Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1909-10-08

ponceau, in order to shield him better.
We'll all three come" announced the
man.
l was put out; 1t would be impossible
for Duponceau to crawl from the shell
ter OF the gunwale to the cabin now with
out being seen. temporized.
WELL" said l, suppose"
Come on" said the leader to Bar
bara; you were very anxious before"
He stepped forward.
Hold up!" cried, pretending to get
angry. II didn't ask you to come over
here. 1t happens that I'm painting, and
don't wish to be disturbed"
The other man laughed. 1--WE won't
hurt your painting. I've never been over
that boat, and she looks interesting"
Duponceau was still crouching low un-
der me. 1t was time for me to be EN-.
phatic,
1.-The Ship is mine. 1 bought it when
l bought my cottage. 1 don't want you
on board, and if you try to come on
shall certainly keep you off"
Now Barbara spoke up IF all this
contending is over me- she said, "I'll give
up my visit to-day. Some other day will
do as well, Mr.. Seldom. Good-after-
noon" and she started away.
Not SO fast !" The surly faced man
was beside her, had his hand on her arm
You will either go with us, miss, or he
gives us chance to search that boat"
could scarcely keep Duponceau
crouching longer; could feel that his
fingers were itching for one of his re-
volvers.
Stop" called voice from the cliff,
and saw Rodney Islip standing there.
He took In at a fash that Barbara was
in trouble, and came leaping to her aid.
What the DEVILS this? Take your hand
away" and he raised his walking-stick ia
the mans face. The latter, startled at
Islip's violence, dropped Barbara's arm
and fell back
Now, what do you fellows want here"
demanded Islip. I've a mind to thrash
you both for touching a lady"
Were going on board that boat" said
the man. then he hesitated. "Od Well
take the lady with u.s.
"Oh, you will" said Islip.
YES" said the leader, his confidence
returned; "and l don't think you'll stop
u.s."
Rodney and he squared. The fight
would be two to one; Barbara was trem-
bling.
Now" l cried, and looked along my
leveled pistol, IF it's come to fighting,
we'll all be in the fight. Islip, bring
Miss Graham on the boat. There's bull
let waiting for the man who stops YOU"
The men fell back, hesitating, and seiz-
ing advantage of the moment, Rodney
took Barbara's hand and led her over
the causeway. They came up the ladder
and on board.
That's all :" l cried to the men on
shore. You can go!"
had the drop on them, and their
hands did not even seek their pockets as
they turned and went into the woods.
But l knew that they were as sure Of
Duponceau's presence as If they had seen
him on board.
WELL" said Islip, as he saw the
strange figure Of the Frenchman hidden
behind the bulwark,. "here's a pretty ket-
tie of fish! So there is a mystery, and
we're carrying guns"
my dear lady," said Duponceau, ris-
ing, II shall never forgive myself for
causing you such distress"
But Barbara was not distressed; in
stead, she looked very much pleased.
| motioned Duponceau to go below to
the cabin, and the others followed him
there. l sat at the top Of the steps,
where I could both join in the conversa-
tion and watch the shore.
Barbara placed her package on the ia
BILE. 81 thought l was only bringing you
provisions" said she, 'but instead I've
brought you a recruit. Mr.. Islip, this is
Monsieur Duponceau," and she added
lightly, "the pirate Of Alastair."
Islip shook hands $50 you're in on
this, too, are you, Selden?" he called up
to me. "All arrayed against the blood
hounds. take it? Well, whatever the
game is, count me in on it. III feel more
as though l were back in little old New
York"
Good !" cried Barbara. "Now you've
four men to man the Ship, counting
Charles, and spy at the club to bring
you news and food"
She caught sight Of the pitcher Of car-
ct and poured out four glasses. Then
she raised one to her lips.
Il pledge myself In the defense Of Mon
sieur Duponceau, who came out Of the
sea and found the land inhospitable !"
she cried. Drink with mel"
We drained our glasses.
"Thats the oath Of fidelity" she said,
looking ut Islip and me, and think she
knew she could trust us both to the end
Of the adventure.
The sun was dropping low, and Bar
bara prepared to leave the Ship. Islip
started to join her.
mo-" she said; "I'd rather go alone.
No one will stop me now. You must stay
/ hnra and watch during The niphtn