Her appearance seemed to tell her tale,
and it was sad to think that such wondrous beauty was but the
plaything of a gang of rough sailors.
"Are you married?" asked the detective, abruptly:
"No," came the answer, in a quick, decisive tone.
"Will you tell me your name?"
"They call me Renie."
"And your father's name?"
"Tom Pearce."
"The boat-keeper?"
"Yes."
"And you informed the men who I was?" repeated the detective.
"Yes."
"How did you find out that I was a Government officer?"
"I will not tell you."
"How did you find out that the men intended to go for me
to-night?"
"I overheard them arranging their plans."
"Do they know that you overheard them?"
"No."
"Then when they discover that I am up to their plans, will
they not accuse you of having betrayed them?"
"That is a question I cannot answer."
"I am astonished that you should put me in this peril, and
then come and warn me!"
"I tell you I did not think my information would be followed
by anything serious."
"But you tell me that three other officers have suffered by
them."
"I did not know that until after I had told them who you
were."
"Did you tell them directly?"
"No."
"Well, Renie, I am much obliged to you."
"And you will not go off in the yacht to-night?"
"I will think the matter over."
"Promise me that you will not go!" pleaded the girl, in an
earnest tone.
"I will not promise; but if I do go, you need have no fear. I
can take care of myself, forewarned, you know, is forearmed.
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