Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1908-05-29

Ilau nol pdiu any dIlenllOn 10 WndL
was astern Of her. 1t was Debbie
who about a half hour after sunrise
pointed out another and larger boat
following in their wake. In the pres
ence of such boat at such a time,
there was nothing suspicious, yet
some premonition Of danger caused
Ellen to survey the other vessel, a small
lugger, perhaps q mile astern, with
deep and intense interest. Something
seemed to whisper to her heart that
its presence BODIED no good for the fu-
gtives.
In order to settle the matter, Ellen
suddenly put up the helm and ran
broad OF toward the channel. The
other boat followed her motions at
once. At this confirmation Of her sus-
picions, Ellen ones more brought her
own cutter on her previous course,
and again the other boat followed the
movements Of the FIRST.
They're pursuing u.s." said Ellen.
Il thought co." returned Debbie.
who can they bei" queried Ellen
tightening her grip upon the tiller.
1T might be your husband" an.
swered Debbis.
And II that were so, 1t 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 give her steerage way and wait
to be taken back. But Debbies voice
dispelled that dream.
ITS more likely to be Lord Strath.
gate" continued the American girl,
than anyone else. He would natur-
ally follow US to that little village, II
ne were not 80 seriously wounded az
to be utterly helpless and of course
ne 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, "tis probably Strath-
gate as you say"
Hes 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 can't be feeling very
kindly toward u.s." went on Deborah
with innocent simplicity.
He pretended to love me-" said
Ellen, scornfully. well, he shall never
take me into that boat. I'll sink this
one rather than"
"Oh, please den't do anything SO
rash," cried Deborah, alarmed at that
threat. I'm sure I don't want to be
sunk and drowned because Lord
Strathgate loves you and Lord Car
ringten doesn't"
How do you know he doesn'tr
cried Ellen.
Why, you said that he and Lady
Cecily-"
Don't you ever dare mention that
woman's name to me-" returned the
other, fiercely. "She beguiled hin
and enticed him-I hate them both"
She was on the verge Of another
breakdown. Deborah was appalled, by
the vehemence Of her companion and
tactfully interposed a remark tc
change the trend Of her thoughts.
| u think they're nearer to US now
7, They are" cried Ellen as she sur
veyed them with her practiced eye
Their boat is larger, she spreads
more sail. She goes three fathoms tc
our two. What shall we do? Here
take the tiller a moment. Hold II
just as 1t is and the sheet in the Other
hand"
What are you going to do?" asked
Deborah as she obeyed her captains
commands.
I'm going to see il there are an,
powder and shot in the lockers forward
| was a fool to come away with only
the charges in my pistols"
Would you shoot him."
"Ay, that l would" returned Ellen
rather than fall into his hands"
| She stepped forward and rummaget
IN the locker under the bows but fount
nothing: She made her way aft AGAR
and disturbing Deborah opened anoth
er locker in the stern sheets. There
to her good fortune she found a fash
OF powder but no bullets. She wa:
bitterly disappointed at this lack. but
at least something was gained. She
knelt down on the thwarts and witt
skill bred of ancient practice RAPIDLY
charged both her pistols.
What are you going to do?" asked
Deborah again.
Use these on Them" answered
4 Ellen.
You would not murder?"
Peace, child. l have no bullets
These. are but blank cartridges Per
haps l can brighten them"
Brighten Lord Strathgatel" laughed
deborah. Don't try. 1t will only
make him more angry, and"
But Ellen stood up in the boat
balancing herself lightly in. spite o.
the pitching, pointed her pistol a,
the other boat now not more thar
halt mile away, and pulled the trig
h Kef. Tl6ro Was