The Delta independent., 1910-09-30

blow he had given Maku, the persons
concerned had offered no dangerous
violence The mysterious papers
might contain information about
South American mines-as little Pc. l.
tol had suggested; they might hold
the secrets OF an International syn
dicate. Whatever they were, it was
really doubtful whether the necessity
of their recovery would justify the
possibility OF Staying another man.
Perhaps the girl had unconsciously
exaggerated their value. Women wlo
took hand in business often lost the
sense OF relative Importance. And
yet, she had been so sure; she had
herself gone to such lengths. Then,
too, the South Americans had hired
burglar to break into her fathers
house, and now this Japanese had
abducted her. Yes, it was a serious
game.
Orme answered Porter. 81 give you
my word" he said.
Porter nodded and frightened his
lips.
AT the very least that fellow has
tried to abduct this young lady," added
Orme.
"All right" said Porter Let her
GO"
The other boat had drifted about
SO feet away. Orme called out:
Hello. there. Japanese. Will you
give up the papers?"
No answer came.
"If you won't" cried Orme. I'VE are
going to ram you"
"Oh. no." exclaimed the girl sud
denly. I'VE mustn't drown him"
I'VE shan't." said orme. But we
will give him scare" Then. in a
louder voice: DO you hear?"
The only reply was the tapping of
metal on metal The japanese. it
seemed, was still trying to find out
what was wrong with his motor.
Well then" Orme said to Porter.
well have to try it. But use low
the last minute"
He'll try to fend with the boat
hook" said Porter
IF he does, I'll get him.
How"
"Lasso." Orme picked up spare
painter that was stored under the
seat. and began to tie = slip-noose.
The girl now spoke. II suppose we
shall have to do it." she said. But l
wish there were a less dangerous. q
less tragic way"
Hardly knowing what he did. Orme
laid his hand gently on her shoulder.
''It will be all right. dear" he whis-
pered
II the word embarrassed her. the
| darkness covered her confusion.
Porter had started the motor, set
ting 1t at a low speed. and now he
was steering the boat in a circle to
gain distance for the charge.
I've lost the other boat exclaimed
Orme, peering into the darkness.
"She's Off there" said Porter. You
can't see her, but I know the direc-
ton"
He swung the launch around and
headed straight through the night.
Hold on tight" Orme cautioned
the girl. and coiling his lasso. he went
to the bow.
The launch moved steadily forward.
Orme. straining his eyes in the en-
deavor to distinguish the other boat.
saw 1t at last. 1t lay few points to
starboard. and Porter altered the
course of the launch accordingly
Make for the stern" called Orme.
"and cripple her propeller, II you can
Another slight change in the course
showed that Porter understood.
AS the lessening OF the distance be.
tween the two boats made 1t possible
to distinguish the disabled speeder
more clearly. Orme saw that the Japa.
nese was still tinkering with the mo.
tor. He was busying himself as
though he realized that he had no
hope of escape unless he could start
his beat.
Narrower, narrower. grew the inter.
vening gap of dark water. Orme
braced himself for the shock. In his
left hanL was the coiled painter; in
his right. the end OF the ready moose
which trailed behind him on the deck
ing. 1t was long since he had thrown
lariat. In a vivid CLEAN OF memory
he saw at that moment the hot. dusty
New Mexico corral the low adobe
buildings. the numbering cattle and
the galloping horses OF the ranch
There he had spent one summer vaca
tion Of his college life. 1t was ten
years past. but this pose. the rope in
his hand. flashed II oack to him.
Now they were almost on the Japa
nese. For the moment he seemed to
waver. He glanced at the approach
ing launch. and reached uncertainty
for the boat hook. Yet II did moi
seem to occur to him TO yield.
And then. as for the hundredth time
he laid his hands on the motor, he
uttered q cry. II was plain to Ormt
that the cause OF the supposed break
down had been discovered. But wal
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