Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1909-08-26

OF then 1nStltootlonS near where / was
borned-Birming'am, that is. l used
to see the loonies playin' in the
grounds. l remember just as well!
One of ZEN an me struck up quite ar
acquaintance
Naturally he'd take to you on
sight"
cow! Strynge 'ow we it it off
eigh? You myke me think of i'm.
Young chap e was, the livin' spit an
hlmage of you. 1t don't happen, does
it, you're the same man? He was
allus plannin' to run awe an drownd
ITSELF"
He wore the joke t%hreadbare even to
his own taste and In the end got
heavily to his feet, starting for the
companionway. Land YOU this after
noon,' he remarked casually. come
B o'clock or ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS later.
L don't know. though. as l 'ad ought
to let you loose"
k1rkwood made no answer. Chuc-
king, Stryker went on deck.
In the course OF an hour the Amer
lean followed him. The Alethea was
within the wide jaws of the western
Scheldt. kirkwood approached the
captain, who. acting us his W pilot,
was standing by the wheel and bark
ing sharp orders to the helmsman.
Have YOU Il Bradshaw on board?"
asked the young man.
"Steady..' This to the man at the
wheel; then to Nirkwood. "Wot's that.
me lud%'
Kirlwood repeated bis question.
stryker eyed him suspiciousl.y for a
thought.
""ot a YOU d it for?"
II wan to see when / can get a
boat back to IGnsland.'
"H-m-ln. Yes, You'll find a bradshaw
in th" port locker, near the for'arl
huI!hvad. Run along now an ply.
an m.nd you don't go tearin' out the
py&es to myke pyper boatses TO go
syliM' in"
Niri,wood went below. found the
designated locker and, opening it, saw
first to his hand the familiar bulky red
volume.
Tic strap removed. the book opened
easily, rs if by force of habit. at the
precise table he had wi>anod to consult.
Son" previous client had left Il marker
bet"t"n the pagcs-and not an or
diAar5 loolllmar'', by any manner Of
moan H.irlswGGd gave ulterance to n
litiln asp at anlaHement and instinc-
tivel.f Glanced up ut the companions
Wa 10 soc if he We're observed.
He was not, but for safety's sake he
moved farther back into the cabin
Hna ""t of the range of vision of any
II on docl7-a %prccaution which was
almo#t Immediately justified by the
dumping OF heavy feet upon the steps
as StFyker descended in pursuit of the
ever essential drink.
"i'ind it," he demanded, staring
blinGly With eyes not yet focused to
the change from light to gloom at the
young man. who was sitting with the
guide open on his knees, a tightly
clinched fist resting on the transom at
either side of him.
In reply be received a m~onosyllabie
affirmative. Kirkwood did not look up.
You must be a howl" commented
the captain, making for the seductive
locker.
"A-what?"
"a howl. readin' that fine print there
in the dark. Wy don't you go over
to the light? I'll ave to ave them
shutters tyken off the winders.'
"Pm all right" Kirkwood went on
studying the book.
Stryker swigged off his rum and
wiped his lips with the back of a red
paw. hesitating a moment to watch
his guest.
"Mykes 1t seem more 'omelike for
you, l expect" he observed.
What do you mean?"
"W'y. B%radshaw's first cousin to a
halmanack. amt e? Can't get one.
take t'other-next best thing. Sorry l
didn't think of it sooner; like my pas
sengers to feel comfy. No, don't you
go traipsin' Off to gay Paree an squan.
derin' wot money you got left. You
ear"
by the way, captain!" Kirkwood
looked up at this, but stryker was al
ready halfway up the companion.
Cautiously the American opened his
right fist and held to the light that
which had been concealed. close wat-
dcd in his grasp. Il square Of sheer
linen edged With lace. crumpled. but