The Springdale news., 1909-02-20
tCoNTsUED.I


 "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 inere- dality.
 Did you hear him speak my name or am dreaming3' he half whispered.
 Heard him plain enough, Who Is heT
 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 out the deep lines of cancellation, a memory to the reeogni- ton of Barnett-a keen and gay eonn- tenanee that whisked him back across seven years time to the days of Dewey and the Philippines
 Ralph Slade, by the Lord" he ex- claimed.
 .0f the Laughing Lasss' cried Tren- don.
 "Of the Laughing Lass.
 Such q fury of eagerness burned in The face of Barnett that Trendon eau toned him. See here Mir. Barnett, you're not going to fire broadside of disturbing questions at my patient yet awhile He's in no condition.e
 But it was from the other that the questions came. Opening his eyes he whispered: "The sailor? Where v
 "Dead,n said Trendon bIuntly. Then, breaking his own rule of repression, he asked:
 Did he come off the schooner with you?"
 Picked him up.' was the straining answer. Drifting"
 The survivor looked around him, then into Barnett's face and his mind, too, traversed the years
 North Dakota?" he queried
 No. I've changed my ship said Barnett. This is the Wolverine"
 Where's the Laughing Lass?'
 Barnett shook his head
 Tell me" begged Slade.
 Wait till you're stronger admon ished Trendon.
 Can't wait" said the weak voice The eyes grew wild.
 "Mr Barnett, tell him the bare out line and make it short" said the sur geon.
 "We sighted the. Laughing Lass two days ago She was in good shape. but deserted-that is, We thought she was deserted"
 The man nodded eagerly.
 "I suppose you were aboard said Barnett, and Trendon made quick gesture of impatience and rebuke
 "No," said Siade. Left three-faur don't know how many nights ago. The officers looked at each other. "Go on." said Trendon to his com panion.
 We put a crew aboard in command of an ensign. continued Barnett, and 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 McGuire, 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 q face of horror
 Your man, Edwards the crew they left her? In the night%a
 What does he meanf" cried Bar nett.
 ..rhe light. You saw itf''
 'Yes. 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. See what you've done to my patient" he fumed. Bar nett looked it him with eontrlte eyes. Better get out before he comes to- growsd the surgeon. Nice way to treat a man half dead of exhaustion ' It was nearly an hour before Slade came back to the world again The doctor forbade. him to attempt speech. But of one thing he would not be de nled. There was struggle for utter anee, then:
 .tThe yolcano?" he rasped out
 Dead ahead" was the reply.
 .Stand by." gasped SIade. He stroye to rise, to say something further, but endurance had reached its limit. The man was utterly done.
 Dr. Trendon went on deck, his head sunk between his shoulders For minute he was in earnest talk with the captain. Presently the Wolverines en- zines slowed down and she lay head to the waves, with just enough turn of the screw to hold her against the ses- way.
 CHAPTER VII. NY tho fnliouip1 nn