be secured from the other women,
much as they might care for Brewster's peace of mind and safety. Her
heart was bitter toward every one responsible for the situation, and
there was dark rebellion in her soul. It culminated finally in a
resolve to release Monty Brewster at any cost.

With difficulty she made her way to the stateroom door, clinging to
supports at times and then plunging violently away from them. For some
minutes she listened, frantically clutching Brewster's door and the
wall-rail. There was no guard, and the tumult of the sea drowned every
sound within. Her imagination ran riot when her repeated calls were not
answered.

"Monty, Monty," she cried, pounding wildly on the door.

"Who is it? What is the trouble?" came in muffled tones from within,
and Peggy breathed a prayer of thanks. Just then she discovered the key
which Monty had dropped and quickly opened the door, expecting to find
him cowering with fear. But the picture was different. The prisoner was
seated on the divan, propped up with many pillows and reading with the
aid of an electric light "The Intrusions of Peggy."

CHAPTER XXVIII

A CATASTROPHE

"Oh!" was Peggy's only exclamation, and there was a shadow of
disappointment in her eyes.

"Come in, Peggy, and I'll read aloud," was Monty's cheerful greeting as
he stood before her.

"No, I must go," said Peggy, confusedly. "I thought you might be
nervous about the storm--and--"

"And you came to let me out?" Monty had never been so happy.

"Yes, and I don't care what the others say. I thought you were
suffering--" But at that moment the boat gave a lurch which threw her
across the threshold into Monty's arms. They crashed against the wall,
and he held her a moment and forgot the storm. When she drew away from
him she showed him the open door and freedom. She could not speak.

"Where are the others?" he asked, bracing himself in the doorway.

"Oh, Monty," she cried, "we must not go to them. They will think me a
traitor."

"Why were you a traitor, Peggy?" he demanded, turning toward her
suddenly.

"Oh--oh, because it seemed so cruel to keep you locked up through the
storm," she answered, blushing.

"And there was no other reason?" he persisted.

"Don't, please don't!" she cried piteously, and he misunderstood her
emotion. It was clear that she was merely sorry for him.

"Never mind, Peggy, it's all right. You stood by me and I'll stand by
you. Come on; we'll face the m