Page 315 (1/2)

Captain Wass was not astonished by that information

"Probably! All the talk which has been circulated says that you were

junking her I didn't have any idea you were trying to save her"

"We have been blocked by soand have the facts

to back 'em up, son Do you knohat could be done if that syndicate

could be busted? The old Vose croould probably hitch up with the

Bee line folks The Bee-liners are discouraged, but they haven't let

go their charter You wouldn't have to worry, then, about getting your

money to finish this job, and you'd have a blamed quick market for this

stea packet see at its power to help

"I a back and have a talk with old man Vose about this steamer,"

said Captain Wass "Now, son, a last word I don't want to pry into

any delicate matters But I sort of smell a rat in those papers in your

pocket When she took 'em out of her ot anything about you that would help me--help

us--help yourself?"

"No, sir; only what you see for yourself in this steamer's

possibilities"

"Very well; then I'll do the best I can But confound this girl business