The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1910-11-19
The
SILVER
HORDE
BY REX BEACH,
Author Of THE Spoilers" and
THE Barrier
lcoxTrNuEnl
Copyright. 1909. by Harper a Brothers

4O*o#o*o*O%o *H%O#O*O* o$O*O%
[coNTMuEnl
Scarcely had Boyd reached Big
George when a wing Of the besieging
army swept In through the unguarded
entrance and down the dock like an
avalanche, leaving behind them the
battling officers and the hungry pack
clamoring for the prisoner.
"Drop that freight and get aboard
the best way you CAMP Boyd yelled at
the fishermen, and, with bound, was
out into the open, crying to Captain
Peasley on the bridge:
"Here they come! Cast off, for
Gods sakeT
The dozen men who had been sling
Ing freight on the dock FASTENED up
the gangplank or climbed the tenders,
while the signalman chung to the lift
ing tackle and, at the piping cry Of his
whistle, was swung a1oft out Of the
very arms of the rioters.
Above, on the flying bridge, Captain
Peasley was believing orders. At last
the Bedford Castle was under way.
Even after they were miles down
the sound Boyd remained at his post,
sweeping the waters astern in an anx-
ious search for some swift harbor
craft. the appearance Of which would
signal that his escape had been dis
covered.
II won't feel safe until we are past
Port Townsend" he confessed to Cher
~, who maintained position at his
side. 1.-The police can wire on from
Seattle to stop us and take me of at
that point"
IF they find out their mistake"
'"They must have found It out long
ago. That's why I've got Peasley
forcing this old tub. She's doing 10
knots, and that's a breakneck speed
for her. Once we're through the
straits I'll be satisfied"
"What will happen to Fraser2" she
queried.
Nothing serious, I am sure. You
see, they wanted me and nobody else
Once they find they have tho wrong
man I rather believe they will free
him In disgust"
A moment later he went on: "Just
the same, it makes me feel depressed
and guilty to leave him. IL wouldn't
desert comrade for anything If the
choice lay with me-"
you did quite right" Cherry warm
~ assured him.
"You see, I am not working for N.Y.
self. I am doing this for another"
1t was the girls turn to sigh softly,
while the eyes she turned toward the
west were strangely sad and dreamy.
1.-TWO hours more" he told her az
the ships bell sounded, then I can
eat and sleep-and sing''
Captain Peasley was pacing the
bridge when later they breasted the
glare of Port Townsend and saw in
the distance the flashing searchHgats
of the forts that guard the straits.
They saw him stop suddenly and
raise his night glasses. Boyd laid his
hand on Cherry's arm. Presently the
captain crossed to them and said:
"Yonder seems to be launch max
ing out See! wonder what's up.
BY Jove! They're signaling"
The two boats were drawing together
rapidly, and soon those on the bridge
heard the faint but increasing patter
Of gasoline exhaust. Carrying the
same speed as the Bedford Castle, the
launch shortly came within hailing
distance. The cyclopean eye of the
ships searchHght blazed up, and the
next instant out from the gloom
1eaped little craft, on the deck of
which a man stood waving a lantern.
She held steadfastly to her course, and
a voice foated up to them:
"Ahoy! What shipT"
1.-THE Bedford Castle, cannery tender,
for Bristol bay" Peasley shouted
back.
The man on the launch re1inquished
his lantern and, using both palms for
a funnel, cried more clearly now:
"Heave to! We want to come
aboard"
With an exclamation Of impotence,
the commanding officer stepped to the
telegraph, but Emerson forestalled
him.
wait. They're after me, captain; it,
the Port Townsend police, and If you
let them aboard they'll take me off,
Turning, the skipper beloved:
"Who are YOUR
"Police!
what did tell you? p cried Elmer.
son.
what do you wantT'
Zone of your Observation-Disclosures.
Heave to. You're passing u.s.
"That's bloody hard luck, Mr.. Elmer.
son; can't help myself" the captain
declared. But again Boyd blocked him
as he started for the telegraph.
Il won't stand it,. sir. It's a con.
spfracy to ruin me-"