The Lamar register., 1908-10-28
CHAPTER xvI.-continued.

CHAPTER xVI.-continued.
Captain" began the lieutenant, "all
the cabins but two are unlocked. We
want the keys for those two"
Il haven't got no keys" answered
the captain. CURLY. IF they're locked
which two be they?"
"One is the after cabin on the port
side: the other is. l take it, your own"
my own amt locked"
Il beg your pardon, I've just tried
the door. You can go below and see
for yourself. Perhaps you'd better
bring us light
Captain Tuggles would have let
them grope in the darkness forever
had 1t not been for the complication
of his own locked door.
A light was brought from the galley
by the cabin boy and the three went
below again. Captain Tuggles plunged
to the door of his own cabin, turned
the handle confidently. Sure enough
it was locked.
You see?" said Mr.. Collier.
Il see. but l don't understand" said
the captain. Those two females went
into this cabin. ! showed them in
there myself"
He pointed to the locked door.
And that's locked, too. Now, cap
tain, we are determined to get in
those two cabins and we don't want
to do any unnecessary damage to your
ship. Have you carpenter on
board?"
Yes" growled the captain.
Then you'd better send for him, for
If you don't, shall be under the pain
full necessity of blowing open the
locks"
The captain ran up the ladder and
babe the second mate-both mates
had been on deck during the episode
send the carpenter aft with some
tools for forcing locks. Presently a
grizzled old veteran presented himself
in the cabin and by Captain Tuggles'
direction soon forced the lock of the
stateroom. Taking a lantern Seton
went into the room which had been &C.
cupied by the young women. 1t was
empty. Both hunks had been slept in,
however, and on the floor lay Ellen's
sword belt and pistols where she had
left them.
They were here. that's certain"
he said. turning to Mr.. Collier.
They've probably gone into the
captains cabin
What for, l wonder" growled the
American.
We'll soon see," returned Collier.
Have the carpenter open that door
also"
After fumbling a few moments the
carpenter forced open the last door.
Again Seton entered. followed by the
other two. There was no one there.
The captains eye was attracted by
the open stern window. He started,
opened his mouth to say something.
thought better upon it and stopped.
But there were two pairs of eyes in
:he cabin just as sharp as those of
worthy Master Tuggles. One pair be-
longed to the sailor. Collier. too.
noticed the open stern window and he
at once pointed it out to Seton.
II see it all now" he said. Some
thing must have alarmed them They
left their own cabin, locked it to keep
US busy and give themselves time.
came in here and went overheard
through the stern window"
Overheard into WHAT" cried Sir
Charles in dismay. You don't think
they've committed suicide?"
Collier laughed.
Certainly not. Didn't you notice
Just before dark when we were over
hauling the ship that she had a small
boat trailing astern. It's pounds to
pennies that they've gone in that.
Here, wait; I'll find out
He wriggled out of the window
himself. dropped down the Jacobs
ladder and peered anxiously aft. There
was no sign of boat. 1t was dark
and he couldn't see very well. but he
could see enough to know that from
whatever cause, the boat that had
been dragging astern was gone.
You've lost them again, Sir
Charles" he said gloomily, as he
climbed into the cabin again.
IN not believe it," cried Sir
Charles bitterly disappointed at this
unfortunate ending of SO promising
a venture.
Captain Tuggles laughed. 1t must
be confessed that he hugely enjoyed
the discontinue of his unwelcome
visitors.
What's to be done now?" cried Sir
Charles.
Nothing but go back to the Britain