The Nezperce herald. (Nezperce, Idaho) 1900-1957, 1904-12-08
CHAPTER XIII.
A Clash on the Water.

island and the shore.
The water was as calm as an milan,
lake and his boat shot forward unde
his steady and powerful strokes like al
arrow.
Only few lights remained in tn,
village. The one in Sankala's cabir
stood like beacon light to him and t.
it he directed his boat. His anxiety
grew with every stroke of the oar tt
learn the fate of the old man and the
girl.
He landed his boat and stealthily
drew it ashore and hid it behind the
driftwood, as matter of precaution
The morning was approaching and be
knew that he only had limited time
in which to arouse the fishermen, but
be fint hurried to the cabin of Sankala
and Ringwold.
A gentle tap on the door brought
Sanksla to il with the agility of 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.
He had finally drifted into deep sleep
and even the youthful Sankala could
see that it was natural repose, and
built up vague hopes that he would Ie-
cover sufficient strength that he might
avoid becoming public charge.
She bad already made mp her mind
that she would not go to the poor farm
herself. She knew that she could Sc
bind Of hot
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 pulling the
young girls mind sorely.
''Oh, you still liyel" exclaimed Lap
ham when Sankala opened the door.
"And youn' repeated the girl.
''And Ringwold, too" added the
young fisherman as he looked over to-
wand the bed.
''This makes me feel better, San
ksia," continued Dan. 81 had given
you up for lost. 1 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 teaIs
''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 us.'
Then Sankala told him briefly of
what old Sesdog had done. Dan lap
ham was true American citizen. He
was as brave as lion, as tenderheart-
ed as a woman, as honest as day and
ss 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
IT to Sankala.
"Oh, no, Dan. You will need it,"
said the girl.
81 have some MORE" he replied
cheerfully but falsely. Besides" he
continued earnestly and truthfuIly, "I
have strength to earn more. Provide
for yourself and Ringwold today and /
will gee 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
nay count on me" {
He told her of the southsiders' ar
-ival at the island and hurried away |
% arouse his fellow fishermen to arms 6
$50 the long expected clash is at q
laEdI" remal ked Sankala as he was I
eaviDg. I
eyes, and fear it will be bloody I
me" replied Dan. g
"Do your duty, Dan, but use judg- T
nent. Do not recklessly throw your
life away" cautioned the girl az the /
'oung fisherman disappeared in the I
arknees. v
The patriots Of 1875 were not aroused /
nore rapidly by Paul Revere than were b
he fishermen of the little village that +
light by Dan Lspham. They had long i
cen expecting the trouble and were d
repaired. As soon as one fisherman a
Tas awakened he sent runner on to
be next and within few minutes they s
'ere rushing to the shores of the bay a
rom every direction armed for b
be defense Of their traps. When as. 81
embed on the beach matters we're Ia
urriedly explained to them. 1t was n
eoided to go Immediately to the head v
the island and take the southsiders 81
y surprise at dawn. II
The boats we're dragged into the W
alter, the oars were hurriedly muffied, W
nd every man looking we'll to his 90
rms, the small feet pulled silently D,
ut toward Sand island, Dan Lapham al
aiding the way. in
Old Seadog was man OF nerve. He hi
as unacquainted with fear. And he -
as most interested in the success Of b,
10 northsiders in the impending trou- al
q. While the fshermen's employ CO
ent and wages were at stake, old Sea- W
rs property was involved. He loved ns
Is a. he did his life and took COM W
and OF the armed fishermen with the tv
mness OF an experienced admiral who tn
sant to win the battle at any sacrifice. th
Seventy five men had been gathered til
the rush and others were expected
follow under the Leadership Of one NJ