Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1909-09-09


the transom over there in the corner,
Strykcr, and don't move Don't let
me hear a word from you. Under
stand?"
Submissively the captain retired to
the indicated spot. Kirkwood turned
to Calendar, of whose attitude. how
ever, he had not been for an instant
unmindful.
Wont you sit down. Mr.. Calendar?
he suggested pleasantly. "Forgive me
for keeping you waiting"
For his w part. rs the %adventurer
dropped %passively into his chair Kirk
wood stepped over Mulready and adj
vanced to the middle of the cabin, at
the same time thrusting Calendars re-
volver into his wv coat pocket. The
other, Mulready's, he nurscd signiti-
cantly With both hands. while he stood
temporarily quiet. surveying the tleshy
face of the prime factor in the intrigue.
\ quaint, grim smile played about
the Americans lips, IL smile a little
contemptuonS, more than Il little in
scrutablc. In its light Calendar grew
FESTIVE and lost something of his as
surancc. His feet shifted mcasily be-
meath the table, and his dark eyes wa
vercd. cvading Kirkwood's. At length
he seemed TO find the suspense unen-
durable.
We'll" he demanded testify. what
d'you want of me-"
81 was just wondering at YOU. Cal
cndar. In the last few days you've
given me enough cause to wonder. as
you'll admit"
The ~adveniurer pluckrd up spirit. de
luded by Kirkwood's pacific tone. u
wonder ut You, Mr.. Kirkwood." he re
torted. lit WAS good OF you TO save
my life, and
- not so sure of that. Perhaps
it haG been more humane
Calendar owned the touch with {;
WHY %rimace. but I'm hanged if
understand this high handed attitud,
OF yours he concluded heatedly.
"Don't you?' Kirkwood's humor be
came less apparent, the smile SOLDERING
"You Will" he told the man, addin:
abruptly, calendar, where's you
dau&hler:'
The restless eyes sought the CON
paniomWay.
"norothv," the man lied spontanc
ously. without y tremor. lis wit
friends in England. Why? Did yo,
want to soc hcr:'
Il rather expected to-
l,Iy-DIl 7 ,I.,-,J+ - I,D.,+ ., I,,,-D Ia,
homc, after ALL"
I'm clad TO hear she's in SAT
hands" commented Kirkwood.
The adventurcr's glance analysed hi
face. ".Ah." he said slowly. Il set
You followed me III Dorothy's a'
count. Mr.. KirkwoodE"
"partly-partly on my own L.
me put it to you fairly. When 70
forced yourself upon me, back the1
in I.ondon. YOU offered me some sol
y Of employment. When l rejected
: YOU used me to your advantage for tt
{ furtherance of your purposes, whic
: I confess I don't understand, and mac
> me miss my steamer. Naturally whe
I found myself peaniless and frient
less in a strange country l though
again Of your offer and tried to fin
lou to accept it."
"Despite the fact that you're an hor
+ est man, Kirkwood?" The fat lip
twitched with premature enjoyment.
I'm a desperate man tonight, what
ever 1 may nave been yesterday" Th
i, young mans tone was both earnes
F, and convincing. Il think I've show
that by my %pertinacity in hunting 70
! down."
, "Well-yes." Calendars thick fin
gers caressed his lips. trying to hid
i, the dawning smile.
SIS that offer still open?"
His nonchalance completely restore,
l by the frankness of the proposition
: Calendar laughed openly and with
trace of irony. The episode seemed t
be turning out better than he had al
ticipated. Gently his notified fat fir
gers played about his mouth and chin
as he looked Kirk wood up and down.
I'm Sorry he replied, that it ism
i now. You're too late, Kirkwoot
I've made other arrangements"
'.Too bad" kirkwood's eyes ma
q rowcd. You force me to harshe
, measures. Calendar.'
T. Genuinely diverted. the adventure
o laughed a second time, tipping back i
+ his chair, his huge frame shaking wit
/ ponderous enjoyment. Don't do an,
thing you'd be sorry for" he parrotel
. ~sarcastical, the young mans recent az
4 monition to the captain.
NO fear. Calendar. I'm just goin
to use my advantage, which 70
wouldn't dispute"-the pistol describe
q an eloquent circle, cleaning in IL
lam%plight-"to levy on you Il little L
Ultimate blackmail. Don't be alarme,
| l shan't hit you any harder than
have to-"
WHAT" stammered Calendar, astol
f ished. What are you driving at?"
It ~"Recompense for my time and tro1
BILE. You've cost me a pretty penn,
first and last, with your nasty lit
+ c%OnSpiracy. whatever it's all abou