Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-08-23


But really" protested Valda, who pos
sessed her own full share of feminine curl
osity, don't understand at all. In fact
"Sh!' he cautioned once more cooking his
head, after the fashion of a pointer dog.
Don't turn suddenly, but look at the yacht
out of the corner of your eye. Isn't that some
one creeping along the deck,-forward, by the
raill"
She looked discreetly; as directed, and sure
enough she too could see the figure OF man
who had caught her friends attention Who
ever the man was, he was moving with the
utmost care, lodging behind convenient piles
of wreckage and turning his head from time to
time to note if his actions were observed.
why. it's Miggs" she whispered. Good
gracious me! Whatever is he doing? Is he
craZy!"
Morson smiled grimly, but made no answer:
while Miggs, in the comforting belief that he
had not been seen by those on shore, attached
a rope to the Sptfres rail, slipped noiselessly
now between him and those who might spy
upon his actions; yet presently he came into
view again. He was in the water and had
turned on his back, swimming with only his
face above the surface.
Now what on earth can the idiot be about!
asked Valda, trembling with suppressed excite
ment DO you think he wants to get away"
Wait" said Morson, still smiling to himself
"He evidently has his reasons"
This certainly seemed to be the case; for
tirely submerged till he reached point some
thirty yards below the watchers. where sandy
hummock ran to the waters edge: Here M1ggs
crawled out and lodged behind the rise then,
STOPPING, began to move away by stealth.
TIT THERE" called Morson, springing sud.
- denly to his feet. You Miggs! Come here!''
The steward gave one terrified glance over
his shoulder and began to run. Morson
snatched up the gun and discharged one barrel
INF hut he off ceer1oed n hav
on Miggs was to cause him to duck his head and
race down the beach like full grown jack rab-
bit pressed for time.
Too bad" sighed Morson; but it can't be
helped"
Once more the shot gun leaped against his
shoulder; but this time pointed accurately in
line with pair of flying legs. There was a
sharp report, followed almost instantaneously
by gratifying howl, and Miggs leaped high
and fell groveling on the sand.
"Oh! how could your" demanded Valda in
pity, but more in honest wrath.
The would be murderer only grlnned
Don't worry" he urged. II merely stung
him up a Bit and besides he's bird-but
exceptionally valuable. Come along"
When they reached the ministerial one, he
was lying fiat on his face and moaning feebly,
though wounded more in imagination than IN
corporal reality: albeit the sudden presenta-
ton of some twenty number SIX shot when
ones back is turned, is not an affair to be
viewed with levity.
Get up!" commanded the marksman, and
Miggs rose slowly to his feet Now oblige me,
please. and shell OUT" The culprit looked
suenly defiant, while Morson set his lips in a
hard, straight line. 'All right, he said, as he
slid in another cartridge and snapped his gun,
I'll give you just half minute to decide,
then I'm going to step off twenty yards and
let you have it. Take your choice"
He waited in patient silence, then sighed and
began to move away: but the terror stricken
Miggs limped after him.
''Oh, please. Mr. Brown. sir! As Gawd's me
judge"
Too late!'' growled his heartless captor
Besides, Id rather shoot you, anyway. Still
if you prefer to make square, clean breast OF
it.
''Yes, sir whined the ministerial scamp
and produced the missing gems.
To be concluded next Sunday