The Julesburg grit-advocate., 1908-09-11

some premonition Of danger caused
Ellen to survey the other vessel, Q small
lugger. perhaps mile astern, with
deep and Intense interest. Somethine
seemed to whisper to her heart tba,
its presence boded no good for the fu
gitives.
In order to settle the matter. Ellen
suddenly put up the helm and ran
broad OF toward the channel. The
other boat followed her motions a,
once. At this confirmation of her sus
picions. Ellen once more brought her
own cutter on her previous course
and again the other boat followed the
movements Of the first
They're pursuing u.s." said Ellen
Il thought So" returned Debbie.
Who can they be?" queried Ellen
tightening her grip upon the tiller.
1T might be your husband" an.
swered Debbie.
And If that were SO. 1t flashed into
Ellen's mind that perhaps the best
thing would be to throw her own boat
up into the wind. dotf sail. or at least
just give her steerage way and wait
to be taken back. But Debbie's voice
dispelled that dream.
Its more likely to be Lord Strath.
gate" continued the American girl
than anyone else. He would natur.
ally follow us to that little village, II
he were not so seriously wounded as
to be utterly helpless and of course
he would pursue US. They would find
the money you put on the wharf and
anybody could guess the rest"
The thought smote Ellen's heart.
There was SO much probability of 1t.
"Ay," she said, "tis probably Strath,
gate as you say"
He's undoubtedly Intensely angry
with US both, or with you at least,
Ellen" continued Deborah. "You know
you tried to kill him last night"
Il wish to heaven l had succeeded" :"
returned Lady Darlington.
And we both left him helpless in
the road and he can't be feeling very
kindly toward u.s." went on Deborah
with innocent simplicity.
He pretended to love me-" said
Ellen, scornfully. We'll, he shall never
take me into that boat. I'll sink this
one rather than"
"Oh. please don't do anything so
rash," cried Deborah, alarmed at that
threat. I'm sure I don't want to be
sunk and drowned because Lord
Strathgate loves you and Lord Car
rington doesn't"
How do you know he doesn't?"
cried Ellen.
Why, you said that he and Lady
Cecily-"
Don't you ever dare mention that
woman's name to me-" returned the
other. fiercely. "She beguiled him
and enticed him-I hate them both"
She was on the verge Of another
breakdown. Deborah was appalled, by
the vehemence Of her companion and
tactfully interposed a remark to
change the trend Of her thoughts.
Il think they're nearer to us now."
"They are" cried Ellen as she sur.
veyed them with her practiced eye.
Their boat is larger, she spreads
more sail She goes three fathoms to
our two. What shall we do? Here
take the tiller a moment. Hold It
just as 1t Is and the sheet in the other
hand"
What are you going to do?" asked
Deborah as she obeyed her captains
commands.
I'm going to see If there are any
powder and shot in the lockers forward.
l was fool to come away with only
the charges in my pistols"
Would you shoot him?"
"Ay. that l would" returned Ellen,
rather than fall into his hands"
She stepped forward and rummaged
In the locker under the bows but found
nothing. She made her way aft again
and disturbing Deborah opened anoth-
er locker in the stern sheets. There
to her good fortune she found flask
of powder but no bullets. She was
bitterly disappointed at this lack, but
at least something was gained. She
knelt down on the thwarts and with
skill bred of ancient practice rapidly
charged both her pistols.
tTO BE CONTINUEDD