The San Francisco call., 1910-02-20

= .ss@s
He knocked out the glass, fattened the sides and
stood with the reflector held back of the blaze play
ing the rays as best he might toward the yacht which
we'll out from him. His craft held its
inshore slowly, and the wind kept the shower
tank was safe, we'll aft He had intention of allow
ing the fire get beyond possible control unless his
plan should work. But in this as in all things, he
put forth every resource that came to his hand.
PICKED UP
Blinded by the fierce, leapng light, he could only
penetrate the darkness ahead by running the
and shielding his eyes. He could see alteration in
the yachts course He hurried back to the FIRE and
resumed signaling with his makeShift reflector.
Then, with a throaty whOop that set his pulses to
jumping, the yachts whistle sounded. Instantly he
stepped back TO the engine and slowed 1t to the last
speed.
The forward deck was all ablaze now, but he paid
attention to It, Out at the stern he could that
the yacht had swung widely to the south and
travelling reduced speed abreast OF him After FIVE
minutes of waiting he decided to stop his engine alto
gether, taking chance that the wind would not swing
the craft head to. Then he caught glimpse OF a
white object part way between himself and the yacht
He pulled the flooring aside, tied stout cord around
the plug in the bottom, which he loosened with his
boot heel, and waited
The forward half of the oyster boat burning
when Carter, peering through the darkness, pulled
loose the plug Then he stripped off his overcoat and
perched well out on the stern The wind caught him
and his craft had swung into dangerous position
with the sparks showerng about the engine, when he
Never thrilling rescue. The oyster boat
was plunging and wallowing helplessly, foot OF
water in her.
Just as Carter pulled by friendly hands, stumbled
into the surf boat the blazing craft swung head to
the wind and horizontal sheet of fame swept full
upon the men The boatswan's shout not
needed to warn the crew of the danger OF the gaso
line Thrusting off quickly they laid to their oars
and started back to the yacht Behind them the old
oyster boat, IN the grip OF the hre from stem to
stern, lit the widening space. Apparently the ris-
ing water had protected the fuel tank.
"A close squeak, SIR said the boatswain, who
stood at the tiller.
You may well say So" returned Carter. what
THE Walter Kelpie, sir Nh Stanhope's yacht"
lightly to the lowered gangway- Curious faces lined
the rail above him. At the top of the steps stood
Stanhope in yachting costume, with several men and
women about him. He pressed forward as the res
cued stepped deck
What happened?" he asked quickly. My pilot
seemed to think you the FIRE yourself"
$50 l did, Mr.. Stanhope," returned Carter, quietly,
stepping forward TO where the light fell upon his
face. The engine had stopped and she was leaking
badly, with foot OF water in her. took the last
chance had"
well, Pm blessed" cried the other, peering at
him and holding out hand. Isn't this-isn't this
Mr.. Carteret, whom | met at the yacht club?
The same, answered Carter, returning the hand
shake, while exclamatonS from all sides. Sorry
to have given you all this trouble, I'm sure 1t all
OF trusting ones self so far out IN an open
launch
WILL HE RENAME
Stanhope brushed the suggestion aside with laugh
ing good nature. The women had withdrawn. He
introduced the Virginan to the men, OF whom
Carter knew personally Bidwell not in sight.
Come on, Carteret; you must be frozen and
starved Well have little celebration of your timely
arrival on the scene Stanhope led the way to the
forward deck house, into the smoking room and gave
quick orders to silent stewards Carter told his story
OF danger and shlpwreck over the glasses, told II
extremely well. Stanhope and the others listened
with interest and sympathy. The yachtsman watched
the handsome, expressive face with approval
MIR aid CarfPr AZ
III it's not too much trouble, I'll ask you to put me
Oft with the pilot can get back in the morning 49,
Mr. Carteret," returned Stanhope courteously, 1
have very great favor to ask. / pride myself on
arranging my cruises with great care At the last
minute one of my guests failed me-Bertrand Bas-
con-perhapS you know him He most traitoTouSly
withdrew sending word that tiresOme stock compi-
cations would detain him. Now, my predicament
We're off for month, and here we are with gap IN
the company Most proVidentally, most happily, we
take you off burning launch. In return tor that
favor l must beg that you will accompany MS
tears very kmd OF yRI vogd he ooor
return for your saving my life, I'm sure, TO toist my
self upon YOU
Tut tut! I must really demand it, Carteret. Up
less, of course, you have absolutely necessary
engagement ashore pressed StanhoPe warmly
The Virginian forced to admit that ne had
such engagement
.Then we'll call it settled" said Stanhope, beam
ing upon him. In the midst OF the approving chorus
stepped in from the deck and started on see
ing the little tableau about the table
whats this | hear about a-he began Ihen
The newcou,er was BidvveIi He came forward with
outstretched hand and stare or amazement
Yes cried Stanhope. as the two men shook hands,
Carter smiling syly at Bidwelf, and what's more,
But g what shall do for eothess" asked Carter
perpleed Bidwe rose nobIy to the situation recov-
.i5 oh. don't worry about that old man." he an
swered. 1--we some extra duds along that will ht
you perfectly
lContinued Next Sundavl