The Argosy — page 298: what you’re looking at

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

Verena Fontaine’s Rebellion. 281 JT heard a little of what you said to papa at the garden-gate, Captain Tanerton—not much of it. JI wasinthe arbour. Why 1s it that you will not yet go to sea again? What is it you wait for?” ‘“T am waiting until I can stand clear in the eyes of men,” answered Jack, candid as usual, but somewhat agitated, as if the topic were a sore one. ‘‘ No man with a suspicion attaching to him should presume to hold authority over other men.” ‘‘T understand you,” murmured Verena. “If you stood as free from suspicion with all the world as you are in my heart, and— and”—she paused from emotion—‘“‘and I think in my father’s also, you would have no cause to hesitate.” Jack took a questioning glance at her; at the sad, eager eyes that were lifted beseechingly to his. ‘‘ It is kind of you to say so much,” he answered. ‘‘It struck me at the time of the occurrence that you could not, did not, believe me guilty.” Verena shivered. As if his steady gaze were too much for her, she turned her own aside towards the blue sky. ‘“‘ Good-bye,” she said faintly, putting out her hand. “TI only wanted to say this—to let you know that I believe in your innocence.”’ “Thank you,” said Jack, meeting her hand. ‘“ It1s gratifying to hear that you do me justice.” He walked quietly away. She stood still to watch him. And of all the distressed, sad, aching countenances ever seen in this world, few could have matched that of Miss Verena Fontaine. JOHNNY LUDLOW. (Concluded next month.) COMIC OOO SS (CO)