The San Francisco call., 1910-05-01

He would have played the desperate buccaneer with
great Willingness but the developments took easier
shape One OF the figures, that in white came on
alone. The other paused, busted with something at
the side OF the dock. Carter, crouched behind the
engines, clutching the speed lever, whispered quick
direction.
Help her in; help her in you lunatic!'
The boat keeper obeyed dropped down into the
forward compartment of the craft and held out a
hand She came forward with some hesitation and
stood for moment the edge of the landing
radiant vision against the curtain of the night in the
full glow of the lantern skirts gathered antily and
peered down into the launch. While the Virginian
held his breath he heard the slow approach of Ourk
along the side The steps had almost reached the
motor boat Then Marion accepted the proffered aid
of the boat keeper and jumped lightly aboard
Instantly the man sprang to the landing. Carter
stood up.
Cast off," he roared There was quick scramble
The Virgnian threw his lever The boat churned
and lunged against her lines. The forward one was
almost Instantly released. AS the boat keeper caught
at the other there yell from Ouirk and fright
ened scream from Marion Suddenly freed the launch
crawled away from the landing rapidly gaining speed
Carter, looking back he started for the wheel saw
strange scene on the landing in the wavcrng light
OF the lantern. Quirk gave the boat keeper violent
push that sent him staggering, then he leaped violent
ly from the dock apparently in mad and hopeless
effort to reach the of the launch which was fully
IS feet away.
Carter more, for the craft was headed
toward jutting point. He hurried past Marion who
was huddled the cushions, and gained the wheel
Once safe course he turned to her. 1t was too
dark to read faces. Each was blot in the gloom to
the other
Don't be frightened, Marion" he said 'You must
have guessed it was l."
She Listens at Last
little gasp in answer and she sat suddenly
erect Carter discovered, what he had not counted
upon that the situation somewhat embarrassing
But he advanced the attack
1 couldn't help it, Marion You have avoided me
persstenty, and simply had to have word with
you. You must have known l would not be content
that | would find such means as this 1t was
impossible that we should go the way we we're"
He moved little closer the cushions But still
she made reply. Wont you say something's
Won't you say, at least, that you'll listen to me7,
You seem to have taken that quite out of nv
hands,, she said coldly He had been waiting. with
sensitive ear for her first word He could take little
encouragement from the tone. He had hoped for
some agitation. 1t would have meant more TO him.
But here after the first shock of surprise she was
quite self-possessed He sensed some inner defense
against him, thing she had made him feel be-
fore. He had planned further than the overcom-
ing of the protection that the presence of others fur
nished her. Quirk! Was it possible that after all
AS pat if the thought had been the cue there
shout, not from the Shore but from close at
hand, at the stern. Carter, startled rose and scram
bled aft. rift in the clouds flooded the scuddino
launch with moonlight, and close behind living fat in