The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1911-11-17

narily rude, Mr. Blackstock! Besides
being untrue-quite a naughty f1b. In
addition to which it's uncalled for;
| know"
You know" Blackstock turned to
him with a scowl.
Sure. l can put two and a mill
stone together and make hole in a
ladder just as easy as take silk
purse out of a souse's ear. 1t wouldn't
be you, Mr.. Blackstock," Appleyard
continued without giving his victim
time to analyze this astonishing state
ment-"it just wouldn't be you If You
didn't try to hand your friends the
double-cross. That bags stuffed with
loot-the best part Of the truck they
were running this trip-jewelry, for a
dollar. And that's why, you see,
they're SO infatuated with the idea of
shaking your hand and wringing your
neck before you get away; they've
just discovered your perfidy. But
don't you fret. Here We are and long
before they can drive that seine-boat
this far We'll be sailing merrily away"
With this assurance Appleyard rose,
catching the Echo's side as Coast
shipped his oars and the dory glided
smoothly alongside the larger vessel.
STEADY on" he said. Coast, you
first, and give hand to Mrs. Black
stock Now, you"-to Blackstock
when Coast had helped Katherine into
the cockpit-"and step lively. Your
companions In crime are bit too
close for comfort. Coast, I'd
suggest that Mrs. Blackstock step be-
low until We get under way; there's
apt to be bit Of shooting, I'm afraid,
If We don't look sharp"
Katherine sought Coasts eyes; he
nodded a grave affirmation into hers.
Only a few moments" he said, Of
fering her his hand. Without a word
she accepted 1t and lot herself down
into the dark interior Of the cabin
Now. Coast, the anchor-lively'"
Coast Strengthened up hastily.
Blackstock was in his way, standing
In the corner of the cockpit between
the cabin-trunk and the coaming,
while Appleyard was hurriedly taking
up the engine-pit hatch. So the young
er man stepped unsuspiciously to star
board across the center-board trunk
into the very arms Of calamity.
What followed fell like bolt from
the blue and passed with its rapidity.
Appleyard stood to port with his
back 10 Blackstock, in the act Of put
| ting the hatch aside. Coast on the
| seward side was On the point Of lift
| ing himself to the top OF the cabin.
with intent to go forward and cast of
the anchor. There was crossing his
. mind the veriest hint Of a suspicion
/ that the blackness In the shadow Of
i the unfurled canvas, above the cabin.
was more dense and tangible than 1t
/ should be, when this shadow, seeming
| ~ with single movement, rose above
| him like a cloud, towering as huge
! and terrifying, its black human bulk
| blotting cut the blazing stars. as the
| tabled iinnee Of the fsherman's bottle:
bomed menacingly above him in the
| enormous nakedness OF Chang. and
| fell upon him with the fury and fe-
/ rocity OF q panther.
i For q few chaotic seconds he re-
NAMED conscious, feeling himself
crushed and borne down irresistfbly
/ 10 the deck, then lifted like a bag Of
grain and hurled directly into the
black, gaping nav Of the companion
/ way
| Something came in painful contact
with his skull. and the world went up
/ N blaze OF crimson fame.