Omaha daily bee., 1910-09-18
of the

You're ashore at a bad time" said
Wiener. where's the stioklebackf''
oh" replied Favtlle. I'm not on hor
any longer"
Funny you brought away her boatt'
said Wilmer. And her captain. tool
This latter remark was evoked by the
arrival Of q third person, wiry, smooth
shaven, with dark face, a dead black
eye, a straight line OF mouth. three fin
gers missing from his right hand, giving
the impression that he was perpetually
pointing at something. and thin, palpitant
nostrils. ike those of q trapped rabbit
He came lazily IN. and dropped to the
ground.
Hello, Wilmer" said he.
Hello, Captain Reagan" replied Wiz
ner. Can you give me a snack7'
Sure" said Reagan. Let's eat Fa-
Vile; I've got q grobeck for dinner
The "grobeck'' was a big. toothsome
bird, like a bittsrn. in appearance. While
the meal was cooking Wilmer sat joking,
Ike a man enjoying himsalf, while the
others grew more and more taeiturn. A
couple Of bottles of excellent wine washed
down the meal. and the men sat looking
at one another and smoking. in an
atmosphere tense with Misunderstanding.
Whicn way YOU gums WiAhei Ahahg
asked Reagan.
IT thought ia go aboard the Sickle
back" replied Wilmer.
The hell you did," replied Reagan. with
an easy laugh. We'll. you've got an
other guessl"
You think Faville can handle the engi-
neer's berth7" queried Wilmer, with a
covert sheer.
The surf don't roar as It did" said
Reagan. "The winds off shore It's
ouietinE down. stick up that signal, Fa'
Vile"
Favile departed and Reagan. sitting mp
spoke in the manner Of one who scents 9
conflict
Whatever II Is, Wilmer" said he, ''ou'
with 1t. I'm not safe to fool with
Il want the sdoklsbaek for a while,
said wiIner.
What for9'' asked Reagan.
TO stand off and on. do as I say, AL
no questions. ana TO tell no talsA"
Feeling mystery in this demand. Reagan
controlled his temper. and let the cas-
develop.
And II this modest request Is refused .
he ausrisd.
why" said Wilmer. slowly, Il may lie
the authorities know that instead OF salv
ing mahogany, the stieklsback is proving
around off Harrod's."
REAGAN lay gently back. this time oi
one arm. The other hand slid slowly q
his hip pocket He vas the picture o
slOthtEd ease.
We'll" he said slowly, that might in
: tersEt them. but what Is there in it1''
Not much. maybe" said WixneT. Blu
Z I'm a law-abidlng citizen, and / feel
D ought TO tell"
. You Internal fool!' said REAGAN, speak
/. ing over a short, flat. automatic pisto
; "YOun stay here Till the hogs root 20
, QUIZ
4 wixner turned pale. and reached for IN
A letter; Resgsn's voice stopped him.
: Hands up" said he. Il hate like he
/ 20 XII you; but IN just give you time I
: prayl'
Wizner. his hands IN air, aud tremblin
i ike a reed. played Out his hand.
Z There's e letter in my pocket" said N
Read a. and you won't shoot"
3 FavIlle returning. saw and undsrstOo
e the tahleau--ReagAn on his feet GOVERN
= Wilmer. the inventor belligsrsnt. but shall
i ina.
Take the letter from the cur
u pocket" said Reagan Cover him Viii
1 look At it--and pick out his grsver
o Don't spoil the eertifieaseP' said Wit
d ner cut III"
Reagan. after reading the endorsement
d informing hfin that n wiEner failed /
claim the letter mailed Il would 50