The Rice belt journal. (Welsh, Calcasieu Parish, La.) 1900-19??, 1908-10-02
ONE premonitIon Of danger caused


deep and intense interest. Something
seemed to whisper to her heart that
its presence BODIED no good for the fu-
gitives.
In order 70 settle the matter, Ellen
suddenly put up the helm and ran
broad off toward the channel The
other boat followed her motions at
once. At this confirmation of her sus-
piciOnS, Ellen once more brought her
own cutter on her previous course,
and again the other boat followed the
movements Of the first.
They're pursuing us, said Ellen.
Il thought So returned Debbie.
who can they be- queried Ellen
tightening her grip upon the tiller.
1T might be your husband,' an,
swered Debbe.
And if that were so, it flashed into
Ellen's mind that perhaps the best
thing would be to throw her own boat
up into the wind, dOff sail. or at least
just SiNt fitf StttfdSt HSf anu wan
to be taken back. But Debbie's voice
dispelled that dream.
It's more likely TO be Lord Strath-
gate" continued the American girl
than anyone else He would natur-
ally follow us to that little village, il
he were not so seriously wounded as
to be utterly helpless and of course
he would pursue us. They would find
the money you put on the wharf and
anybody could guess the rest"
The thought smote Ellen's heart
There was SO much probability Of it:
"Ay,' she said. tits probably Strath,
gate as you say
He's undoubtedly intensely angry
with us both, or with you at least,
Ellen" continued Deborah. You know
you tried to kill him last night"
Il wish to heaven had succeeded.
returned Lady Darlington.
and We both left him helpless in
the road and he cant be feeling very
kindly toward us went on Deborah
with innocent simplicity.
HE pretended 10 love me-" said
Ellen, scornfully. well, he shall never
take me into that boat I'll sink this
one rather than
"Oh, please don't do anything sc
rash," cried Deborah, alarmed at thai
threat I'm sure | don't want to be
sunk and drowned because Lore
Strathgate loves you and Lord Car
rington doesn't"
How do you know he DOESN'T
cried Ellen.
why, you said that he and Lad!
Cecily-"
Don't you ever dare mention tina
WOman's name to me- returned tn
other, fiercely. She beguiled hin
and enticed HIM hate them both"
She was on the verge of anothe
breakdown. Deborah was appalled, b.
the vehemence of her companion an,
| ,clStLuily iiISi pOoCh lcludi y
change the trend of her thoughts.
Il think they're nearer to US now.
They are" cried Ellen as she SUI
veyed them with her practiced eye
Their boat is larger. she spread
more sail. She goes three fathoms t
our two. What shall we do? Her
take the tiller a moment. Hold
just as it is and the sheet in the othe
hand"
What are you going to do?' aske
Deborah as she obeyed her captain
commands.
I'm going to see if there are an
powder and shot in the lockers forward
l was fool to come away with onl
the charges in my pistols"
Would you shoot him."
GAY, that I would" returned Elle1
rather than fall into his hands,"
She stepped forward and rummage
in the locker under the bows but foun
nothing. She made her way aft agai
and disturbing Deborah opened anotl
er locker in the stern Sheets Their
to her good fortune she found flas
,, of powder but no bullets. She wa
bitterly disappointed at this lack, bl
r at least something was gained. Sh
knelt down on the thwarts and wit
s skill bred of ancient practice rapid
k charged both her pistols.
4 (TO BE CONTINUED)