The Lamar register., 1908-09-30
CHAPTER xiII.-continued.

CHAPTER xiIi.-continued.
Gentlemen" continued Haight, who
was not without a certain decision of
character, Il swear to God there amt
goin' to be no fightin' on this boat. l
don't know the rights and wrongs of
this quarrel. but this boats mine and
1 won't have 1t. You'll oblige me.
Lord Darlington, by givin' me that
pistol. And you, sir" turning to
Strathgate, will do the like. When
you get ashore I've naught to say
about your actions. but here"
He held out his hand imperiously
for Lord Carrington's pistol and mo-
toned Cooper to take that of Lord
Strathgate.
The boat had shot up into the
wind and lay idly rocking. practically
drifting. Cooper's cutter had been
shaken of and was a floating wreck
some distance away. Cooper had a
distinct interest in the quarrel, for he
muttered:
You're right, Haight, there can't be
no shootin' here. Yonder gentleman
might get a bullet in his in'ards and
then who'd pay me for my sunken
boat?"
Strathgate Interrupted with laugh.
one of those irritating laughs that
drove Darlington nearly frantic:
Did you arrange all this with the
captain of your boat, Carrington?"
queried Strathgate. ''Is this bit of
bravado. with the appearance of this
worthy sailor at the proper mo-
ment?"
Curse you!" cried Darlington, leap
ing up to windward. Come up to
windward with you
He leveled his pistol full at Strath-
gate, having sprung clear of the hud-
die of men who happened to be to
leeward. Strathgate had followed his
movements and two shots rang out ST.
simultaneously. Quick as had been the
rush Of the two men, however, the
sailors had followed suit. Haight
threw himself upon Darlington and
bore him back against the low rail,
nearly throwing him overheard. while
Cooper struck Strathgate's arm such
a violent blow as he pulled the trig-
ger that his pistol was hurled back
wards and fell into the sea.
Haight was the first to recover him
self.
Gentlemen" he said in tones that
indicated he had come to a final de-
cision. you've had it out now and
there's got to be no more of it. I'm
less you give me your word" he said.
turning to Strathgate, land you give
me yours, Lord Darlington, to abide
peaceably in the boat until we get
ashore. SO help me God! I'll lash you
down to ring bolt with a rope,
and"
There's naught for it," returned
Darlington whose pistol. knocked from
his hand, had been taken possession
of by one of the men, but to give
you the promise. for you have my
pistol, the other has gone overheard
and while 1 have a sword Lord Strath-
gate is without a weapon"
"Oh. you have my word. too" said
Strathgate carelessly.
He'll keep the forward end of the
boat and you'll stay aft, my lord"
said Haight to Darlington. "and now
we'll put back to harbor."
My lord Strathgate amused himself
during the hours that elapsed before
he and Darlington were landed at the
same wharf whence they had taken
their departure, by humming graceful
little tunes, whistling merry little airs
and in general disporting himself as
If he were having a delightful time.
My lord Darlington, who had more
at stake, was gloomy and silent. He
did not cast a glance in the direction
of his brother earl reclining on the
deck forward until the vessel was
made fast to the wharf. Then he
sprang out and touched Strathgate
on the shoulder.
I'VE have matters of moment to
settle. my lord" began Darlington
gravely, land 1t were better that we
settle them quietly as gentlemen
which one of us at least is"
Il agree with you in that PROPOSE
tion," returned Strathgate bowling.
I'VE shall doubtless find friends In
Portsmouth and may conclude our ar
engagements without the unseemly IN
erruptions of brawling seamen.
"Brawling seenen!" growled Haigh'
under his breath. THE only peaceaple
people aboard the cutter were Cooper
and myself and the men,"
Il am staying at the Blue Boar
said Strathgate gravely.
Il also" returned Darlington.
Very well, I shall await a WISH
from your friends as soon as may De