Aunt Jane's Nieces Out West

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"Is the yacht _Arabella_ yours?" she demanded.

"It is, Miss Patsy."

"Then it is lying off Santa Monica Bay. I've seen it!" she cried.

"It was named for my mother," said the boy, his voice softening, "and

built by my father. In the _Arabella_ I made my first voyage; so you will

realize I am very fond of the little craft."

Maud was busily thinking.

"Is Captain Carg a Sangoan?" she asked.

"Of course. The entire crew are Sangoans."

"Then where has the yacht been since it landed you here fifteen

months ago?"

"It returned at once to the island, and at my request has now made

another voyage to America."

"It has been here several days."

"Quite likely."

"Has it brought more pearls from Sangoa?"

"Perhaps. I do not know, for I have not yet asked for the captain's

report."

Both Uncle John and Patsy were amazed at the rapidity with which Maud was

acquiring information of a really important character. Indeed, she was

herself surprised and the boy's answers were already clearing away some

of the mists. She stared at him thoughtfully as she considered her next

question, and Jones seemed to grow thoughtful, too.

"I have no desire to worry my friends over my peculiar difficulties," he

presently said. "Frankly, I am not in the least worried myself. The

charge against me is so preposterous that I am sure to be released after

the judge has examined me; and, even at the worst--if I were sent to

Vienna for trial--the Austrians would know very well that I am not the

man they seek."

"That trip would cause you great inconvenience, however," suggested

Mr. Merrick.

"I am told a prisoner is treated very well, if he is willing to pay for

such consideration," said Jones.

"And your good name?" asked Maud, with a touch of impatience.

"My good name is precious only to me, and I know it is still untarnished.

For your sake, my newly found friends, I would like the world to believe

in me, but there is none save you to suffer through my disgrace, and you

may easily ignore my acquaintance.

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