Wallowa County chieftain. [volume] (Enterprise, Or.) 1909-1911, 1909-09-09

don't wish 10 be disturbed"
The other man laughed. I'VE 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.
''The Ship is mine. ! bought II when
bought my cottage. / 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 n chance TO search that boat"
could scarcely keep Duponceau
crouching longer; could feel that his
fingers were itching for one of his re-
yolvers.
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-stlck in
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. 1--WE a mind to thrash
you both for touching a lady"
Were going on board that boat" said
the man. then he hesitated. "Od we'll
take the lady with u.s.
"Oh, you wlll?" said Islip.
Yes" said the leader, his confidence
returned; "and l don't think you'll stop
US"
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 a 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 II 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, Il shall never forgive myself for
causing you such distress"
But Barbara was not distressed; in
stead, she looked very much pleased.
motioned Duponceau to 20 below to
the cabin, and the others followed him
there. sat at the top of the steps.
where / could both join in the conyersa-
ton and watch the shore
Barbara placed her package on the ta-
bic. Il thought l was only bringing you
provisions" said she, "but instead I've
brought you recruit. Mr.. Islip, this is
Monsieur Duponceau," and she added
lightly, "the pirate of Alastair."
lslip shook hands. so you're In on
this, too, are you, Seldeni" he called up
to me. "All arrayed against the blood
hounds, / take it2 Well, whatever the
game is, count me in on 1t. I'll 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 clar-
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 tho
sea and found the land inhospitable y,
she cried. Drink with me!
We drained our glasses.
That's the oath of fidelity" she said
looking at lslip and me, and think she
knew she could trust us both to the end
OF the adventure.
The sun was dropping low. and Rar.
oara prepared to leave the Ship. Islin
started to join her,
NO." she said; I'D rather 20 alone
No one will stop me now. You must stay
here and watch during The night"
lie bowed, but insisted upon escort;n,
her ashore and setting her on the natS
aomeward. Then he came back to the
Ship. " 'ne
lts curious" he remarked to me as
we sat alone on deck, "but don't feel as
though l were living in the twentieth con.
tury any longer. 1t seems as II I'd gone
back to about the sixteenth. I'm ;,s,
tnirsting for revolver and chance 10
get In tight. l didn't know l was realjv
SO much of a savage"
seme here" answered. "I've al.
ways longed to have fight on this Shin
linen there's something about this man
| can't resist" '-'D
When 1t fell dark we supped on the
1000 Barbara had brought, and then we
divided up the watch for the night
CHAPTER XII.
L We MOI