The Lamar register., 1902-09-03

very well,' she concluded, with
flash of determination in her bright
eyes, then l shall go alone. Thank
Heaven. l know how to row a boat!"
AS she turned toward the door the
form of Count Leon glided between.
He was smiling suavely, for a man
may smile and still be villain.
Pardon me. mam'selle; 1t would
be madness in this sea-" he said.
She looked at him steadily.
The boat was as motionless as
house, and the manifest absurdity or
his declaration was SO apparent that
there could no longer be any doubt
regarding what was meant
The girl turned pale. as though
overwhelmed with a sudden sense of
her helpless condition.
1t was now Merricks turn.
The situation had resolved itself so
that the plans of the enemy had been
exposed, and his opportunity to enter
the game was at hand.
There was no other way.
Discretion might have suggested
that they wait until the yacht was
quiet, when possibly a rescue could
be effected without warfare.
But as well attempt to stop the
bowling sirocco of Sahara as to in.
fiuence an ardent lover to hold his
hand under such conditions.
count Leon was tLere within easy
reach, and the temptation was too
great. -
So Merrick threw his castor into
the ring. ar.l
NfJ Jptv
The door offered chance to over
whelm the great explorer. Men more
famous that Count Leon have been
upset and disconnected by even smail-
er things that cabin door.
Merrick hurled his whole weight
against the hinged catapult. so that it
shot inward with tremendous force.
There was a collision. . .
Count Leon came out of it: second
best. for the door held its own, while
he sprawled upon the floor in an In
glorious manner. a
Score one for the intruder.
or course. every person at the
table was up by this time. and bat
terry OF eyes looked to see what was
to follow this assault on Villebois.
Merrick stepped into the cabin.
His appearance was SO warlike that
it at once created tremendous SEN
INSTRUMENTATION from the men,
cries from the women.
Sir Lionel was almost petrifled with
establishment at thus seeing a. stran-
ger aboard his yacht. anchored so
far away from the shore. but. realiz-
ing that a duty awaited him., he
bristled up and turned fercely upon
the intruder. A.
Jones had not yet shown. his hand.
He was prudently keeping in the
background. though ready to advance
to Merrick's support at an instant's
notice.
who are you, sir, and how dare you
come aboard my boat uninvited?"
clustered the red-faced English cou-
sin. Sd H. f
Merrick had so great disdain for
bully, and especially one of this ilk,
that he laughed in his fcce.
Pardon me for having no cards, sir,
but my name is Mark Merrick, Esq,
and my ancestors came from the same
favored land that calls you an un-
worthy son. AS to my audacity in
coming aboard your yacht, sir, permit.
me to inform you that l had no choice
in the matter, since your jolly fellows
knocked me down on the beach and
carried me aboard, which was very
kind and considerate of them, to be
sure. since 1t allows me the privilege
of offering my services to Miss Dare
as one who can pull steady oar ana
is not alarmed at this bowling tenn
pest without"
Sir Lionel appeared quite crushed
perhaps there was that in the fearless
demeanor of the young man to ac-
count for his apathy-or else he was
quite content that his allies France
and Russia should bear the brunt of
the trouble.
Besides, it was not so much his af--
fair after all. since he was only throw
ing the weight of his influence for
chum. the great count.
Unfortunately the count recovered
his wits about this time He scram-
bled to his feet, looking very demoniac
such rough treatment as he had re-
ceived is not very conducive to good
temper.
"Sacre, it must not be. They shall
not leave this vessel alive. these mis-
cradle towards who would knock
man down behind his back. Captain. I
look to you to prevent it," was what
he exclaimed in his rage.
"Sir." said the captain. resolutely,
"I wash my hands of this whole bust
ness. You cannot count on Captain
John Lane for aid, even though it cost
me my place to refuse. So there you
have it,
Good boy!" said Jones, enthusias-
tically.