The Columbus journal. (Columbus, Neb.) 1874-1911, 1911-03-01


Il can't tell you that"
But the police"
1T isn't q matter for the police.
Please trust me. Mr.. Porter"
The life-saver stood irresolute.
III this boat Is damaged, I'll make
it good five times over" continued
Orme.
"Oh. 1t wouldn't hurt the boat. A
few scratches. perhaps. It's the other
boat I'm thinking Of"
Its pretty grim business, know"
remarked Orme.
The younger man again studied
Orme's face. Can you give me your
word that the circumstances would
justify US in ramming that boat?"
It flashed over Orme that he had
no idea what those circumstances
were. He knew only what little the
girl had told him. Yet she had as
sured him again and again that the
papers were of the greatest impor-
lance. True. throughout the affair.
thus far. with the exception of the
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 Por1-
toll had suggested; they might hold
the secrets Of an international syn
dicate. Whatever they were. 1t 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 who
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
a burglar to break into her fathers
house. and now this japanese had
her. Yes. 1t was a serious
game
Orme answered Porter. Il 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
CO."
The other boat had drifted about
so feet away. Orme called out:
Hello. there. japanese. VIII you
give up the papers?"
No answer came.
III 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 a scare" Then, in q
louder voice: DO you hear?"
The only reply was the tapping OF
metal on metal. The Japanese. 1t
seemed. was still trying to find out
what was wrong with his motor.
"Well. then" Orme said to Porter.
well have to try 1t. But use low
speed. and be ready to veer on at
the last minute"
Hell try to fend with the boat
hook" said Porter.
If he does. Ill get him."
How"
"Lasso." Orme picked up a spare
painter that was stored under the
seat. and began to tie a slip-noose.
The girl now spoke. Il suppose we
shall have to do it." she said. But
wish there were a less dangerous. a
less tragic way"
Hardly knowing what he did. Orme |
laid his hand gently on her shoulder.
1t will be all right. DEAR" he whis- |
pered.
II the word embarrassed her. the |
darkness covered her confusion.
Porter had started the motor, set |
ling it 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 of there" said Porter. You |
can't see her. but 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
10 the bow.
The launch moved steadily forward. |
Orme. straining his eyes in the en-
1eavor to distinguish the other boat.
saw It at last. 1t lay a few points to
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 it 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 hand 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 vivid CLEAN of memory
he saw at that moment the hot. dusty
New Mexico corral. the low adobe
buildings. the numbering cattle and
the Ealiopins horses Of the ranch.
Ill.,, Ch~ 4