The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1909-04-10

shortly.
You meaiy mOuthed sncak.' shout
ed Hammond. 'I'm fit to fix you."
Bradley saw the blow coming. He
dropped the lantern and ducked. Next
instant Sam was upon him, screaming
and cursing They tripped over the
swinging door and fell to the deck.
Alvin and Captain Titcomb came run
ming from the fo'castle
What in the nation?"-- cried the
captain. Here, quit that. you! Let
him alone. Bradv'
Hammond yelled and fought as they
dragged him to his feet. Finally, over
powered, he sobbed in maudlin fury.
There, that'll do for you," observed
the captain. clapping big hand over
bis prisoners mouth. Cray tight,
amt he? Hold still, or, by the ever
lastin' hookblocks, I'll heave you over
board! Where'd he come from?'
Must have come aboard when we
stopped at the wharf" replied Brad
ley. HE was dead set OH taking the
lantern and going below after his oil
skins and stuff"
Sooner trust blind cripple with
lantern. Chuck his dunnage ashore to-
mOrrer mornin'. Now, then," turning
to Hammond, twill you walk to the
dory or shall we carry you? Shut up!
You've cussed enough"
He led the way to the side, holding
Sam by the coat collar. Bradley fol-
lowed.
"Oh" exclaimed the skipper, STOP
ping short. Didn't shut that cabin
door, did you, Brad? I've left that
blasted key somewheres. and IL that
spring locks snapped shut we'll be in
a mess. No? Well. all right then"
They got into the dory and Bradley
took up the oars. Bearse sat on the
bow thwart. while the captain reclined
In the stern with Hammond, sprawling
and mutterlng, between his knees.
They had nearly reached the beach
when Sam gave sudden spring and,
with an oath, threw himself upon his
enemy. Bradley fell backward. The
dory heeled ustil the water Tipped the
rail.
"You would, would youY' grunted
Captain TitcOmb. "There!"
Seizing the struggling diver neck and
crop. he whirled him bodily over the
side.
Now, then" painted the captain, If
you can't ride like man, walkw
Sam went into the cold water with q
tremendous splash. 1t was not deep
and he fioundered to his feet, but the
shock sobered him little. He waded
TO the shore. Turning. he stretched
out an arm with shaking forefinger
ut the end Of it. His rage almost chok.
ed him. He tried twice before he man.
aged to speak clearly.
Il pay my debts" he gasped. IL
pay my debts!'
"Fve heard diff'rent," remarked the
captain dryly. But never mind, Sam;
It's good habit"
Hammond did not heed him. II pay
my debts" he repeated. do you
hear that, Brad Nickersony You dough
face! I've got your girl away from
you already, and that isn't the end.
pay my debts. and. Brad Nickerson, I'll
pay your
He stood for an instant pointing at
the dory., Then lie stepped back into
the darkness. They heard his foot
steps crunching the broken clam shells
Of the road.
Seems to love you like a brother.
don't he. Brad!" observed the captain
as they We're on their way uptown, 81
jedge from the drift OF his entertalniur
remarks that he's decided to chuck up
bis job with TitcOmb & Nickerson.
Well, ! callate he'll resign by mutual
consint. as the Irishman did when him
and his boss told each other to 60 to
blazes at the same time. met one of
the metropolitan men when l was up
to Boston. and he told me his folks
fired Sam because he went on a
howlin' spree, so guess this little
shindy was bound to come sooner or
later. Kept pretty straight afore sence
he's been to home. though, ain't heY"
Bradley did not answer.
Suddenly the captain slapped his
thigh.
Good land.' he exclaimed. Brad.
I've meant to tell you oil day and for.
got 1t. TIE Diving Bellies, insured.
went down to Obed's after I left your
house last night and we fixed It up.
Five thousand dollars, and it went on
at noon today-leastways l s'pose 1t
did. He was to telephone the insur.
ance folks this mOrnin'."
Good! I'm glad that's. settled. II
has worried me to think we xvorop,t
protected Mt ALL"
"Weil, told you I'd do 1t, didn't 1?
Inc only hitch was about that dyna-
mite. But l fixed that. Give Obed to
understand we'd took 1t ashore. We
nave, all but. l spoke to Peleg and
he'll have 1t of In day or So"
Bradley stopped short. "You don't
mean to tell me 1t hasn't gone yet?' lie
exclaimed. "Why, If anything shoulC