The Blue Grass Seminary Girls on the Water Part 12

Mabel took a step forward. She was growing angry.

"You just get right out of here," she exclaimed.

The man drew back a step and scratched his head perplexedly.

"Miss," he said, "you are making a big mistake to s.h.i.+eld this man. I tell you he is plotting mischief which may involve the United States in war. We must have him before the s.h.i.+p sails."

"Well, you won't get him in here," declared the girl.

Again the man hesitated, then seemed on the point of moving forward again.

"I warn you for the last time to get out of here," said Mabel very quietly.

Once more her revolver came to bear on the man, and he drew back, throwing up his hands with a gesture of dismay. Then he turned to his companions.

"What can we do against that?" he asked. "We can't use a girl roughly, and if the s.h.i.+p gets beyond the three-mile limit, we can't get him till we reach Colon."

"Guess we'll have to wait then," said one of the others.

"Yep, guess we will."

The leader turned to Mabel and made her a low bow.

"I'm sorry you interfered with us," he said. "You'll find before long that you have done wrong."

"Perhaps I shall," said Mabel; "but I couldn't permit you to invade my cabin."

"Tell you what, Tim," said one of the men, "we'll just camp out here and get him when he comes out. He's likely to come out before we sail."

"Good idea," agreed the leader. "We'll do it."

Again he made a low bow to Mabel and followed his men out.

"Sorry to have troubled you," he muttered as he took his departure.

s.h.i.+rley and Bristow now came in from the other room.

"You did splendidly, Miss Ashton," declared Bristow warmly. "I was afraid you would allow them to enter."

Before Mabel could reply there came the sound of voices outside. One, raised in anger, was that of Mr. Willing. A moment later, followed by Colonel Ashton and d.i.c.k, he entered the room.

His gaze fell upon Henry Bristow.

"So," he growled, "it's you they're after, eh?"

"Yes, sir," returned Bristow quietly.

"Well, you sit down over there, young man," said Mr. Willing, pointing to a chair. "I'm going to tell you a few things, and I don't care whether you like them or not."

CHAPTER VIII.-THEIR FIRST QUARREL.

s.h.i.+rley and Mabel glanced at Mr. Willing in surprise. Young Bristow took the seat indicated, and the others also sat down.

"First," said Mr. Willing to Bristow, "I am going to ask you a question or two. If you refuse to answer, I shall, of course, draw my own conclusions."

The young man nodded.

"Proceed, sir," he said.

"All right. Now, in the first place, are you connected, in any capacity, with the German government?"

"That I cannot answer," was the reply.

"Very good! Now, then, are you aboard this s.h.i.+p at the command of the German government?"

"I cannot answer that question, either, sir."

"Suit yourself. Is it not a fact that those with whom you come in contact-those who seem to be your friends-are in danger because of their a.s.sociations with you?"

"I suppose you are right, sir."

"Just as I expected," declared Mr. Willing. "Now I've got this to say.

Already you have been the means of getting my daughter and the colonel's daughter into your sc.r.a.pes. They have come to your a.s.sistance twice.

Also d.i.c.k has been with you on one adventure. You will admit that, of course?"

"Of course, sir."

"Good. Then here is my ultimatum: I want you to keep away from me and mine. I don't want you to cross this threshold again; and I don't want you to speak to any of us should you chance to encounter us. Do I make myself plain?"

"Perfectly, sir," replied Bristow rising from his chair, his face pale.

"I am glad I do," declared Mr. Willing. "I haven't any use for a spy, be he German or English. Now you can get out of here."

Without a word Bristow moved toward the door. But Mabel leaped forward and barred his path. She turned to Mr. Willing.

"Surely you wouldn't send him out to be captured?" she exclaimed. "Those men are waiting for him out there."

"That is none of our affair," said Mr. Willing.

"I agree with Mabel in that," declared s.h.i.+rley. "If he goes out before we are beyond the three-mile limit, he will be taken prisoner."

"And if he isn't there is no telling what may happen," commented Mr.

Willing.