The Western news., 1904-11-23
CHAPTER XIII.
A Clash on the Water.

1t required only few minutes time
for Dan to cover the space between the
island and the shore.
The water was as calm as an inland
lake and his boat shot forward under
his 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
1t he 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 ashore and hid it behind the
driftwood, as a matter of precaution.
The morning was approaching and he
knew that he only had limited time
in which to arouse the fishermen, but
he first hurried to the cabin of Sankala
and Eingwold.
A gentle tap on the door brought
Sankala to ii 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 re-
cover sufficient 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 that she could Sc
cure some kind OF employment that
would earn her board and clothing, but
che 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 soreiy.
ooh, you still live!' exclaimed Lap
nam 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.
'This makes me feel better, San
kala," continued Dan. 81 had given
you up for lost. / want you to tell
me about it another time. l 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, l felt that
there was but little to hope for ue."
Then Sankala told him briefly of
what old Seadog had done. Dan lap
ham was true American citizen. lie
was as brave as a lion, as tenderheart-
ed as woman, as honest as day and
as charitable as sushine.
He drew forth his water soaked
purse. 1t contained a five dollar gold
piece and some silver change. He
slipped it all from the purse and gave
1t to Sankala.
"Oh, no, Dan. You will need it,
said the girl
81 have some more" he replied
cheerfully but falsely. Besides" h,
continued earnestly and tluthfully, g
have strength to earn more. Provide
for yourself and Ringwold today and
will zee you again. Little one, Ring
Wold shall not &C to the county hos
pital, and you shall sit by his side ant
minister to his wants so long as h,
shall live. Muscle, hard work ant
economy will do it Sankala, and yo,
may count on me"
He told her of the southsiders' ar
rival at the island and hurried ava,
to arouse his fellow fishermen to arms
$50 the long expected clash is a
handl" remarked Sankala az he wa
leaving.
eyes, and fear it will be blood.
one," replied Dan.
"Do your duty, Dan, but use judg
ment. Do not recklessly throw you
life away cautioned the girl as tn
young fisherman disappeared in tn
darkness.
The patriots Of 1916 were not arouse,
more rapidly by Paul Revere than wer
the fishermen of the little village tina
night by Dan Lapham. They had lon
been expecting the trouble and wer
prepared. As soon as one fisherman
was awakened he sent q runner on t
the next and within a few minutes the
were rushing to the shores Of the ba
from every direction armed fo
the defense Of their traps. When az
eembled, on the beach matters we,
hurriedly explained to them. 1t Wa
decided to 20 Immediately to the hea
of the island and take the southside
by surprise at dawn.
The boats were dragged into Il
water, the oars were hurriedly muffie
and every man looking we'll to h
arms, the small feet pulled silent
out toward Sand island, Dan Lapha
leading the way.
Old Seadog was q man of nerve.
was unacquainted with fear. And
was most interested in the success
the northsiders in the impending tro
BILE. While the flshermen's emplo
ment and wages were at stake, old Sc
dog's property was involved. He Low