GENTLEMEN Of THE SEA

Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 231, 28 September 1915, Page 10

GENTLEMEN Of THE SEA

By PAUX TRENT, Author o.* "Right A gainst Might," "A Commercial Monte Or'uto," "The V<nc," etc., etc.

A SUrrieg BeuiM of the British

CHAPTER X.' Hallam lunched at his club, the Junior Array and Navy, «nd afterwards returned m Ryder Street, where he awaited his father. The more lie thought of the Karon , * tentative proposal, the more it appealed to him. It chanced that an Knglish officer he had known liad entered the Chilian navy, and hie pay had been excellent. Tho Smith American republic* possessed the very latent ships and appliance*, anil hr would He able to Weep in touch with the meet ; went naval developments. *o when he r>-turned to the IVitmh service he would not have beoimie runty. In the i ourne of the afternoon Mr. lUlliim fine in. and (rave liis eon a deprecating smile - 1 can't nay that Mm. Cameron is reconciled to the encasement. However, hhe recognises that she can do no good by opposing it. In fact, she it prepared to receive you on sufferance." " That is something." Guv said, cheerfully. " I've been thinking over things. There's Sir George ( ranston, your godfather. Hi , is a very old man and something of t recluse. 1 am going to call on him." " I haven't seen the old gentleman for years." " He has plenty of money and no relatives. I fuily expect that he will leave you something in his , will. I intend to explain your position to him." " Father. I hate you going round trying to borrow money," Ciut said vehemently. " 1 don't mind very much. After all, .it'll my fault, and it's the least 1 can do. My boy, I would make any sacrifice to put things right for you." (Juy determined to say very little to hi* father, about the South American 1 affair until it wai actually settled. About six o'clock be changed into evening dreas and drove to the Hotel. Stella and Valda were in the ' sitting-room, and he saw that the latter , * eyes were red with weeping. '•You will »tay to dinner!" Stella aeketl of him. " I can't, dear. I am going to dine, with the Baron." '■ Baron Branden ?" Valda asked, quickly. " Ye*: it may prove a lucky thing to him. He wants mc to join the naval semi<-e of one of the South American navjg>a." "(Juy. :!ou wouldn't leave the »»t----vice?" St«-Jla said, in consternation. "It wohld only be for a time. Of course,. 1 pMuil.l have to get permiMion from the Admiralty. They don't often refuse." Valda had riwn to her f#»t, and she moved forward impetuoualy toward* <ivy. But suddenly she stopped, and they were surprised at th* agitation depicted on her face. They both looked at her in wonder. " Mr. HalUm, you muat not din* with the Baron." she said, peremptorily. " I i a»k you to have nothing to do winhim." "Why not?" he anked quietly. " I don't think he's your friend." " That makes no difference. «o long as hr ran get mc the appointment," "You don't know— \Yhv can't I tell rou everything' , Valda cried, passionately. ' "One would imagine the Baron is a dangerous person person." Guv remarked lightly. "He is—dangerous to you." \ a Ida spoke with such conviction that Hallam was surprised. But now that lie had determined to accept the Baron's propoaaj, ho could not allow himself to be turn-d aside from his purpose. Uter all. Valda wa* probably only animiiti-! by a woman's fet-lins of dislike. Still. he would jriv.. her a chance of spoakin" more frankly. "Miss Glvn. I here accepted the Baron's invitation, and I shall din- with I'ini -unless you rm giv c mc some good rrason for not going." This answer only added to her di»trraa. Burning words were near her lipa. She hated to >ec the man she loved running headlong into danger. Then it happened that Stella took Guy's hand and pressed it to her bosom. In an instant \alda was seized by fierce jealousy. She only rememlipred that she wanted Guy'it love, and mUBt win it at any cost. Forgotten was her liking and friendship for Stella. "You must plense yourself. Mr. Hallam." »he said, dully.' "You've roused my curiosity. Who is thin Baron Branden?" he asknl. "I can tell you nothing. He wa* a friend of my mother's." "And in your guardian?" "I HUppoee so." she answered, reluctantly. "Stt-ila. I think I will go to my room." Mrs. Cameron had asknl Valda to stay with them at the Langhajii Hotel. nml Stella had insisted upon her coming at once. "How long can you stop!' , Stella asked of Guy, "Another half an hour." he answered, after glancing at his watch. Stella went with her friend, and returned in a few minutes. "She doesn't want you to go to the. Baron. Valda is not a girl of moods, and I'm wondering if there may not be some powerful reason which she doesn't care to tell us. Besides. I shall hate you to go to South America. It's so far away." she wound up. "Aβ Boon as I'm settled down you could join mc out there. I loathe the idea of leaving our service; but it will bring mc nearer to you. And I shall ntill be doing the work 1 love, although under another flag." "Perhaps ypu ure right, dearest." she ■aid, with n sigh. And then they talked of those tliinga which delight only a lover's ears. At last ho dragged himself away and drove to the Carlton. Upon inquiring at the reception bureau he was told that the Baron was not staying nt the hotel. So he walked into the Palm Garden, where his host joined him at once. "I would suggest we dine in the restaurant. Afterwards we will go to my home for our chat," the Baron said, and led the way. Tho restaurant was crowded, but a table had been engaged, and it was evident the Baron waa well known, for he was received with the utmost deference. The dinner had already been ordered, and Guy sat down to a meal which was chosen with the skill of an epicure. The Baron ate. with enjoyment, but made no mention of the object of thi.« meeting. He touched lightly and wittily upon tho topic* of the day, and proved

to be a highly entertaining companion. But all the time Guy wms conecioue of a fafnt feeling of dislike, and perhaps distrust. Once Guy's attention was attracted by a curious change in the Baron's expree«ion, while he was looking at a welldressed gentleman who came in and nat at a. table near to them. For the rest of their stay Jii» voice \vTS lowered, and he said the simplest things, as though he were making the most confidential communication. "Let Uβ have our coffee in the Palm Garden," he suggested, and as they rose he placed his hand on Guy's arm. leading him along with an air of familiarity. Cigars were brought, and Guy felt quite at peace with the world as he looked around at the many beautiful women, with their glittering jewels and pretty toilettes. Then he chanced to notice that the man who had dined near them came down the steps and chose a table a few yards away. "I think we will go ami talk of our little affair," the Baron said at last. It f»» a beautiful summer night, and they strolled slowly along until they reached one of the smaller lioußes in St. James' Square. Aβ he placed the key in the lock the Baron looked down the pavement whence they had come, and apparently was satisfied. Gtiy'it coat and hat were taken by a footman, ami the Baron opened fho door of a luxuriouslyfurnished smoking-room. "I have looked up your record, Mr Hallam. You appear to have done brilliantly. Two 'Firsts,' was it not?" 'Yes. , "You are a torpedo specialist, which includes wirelew. If rumour does not lie. You've done splendid work in the latter department I" , the Baron remarked, suavely. "I've made a special study of wireless." "Good. Now, as to pay." He named a figure that Mirprised Guy. but the latter gave no sign of his satisfaction. They talked together for a while, and finally the Baron intimated that the matter might be considered settled, subject to the receipt by him of a cable. "I expect to hear to-morrow, and 1 will communicate with you at once. In the meantime. I must a.ik you to keep my proposal an absolute secret." "I have already told my father.' , "That's a pity." "And my fiancee. Miss Cameron. Also another lady." • "Who may that be!" "Mise Glvn. whom you know." "She doesn't matter." the Baron said, with a laugh. "But no one else may know. Good night, my young friend." The Baron had rung a hell. The footman held open the door, and when Guy had gone out cIo«k1 it quietly, and hastened for his hat and coat. At that moment the front-door bell rang. Another footman threw it open, and a lady came in. "I wish to see the Baron at once. Tell him I'm here." It wan Valda, and as she spoke she recognised Guv. .•Mr. Hallam! Will you stay here until I have spoken to the Baron. Perhaps you will accompany mc back to the hotel ?" ulte suggested, quietly. Guy was aurpruved that she should pay so late a visit, but remembered that the Baran was her guardian. "I will wait with pleasure," he answered. Valda evidently knew her way about, for she w.-nt straight to the door of the room which Guy had left, and without knocking entered. The Baron had resumed his arat, and was in the act of lighting a freah cigar. At the sight of her he paused with the burning match in hie finger*. "You: But I'm not surprised," he added, with a smile. "Am 1 too late?" she demanded, in a low voice. "Too late for whet!" he »»ked, suavely. "To prevent the ruin of Mr. H»lla.m. I have seen through your game." "Miss I'amerun would not marry a ruineVi man. Have you thought of that?" "I've come to my senses." "Have you forgotten the sacred promise you gave your mother! You are too lute, my child. HaJlam's fate is fixed. When he is turned out of the British service I may find a use for him." "l)o you think he will turn traitor to hi* country?" she demanded scornfully. "More curious things have happened when an innocent man has met with undeserved punishment. Hallam will be a valuable man to us. lie has a very great knowledge." "What about the South American republic!" And the. Baron laughed heartily at the question. "Outside his work the man is very simple. You look tired. Miss Glyn. I suggest you go home to bed. and have a good night's rest. You will lose that great beauty which i» so valuable an ashct to us." "I loathe you." "Pray don't be hysterical. Come along, child." He opened the door, slipped his arm through her*, and drew her to the hall. But at the sight of Hallam he muttered a oath. However, he gate no sign of discomposure. "1 see you have waited for Miss Glyn. It was hardly necessary, for I intend to see her home." he said, pleasantly enough, and. turning to the footman, toM him to get a taxi-cab. "1 won't trouble you. 1 would rather go with Mr. ' Hallam," Valda said, hastily. ' '■ It is hardly proper with so young a man. Please, remember I'm you guardian." '■ I'll see Miss Glyn home." Guy broko in. in answer, to the look of appeal she gave him. The Baron glanced from ant , to the other, a mocking look in his eyes. " Then we will both go." he said, finally. The taxi-cab stood «t. the door, and he waved his hands towards it. "Shall 1 lead the way?" he asked politely. Guv looked qucetioningly at Valda. who appeared to hesitate, but at last went out. and he followed her. The Baron stood at the door while they got in. and gave a quick glance up and down the street. " l-angham Hotel," ho called to the driver, and they started off at once. (To be continued daily)