Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1904-07-08
CHAPTER XXTV.-CoNr1NUED.

CHAPTER XXTV.-CoNTINUED
Mr.. Kent, Mr.. Morton and Mr..
Pence were enjoying an afternoon
hap, but they were quickly aroused
and informed of the situation. Simon
Pence was in an agony of terror. His
knees sank beneath him and he was
too agitated to speak. Not so with
Mr.. Kent. His fighting blood was
up in minute.
81 will shoot that crazy dude full
OF holes if he or his men attempt to
lay hands on mel" he exclaimed. He
reached into his stateroom and pro-
duced a repeating rifle which he ex-
emined carefully and calmly.
There were 20 rifles aboard the
yacht In anticipation of possible
trouble Capt. Baldwin had purchased
a dozen guns at Vera Cruz. These
were distributed among the men and
the crew. Sidney Hammond was put
In charge. of the -defense-if one
should be necessary. The weapons
were placed within easy reach and
they waited the approach of the
4'Shark,'' which was less than a mile
away.
The faces of the men were study.
A4dA0ly WOld oPOhNA' A1OA
faces were flushed with anger,
rather than pale with fear. In plain
sight was the yacht which had held
them captive for days. They viewed
the SHARK as pirate. Not man
doubted that Hestor was ON board,
and that he meant mischief. How
trim and sleek the SHARK" looked
as her PROV cut the waves of the
gulf! Her brass work glistened like
gold in the afternoon sun. On her
forward deck was CLINT of polished
steel. Mr.. Kent recognized it.
There is that rapid-fire gum" ne
said in an undertone.
Mr. Morton bowed, but said moth
ing.
Bernard Seymour examined his gun
methodically. He ran his eye along
the sights and studied the adjust
ment for distance. He spoke quietly
to Sidney Hammond, received nod
of approval and went forward, TAX
ing position near the bow of the
boat.
Capt. Baldwin whistled a signal
that he would go to starboard.
There was no answer from the
SHARK" Again the Helen Carmody"
blew warning blast. In answer the
SHARK ran up flag signal asking
the Helen .Carmody'' to LAY to-"
Capt Baldwin, hesitated a moment.
He then gave the word to the engf-
neer to go ahead full speed. They
had beens running half speed, so as
to avoid any chance of collision.
Capt. Baldwin gave a blast to indi-
cate that he would pass the ''Shark"
to leeward. The SHARK" slightly
changed it's course, and went slowly
ahead parallel to its rival, but grad
ually drawing nearer.
AS they came abreast the 'Shark"
was mot $50 yards away. Those on
the Helen Carmody" could see Capt.
Waters on the bridge. The crew was
grouped on the forward deck.
A tall, slender figure in yachting
uniform suddenly appeared by the
side of Capt. Waters. Sidney in
stantly recognized Walter B. Hestor,
who raised a megaphone. His voice
sounded sharp and clear.
.'Stand by; wish to come aboard!"
he shouted.
els the Shark in distress?" was
the reply of Capt. Baldwin.
''She is mott" shouted Hestor.
The two yachts were so close It
was possible to converse without q
megaphone.
'Stand off" shouted Capt. Bald
win. Stand off You cannot come
aboard. This is private yacht,
bound for New Orleans Stand OFF,
OF will run you DOWN."
= "Hello, there, Mr.. Rockwelli"
shouted Hestor, lifting his cap and
AawinE profoundly. did yoR bava