Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-12-31


Here the whole white figure of him
shock with well acted shudder.
| You mean me TO believe that Won
found your way from your bed to the
jib boom end with your eyes shut.''
with my eyes open." exclaimed
Shannon lightly. "The sleep walker
seems to stare with staining eyeba,ls.
but sees not
Fetch the doctor. sir. !" said the can
tain to Mr.. Poole.
Tho second mate rushed down the
ladder.
Why disturb the doctor. captainy''
said Mr.. Shannon. Don't you believe
mt? What on earth do you think should
carry me to your flying lib boom end, as
you call il. in my bedcio;hes TO risk my
life ii it wasn't this trick I've had ever
since was child, had nearly Let 90
when opened my eyes and looked down
and saw the bark's cutwater splitting
fire into the sliding black water half o
thousand feet OF, as il seemed
The skipper fell back step Was the
man insanei lie was in a lonely part
Of the deck with him-a little man. and
t'o;her had chest like tabie-and in
silence he pricked his ears fer the return
Of the mate and the arrival Of the sur.
geon.
Two figures at this instant came out
OF the oGddy door. Come upi Como I'D,
s;r!'' the skipper shouted. The jealous
but unlucky Poole sprang up the LADDER
The doctors step had the leisureliness Of
uncertainty.
Here's this gentleman says he's
walked in his sleep out Of his bunk on
to the flying jib boom end. where he fell
| to how ling, causing the second officer 20
commit ! grave breach Of duty by quit
ting his charge to see what the matter
was On the fox sic instead Of calling
ne. Now. sirs''
The captain volleyed these words ut
the doctor. who answered quietly: "a
case of sleep walking. chi Who is IL:
mir. Sharnonl Sir. you have had mar.
row escape Of your life"
"But are We TO believe it, siri"
gasped Captain Benson.
Il would advise you not TO exasrrrate
me with these needless affronts,' said
Shannon s.ernly, and his white figure
locked firm in the dusk. This is'the
second time you have given me the lie. -
My arms chest has been plunderet, I"
bawled the skipper. Things are wrong
IL this ship. What are you doing in the
middle watch at the jib boom end,
bowling? How did he howl, sir?' he
cried. rounding ON Mr.. Poole.
| Most shockingly and internally,
sir. -
Just explain. doctor. that am a
somnanbulist, will you? Have you any
book on the subject? But Of your own
experience. no doubt, You'll have plenty
OF tales to entertain and convince the
captain with"
Contriving every attitude Of sulky
contempt his figure could convey By that
light, Shanron loupged to the coprpan-
ionway and sank, all white, like n ri oz..
through the hatch. Mr.. Shannon lightly
knocked On Dayenire's door and pcssed
in.
This had been Burns berth. Mark
Davenire sat upright IN the on,y bunk
1t contained. His huge legs. closhed in
drawers. hung over the edge of che shall.
low board that held the mattress, and
his great figure seemed to fill tho place.
BY the dim light OF lamp swaying at
a bracket the two men saw esc!, other.
Davenlre's eyes had an extrsoro mary
brightness. They shone like fire in his
pale face. Sunlight would have submit.
ted him white as milk. His large. heav-
lily framed form was trembling. end as
Shannon entered tho big, pale fellow
put down q flask.
Give me that IL there's q drop in
it." Whispered Shannon.
| Take II, said Davenire. pointing
to his Size. he would not extend his
arm. He did not want Shannon to see
how his hand shook.
The other picked up flask and sucl,rd
down a raw mouthful I've done M
bit" said he. II got them all forward.
How was i; with your"
| "Oh, my GodI' nuttered sDayenire.
do you mean
| No, no. The secrets our own still
I've been listening to her calling TO me
through there
Shannon shuddered and suid i, n do.
fant sort Of way. as though seeking for
spirit In demeanor, WAS it quietly
! A1t.tisStu.
"Caldwell's a bloody nsonsterr' was
the answer. Whatever he takes in
hand in this way is boundsto be quietly
managed ~
Shannon drew close to the bunk and
speaking with his lips at Davenire's car
SAID: There must be no delay now. If
Iroilope won't consent, the rest must
rise and do it. Murders been brought
into the business. we'drhoped against
that, you know
"A poor girl"' groansd Davenirc,
trembling and talking o., though his
other ear was straired at xhe open port
If we should b. clappet, under. con-
tlnued Shannon, were hanged men. "
Tomorrow night" said Davenire.
Or this night that's to come" he add
ed, looking toward large silver watch
that dangled at tae extremity OF his
great silver chain by the side Of the
lamp. Sneak Of now and turn in"
| without another s-:llable Shannon