The Washington times., 1902-12-22

rection of the captains bed It was
empty. nor was the wounded man any
where in the cave. While trying tc
understand this strange disappearance
he heard step outside He ran TO the
mouth Of the cavern. Atwen was com
ing stealthily up the path. Thorns
cooked his revolver instantly. but the
mutineer saw him.
Hold on. sir" he shouted. holding W
his hand. u aln't armed. I'm here for
a talk"
We'll. talk quick"
Well sir, me an my mates have
been livin on t'other eide Of the island
an We didn't have nc chance to save
any Of the briggs stores. We want our
share Of them stores in the cave and
the compass an seKtant that was in the
locker OF the cutter"
What for?"
why, we're minded 70 provision ouI
boat we'll and find our way 20 the Mar
quesas. I'm a good navigator"
And leave US to our fate?"
THAT isn't the way to look at it,
responded Atwell paclfcally "The whole
crowd OF us couldn't go in that Ions
boat, and the cutter is too small ever
il Il wasn't smashed There isn't any
use expecting ship to sail by this Isl.
and. It's too far out o the line OF trade
But when we get to the Marquesas weIl
send a boat hack for Won
do you suppose we'd trust to your
promise to send US help?" demanded
Thorne.
Il don't see but what you'll have to-
replied Atwell surily.
Il guess I'll keep the instruments and
stores. said Thorne. You'll not leave
this island unless we all 20"
You think so. do you?" cried Atwell
IN anger I've got the rest Of your
crowd-all but old Latimer-an' I'll
shoot every one or themi"
II you touch one Of them you'll suf-
fer for it," replied Thorne. Il was
counted something OF n pistol shot in
Boston. I've got plenty OF ammunition
and III pick you of, one by one, II you
harm those men"
"Maledictions on youi" roared AtweIl
Il ought TO have finished you when ]
had the chance. | thought / did, before
I left the brig"
SO il was you who assaulted me. eh p
he asked And I nave been laying it to
my friend Monckton"
'Monckton,' exclaimed AtweH. in dis.
gust. He hasn't got enough sand "a
Kill a mosquito. Don't you forget that
am the chap who tried TO do you And
the next time I'll be successful-you
an the cap'n both"
Now. I've heard enough" said
Thornc. sharply. you get back out ol
range or your gang Of cutthroats will be
without a leader"
See here-you talk to Latimer about
it, an see what he says" said Atwen
trying to swallow his chagrin.
IL can't"
You can't?"
mo, he's not here"
You're lying, 1 belleve," declared At
well.
You're welcome to your belief He's
disappeared. I'm here alone. I'm a des-
Derate mani don't care much whether
1 live OF die. You fellows won't get in
here while l can keep you out. Now
hustle along"
Atwell skunk slowly cut Of sight.
Thorne was tempted to put bullet
through him as he went He knew that
the mutinecr would not have hesitated at
such an act himself. but Thorne was
handicapped by preconceived ideas OF
honor. That night he lay at the entrance
Of the cave. his weapon cooked and
ready to his hand He was determined
that no one should enter the place ex-
cepting over his dead body. He dared not
sleep-at least, not in the night. How
long he could hold out against his be-
siegers he did not know The condition
of his friends in Atwell's hands worried
him. too. But, most of all. he feared for
Captain Latimer's safety.
(WILL DE CONTINUED TOMORROW AND
EVERY WEEK DAY UNTIL COMPLETELY