The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1904-11-17
CHAPTER XIII.
A Clash on the Water.

for Dan to cover the space between th'
island and the shore,
The water was as calm as an inland
lake and bis boat shot forward under
hiR steady and powerful strokes like an
arrow.
Only few lights remained in the
village. The one in sankala's cabin
stood like beacon light TO him and to
II be 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 Il ashore and hid 1t behind the
driftwood, as matter Of precaution.
. The morning was approaching and he
knew that he only had 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
6ankala 10 II with the agility Of a cat.
She had sat by 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.
lie had finally drifted into deep sleep
and even the youthful Sankala could
see that 1t was natural repose, and
built up vague hopes that he would re-
cover sufficient strength that he might
avoid becoming public charge.
She had already made up her mind
that she would not go to the poor farm
herself. She knew that she could se-
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 abject poverty and what the NOR
row might bring was puzzling the
young girls mind sorely.
'0h, you still livel" 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-
ward the bed.
"Thia makes me feel better, San
kala," continued Dan. II had given
you up for lost. want you to tell
me about II another time. must be
going. There Ia business yet before
daylight Of the most important kind"
"And thought you we're 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, | felt that
there was but little TO hope for ua."
Then sankala told him briefly OF
what old Seadog had done. Dan Lap.
ham was true American citizen. He
was as brave aH lion, as tenderheart-
cd rs q 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 II ell from the purse and gave
u TO 6ankala.
"0h, no, Dan. You will need It,"
said the girl.
81 have some more," he replied
cheerfully but falsely. Besides" he
continued earnestly and truthfully, ~
have strength TO earn more. Provide
for yourself and Ringwold today and
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 80 long as he
shall live. Muscle, hard work and
economy will do 1t Sankala, and you
may count ON me-"
He told her Of the aouthsiders' ar
rival at the island and hurried away
to arouse his fellow fishermen to arms.
$50 the long expected clash Is at
handl" renal ked Sankala as he was
leaving.
eyes, and I fear 1t will be a bloody
One," replied Dan.
"Do your duty, Dan, but use ludg-
ment. Do not recklessly throw your
life away" cautioned the girl as the
young fisherman disappeared in the
darkness.
The patriots OF 1870 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 we're
prepared. As soon as one fisherman
was awakened he sent 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. It was
decided to 10 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 muflled,
and every man looking we'll to his
arms, the small feet 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 fshermen'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
Armness OF an experienced admiral who
meant to win the battle at any sacrifice.
6eventy-five men had been gathered
In the rush and others were expected
to follow under the leadership Of one
Of 6eadog's sons who had been given
another commission to perform. He
had been instructed to dispatch a coui-
Ter to the county seat to notify the
sheriff. This official would communi.
cate with the governor, who in turn
would order out the state militia.
The trouble had been under discus
sion for years. 1t had entered politics
and was the means OF aIousing the ami
mostly Of two states. The officers ON
the south side Of the iiver stood by
their fishermen, and those on the north
side we're equally as loyal: 1t was an
interstate affair and needed but the