Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1907-05-30
! T h e Spoilers
By REX E. BEACH
By REX E. BEA c H.

always chilled her, though she ha6
| felt vaguely their splendid pulse and
swing. This was the girls first ven
ture from q sheltered life. She ha6
not rubbed elbows with the world
enough to find that Truth may be
rough, unshaven, and CARRIED in
homespun. The book confirmed hel
analysis Of the Junior partner.
Pendent from hook was a worn
and blackened holster from which
peeped the butt of large Colts re
volver, showing evidence of many
| years service. 1t spoke mutely Of the
white-haired Dextry, who, before hel
inspection was over, knocked at the
door, and, when she admitted him
addressed her cautiously:
1.-THE boys down forrad, teasin
grub out Of flunky He'll be up in 8
minute. How'd We sleep?"
Every we'll, thank you," she lied
'but I've been thinking that I ought
to explain myself to you"
"Now, see here" the old man inter
needed till you feel like givin' them
up. You was in trouble that's un.
fortunate; we help you that's natur
al; no questions asked that's Alas
ka."
Yes but I know you must
think
What bothers me- the other con.
tinued irrelevantly, sis how in blazes
we're gotn' to keep you hid The stew
ards got to make up this room, and
somebody's bound to see us packin'
grub In
II don't care who knows If they
won't send me back. They wouldn't
do that, would they?" She hung anx.
'iously on his words.
Send you back? Why, don't you
savvy that this boat is bound for
Nome? There amt no turnin' back
on bold stampedes, and this is the
widest rush the world ever saw. The
captain wouldn't turn back he could
not his cargo's too precious and
the company paws five thousand day
for this ship. No, we amt putin
back to unload no stowaways at five
thousand per. Besides, we passen
gers wouldn't let him times toe
precious" They were interrupted
by the rattle Of dishes outside, and
Dextry was about to open the door
when his hand wavered uncertainty
above the knob, for he heard the
hearty greeting of the ships captain
well, well, Glenister where's al
the breakfast going?"
"Oo!' whispered the old man
that's Cap Stephens"
'Dextry isn't feeling quite up t,
from this morning" replied Gleniste
easily.
Don't wonder! Why weren't 20,
aboard sooner last night? 1 saw 70,
- most got left, Ell? Served yoi
right If you had" Then his voice drop
ped to the confidential: "Td advise
you to cut out those women. Don,
misunderstood me, boy, but they're
bad lot on this boat. saw you come
aboard. Take my word for it--they're
bad lot Cut m out. Guess I'll ste1
inside and see what's up with Dextry.
The girl shrank into her corner
gazing apprehensively at the othe1
listener.
"Well-er-he isn't up yet" the,
heard Glenister stammer; better
come around later"
Nonsense; it's time he was dress
ed" The masters voice was gruffly
good-natured. Hello, Dextry! Hey,
Open up for inspection" He rattles
the door,
There was nothing to be done. The
old miner darted an inquiring glanc,
at his companion, then, at her nod
slipped the bolt, and the captain.
blue bulk filled the room.
His grizzled, close-beared face wa.
genially wrinkled till he spied tn.
erect gray figure in the corner, wher
his cap came off Involuntary. There
his courtesy ended, however, and the
smile died coldly from his face His
eyes narrowed and the good-fellow
ship fell away. leaving him the stiff
and formal officer
"Ah,'' he said, mot Telling we'll
Ell? thought | had met all of on,
lady passengers. Introduce me, Dex
/ try"
Dextry squirmed under his cymic
ism.
"well-1-ah-didn' catch the
name myself"
"What?"
ooh, there amt much to say. Thi.
is the lady we brought aboard las
night-that's. ALL"
Who gave you permission?"
Nobody. There wasn't time.''
There wasn't time, Ell? Which on,
of you conceived the novel scheme o
slowing away ladies in your cabin
Whose is she? Quick! Answer me-
Indignation was vibrant in his voice.
"Oh!" the girl cried-her eyes wild
ening darkly. She stood slim an.
pele and Slightly trmbling.
His words had cut her bitterly
\ Though through it all he had scrupu
lousy avoided addressing her.
i The captain turned to Gleaister
who had entered and closed the door
lis this your work? Is she yours?
No." he answered quickly, while
Dextry chimed in:
Better hear details, captain befor
you make breaks like that. We heir
ed the lady side-step some sailor
last night and we most got left dom