The sun. (Jacksonville, Fla.) 1905-1908, 1906-06-09
The BOatSWaim's Mate.
Continued from Sixth Page)

"Im all right" said Mr.. Travers. 81 feel as If I'd
been burgng all my life. How do you feelH'
"Narvous" said Mr.. Benn, pausing under a small
window at the rear of the house "Ths is the one."
Mr.. Travers stepped back q few PAGES and gazed
up at the house. All still. For few moments
he stood listening and then rejoned the boatswain
.Goodby, mate" he said hosting himself on to the
sill. death or victory"
sovereigns into his hand "Take your times there's
no hurry" he muttered. 81 want to pull myself to-
gether. Brighten 'er enough but not too much.
When she screams I'll come in"
Mr.. Travers slipped inside and then thrust his
head out of the window. "Won't she think it funny
you should be so handyf" he inquired.
mo; it's my faithful art" said the boatswan
Excepting watch over her every night, that's TIC
ticket She won't know no better"
Mr.. Travers grinned, and removing his boots
passed them out to the other "We don't want her to
near me till I'm upstairs" he whispered "Put 'em
outside, handy for me to pick up"
The boatswain obeyed and Mr.. Travers--who was
by no means good hand at darning socks-shivered
as he trod lightly over stone floor. Then following
the instructions of Mr. Benn, he made his way to
the stairs and mounted noiselessly.
But for light stumble halfway up his progress
was very creditabe for amateur. He paused and
listened and, all being silent made his way TO the
landing and stopped outside door. Despite himself
his heart was beating faster than usual
He pushed the door open slowly and started it
creaked. Nothing happening, he pushed again, and
standing just nsde saw, by small silhouetted
against the easement, that he was in a bedroom. He
listened for the sound of breathing, but in vain.
"Quiet sleeper" he reflected; "or perhaps it is
empty room. Now, wonder wehther-"
The sound of opening door made him start vio-
lenty and he stood STILL scarcely breathing, with his
ears on the alert. light shone the landing and
peeping round the door he saw woman coming along
the CORRIDOR younger and better looking woman
than he had expected to see. In one hand she held
aoft candle, in the other she bore double barreled
gun. Mr.. Travers withdrew into the and, az
the light came nearer, slipped into big cupboard
by the side OF the fireplace and standing bolt upright
waited. The light came into the ROOM
Must have been my fancy" said pleasant voice.
"Bless her." smiled Mr.. Travers.
His trained ear recognized the sound of cooking
triggers. The next moment heavy body bumped
against the door of the cupboard and the key turned
in the lock.
"Got you'll" said the voice, triumphantly. "Keep
still; If you try to break out shall shoot you"
"All right" said Mr.. Travers, hastily; 81 won't
move"
Better not said the voice. mind, I've got gun
pointing straight at you"
Point it downwards, there's good girl" said Mr.
Travers, earnestly; "and take your finger off the
trigger. Ii anything happened to me you'd never for
give yourself"
"It's all right long as you don't move," said the
voice; "and Pm not girl" it added sterny.
Eyes. you are" said the prisoner. 81 saw you.
thought it was an angel Mt first. saw your little
bare feet and"
A faint scream interrupted him.
You'll catch cold" urged Mr. Travers.
Don't you trouble about me-" said the voice,
tartly.
81 won't give any trouble" said Mr.. Travers, who
began to think it time for the boatswan appear on
the scene. "Why don't you call for helpH I'll go
like a lamb"
81 don't want your advice" the reply. 81
know what to do. Now, don't you try and break out.
I'm going to fire one barrel out of the window, but
got the other for you il you move"
MY dear girl" protested the Mortified Mr. Travers,
you'll alarm the neighborhood."
Just what want to do, said the voice. keep
still. mind"
Mr.. Travers hesitated. The game was up, and 1t
was clear that in any the stratagem of the in
genous Mr.. Benn would have to be disclosed.
"Stopl" he said, earnestly. Don't do anything
rash. I'm not burglar; Pm doing this for friend
of yours-Mr Benn'
"What?" said amazed voice.
True as l stand here,' asseverated Mr.. Travers.
"Here, here's my instructions I'll put em under the
door, and If you go to the back window you'll him
in the garden waiting"
He rusted the paper under the door, and it was
at once snatched from his fingers He regaincd an
upright position and stood listening to the startled