Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1907-05-28

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muscles stiffened, and before realiz-
| ing what she did she had acted.
The seaman's back was to her. She
reached out and gripped him by the
| hair, while her fingers, tense as tai
ons, sought his eyes. Then the first
loud sound Of the battle arose. The
man yelled in sudden terror; and the
others as suddenly fell back The
next instant she felt hand upon her
shoulder and heard Dextry's voice.
"Are We hurt? No? Come on, then,
| or We'll get left" He spoke quietly,
though his breath was loud, and glanc'
ing down, she saw the huddled form
of the sailor whom he had fought.
That's all right he amt hurt.
It's a Jap trick learned. Hurry up"
They ran swiftly down the warf,
followed by Glenister and by the groan
Of the sailors in whom the lust for
combat had been quenched. AS they
scrambled up the Santa Maria's gang
plank, strip of water widened be-
tween the boat and the pier.
"Close shave. that" planted Glen
lister, feeling his thoat gingerly, "but
l wouldn't have missed it for spotted
pup"
"1've been through bIler explosions
and snowslides, not to mention
triflin' jail-delivery, but fer real
sprightly diversions don't recall
nothin' more pleasin' than this"
Dextry's enthusiasm was boylike.
What kind of men are your" the
| girl laughed neryously, but got no
answer.
They led her to their deck cabin,
where they switched on the electric
light, blinking at each other at their
unknown guest.
They saw a graceful and altogether
attractive figure in a trim, short skirt
and long tan boots. But what Glen
lister first saw was her eyes; large
and gray, almost brown under the
electric light. They were active eyes.
he thought, and they flashed swift.
comprehensive chances at the two
men. Her hair had fallen loose and
orinkled to her waist, all agleam
Otherwise she showed no sign Of her
recent ordeal
Glenister had been prepared for the
type of beauty that follows the from
tier; beauty that may stun, but that
has the polish and chill Of new
ground bowie. Instead, this girl with
the calm, resposeful face struck a note
almost painfully different from her
surroundings, suggesting countless
pleasant things that had been strange
to him for the past few years.
Pure admiration alone was patent
in the older mans gaze.
II make oratinn." said he, chat
you're the gamest little chap ever
fought over, Mexikin, Injun, or white.
What's the trouble?"
IT suppose you think I've done
something dreadful, don't you?" she
said "But l haven't. ! had to get
I away from the Ohio tonight for
certain reasons. I'll tell you all about
1t tomorrow. haven't stolen any
thing, nor poisoned the crew really
III haven't" She smiled with her,
though dismayed by her feeble ex.
PLANTATION.
well, I'll wake up the steward and
find place for you to Co." he said at
length. you'll have to double up with
some Of the women. though; It's NV
fully crowded aboard"
She laid a OBTAINING hand on his
arm He thought he felt her tremble,
mo, no! | don't want to do that,
They mustn't see me tonight know
I'm acting strangely and all that, but
It's happened so quickly I haven't
found myself yet. I'll tell you to-
morrow, though, really. Don't let any
one see or it will spoil everything.
Wait till tomorrow. please"
She was very white, and she spoke
with eager intensity.
Help you? Why, sure Mikel" as
sured the impulsive Dextry. "an,' see
here, Miss you take your time on
explanations. We don't care cuss
what you done. Morals amt our long
suit, cause there's never law Of
God or man runs north Of F1fty-three,
[ as the poetry man remarked, an he
) couldn't have spoke truer II he'd
, knowed what he was sayin'. EVERYBODY
Is privileged to look out his owr
game up here A square deal an nc
, questions asked"
l She looked somewhat doubtful al
/. this till she caught the heat Of Glen
]. listers gaze. Some boldness Of hill
], look brought home to her the actua
4 situation, and a stain rose In hel
! cheek. She noted him more careful
; ly; noted his heavy shoulders ant
I ease of bearing, an ease and looseness
0 begotten Of perfect muscular control
: Strength was equally suggested In hill
e face, she thought, for he carried ,
marked young countenance, will
g thrusting chin, aggressive thatohinl
/ brows, and noble mouth that whfsp
9 cred all the changes from strength Il
l. abandon. Prominent was a look o
t reckless energy. She considered hin
:. handsome in heavy, virile, perhap
d too purely physical fashion.
d "You want to stowawayf" he ash
h ed.
k i've had right smart experience
). in that line" said DexsrN shut
t. never done 1t by proxy. What's you
>. plan?"
& "shs will stay here tonight" sal