The Sauk Centre herald., 1908-06-18

probably supplied hundreds Of mines
with the Eve pound boxes in which
dynamite is packed, and II the stamp
were the only clew none could possibly
say when or where 1t had been issued
for use.
But miners are apt to be careless.
Men accustomed to dynamite will han
die it with an astounding disregard for
danger, and here was case in point.
Some Spanish overseer, evidently at
loss for memorandum tablet, had
scribbled hieroglyphics with an indeli-
BILE pencil on this particular wrapper.
1t was clear that the figures and ab-
breviated words referred to the de-
velopment Of cross heading and the
position of certain lodes, but Courte-
nay was quick to see that the official
who made those notes would recognize
them; hence the mine or store from
which the package had been stolen or
bought could be identified. Such evi-
dence was of highly circumstantial
value. Courtenay put the wrapper in
the same drawer as the cartridges, en-
tered in the log the time and manner
Of its discovery and forthwith dismiss
ed it from his mind
1t was almost dark when he went on
deck. The wind was keen and chilly
| 1t whistled through the broken win
dows Of the wheelhouse and seemed to
have in 1t promise Of bad weather.
But a glance aloft and at the sky be-
yond the southern headIand - Point
Kansas, as it was called on board-re-
assured him. The far flung arc over
head was cloudless. The stars Of the
southern hemisphere, vivid and bright,
though less familiar than those of the
north, were reflected in the black wa
ter. The ship was 80 still, the sur
roundings SO peaceful, save for the
plash Of tiny waves created by the
breeze, that he was almost startled
when a soft voice came from the low
er deck:
where in the world have you been,
Captain Courtenay? Joey is fretting
for you, and I have carried him all
over the ship in vain search"
His heart jumped with gladness. e.
sic was awaiting him at the foot Of the
companion. Be sure he was by her
side without needless delay. The dog
wriggled in her arms, so she said:
II don't think he ought to run about
His dear little paw is rather badly cut,
and there may be more broken glass
on the deck"
II hope not, for our Chileans' sake"
laughed Courtenay. II heard Mr.. Boyle
telling them to sweep it up, and they
cabin"
"Oh, is that where you hid yourself I
No wonder I could not find you. OF
course Joey knew where you were.
How stupid Of mev
please don't call yourself names,
Elsie. You don't deserve them. And,
by the way, may address you by your
Christian name? 1t slipped out today
unawares. Not that feel like apollo
gizing, because l don't. There are
times when the heart speaks. not the
guarded tongue"
blush which leaped to her cheeks. She
gave nervous little laugh and strove
desperately to parry this wholly un
expected assault.
II shall be delighted If you always
call me Elsie. 1t sounds friendly, and
l think our circumstances warrant a
true friendship"
Excellent! suppose you know that
| my name is Arthur"
Eyes, but l had no notion of that
sort of exchange. You are the captain,
and very serious sort Of captain at
| times. l feel like little girl when
you look at me and tell me not to be
naughty, so Elsie sounds all right,
but simply dare not call you Arthur.
Just imagine what a sensation it
| would create in the salon! l should
feel creepy all over. And hadn't We
better be-
"Elsie," said he, with tender note
in his voice which thrilled her like a
chord Of exquisite music, 81 want to
tell you something The knowledge is
forced on me that there is another man
on this ship who wishes to make you
his wife, but l, too, love you, and see
no reason why I should stand aside for
any man on Gods earth until you tell
me with your own lips that you prefer
him to me.''
"Oh!' gasped Elsie and "Ohv' again.
but not another word could she utter,
she who had been so voluble moment
ago. The bittersweet pain of hearing
this sudden avowal was almost over
powering. Her ideals Of honor and
truth were shocked. but she was a wo-
man as we'll as an idealist. and she was
stirred to the depths of her soul by the
knowledge that she had won the mar
whose love she craved.
II want you to listen to me, Elsie" T"
he said. with a passionate intensity
that stilled the rising storm in her bos-
ON. "Dr. Christobal may have plead
ed his own cause already. 1t is not
for me to cavil at him for doing that,
but l cannot lose you without word.
Whether you marry him or me or nell
ther of us. l shall love you forever. !
want you to know that 1t is no new
discovery to me. think my heart
went out to you when l carried you In
my arms through the gale, and since
that hour you and l have had expert.