Columbia courier. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1902-1905, 1904-11-18

broad shoulders were erect and his arms
and neck exhibited strength and beau.
ty. He had not superior in physique,
courage, self control or popularity in
the village.
"Poor Sankala!" he murmured. ~
neglected the child. l never really
helped her as should. She was de.
serving. She was frail. am strong.
But why did I not think Of this in
time?"
He was too active to remain pris-
oner on the rocks during the entire
night and yet he did not feel wholly
safe in attempting to swim. He knew
that quarter of mile in calm water
was no task, but the waves might have
doubled or even trebled this distance
between the rocks and the island.
They cut the sand like monster steam
shovel on such occasions, and the dis
lance was now matter OF speculation.
Still the chances were as favorable for
a film and a reduction Of the distance,
and the hardy fisherman was inclined
to make the attempt.
There were many chances in his favor
for escape when once upon Sand island.
Numerous fishermen left their boats
there through the night, and even
though these were swept away by the
storm there was probability that 9th.
ers had lodged upon the beach. There
was always wreckage Of all sorts found
on Sand island after storm, and usu-
ally there were many boats.
The water was cold, it was true,
but Dan was also cold. He had re-
manned cramped upon the rocks until
any kind of action would be relief to
one so accustomed to exercise. He de-
scended to the waters edge and peered
out over the surface toward the stretch
of sand. Selecting what he thought
was the nearest point of the island,
he. took a mountain peak far to the
southeast as guide, and eased himself
into the water.
There is no danger along this shore
to man in the water except the ele.
ments themselves. The man eating
shark so much feared in southern wat
ers never makes his appearance at this
point. 1t is only the extreme low tenn
perature Of the water that endangers
the lives of those who are subjected to
it and of this Dan was not ignorant.
He knew that he could swim an unlim-
tied distance should the water not
cause his limbs to cramp.
But the distance was made without
incident. The shores OF the island had
not been materially changed, and when
the young fisherman rose up in the
shallow water at the approach of the
island and waded ashore, he felt that
his troubles were coming to an end.
But he was destined to be surprised.
He little suspected what was to be en-
countered farther up the island.
His first thought was to find a boat.
He started along the north shore of the
sand spit looking closely for boats,
either on the beach or on the sands.
The island was mile in length and
quarter to half mile m width.
He had reached the east point OF the
island without success and was about
to round the point for the purpose Of
examining the south shore. But he
suddenly stopped in establishment. He
saw splash in the water to tie south
and then he heard number of muffled
oars. 1t was now after midnight and
he did not understand such a proceed
ing from that quarter. The young
fisherman Immediately seci eted himself
among the driftwood so abundant on
this ioIo nd aud tol oA.A
1t was too early for fishermen to begin
to stir and the boats were not coming
from the right direction anyway.
He did not have long to wait. Dark
objects soon appeared moving cautious
ly on the water in every direction from
the south. Small boats fairly dotted
the river and there was silence in the
muffling of the oars and the upright
figures in the craft that was ominous.
Every boat contained four or more
persons and as they began to land on
the south shore Of the island Dan dis
covered that the men we've armed.
The problem was now simple to Dan
Lapham. 1t was the advance guard OF
the southside fishermen. The clash was
now at hand. The war had long been
threatened between the southside and
northside fishermen and the southsiders
had taken the initiatory steps.
The men drew their boats upon the
sand and waited, as it were, upon their
guns. Dams eyes and ears were open.
He was not long in learning their loca.
tions. They formed circle obscured
from view by the drift wood, few
yards south of Dams place OF conceal.
ment.
He gathered from their conversation,
carried on in low but distinct tones,
that the northsiders would arrive about