Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1908-02-14


other in blank impotency. Meantime
the scarecrow was showing signs of re.
turning CONSCIOUSNESS, ana a message
was dispatched for the physician. On
his way he met Barnett, who asked
and received permission to accompany
him. The stranger was tossing rest
lessly in his bunk, opening and shut
ting his parched mouth in silent, pite.
Gus appeal for the water that must
still be doled to him parsimoniously.
Il think Ill try him with little
brandy" said Trendon and sent for
the liquor.
Barnett raised the patient while the
surgeon held the glass to his lips. The
mans hand rose, wavered and clasped
the glass.
"All right, my friend. Take 1t your
self, II you like" said Trendon.
The fingers closed. TREMENDOUSLY held,
the little glass tilted and ratified
against the teeth. There was one deep,
eager spasm Of swallowing. Then the
fevered eyes opened upon the face OF
the Wolverines first officer.
"Prosit. Barnett" said the man in
voice like the rasp of rusty metal.
The navy man Strengthened up as
from blow under the Jaw.
BE careful what you are about
warned Trendon, addressing his supe-
rior officer sharply, for Barnett had all
but let his charge drop. His face was
puckered mask of amaze and incre-
dulity.
did you hear him speak my name
or am dreaming?" he half whispered.
Heard him plain enough. Who is
he?"
The mans mouth closed, but he
smiled n little-a singular, wry mouth
ed. winning smile. With that there
sprung from behind the brush of
beard. filling ont the deep lines of
emaciation. memory to the recogni-
ton Of Barnett-a keen and guy coun-
tenance that whisked him back across
seven years time to the days of Dewey
and the Philippines.
Ralph Slade. by the Lordr' he ex-
claimed.
"of the Laughing Lass" cried Tren-
don.
"Of the Laughing Lass"
Such fury of eagerness burned in
the face Of Barnett that Trendon eau
toned him. See here. Mr.. Barnett,
you're not going to fire broadside Of
disturbing questions at my patient yet
awhile. He's in no condition"
But 1t was from the other that the
questions came. Opening his eyes he
whispered: 1.-THE sailor? Where7"
Dead" said Trendon bluntly. Then,
breaking his own rule Of repression, he
asked:
"Did he come OF the schooner with
your
picked him up" was the straining
answer. Drifting"
The survivor looked around him,
then into Barnett's face, and his mind,
too, trayersed the years.
north Dakota?" he queried.
mo. I've changed my ship" said
Barnett. "This is the Wolverine"
where's the Laughing Lass7"
Barnett shook his head.
AeiI ulc, DeSBeu SlaOe.
"Wait till you're stronger" admon-
ished Trendon.
Cant watt said the weak voice.
The eyes grew wild.
"Mr. Barnett, tell him the bare out
line and make 1t Short" said the sur
geon.
I'VE sighted the Laughing Lass two
days ago. She was in good shape, hut
deserted-that is. we thought she was
deserted"
The man nodded eagerly.
II suppose you were aboard" said
Barnett. and Trendon made quick
gesture of impatience and rebuke.
"No," said Slade. left three-four
don't know how many nights ago"
The officers looked at each other.
"Go on" said Trendon to his com
panion.
1--WE put crew aboard IN command
OF an ensign" continued Barnett, land
picked up the schooner the next night,
deserted. You must know about it.
Where Is Billy Edwards:"
Never heard Of him." whispered the
other.
"Ives and Mcclure, then. They were
there after Great God, man, he
cried. his agitation breaking out pull
yourself together! Give us something
to go on
"Mr Barnett" said the surgeon per-
emptorily.
But the suggestion was working in
the sick mans brain. He turned to
the officers a face of horror.
"Your man. Edwards-the crew
they left her? In the nishts'
What does he mean:" cried Bar
nett.
"a'ha light! You saw it9"
'fes. We SAW a strange light" an
swered Trendon soothingly. Slade
half rose. Lost! All lost" he cried
and fell back unconscious. Trendon
exploded into curses. ..Sce what you've
done to my patient he fumea. Bar
nett looked at him with contritc eyes.
BETTER get out before he comes to-
growled the surgeon. Nice way to
treat man half dead of exhaustion"
1t was nearly IN hour before Slade
came back to the world again. The
doctor forbade him to attempt speech.
Hut of one thing lie would not be de-
MED. There was n struggle for utter
ance. then:
THE yolcano9" he rasped out.
"pead ahead." was the reply.
"Stand by!' gasped Sladc. He strove
to rise. to say something further, but
endurance had reached Its limit. The