Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1908-07-18
CHAPTER XIX.
NHE events of the next hour
were shadowy as the dawn to
EIcin Sho knnW TINT her low

Elsie. She knew that her low
err placed men in each OF the
canoes, that the lifeboat Itself was
crowded and that 1t began the seaward
journey after the others had started.
They sped out Of the twilight into
the morning glory Of the open bay. and
never savage boot disturbed the ech-
oes. Some Of the AlaculOfs had drag
ged Il couple Of canoes from beneath
the trees and raced Off toward the VII
lage, others had followed a coast path
known only to them. while II there
were watchers by the side OF that
mysterious river which flowed both
ways with the tide they kept silent
vigil, awed by the force arrayed
against them.
AS the lifeboat emerged into the estu
nry under the vigorous sweep OF siN
ash blades Elsle's wondering glance
rested on the brown plumpness of n
girl who was gazing at Suarez with
wistful. glistenlng eyes. much as Joey
was regarding his master.
Courtensy caught the happy little
sigh, half laugh. half sob, with which
Elsie announced her discovery OF the
dyl in the canoe.
I'VE owe lot to that young per
son." he said. None Of us could make
out a word she uttered when first we
saw her. She loses what small amount
of Spanish she can speak when she
becomes excited. aud it was sheer good
fortune that some Of the crew were
with her when she swung herself
down the side of the cliff to warn us
Of our danger; otherwise she might
have been She, suppose Suarez told
you what to exlsect:'
''You might as well be talking Alacu-
lof yourself for all can follow what
you are saying" murmured Elsie hap
PLY.
Whereupon Courtenay took thought
and explained that the channel which
flowed through that amazing cut in
the cliff led to the crater Of On extinct
volcano. into which the sea poured
twenty feet Of water each tide. An
dIAOSI CNClIuSllA8 4AOAoSAOu AOeSSA
within. as the water entered by side
long channel and sent whirlpool spin
ming with the hands of the clock until
the enormous cistern was full and
against them until 1t was empty. The
sailors had taken refuge on wide,
sulphur coated ledge high above the
vortex, and the presence Of several
skeletons showed that many an unfor-
tunate had sought last shelter there
against pursuit. Every Alaculof knew
OF this retreat, but few dared approach
1t, as tho r.>>r OF the water far below
appalled, them. There was only one
path. When the hunters closed that
their prey was safe. The alternative
to capture was ueath by starvation.
The Chileans and he himself during
the past fourteen hours had subslsted
on bag Of dried berries stolen by the
girl when she first led the sailors
thither.
Didn't you see how eager we all
were to search the lockers" he asked.
"But the rascals had cleared every
scrap when the boat fell into their
hands again with the falling tide"
She nestled close to him.
II saw nothing" she whispered. "My
mind held but one thought-that you
were alive, though indeed was
mourning you as dead But now am
restored to my senses. think ! can
grasp what happened. Did Joey find
your"
Yes. You can guess my bewilder-
ment when he sprang on top Of me.
I was lying down. heard our SEN
tries shouting, but paid no heed. AS
a matter of fact, Elsie. l, too. had
abandoned hope. could see no chance
of escape Great heaven-to think
Of your coming to my rescue! What
made you do itT'
please 80 on. Tell me all. You
shall hear my story afterward."
"Well, jumped up, and Joey nearly
fell into the crater with delight. ]
was Just in time to save Suarez from
being shot Luckily he was long;
way behind the dog, and recognized
his makeup"
Though Courtenay did not allow ten
seconds to pass without glance at
the charming face by his side. he new
ertheless had = sharp eye for events
elsewhere. He saw smoke rising from
the funnel of the ship. A line of flags
dancing from the foremost told him
that Boyle had discovered them as
soon as they were clear of the deep
shadow Of Guanaco hill. But there
were anxious moments yet in store. A
feet Of canoes put off from Otter
creek. There was every prospect Of a
fight before they reached their fortress.
They had long two miles to travel,
and the Indians could attack them ere
they covered half the distance.
A long blare from the ships siren
thrilled their hearts, but the excite
ment became frantic when three short,
SHARP. blasts followed and every sailor
knew that the chief officer had sig
nailed, "My engines are going full speed
astarn."
That was q pardonable exaggera-
ton, but the Kansas was certainly
moving. They could see the white
foam churnsd up by her propeller.
Win one accord they cheered madly,
and the cars. double handed now, tore
the lifeboat onward ut pace which
outsMpped even the shallow canoes.
Then the Indians did wise thing.