Fugitive Anne

an standing behind him. He turned the sheet over, staring at the blank side for a moment or two; then going back, he read the writing again. When he had finished, he crushed the paper in his hand, and made a movement as though he were about to throw it out of the window, but Hansen put out his hand and stopped him.

"You mustn't do that," said the Dane, quietly. "This should be given into the Captain's charge, in case"--he hesitated, then said straightly,--"in case there should be need for an inquiry."

Bedo swore again. "What business is it of yours?" he cried.

"None," replied Hansen, "beyond the fact that if an inquiry became necessary, which I hope most earnestly may not be, I should be examined as a witness, and should have to give evidence as to the contents of that letter."

"The letter is a private one, written to her mother," said Bedo. "It had best be destroyed; there is nothing in it to throw any light upon the matter."

"I cannot agree with you," said Hansen, quietly;