Heppner gazette. [volume] (Heppner, Morrow County, Or.) 1892-1912, 1909-04-01
CHAPTER XVII.

cabin, cast off the laShings, pulled out tn,
gag, and set the irate Major Jones free
His wrath had gathered potency, his re
sentiment had increased, during his perioC
of detention and repression. He hao
heard, if he had not seen, and he knew
pretty we'll what had taken place.
I'm sorry" said Smith politely, "tt
have treated a gentleman of your age anC
position with such apparent discourtesy
but circumstances over which l had Nc
control compelled me to assume harsh
ness foreign to my nature
Look here. young man, did you release
me to insult me?"
You are right, SIR" answered Smith
Il beg your pardon. | intend"
ITO take me to a Northern prison,
suppose"
ITO let you go free. You are non
combatant."
Il won't be one long You've taker
my blockaderunner, you've taken my prl
vateer. hope you're satisfied. =
Not quite, sir There is one more
thing | must have
That is?"
'"Your daughter"
Take her"
THANK you, sir. Will you kindly sit
down at that table and write note
which | shall have someone take up to
the house. requesting her to dress and
come here?'
NO, | won't! ~
Pardon ME, sir, but you are still q
prisoner, you know. You must do what
say. Will you write that note?"
There was no answer
II asked you a question, Major Jones,
repeated Captain Smith with ring as
of steel in his voice.
Its not necessary to send for her. an
swered the Major, sullenly defiant, shes
in there
in there:" exclaimed Smith, springing
at the door to get it open.
THE door is locked said Miss Ellen,
demurely enough.
Il see.'' Captain Smith turned to Ma
jor Jones. Where are the keys, sir?"
Il don't know. They were here
You took them with you when you
went out with the man." said Miss Ellen
from the inner cabin.
"Oh, yes, | remember" said the young
officer, fumbling in his pocket Drawing
out the bunch, he tried half a dozen be-
fore he succeeded in fitting one to the lock
and opened the door. Out stepped Miss
Ellen.
Were you in there all the timeT
"Yes."
did you hear everything?"
Every word"
You heard this young ruffan threaten
to murder me and never made a sound "
exclaimed the Major. ITS on par with
your other conduct
Il knew he wouldn't harm you, SIR"
But if he had?'
II should have interfered."
You've interfered enough in the last
two days, you faithless-"
Pardon me, Major Jones'" said Cap
tain Smith, but l will not allow you to
address Miss Jones in this manner. Re
member, you are still a prisoner
Am l prisoner, too?" queried Miss
Ellen.
You are as free as the air.
what are you going to do!'
Were getting steam up as fast as we
can and I'm going out to sea with the two
ships'-the Major groaned. will you
90 with me, Miss Ellenf-your daughter
is my promised wife, Major-or do you
prefer to stay with your father?'
Il tell you | will have none of her y
interrupted the old man sayagely. She
has betrayed me- She has been false to
me. one has left me. If you want her,
take her. l could wish you no worse for
tune"
sir" said Smith, thoroughly indig-
nant now, If you give voice to another
insult III gag you again -
Remember, he is my father, remon'
strated the girl, laying her hand on her
lovers arm.
Il don't admit it," snarled the Ole
man.
Miss Ellen" said Smith quietly, "w,
are going away. You can go as my pas
senger or you can go as-in any capac
ity you pease-or you can stay"
II will go. and as your promised wife
or not at all"
Bah! :" snorted the old soldier.
Just q moment, sir" said the Captain
"Those words are sweet to me, and
don't want the effect spoiled by any irrele
want Interruptions from you. But, Mis-
Ellen. do you go with me because you
father turns you off Or"
Il 90 with you because l love you,
said the girl, standing very erect and look
ing directly at him.
He took her hand with an old-fashion
ed gesture which well became him an
kissed it.
Major Jones. when you are ready Z
leave you are free. | regret more thai
] can express the loss you have sustained
Nv share of the prize money will be con
siderable. / shall be glad to make 1t owe
to you"
81 wouldn't touch penny Of you
oney." shouted the old man wrathfully
"Then / shall see that it goes wher
presume your property would eventual
have gone to your daughter"
Not a cent Of money shall you &c
from me :"
That makes no difference to you, doe
IT," asked the girl quickly.
Miss Ellen, this makes me more an1
ious to win you than ever" he responde
fervently.
Just then old Bob Gantlin burst uncers
moniously into the cabin.
The boatswain's mate" exclaimed Mis-
Ellen. starting back.