Camas Prairie chronicle. [volume] (Cottonwood, Idaho) 1901-1917, 1910-01-07


don't wish to be disturbed"
The other man laughed. I'VE won't
hurt your painting. I've never been over
that boat, and she looks interesting"
Dupenceau was still crouching low I'M
der me. 1t was time for me to be EN-
phatic.
1.-THE Ship is mine. 1 bought 1t when
bought nay cottage. 1 don't want you
on board, and If you try to come on
shall certainly keep you Of"
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 we'll, Mr.. Seldom. Good-after-
noon;" and she started away.
mot SO fast r. The surly faced man
was beside her, had his hand on bar arm.
you win either 60 with US, miss. or he
gives us a chance to search that boat"
could scarcely keep Duponceau
crouching longer; could feel that bis
fingers were itching for one Of his re-
volverS.
stop" called 3 voice from the cliff,
and saw Rodney Islip standing there.
He took in at fash that Barbara was
In trouble, and came leaping to her aid.
What the DEVILS this7 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.
Nov, what do you fellows want here%
demanded Islip. 1--WE a mind to thrash
you both for touching a lady"
Were going on board that boat" said
the man , then he hesitated. "Od ws'll
take the lady with u.s.
"Oh, you willT said IslIp.
EYES," said the leader his confidence
returned; land don't think you'll stop
u.s."
Rodney and he squared. The fight
would be two to one; Barbara was trem-
bling.
Now" 1 cried, and looked along my
leveled pistol, IF it's come to fighting,
we'll all be in the fight. Isllp, bring
Miss Graham on the boat. There's q bull.
let waiting for the man who stops you"
The men fell back, hesitating, and SELF
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 !" cried to the men on
shore. "You can go"
had the drop on them, and their
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 II 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 a mystery, and
we're carrying guns"
my dear lady" said Duponceau, ris-
ing, II shall never forgive myself for
causing you such distress"
But Barbara was not distressed in
stead. she looked very much pleased.
motioned Duponceau to 90 below to
the cabin, and the others followed him
there. l sat at the top Of the steps
where could both Join in the converse.
ton and watch the shore.
Barbara placed her package on the Ia.
BILE, II thought 1 was only bringing you
provisions" said she, "but instead I've
brought you a recruit. Mr.. Isllp, this ID
Monsieur Duponceau," and she added
1slip shook hands. "So you're In or
this, too, are you, seldenT he called ur
to me. AN arrayed against the blood.
hounds, take it1 Well, whatever the
game Is, count me in on 1t. I'll feel NOR,
as though 1 were back In little old New
York"
"Goodl" cried Barbara. Now you'v,
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. TheG
abe raised one to her lips.
II pledge myself In the defense of Mon
sieur Duponceau, who came out Of tn
sea and found the land inhospitable 7
she cried. Drink with mew
We drained our glasses.
That's the oath of fidelity" she said
looking at Islip and me, and think sh
knew abe could trust us both to the en-
Of the adventure.
The sun was dropping low, and Bal
bara prepared to leave the Ship. Isli
started to join her.
mo" she said; ara rather 60 alon
| NO Ohu WILL BGOP hl0 hOWs ASN AAuSh 80
here and watch during the night"
He bowed, but insisted upon sscortin
her ashore and setting her on the pat
homeward. Then he came back to Il
Ship.
ats curious" he remarked to me {
We sat alone on deck, "but don't feel {
though were living In the twentieth cel
fury any longer. 1t seems as II I'd gor
+ back to about the sixteenth. I'm ju
thirsting for . revolver and a chance
" get In fight didn't know was real
e 90 much Of a savage"
"SamS here" answered. "Tve q
y ways lOnged to have a fight on this Shl
Then there's something about this ms
d, l can't resist"
When It fell dark we Eupped on Il
u food Barbara had brought, and then '
divided up the watch for the night.
M DTED