Daily Arizona silver belt., 1910-05-24
COPYRIGHT. 1909. BY THE BoBBs-MERRILL
 COMPANY

number or mau, IeapIng human 1gures issued with horrible cries from one of the hatches.
 ."The life raftsr Shrieking, calling down maledictions on the captain, they ran about, when suddenly an angry black wave swept the deck. A few went overheard with the hissing crest; several were hurled against the bulwarks. limp. iifeless things, swirled back and forth. One of their number. a big fellow of unusual strength, was shot toward the open companionway ]! leading to the main cabin. As he plung- ed down he ciutched at and caught the railing. Considerably shaken, drip ping with water. he pulled himself to- | gether, and. raising face. sodden and fierce, like beast brought to bay. he looked around him. The light of one or two swinging lamps that had not yet been shattered revealed dimly the | surroundings. the dark leather up- ] holstering. the. little tables Uncer- tainly the convict paused; then sud denly his eyes brightened; the lustfui anticipation of the drunkard who had long been denied shone from his gaze as 1t rested on a sideboard across the cabin.
 "Bottles" he said. steadying himself. "Rum! Well. guess there ain't much chance for any of us. and mans a fool to go to hell thirsty" He had started toward the sideboard. with its bright gleaming ware and its divers and sundry receptacles of spir- its and liqueurs. when suddenly his look changed and his jaw fell.
 What the''- A, flow of choice bii- lingsgate, mingled with. the sailors equally eloquent Golden Gate, com pleted the sentence. The convict stood stock still
 From the door of a stateroom at the far end of the cabin figure appeared. A great shawl draped the small form. The golden hair. furry of tangles. fioated around 1t. Clinging to brass rail that ran along the side of the cabin. she approached. her eyes all alight as if well satisfied with some thing. Amazed beyond power of ac- ton, the man continued to gaze at her. at the tiny feet in the little pink slip pers. at something she carried By the great horn spoon. the Christmas dol.' he muttered hoarsely Then. forgetting his purpose, the bottles. he lurched quickly toward her.
 Wat you doin' here?" he demand ed.
 "I slipped out" said the child. hold ing the rail tighter as perforce she paused to answer. "I thought 1t would take only a moment"
 "Slipped out?" he repeated.
 "Of the lifeboat. I mean. It was dark. and they didn't see me. just happened to think. and I had to do it. If I'd told them they mightn't have let me. It would have been very wicked if I'd gone away and forgotten Don't you think so? And now Pm going back. Only l am afraid I've been longer than thought l would be. The door of my stateroom seemed to stick. and l was few minutes getting it open"
 | Beneath disheveled masses of thick dark hair the brutish face continued to study the fairylke one. For the instant words seemed to fail him. Do you mean." he observed, you come back here for that measly dicky bird?"
 Tt isn't measfy. and it isn't dicky bird." she answered indignantly. And m thank you not to call it that. It's love bird. and it's name is Dearie."
 "Dearie. Ho. ho"' The ship reeled at dangerous angle. but the convict appeared not to notice. His voice rose in harsh irresistible rough merri- ment. "Dearie. And she thanks me not to call it names. It. No bigger'n Il my thumb! Ho. ho" His laughter strange at such moment. died ab ruptly. Do you know what you've gone and done on account of what's in that cage?" he demanded, almost fercely. You've got left"
 Left" said she blankly, shrinking from him a little. You don't mean Oh. I thought l would be only min ute! They haven't really gone and"-
 The great fingers closed on her arm .'They've gone. and the crews gone Both boats are gone"
 "Oh" The big blue eyes widened on him. and an inkling of her plight seemed to come over her. Her lips trembled, but she held herself brave ly. You mean we must drown"
 The thunder of seas breaking on tht deck answered A cascade of water dashed down the companionway ant swept round them. The man ben toward the child. Look a that Now. ain't ye sorry ye come backT
 "I couldn't leave 1t to drown"-pas sionately-"couldn't- "Blow me. she's gamer! With dim culty he maintained his equilibrium , "See here! Maybe there's chance i any of them's left to help with thu raft. But we've got to git out o thisr'
 He passed his hand through her arm