Jefferson jimplecute. (Jefferson, Tex.) 1907-1926, 1908-02-28

COPYRIGHT. 1907. BY N
"Be careful what you are about
warned Trendon, addressing his supe
rior officer sharply, for Barnett had all
but let his charge drop. His face was
a puckered mask of amaze and incre
dulity.
"Dj1 you hear him speak my name
or am l dreaming?" he half whispered
Heard him plain enough. Who is
he?"
The mans mouth closed, but he
smiled a little-a singular, wry mouth
ed, winning smile. With that there
sprung from behind the brush Of
beard, filling out the deep lines OF
emaciation, a memory to the recogni
ton of Barnett-a keen and gay coun
tenance that whisked him back across
seven years time to the days of Dewey
and the Philippines.
Ralph slade, by the Lordv' he ex
claimed.
"Of the Laughing Lass?" cried Tren
don.
"Of the Laughing Lass"
Such a fury Of eagerness burned in
the face of Barnett that Trendon eau
toned him. 'See here, Mr.. Barnett
you're not going to fire broadside Of
disturbing questions at my patient vel
| awhile He's in no condition"
p,,f ~ rryoc fro,,, thu ofbay. hot fhr
questions came. Opening his eyes he
whispered: ''The sailor? Where?"
Dead" said Trendon bluntly. Then
breaking his own rule of repression, he
asked:
did he come off the Schooner with
you?"
"Picked him up" was the straining
answer. Drifting"
The survivor looked around him
then into Barnett's face, and his mind
too, traversed the years.
"North Dakota?" he queried.
mo. I've changed my ship" said
Barnett. ''This is the Wolverine"
"Where's the Laughing Lass?"
Barnett shook his head.
"Tell me-" begged Slade.
I"Wait till you're stronger" admon
ished Trendon.
Cant wait" said the weak voice
The eyes grew wild.
"Mr. Barnett, tell him the bare out
line and make it short" said the sur
geon.
eve sighted the Laughing Lass two
days ago. She was in good shape, but
deserted-that is, we thought she was
deserted"
The man nodded eagerly.
81 suppose you were aboard" sale
Barnett, and Trendon made a quici
| gesture Of Impotence and rebuke.
NO." said Slade. left three-fou'
don't know how many nights ago."
The officers looked at each other
"Go on" said Trendon to his com
panion.
eve put crew aboard in command
Of an ensign" continued Barnett, "ant
picked up the schooner the next night
| deserted. You must know about 1t
Where is Billy Edwards?"
Never heard of him." whispered thu
other.
Gives and Mcclure, then. They were
there after Great God, manw HI
cried, his agitation breaking out. "Pul
yourself together! Give us something
to go on"
"Mr. Barnett" said the surgeon per
emptorily.
But the suggestion was working il
the sick mans brain. He turned Il
the officers a face of horror.
"Your man, Edwards-the crew.
they left her? In the night?'
"What does he mean" cried Bar
nett.
"The light! You saw it?"
eyes. We saw strange light" an
swered Trendon soothingly. Slad
half rose. "Lost! All lostv he criet
and fell back unconscious. Trendol
exploded into curses. "See what you'v
done to my patient" he fumed. Bar
nett looked at him with contrite eyes
Better get out before he comes to-,
| grOWleQ tne surgeon. NICE way
treat a man half dead of exhaustion"
1t was nearly an hour before Slad
came back to the world again. TIL
doctor forbade him to attempt speech
But of one thing he would not be de
MED. There was struggle for utter
ance, then:
'9The volcano?" he rasped out. =
Dead ahead" was the reply.
STAND by!" gasped Slade. He strov
to rise, to say something further, bu
endurance had reached its limit. TIL
man was utterly done.
DR.. Trendon went on deck, his hea
sunk between his shoulders. For
minute he was in earnest talk with tn
captain. Presently the Wolverines er
gines slowed down and she lay hea
to the waves, with just enough turn o
the screw to hold her against the sea
way.