The Blue Grass Seminary Girls on the Water Part 6

He looked the man squarely in the eyes and demanded:

"What are you following me for?"

The man looked at him and smiled pleasantly.

"I just want to keep you in sight," he replied.

"Why?"

"You know, I guess. You don't want me to speak right out, do you?"

"Well, no," replied Bristow, "but I'll thank you to follow me no longer."

"Sorry," was the reply, "but I am afraid I shall have to."

"I warn you," said Bristow quietly, "to let me alone. Is that plain enough?"

"Perfectly plain," was the reply. "I'm sorry I can't accommodate you."

He resumed his eating.

d.i.c.k and Bristow finished their meal first and rose to go. The other man waited until they were at the door, then picked up his check and followed them. And so when they pa.s.sed out, he was right behind them once more.

"I don't like this idea of being followed," said d.i.c.k. "What's he want, anyhow?"

"We'll get rid of him," replied Bristow, absolutely ignoring d.i.c.k's second question.

He turned down a side street, and they walked for three or four blocks, at length coming to a rather darker street. Here Bristow slipped around the corner and motioned d.i.c.k to silence.

The footsteps of their pursuer came to their ears. He drew nearer.

Bristow advanced close to the edge of the building.

"What are you going to do?" asked d.i.c.k.

"You'll see," was the brief response.

As the man came into view, Bristow suddenly struck out with his right fist, and the man toppled over.

Bristow turned to d.i.c.k.

"Come!" he said quietly.

With one look at the fallen man d.i.c.k obeyed, and they were soon beyond pursuit.

d.i.c.k had been taken by surprise by the suddenness of Bristow's attack.

Try as he would he could see no reason for it. He, as well as Bristow, objected to being followed, but d.i.c.k would not have taken such measures to elude his pursuer.

He followed his companion without a word, however, and soon they were back at the hotel.

The others had not returned, but Bristow sat down, announcing that he had something important to say to Mr. Willing when the latter did get back.

Half an hour later, Colonel Ashton, Mr. Willing and the two girls came in.

"Well, I see you beat us," exclaimed Mr. Willing. "Have a good time?"

"Yes, sir," replied d.i.c.k.

"Mr. Willing," said Bristow, "I have something of importance to say to you."

"All right, sir," came the answer, "out with it."

"Will you all promise to repeat nothing of what I may say?"

"Why all this air of secrecy?" demanded Mr. Willing.

"That I cannot tell you, sir."

"Of course we'll promise, Mr. Bristow," declared Shirley. "Surely, Dad, there is no reason why we should tell any one anything."

Mr. Willing nodded.

"I will promise for myself and the others," he said.

"Very well, sir. What I would say is this: Take my advice, and under no circ.u.mstances sail on the _Yucatan_ to-morrow!"

Mr. Willing gazed at the young man in perfect amazement, as did the others in the room. Mr. Willing was the first to regain his composure.

"Why?" he asked quietly.

"I can't go into explanations," replied the young man hurriedly; "all I can do is warn you that it is not safe."

"And why isn't it safe?" asked Shirley, now taking a hand in the conversation.

"That I cannot tell you, either. But you all know that a state of war exists between the countries of Europe."

"What has that to do with us?" asked Shirley.

"You are asking me hard questions," said Bristow, "and I cannot answer as I would like to. Let it be enough that there is danger because of it.

And if there should even be no danger aboard the _Yucatan_, it will exist in Colon."

"In Colon?"

"Yes. One week from to-day Colon will no longer be safe!"

"It is my belief you are out of your head, young man," declared Mr.

Willing grimly.

Bristow shook his head positively.