Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1904-11-18
CHAPTER XIII.
A Clash on the Water .

It required only few minutes time
island and the shore.
The water was as calm as an inland
lake and his boat shot forward under
hie 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
it 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 matter of precaution.
The morning was approaching and he
knew that he only had a limited time
in which to arouse the fishermen, but
he 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 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 a 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 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 be be-
come helpless. t
They were already reduced to the
most abject poverty and what the NOR
row might bring was puzzling the
young girls mind sorely.
ooh, you still li>e!' exclaimed Lap
ham when Sankala opened the door.
"And you'll" 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. I 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, felt that
there was but little to hope for us."
Then Sankala told him briefly of
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. De- .. .. Fl
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.
ooh, no, Dan. You will need it, !"
said the girl.
''I have some more," he replied
cheerfully but falsely. "Besides," he
continued earnestly and truthfully, "I
have strength to earn more. Provide
for yourself and Ringwold today and
will gee you again. Little one, Ring
wold 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.
$50 the long expected clash is at
hand!" remal 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 1875 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,
eembled 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 muffled,
and every man looking we'll to his
arms, the small fleet pulled silently
out toward Sand island, Dan Lapham
leading the way. x
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. Heloyed