The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1900-11-16
CHAPTER XXI.
ON DECK.

u,
they could do it. But. with view to
doing just that thing. Guthrie had ex
amined and tested the grating over the
hatch half dozen times already and
had satisfied himself of nothing but the
unbreakable strength of their Jail. The
farmers suggestion, therefore. did not
Fouse the enthusiasm which he seemed
to look for ;
"Doan't you think that there be a
good plan, zur9' asked the plotter
proudly, fumbling for Guthrie's arm
and imprisoning it in his huge paw.
Beautiful" replied the young man;
eff there was any way Of doing it. -
ooh, as to that. said the farmer,
with an unconscious Tightening of his
grip, ~let me zee what can do 1
once lifted the trapdoor of our straw
loft wi truss of hay zettin on the
top Of I'M. !" Then he started ponder
GUS chuckle, which seemed to pass
through his huge frame and up Guth-
Eie's arm in slow, heavy jerks.
You're amused" said the under
graduate testify 'sWhat's the Joke
now2".
"Abei, he tried that there trapdoor,
and he couldn' t shift un an inch. Tar
tible hard man, my brother Abel be-
eur, but not 20 strong as 1 r.
Guthrie shook off the farmers hand
with an angry gesture "Confound
your reimbursement" he exclaimed.
Bring them out at another time if you
like, but heave that grating off the
'frapdoor FIRST. Il you think yea -
manage it. .
Cain rose clumsily to his feet and
etood still for minute irresolutely. ST
hope, " he said slowly. ''you doan' take
what l zaid about Abel in bad part.
meant no offense, EUR .
Furious though he was at the mans
slowness. Guthrie found this appeal al
together too much for his gravity
No, you idiot moi" he laughed.
But You are wasting time. and every
moments precious That's all; now
bustlei
Muster Guthrie. be glad
The undergraduate put his shoulder
unceremoniously under the apologist's
ribs and gave him a heave toward the
foot of the ladder.
Go on" he said, 'sand talk after
ward. 2
Laversha steered his way with stolid
caution among the turtles, reached the
iron ladder and put one big hand on
rung. Then he bent his head back and
sgazed upward for such an unconsciona-
bile time that Guthrie felt like kicking
him from sheer impatience. But at last
he began to ascend, testing every rung
before he trusted his weight upon it,
and, in the course of what seemed to
his two watchers ages, he reached the
top that is to say, his head came up
against the grating with what would
have been bump if his speed had al
lowed of such thing. Then he detach-
ed one hand cautiously and laid it
against the obstruction
He did not appear to use force, but
the part of the grating which he touched
began to bend slowly upward. But it
was evidently too strong to break, fol-
after a minute the strain was taken off
It's too much for him" exclaimed
the undergraduate, and the CLEAN of
hope that had been Frightening in him
fled again.
But Cain was not discouraged by one
failure. With slow deliberation he
placed both his paws on the beckett, in
side the combing, and raised his feet
another rung to geta stronger purchase.
That put him in somewhat punched
mp position, with his fat neck bent for
ward and the crown of his skull press
ing against the woodwork. He took a
big, signing breath and Strengthened
himself
<.Lcokl Lookl" cried Mrs. Jelly, in a
loud whisper of admiration.
A ripple passed along the thighs Of
she farmers trousers and up the back
of the tight fawn colored overcoat. The
grating bent and something splintered.
Then he drew back. as if to gather his
strength for the supreme effort.
A dumping of booted feet was heard
coming along the deck above
With unfinished deliberation the
strong man returned to the charge, and
this time the grating gave Guthrie
caught glimpse of dim outline ap-
preaching along the deck and shouted
10 the farmer to hurry. One of hif
massive hands was clapped out on to The
combing. The negro saw it, lifted his
heavy boot and stamped on it. For all
ahe damage he did he might as well
have trodden on coil of rope. But he
brought about phenomenon which nc
member Of the Eureka s crew had ever
witnessed before. He reused the Somer-
set mans slow temper and made him
show what was real activity.
He was out on deck in four seconds
and went for his negro assailant, bel
J lowing like an angry bull. He picked
the man up. as any one else might have
picked up doll, and flung him like a
full corn sack at one of his dusky mates,
who was just popping up through the
companion to see what all the noise was
about
Something cIattered on the deck
planks and lay glistening in the moon
light It was a nickel plated revolver.
Mrs Jelly rushed across and picked it
y, while Guthrie slammed to the doors