a shot at 'em,” cried a sall- or who stood in the stern with his finger on a trigger. “‘Don’t do that! We don’t know -what boat holds Peggy,” commanded Brewster. “Keep cool, boys, and be ready to scrap if we have to.” He was half mad with fear and anxiety, and he was determined to exterminate the bands of robbers if harm had come to the girl in their power. “She’s In the second boat,” came the ery from the yacht, and the searchlight ‘was kept on that particular object almost to the exclusion of the others. But Cap- tain Perry saw the wisdém of keeping all of them clearly located in order to pre- vent trickery. Brewster's brawny sailor boys came up like greyhounds, cheering as they da among the boats of the fugitives. or four shots were fired into the air by the zealous American lads, and there were loud cries from the Arabs as they veered off panic-stricken. Monty's boat was now in the path of light and not far behind the one which held Peggy. He was standing in the bow. “Take care of.the others!” back to his (followers. the leaders.’ The response from behind was a cheer, a half dozen shots and some of the most Joyous profanity that ever fell from the lips of American sallors, mingled with shrieks from the boats they were to “take care of."” top!” Brewster shouted to the Arabs. top, or we'll kill every one of you!" His boat was not more than fifty feet from the other. Suddenly a tall, white-robed figure arose in the middle of the Egyptian craft, and a moment later the pursuers saw Peggy's form passed up to him. She was in- stantly clasped by one of his long arms, and the other ‘was lifted high above A A gleaming knife was held in the up- raised hand. “Fire on us if you dare!” came In French from the tall Arab. “Dog bf an American, she shall die if you come near her!” Brewster's heart almost ceased beating, he ‘called “We'll go after “Peggy Was the One Rebel Against the Conspiracy.” and every vestige of color left his face. Clear and distinct in the light from the vacht the Arab and his burden were outlined against the black screen beyond. There was no mistaking the earnestness of the threat, mor could the witnesses doubt the ghastly Intention of the long, cruel knife that gleamed on high. Peg- gy's body served as a shield for that of her captor. Brewster and Bragdon rece ognized the man as one of Mohammed's principal retainers, a flerce-looking fel- low who attracted more than usual attention of the shelk's visit. “For God's sake, don't kill her!” cried Brewster in agonized tones. There was a diaboli grin on the face of the Arab, who was about to shout back some de- fiant taunt when the unexpected hap- pened. The sharp crack of a gun sounded in the stern of Brewster’s boat, and an un- erring bullet sped straight for the big Arab’s forehead. between his eyes and death m{:s(c:;s\:’:%un instantaneous. The knifs flew from his hand, his body stralghtened and then collapsed, toppling over, not among his oarsmen, but across the gun- wale of the craft. Before a hand could be lifted to prevent, the deed Arab and the girl were plunged into the sea. A cry of horror went up from the Amer- icans, and something surprisingly like a shout of triumph from the abductors. Even as Brewster poised for the spring into the water a flylng form shot past him and into the sea with a resounding splash. The man that fired t ot had reckoned cleverly, and he was out the final details of an ! The Arab's position as he s boat was such as to warrant the sal bellef that he could fall no other W than forward, and that meant ove side of the boat. With all this clearly in mind he had shot straight and true and was on his wa t r the to the water almost as the two toppled overboard. Monty Brewster was In the water an instant later, striking out for the spot where they had disappeared, a little to the left of the course in which his boat was running. There was a rattle of f arms, with curses and cheers, but he p no heed to these sounds. He was a length or two behind the sallor, praying w *his soul that one or the other mig! ceed in reaching the white robes that still kept the surface of the water. His crew was “backing water” and straining every muscle to bring the boat around sharp for the rescue. The sallor's powerful strokes brought him to the spot first, but not In time to clutch the disappearing white robes. Just as he reached out an arm to grasp form of the girl she went down. He not hesitate a second, but followed. Peggy had fallen from the dead Arab’s embrace, and that worthy already was at the bottom of the sea. She was half consclous when the shot came, but the plunge into the cold water revived her. Her struggles were enough to keep up for a few moments, b not long enough for the swimmers to reach her side. She felt herself going down and down, strangling, smothering, dying. T something vise-like clutching her arm she had the sensation of bel Jerked ward violently. The sailor fought his way to the sur- face with the girl, and Brew his side in an Instant supported her until one came up, and ¥ over the side to safety. t abductors had scattered like st out a leader, and as there was object In pursuing them the can fleet put ba haste. Pegg carried aboard by the triu ster. The words he whisg she lay in the bottom enough to give her life. The excitement on board the F1 boundless. Fear gave where despair had for a supreme, there was now delight. Peggy was bt into her berth, Dr. Lotless atte k. y all the women were carried on the s enthusiastic supporters to a pla hot toddies were to be had before blan- kets. The next morning he proposed to hunt for the sheik, and offered to lea sault In person. An Invest! made and government officials call Mohammed to account, but fled to the desert and the search was fruitless. Brewster refused to accapt the glory of Peggy’s reseu roy forward as the real sailor insisted that he could not succeeded without help—that he was c pletely exhausted when Monty came the rescue. Peggy found it hard to th: him gently while her heart was so dan- gerously near the riot point, and her words of gratitude sounded pi ¥ weak and insufficle “It would ha e been the same had any- to her rescue,” he mused .~ “She cares for me with the ¢ a sister and that's all. Pesg he moaned, “if you could on » me, I'd—I'd—oh, well, there's no g about it! She will love s e, of course, and—and be happy, If she’'d appear only one grateful to me as to Conroy I'd be sat He had the luck to be first, that's but God knows I tried to do ' gy was not herself for several days after her experience, and the whole party felt a distinct rellef when the yacht finally left the harbor and steamed off to the west. A cablegram that came the day before may have had something to do with Brewster's depression, but he was not the sort to confess it. It was from Swearengen Jones of Butte, M - and there was something sinister 1 e laconic admonition. It read: Brewster, U. S. Consulate, Alexandria: Have a good time while good times last. JONES. His brain was almost bursting with the hopes and fears and uncertainties that crowded it far beyond its ordinary capacity. It had come to the point, it seemed to him, when the bratns of a dozen men at least were required to operate the affairs that were surging into his alone. The mere fact that the end of his year was less than two months off, and that there was more or less uncer- tainty as to the character of the end, was sufficlent cause for worry, but the new trouble was infinitely harder to en- dure. When he sat down to think over his financial enterprises his mind erously wandered off to Peggy Gray, and then everything was hopeless. He re- called the courage and confldence that had carrled him to Barbara Drew with a declaration of love—to the stunning, worldly Barbara—and smiled Dbitterly when he saw how basely two allies were deserting him in this hour of love for Peggy Gray. For some reason he had felt sure of Barhara; for another,reason he saw no chance with Peggy. She was not the same sort—she was different. She was—well, she was Peggy. |, Occasionally his reflections assumed the importance of calculations. His crulse was sure to cost 3200,000, a princely sum, but not enough. Swearengen Jones and his cablegrams did not awe him to a great extent. The spending of the million had become a mania with him now and he had no regard for consequences. His cne desire, aside from Peggy, was to in- crease the cost of the cruise. They were leaving Gibraltar when a new idea came into his troubled head. He decided to change his plans and sail for the North Cape, thereby adding more than $30,000 to his credit. XXVL Brave as he was in the presence of his friends, in the privacy of his stateroom