The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1904-11-26
CHAPTER XIII.
A Clash on the Water.

1t reQnITcu Only icW hhi''0' INV
for Dan to cover the space between the
island and the shore
The water was as calm az An inland
lake and his boat shot forward under
his steady and powerful strokes like an
arrow.
Only a few lights remained in the
village. The one in Sankala's cabln
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 il ashore and hid it behind the
driltwood, as matter of piecaution.
The morning was approaching and he
knew that be only had a 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
Sankala to it 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.
hn LoI ind
that she would not 60 to the poor farm
herself She knew that she could Sc
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.
ooh, you stiIl live!" exclaimed Lap
ham when Sankala opened the door.
"And your repeated the girl.
"And Ringwold, too" added the
young fisherman as he looked over to-
wand the bed.
"This makes me feel better, San
kala," 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 l 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
rs 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
1t to Sankala.
ooh, no, Dan. You will need it,"
said the girl
81 have some MORE" he replied
cheerfully but falsely. Besides" he
continued earnestly and truthfully, 81
have strength to earn more. Provide
for yourself and Ringwold today and I
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
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
handl" remal ked Sankala as he was
leaving.
eyes, and l fear it will be a bloody
one," replied Dan.
"Do your duty, Dan, but use judy
ment. Do not recklessly throw your
life away" cautioned the girl as the
young fisherman disappeared in the
darkness.
The patriots of 1776 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 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
dec ided to 60 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 muffied
and every man looking we'll to his
arms, the small fleet 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 If
the northsiders in the impending from
BILE. While the fshermen's emnlov.
ment and wages were at stake. old Sea.
dogs property was involved. He loved
this as he did his life and took com.