The Lamar register. [volume] (Lamar, Colo.) 1889-1952, 1908-10-14
CHAPTER xv.-continued


Take me aboard of you"
We're not shorthanded," replied
the other.
Il mean as a passenger"
Can you pay your passage?" came
from the ship.
For reply Ellen held up'a well-filled
purse.
The man nodded to her. disappeared
inboard. and presently came back fol-
lowed by an older sailor.
"Who be ye?" cried the older man.
apparently the captain of the ship.
My names Darlington" answered
Ellen.
Are We fugitives from justice?"
asked the captain.
No, no, / swear we're not"
BE we runaway coupler"
Yes, yes" answered Ellen, grasping
at the suggestion presented by the
captains misconception of the situa-
ton.
And indeed they were a runaway
couple, though not exactly of the kind
the captain meant.
And them boats yonder. are they
chasin' you?'
They are" cried Ellen. Won't
you take us aboard?''
well. I don't know" said the cap
tain, slowly. 81 guess so. l don't
want to heave to, them boats to port
is chasin' hard"
IF you'll make half-board, I'll run
the boat alongside of you and we'll
manage to get aboard"
''All right" said the captain.
He spoke to the helmsman and
moment after the sails Slated in the
wind, the big ship swung up toward
the breeze and ranged ahead, her way
clearly checked.
Ellen acted promptly. Before the
big ship swung up into the wind she
had run her little boat alongside. She
dropped sail, ran forward and took
a turn with a painter across the fore
chains. She let the boat drift aft until
It came abreast the battens on the
side, leading up the gangway. Up this
she drove Debbie, reluctant, protest
ing. frightened out of her wits. In
deed 1t was a hard climb for a girl
unused to such performances and en-
numbered by her skirts. Showed by
Ellen. however. the girl clambered up
until hands reached through the gang
way uTdSSeu HeT 10 SAFETY. Ellen lOl-
lowed quickly after her.
And your boat, what of herr"
asked the captain.
She's no use to us any longer" an
swered Ellen, enduring the keen scru-
tiny of the old sailor as best she
might. You may have her, captain"
Here, Bud" said the captain to an
old sailor. "jes' drop down the fore
chains and make that boat fast. Well
swing her up on deck after awhile, If
she's worth it. Now, sir" he looked
harder than ever at Ellen, what did
you say your name was?"
Darlington" answered the count
ess thoughtlessly. ELLEN"
Ellen" exclaimed the captain,
Gee Wilkins! thought so. And
this young lady?" he turned to
Deborah.
my names Slocum, Deborah Slo-
cum of Massachusetts,, of Boston. /
should like to get ashore"
Young ladies'" said the captain
and at that word Ellen knew that all
her hopes of concealment were blast
ed-"whats the cause of this, l don't
know. Why you're masqueradin' in
boys clothes. ma'am, l can't tell.
take it that the other is ftSiale in
spite of her woman's riggin."
Yes, you may be sure of that"
whimpered Deborah with difficulty re-
pressing strong inclination to cry.
Captain" began Ellen. resolutely.
you've guessed the truth. l am a
woman
Lord love you; you didn't expect to
disguise it. did your" said the captain,
laughing grimly.
Il never thought anything about it"
said Ellen, Il was so anxious to get
away"
ITO get away from whom? thought
you was lover and his lass"
Were not" cried Debbie. indig-
nantly; shes trying to escape from
her husband, and l.
AN you, miss"
I'm not trying to escape from any
body. 1 want to go ashore! Won't
you put me ashore. captain?"
Hardly" said the captain. dryly.
you've come aboard and 1 guess
you'll have to stay unless heave to