Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1904-11-28
CHAPTER NH.
A Clash on the Water.

Tor ian 10 cover lnt Sl'aCe W tween WV
island and the shore
TIE water was as calm as an inland
lax. and his boat shot forward III der
his steady and powerful strokes like an
arrow.
Only few lights remained in the
village The one in Sankala's cabin
stood like "A beacon light to him and to
it lie directed his boat. His anxiety
grew with every stroke OF the oar to
learn the fate of the old man and the
girl.
He landed his boat and stealthily
drew it a. hore and hid it behind the
driitwood, az a matter OF piecautlon
The morning was approaching and he
knew that he only had a limited time
in which to arouse the fishermen, but
be first hurried to the cabin of Sankala
and Ringwold.
A gentle tap. on the door brought
Sankala to il with the agility of a cat.
She had sat Ivy the bedside of Ringwold
throughout the long weary hours of the
night and had noted every breath he
drew. She saw that he was resting
better, with tears of relief in her eyes.
He had finally drifted into deep sleep
and even the yonfhful Sankala could
see that it was a natural repose, and
built up vague hopes that he would re-
cover efficient strength that he might
avoid becoming a public charge.
She had already made up her mind
that she would not go to the poor farm
herself She knew hat she could Sc
cure some kind OF employment that
would earn her board and clothing, but
she doubted her ability to provide for
her aged foster father, should he be-
come helpless.
They were already reduced to the
most abjyct poverty and what the NOR
row might bring was puzzling the
young girls mind sorely.
ooh, you still live" exclaimed Lap
ham when Sankala opened the door.
And you" repeated the girl
"And Ringwold, too" added the
young fisherman as he looked over to-
wand the bed.
"This makes me feel better, San
kala," continued Dan. 81 had given
you up for lost. l want you to tell
me about it another time. | must be
going. There is business yet before
daylight of the most important kind. ,"
And | thought you were lost, too,
Dan, said the girl, bursting into tears
"You we've the only one who ever
helped us and with you gone after
what has occurred tonight, I felt that
there was but little to hope for us."
Tbon Suptola told hin, br;oA,, ~
what old Seadog had done. Dan Lap
ham was true American citizen. He
WAS as brave as lion, as tenderheart-
ed as woman, as honest as day and
as charitable as sushine.
He drew forth his water soaked
purse. 1t contained five dollar gold
piece and some silver change. He
slipped it all from the purse and gave
1t to Sankala.
said the girl.
81 have some more" he replied
cheerfully but falsely. "Besides," he
continued earnestly and truthfully, 81
have strength to earn more. Provide
for yourself and Ringwold today and I
will zee you again. Little one, Ring
void shall not &C to the county hos.
pital, and you shall sit by his side and
minister to his wants SO long as he
shall live, Muscle, hard work and
economy will do it Sankala, and you
may count on me-
He told her of the southsiders' ar
rival at the island and hurried away
to arouse his fellow fishermen to arms.
so the long expected clash is at
hand!" remai ked Sankala as he was
leaving
eyes, and fear it will be a bloody
one" replied Dan.
"Do your duty, Dan, but use judg-
ment. DO not recklessly throw your
life away" cautioned the girl as the
young fisherman disappeared in the
darkness.
The patriots OF 1916 were not aroused
more rapidly by Paul Revere than were
the fishermen of the little village that
night by Dan Lapham. They had long
been expecting the trouble and were
prepared. As soon as one fisherman
was awakened he sent a runner on to
the next and within few minutes they
were rushing to the shores of the bay
from every direction armed for
the defense of their traps. When as
sembled on the beach matters were
hurriedly explained to them. 1t was
decided to go Immediately to the head
Of the island and take the southsiders
by surprise at dawn.
The boats were dragged into the
water, the oars were hurriedly mutfled,
and every man looking we'll to his
aims, the small fleet pulled silently
out toward Sand island, Dan Lapham
leading the way.
Old Seadog was man of nerve. He
was unacquainted with fear. And he
was most interested in the success Of
the northsiders in the impending trou.
BILE. While the fishermen's employ
ment and wages were at stake, old Sea.
dogs property was involved. He loved
this as he did his life and took COM
mand OF the armed fishermen with the
trmness OF an experienced admiral who
meant to win the battle at any sacrifice
Seventy-tive men had been gathered
In the rush and others were expected