The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1909-06-17

saw il again-Tight over therel But
I killed that one, I killed that one!
It Will go back to hell ahead of me,
Oh, God, there's another Another.
but I'll kill that one. too"
Straight toward me he came with
the fierce, unexpected leap of a wild
animal. Half-dazed l grappled him. 1t
was the contest of man against
beast, for he fought clawing and snap
ping, snarling forth curses. The ne
cessity of saving myself stiffened me
to it, and | struck out hastily, landing
twice before we came to the grip. 1t
seemed to me he possessed the
strength of a dozen men, yet got my
fingers in his neckband, and We went
crashing down together on the deck.
AS We struck he went suddenly limp,
his fingers shaking, his eyes staring
up duly at the light. | held him thus
in my grip an instant, suspecting some
trick; then, as he never moved. | drew
him up until his shoulders rested
against the support of a chair.
What is it, MANI" questioned, anx-
iously, What has happened? Are
you sick?"
He made no response, gave not the
slightest sign that he even heard me.
| poured out a glass of liquor, held it
to his lips. and he gulped it down. but
seemingly in stupOr
Come along" | said, sternly, realiz-
ing that my will must dominate his. if
l would move him to action. Il am
going to take you to your berth, and
make you lie down. You are sick, and
need rest. Get up, now"
He attempted no resistance as I
lifted him, even clinging to the chair
for support, his entire body shaking
like a jelly fish. | braCed him in
through the open door, tumbled him
over into the bunk, and he lay there.
staring straight up with unwinking
eyes, his face as yellow as parchment
He was, completely dressed for the
deck, his pea-jacket buttoned to the
chin, his heavy boots on. |
loosened the one, drew off the others,
shut the door, and left him there alone.
1t was clear enough he had again be-
held the ghost, but how came he to be
fully dressed, his clothing still wet
with the salt spray? Breathing hard
from the eXertiOn, glanced curiously
at my watch to note the hour Barely
two O'Clock. Why, it was his trick on
deck; he had deserted his position to
come below. The Sea Queen was rush
ing through the gloom with no officer
on the bridge. De Nova would be in his
bunk asleep. l sprang to my own
room, and hastily finished dressing.
fully determined on standing out Tut
lies watch on deck. AS l came forth
again into the main cabin. winding a
muller about my throat, vision in
white fronted me, grasping the table
to keep from falling
What is it, Mr. Stephens? What
has happened?"
Nothing that need in any way
alarm you" and as the vessel gave
sickening plunge, and her eyes opened
in apprehension, I caught her arm firm
ly. Truly, believe me, there is no
danger. Mr.. futile has been suddenly
taken i'll, and I am going to relieve
him on watch. You have confidence in
me, have you nOt?"
Her eyes searched my face earnest
ly, the gray depths full Of anxiety.
oh, yes
Then now is the time to show it.
! shall remain on deck, probably, until
morning l wish you to go back, lie
down and rest. Let me assist you to
return to your stateroom'
| held her closely to me, so closely
| could feel the throb OF her breathing.
he warmth of her flesh, realizing that
she was clinging to me in utter forget
fulness. Only at the door did she
draw away slightly, yet even then
with her hands clasping my arm, her
hands clasping my arm. her eyes
gazing directly into mine
You have told me alI?"
"All of the slightest importance;
the details can wait daylight | ask
you to confide in me now. and sleep.
May have your promise? ,"
There was something mystifytng in
those gray eyes had never perceived
before, and she caught her breath in a
quick sob.
Yes" she replied. simply. her
lashes dropping, you may have my
promise"
On deck I discovered the yacht la.
boring desperately in a heavy cross
sea. the sky clear, and two men strain
ing at the wheel. In spite of the star
shine. they were so bundled up that
was compelled to stare directly in
their faces before l could recognize
either.
MIR. futile has been taken sick and
gone to his berth" explained briefly
Il will serve out his watch What
course have you?"
Sou -sOu'east by SOU. sir"
l glanced inquiringly at the compass
card and then forward. sweeping the
seas with my glasses. There was no
ice in sight but the bitter cold of the
air was sufficient proof of plenty not
far away
when did Mr.. futile go aft?" |
asked
Bout 30 minutes ago, sir"
Did he leave any word?"