The Washington herald., 1911-06-18

Dd you hear anything about the kidnap-
ping"
= Not a word"
"Then how did you know it was an old
man! l didn't say he was old'
. Gaspard and his companion were dumfound-
ed and looked helplessly at each other, while
Bmt could not repress laugh.
Come, come" said Whitton, good-natured-
ly, you have done quite enough lying for
yor captain. l don't want to have to arrest
you, too. l know you have the old man
aboard, and l want him."
''He is here" admitted Gaspard, with a
frightened look. 1--WE were ordered to bring
him here and keep him in the cabin until the
captain came aboard. You will find him
there"
Let him stay there for awhile" said Whit
ton. 81 must bag your captain first. Now
pay attention."
Yes, sir" 4
"Your captain will be here directly, and
he must not us. You will stow away
my two companions and myself where he
wont see us. He will go below at once, and
l want to be put where / can see and hear
what he has to say"
'"There is the skylight," said Gaspard, with
a gr1n But he may look up and see you
"Pll take the risk Listen again! When
he comes aboard, you must not hint of our
presence. II you do,' the act will cost you
your life. Make no mistake, Gaspard! No
matter ma what besSmeS of VinOentO you will
Eyes" answered Gaspard, in a weak voice.
breathe word"
That's right. Now let me have a peep
Guspard carefully and noselessly removed
the cover of the skylight, and Whitton beck
oned to Tim.
''ls that your MANI" he asked.
Tim peered into the small and dirty cabin
There sat unlucky Abner, his head rest
ing on his hands, the picture of misery. He
was evidently almost dead with terror, and
Tim could see by the nervous twitching Of his
hands that he was awaiting something, he
knew not what.
Poor old felow!" remarked Tim, sympa-
theticaly.
''Poetical justice" said Burt. "He is in no
danger OF his life, at any rate, as you would
have been If you had been taken. 1t will be
a lesson to him to do him good"
Tim shook his head as il to intimate that
he had his doubts.
Now stow us away" commanded Whit
ton. =
Gaspard led the way forward and pointed
"You can hide yourself here" he said. 'The
captain wont come forrard until we get un-
der way"
Get under way! Tonight?"
That was his idea"
'''Well, don't you do it, my man. I'm cap
tam Iust now and you know the punishment
"All right" said Gaspard, resignedly. Then
Here comes the captain now"
Burt.
"Down we CO." said Whitton.
And the three Adventures crouched down
behind the cordage
If it had been daytime, or even a clear
night, the chances Of detection would have
bee been I'M many but the night was dark, and Whit
-. What win you do if he spies usg" asked
Tim, in whisper.
IN capture him, of course" answered
Whitton. ut is for your sake that i do not
grab him as he comes over the side"
For my sake"
Eyes. fancy he may worm that secret
out OF Abner, and, i we keep our ears open,
Wen we may 3Ir, near something. meth Keep quiet now;
As he ceased speaking, Gaspard hailed the
approaching boat.
nBoat, a6oyl Is that you, cap"
AYE, ayel' was the response .
And then the listeners heard the rattle Of
oars.
In another minute Vincento came up over
the aide, and they heard the rattle of the olrS
again.
II was a shore boat and its departure in
dicated that the captain was not going back
wei, GasPaTd," he said, cheerfly. ''Whas
He is in the cabin" replied Gaspard, brief
y.
"nid he 6ght?" was the next question.
"Oh, mol" replied Gaspard, as if the ques-
some-that was all ;"
"C1led, did he?" exclaimed Vincento "H.
is coward, thenl l did not think that.
Get under way, Gaspard, while see this f,l-
low. We will drop down as far as the Break
water before morning if the wind holds good"
With that he went below and the detective
with Burt and Tim came out from conceal.
meant.
II gave no sign" said Gaspard. eagerly.
I'm sure of that" said Wbitton. "I'll see
that you come to no harm for this nights
work. Now for the skylight"
The glass panes were only four in number,
anil rnl her diriu hut 4 D. III