The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1909-08-20

hurt your painting. I've never been over
that boat, and she looks interesting"
Duponceau was still crouching low I'M
der me. 1t was time for me to be en-
phatic.
1.-THE Ship is mine. 1 bought it when
1 bought my cottage. 1 don't want you
! on board, and if you try to come on l
| 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 a chance to search that boat"
l could scarcely keep Duponceau
crouching longer; l could feel that his
fingers were itching for one of his re-
volvers
'Stop!" called a voice from the cliff,
and l 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 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. 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 we'll
take the lady with u.s.
"Oh, you will?" said Islip.
YES" said the leader his confidence
returned land I don't think you'll stop
u.s.
Rodney and he squared. The fight
would be two to one Barbara was trem-
bling.
"Now," I 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 :" 1 cried to the men on
shore. you can gov
| 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, there's a pretty ket-
tie of fish! So there is 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.
l motioned Duponceau to go below to
the cabin, and the others followed him
there. l sat at the top Of. the steps,
where 1 could both join in the converse
ton and watch the shore.
Barbara placed her package on the ia
| BILE. Il 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, Seldom" he called up
to me. "All arrayed against the blood
hounds, I take it? Well, whatever the
game is, count me in on it. 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 a 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.
| II pledge myself in the defense of Mon
sieur Duponceau, who came out of the
sea and found the land inhospitable y
she cried Drink with net"
We drained our glasses.
That's the oath of fidelity" she said
looking at Islip and me, and I think she
knew she could trust us both to the enc
Of the adventure.
The sun was dropping low. and Bar
bara prepared to leave the Ship. Isli1
started to join her.
NO" she said; I'D rather 20 alone
No one will stop me now. You must sta,
here and watch during The night
He bowed, but insisted upon escortins
her ashore and setting her on the patti
homeward. Then he came back to tn,
Ship.
Its curious" he remarked to me a.
we sat alone on deck, ''but don't feel a!
though l were living in the twentieth cen
fury any longer. 1t seems as if I'd gon,
back to about the sixteenth. I'm JUS
thirsting for a revolver and a chance t,
get in fight. l didn't know I was reall,
. so much Of a savage"
"Same here" l answered 1--WE al
ways longed to have fight on this Ship
Then there's something about this maj
l can't resist"
When it fell dark we supped on tn
: food Barbara had brought, and then W
divided up the watch for the night.
: CHAPTER XII.
i. We were not yet sufficiently good sail
era to drOp to sleep in the stuffv bunk