Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-05-04

and he did not notice the white. visit
full face pressed against the pane OF
one of the staterOoms.
Nor did he see that the face was stili
there when he returned from supper
and the first of the fishing fleet lined
Up alongside of the dock and began TO
pass the barrels of fish across the dock
TO the steamer.
From that time on all was confusion.
As rapidly as boat could unload she
gave place TO another and by mid
night the last of the cargoes was stow
ell ard the sailors began to make prep
aratiOnS to east Off
Paul had gone to the gapgpank to
see that all was right when Trent en-
| deavored to press past him. For mo-
ment Paul hesitated, then resolutely
| he barred the way.
| Tickets" he demanded Trent laugh
ed.
I'm fix it with the purser," he as
sured
| "You cannot get aboard without
ticket" Paul insisted.
"Then sell me one," suggested Trent,
setting down his suit case and draw
ing out his bill fold
1.-The sale of tickets stopped at 6
| O'clock" reminded Paul. NO more
tickets Will be sold for this voyage.
You will have to wait until Thursday"
at is vital that should catch this
boat" declared Trent ~ just hap.
pened to remember that have an i'm
portant stockholders meeting in New
York on Friday"
'YOu should have remembered before
6 o'clock said Paul. Il cannot let
you board the steamer now
You can't stop me-" clustered Trent.
"You are i common carrier. and you
have to give me passage"
81 know the law" insisted Paul.
"You cannot sail on the Robert G. to-
night. That is all there Is to it."
Afraid that I'm going to elope with
KateT sncered Trent.
Il thought that yon knew she was
aboard" retorted Paul. Il tell you
that you cant sail"
With an oath Trent struck at his ri
val, but the blow WAS easily blocked
and the next instant Paul had Trent
by the collar. Dragging him away
from the gansplank. lie gave orders for
the plank Ia he removed. but just as
the crew grasped the ropes to carry out
his command slender figure sped
across the already moving boards and
sprang between the two men.
"You must let Mr.. Trent come. Paul"
portant that he should reach the main
land. Won't you please let him Gomez"
Not until he explains this
The three started at the sound of
Captain Crosby's voice. and Trent made
an effort to slip from his captOrs and
spring aboard the steamer. which was
already slipping past the dock.
Crosby's grasp prevented the move,
and Paul and Kate looked with aston
ishment at the suit case which had
been broken open when struck by the
gangpiank and forced against post.
1t was packed solid with greenbacks
and bonds in place OF clothing.
ut looks to me as though our friend
had paid visit TO the bank just before
he left" commented Crosby as he ex-
tracted two revolvers from Trenes
orercoat pockets. I'm constable here.
and guess well put Mr.. Trent where
he can't get away. He knew that ev.
. erybody d be down to the dock to see
the steamer sail and It would be easy
to get into the vault Of the First Ma.
tional.r
One glance at Trent's face showed
! the constable's surmise to be correct
3 and. with a little cry. Kate swayed and
I fell into Pants arms.
II Rapidly be bore her into. the tiny
Office. shutting out the crowd Of Gu
q rious citizens. who thereupon followed
= Crosby and his prisoner howard the VII
J. lage lookup. 1t needed (only q glass o