Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1905-09-21
CHATTER XIV.

- and distinct IN tie lRnt from
the yacht the Arab and his burden
were outlined against the blnck
scrsen beyond. There was no mistak. |
ing the earnestness Of the threat nor
could the witnesses doubt the CHASTITY
Intention of the long, cruel knife that
cleaned OH high. Peggy's body serv'
ed as shield for that Of her eaptor.
Brewster and Fragdon recognized the
man as one of Moliammeds principal
retainers, a fierce looking fellow who
had attracted more than usunl atten-
ton on the day of the sheik's visit.
"For Gods sake. don't Kill her!"
cried Brewster in agonizcd tones.
There was diabolical grin on the
face Of the Arab, who was about to
shout back some defiant taunt when
the unexpected happened.
The sharp crack of gun sounded
In the stern of Brewster's boat. and
m unerring bullet sped straight for
the big Arabs forehead. II crashed
between his eyes and death must have
been instantaneous. The knife flew
from his hand. his body Strengthened
and then collapsed topping over, not
among the oarsmen, but across the
gunwale of the craft Before a hand
could be lifted to prevent the dead
Arab md the girl were plunged into
the sea.
A cry OF horror went up from the
Americans and something surprising
" like a shout Of triumph from the nb-
iuctors. Even as Brewster poised for
che spring into the water flying form
shot past him and into the sea with a
resounding splash. The man that fired
the shot had reckoned cleverly. and he
was CARRYING out the final details of an
inspired plan. The Arabs position as
be stood in the boat was such as to
warrant the sailors belief that he
could fall no other way than forward,
and that meant over the side Of the
boat. With oil this clearly in mind,
he had shot straight and true and was
on his way to the water almost as the
two toppled overheard.
Mosty Brewster was in the winter an
3n'tant later. striking out for the spot
where they had disappeared, little to
the left Of the course in which his
boat was running. There was a rattle
of firearms, with curses and cheers,
but he paid no heed to these sounds.
He was a length or two behind the
sailor. praying with all his soul that
one or the other might succeed in
reaching the white robes that still kept
the surface OF the water. His crew
was "backing water" and strainlng
every r,uscla to bring the boat around
sharp for the rescue.
The sailors powerful strokes brought
him to the spot first. but not in time
to cl Itch the disappearing white robes.
Just as he reached ont an arm to grasp
the form Of the girl she went down.
He did not hesitate second, but fol
lowed. Peggy had fallen from the
dead Arabs embrace, and that worthy
already was at the bottom Of the sen.
She was half conscious when the shot
came, but the plunge into the cold wa
ter revived her. Her struggles were
enough to keep her up for few mo-
ments, but not long enough for the
swimmers to reach her side. She felt
herself going down and down. stran'
Cling, smothering. dying: then some
thing viselike clutched her arm, and
she had the sensation Of being jerked
upward violently.
The sailor fought his way to the sur.
face with the girl. and Brewster was
ut his side In an instant. Together they
supported her until one Of the boats
came up, and they were drawn over
the side to safety. BY this time the
abductors had scattered like sheer
without leader. and as there was nc
further object in pursuing them the
little American feet put back for the
yacht in great haste. Peggy was quite
conscious when carried abonrd by the
triumphant brewster. The words ht
whispered to her as she lay In the bot
tom of the boat were enough to give
her life.
The excitement on board the Filter
wns boundess. Fenr gave way to Joy
and where despair had for momen
seigned supreme there was now thu
most insane delight. Peggy was bun
died below and into her berth, Or, Lot
less attending her. Brewster and tn
vailor were carried to place where no
toddes were to be had before blankets
"YOu have returned the favor. Con
roy" said Brewster fcrvently rs h
leaned across The heads OF his bearer
to shake hands With tho sailor who wa
sharing the honors with him. Como
was grnnng from "nr to ear as he sa
perched on the shoulders of his ship
mates. II was luckier than | though
In saving yonr life that day"
ut wasn't anything Mr.. brewster.
said young Conroy. II saw chanc
70 drop the big Niger, and then 1t wa
up to me to get her out OF the water"
"You took n big risk. COnroy but 70
made good with ii. If it had not bee
for you, my boy, they might have 20
away with Miss Gray"
"Don't mention it. Mr.. Brewster:
was nothing to do" protested Como
In confusion. I'D do anything in til
world for you and for her"
"What il the adage about castin
your bread upon the water and gcttin
Il back again." asked Rip Van Wink
u Joe Bragdon as they jubilantly 10
bowed the procession below.
There was no more sleep on boar
Ma: night. In fact. the sun was NJ
1eng In showing himself after the rel
pusss returned to the vessel. The d