The Argosy, Vol. 84 No. 1 — page 179: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

° HIS “More than luck,” said Ellen Lisle gravely. “Perhaps you are right,” returned Saville. ‘“‘ But how did you contrive to leave the Gitana without arousing sus- picion?”’ The girl smiled. “Perhaps I was not quite successful there, though, after all, they had no reason to suspect anything. No one on board knew of my visit to you or indeed of your existence on this island. I in- sisted, somewhat hysterically perhaps, on leaving the yacht because [ held her to be an ill-fated vessel. They thought me a little mad, I dare say. Indeed, Gen- eral Vyner and his wife told me as much, but they did not venture beyond persua- sion. If they had—well, I should have had to swim for it again. “Of course, my greatest difficulty was in getting a word with Mr. Trail alone. After that it was all right. He con- firmed my story of his being an old friend of my father’s, though he had never heard my name before in his life.” There was a brief silence and they both watched the path of the sparkling sunlight on the water. “ Had Foularde not arranged for that telegram I do not know that I would leave the island even now,” said Saville slowly. ‘The Benmore, as you know, has brought supplies. But, of course, Foularde’s treachery drives me from this place for ever.” “You would have remained here— alone!’’ exclaimed Ellen Lisle. ‘IT have been very happy here—hap- pier than I ever have been elsewhere, I think. Yet I dare say I should weary of it in time.” “But the loneliness—the solitude—it must be terrible!” “JT must say that I have longed for companionship at times, and indeed on one occasion of an unexpected visit, found it very sweet.” ‘Ellen Lisle blushed. “T have often wondered how I found courage to come to you that night. You ISLE OF REFUGE. might have shot me down unchallenged in the darkness—but I saw no other way of warning you—and even then I was too late,” she added regretfully. ‘IT could have done nothing to prevent their destroying the cave even had I known of their intention,’’ replied Saville. ‘“ Besides, you have come again — and not too late this time. Had it not been for you the island would in all proba- bility have been my tomb as well as Foularde’s.” The girl shuddered. “And now—what will you do?” ‘“T shall leave the Benmore in the ‘motor-boat at night, one of the hands ac- companying me. They have thoroughly overhauled the engine and, as you know, the boat is now in tow. I propose to land somewhere on the Mexican coast. The man who accompanies me will return to the Benmore. Then the motor-boat will be taken to pieces and stowed away on the ship.” “And after you have landed?” ‘That depends upon circumstances. I have money lodged under different names in various banks. I dare say I shall man- age all right.” ‘“* But if you are recognized!” ‘Then I must pay the penalty, I sup- pose—but not without a good fight first. After all, who will care?” “T care,” said Ellen Lisle quietly and her eyes filled. ‘‘ For my father’s sake,” she added quickly. Saville glanced at her swiftly, then looked away again. He seemed to be struggling with himself. Then he sud- denly seized her hand with a grip which almost caused her to cry out. “Ah,” he said hoarsely, “if it were but a little—for my own!” : ‘Perhaps it is—a little,’’ she faltered. “ Ellen!” = : She turned swimming eyes to him. “Oh, give up this lawless life,” she cried. ‘“‘ Make a new beginning. You are strong, you are not yet old. Surely there is honest work for you in the world.” CORMICGLOOOKS 169 ~ (E@)