Gloucester County Democrat., 1908-04-23
CHAPTER x.

JIAL Il n.
R-% Isle had slept long and sound
~ She found herself in a
new world of sunshine and
caln Her brain had been
cleared, restored to the normal by re-
freshing sleep. With more active
perception of the curious difficulties
which beset the Kansas came feeling
akin to despair. The brightness of ma
ture served rather to convert the ship
into prison. Storm and stress, wheth-
er of the elements or of the less candid
foes who iurked unseen on the neigh
boring shores, made the Kansas veri-
table fortress, a steel refuge seemingly
impregnable. But the knowledge Of
the vessels helplessness and Of the
equally desperate hazard which beset
her inmates was rendered only more
poignant by the smiling aspect Of land
and sea.
But she was hungry, and that was a
saving sign. She guessed that many
of the men after mounting watch until
broad daylight were asleep. Others
were at work below, as was testified
by subdued sound Of hammering,
with the sharp clink of metal against
metal. Walker was tinkering at the
engines. With him in all likelihood
were the captain and Tollemache. She
and Suarez were the drones of the
ship, and Suarez, poor fellow, had earn
ed an idle hour il only on account of
the scrubbing he had given himself to
wash away the tokens Of five years Of
slavery.
Before going in search of the cook
she walked a few steps toward the
bridge. At the top of the companion
she saw Joey, sitting disconsolately on
his tail, sure indication that Courte-
nay was occupied in depths approach
able only by steep iron ladders with
er the dog could not follow.
She whistled softly to her little
friend, knowing that Christobal and
perhaps Mr. Boyle would be on the
bridge, keeping the lookout, and she
was not inclined for talk at the mo-
ment Joey sprang down the stairs,
barking joyously, and leaped into her
outstretched arms.
He I1onored no other person on board
except his master with such extrava-
CANT friendship, and as the girl carried
him aft to the cooks galley she asked
herself why the dog had taken such a
liking to her.
She blushed little as she thought:
sTt may be that I resemble the lady
whom Captain Courtenay is going to
marry. wonder why he did not show
us her photograph that day when Iso-
bel and / visited his cabin and looked
at the pictures of his mother and sis
ter / should like to see her, but how
can | manage it? | simply dare not
tell him read that scrap of letter,
even by chance"
The dog apparently found her an ex-
cellent substitute. He licked her ear
contentedly. That tickled her, and
she laughed.
II fear you are tickle lover, Joey
she said aloud. "But you viii simply
be compelled to remain constant to me
while we are in this horrid place, and
that may be for the remainder of our
lives, DEAR"
Joey tried to lick her again to show
that he didn't care. What could any
reasonable dog want more than fine
weather, enough to eat and the pros
pect of an occasional scrimmage?
When Elsie did ultimately climb to
the chart house the fit Of despondency
had fed. Boyle was there, having
been carried up in deck chair early
in the day. He was alone.
"Huhr' he growled pleasantly.
you're lookin' as bright as new pin,
Miss Maxwell. Now, IL I had been
among the pirates I'd have taken you
with me-"
"Do you mean to say that you are
actually paying me compliments?" ?" said
she.
"Am 1? Huh-didn't mean 1t. I'm
an old married man. But pirates, espe-
cfally Spanish ones, are supposed to be
very handy with knives an other fel-
lows girls
s'You see they did not consider me a
prize"
"The rascals! Good job you missed
that boat. Christobal has been teliin'
me all about it. They've gone UNDER
s'Do you really think so?"
ssCan't see any chance for them, Miss
Maxwell"
ssBut we are almost as badly situated
herea"
ssHuh-- not BIT OF 1t. Lucky chap,
Courtenay. He couldn't lose q ship II
he tried. She'd follow him cross coun-
try like that pup. Look at me; lost
three, all brand new from the build
ers. SO I'm first mate, an first mate
I'll remain till my ticket gives out"
'sWhy do you consider Captain Cour
tenay SO fortunateln asked Elsie. flush
Ing somewhat at the guile which lay
behind the question.
"Huh!'' snorted Boyle, amazed that