The Washington times., 1911-03-29

stiffness as foreruns a storm
Of the actors in the little scene, but one
appeared unmOVed, master of his mind
and the situation. This was Mr.. Ar
thur, who nodded shortly to Jimmy, as
in greeting, and indifferently rolled q
cigarette. subtle change seemed Ia
observer might have read upon the open
book of their .COuntenances a varied
record OF character and emotion.
General Lazard continued to regard
CurtiCe with that unhOly, terrible smile
such a grinaCe as might well become
the arch fiend's face as he watches yet
another soul slowly, surely ripening for
mis- watts. The Spaniard held the fate of
his enemy in the hollow of his palm, he
thought, and was glad; the while his
hand unobtrusively slipped toward his
hip pocket.
Fetter exhibited some surprise and a
lively expectancy of brewing trouble,
not untinged by personal solicitude.
Captain Hendry turned toward his
friend in wonder. As yet he knew moth
ing Of the chain of recent events which
had brought these two young men into
an actual conflict with the junta of
AnahuaC, and with the members there
OF MISUNDERSTANDING, that is, be-
yund the fact that he himself had
shanghaied Curtice for his too great
knowledge Of the junta's affairs. OF
the feud between the mercenary and
Jimmy he was unaware; and Curtice
had not seen fit at first, nor had found
opportunity of late. to enlighten him
concerning the meeting in Haigh's
studio. About Daniel Haigh, the cap
tain knew nothing. and cared less; a
hasty word of explanation on the deck
had told him no more than that the
prisoner had attempted to interfere.
And Lazard had purposely kept Hen
dry without knowledge of the girl,
Norah, Or of their intentions regard
ing her. At present he but admired
her surprising beauty, and pitied her
evident distress.
10 he a. d
mttted that he was apparently less
mystified than his chief. At the mo-
ment, his most apparent emotion was
a lust of blood. Perhaps he figured
that short, sharp scrimmage would
simplify matters, and make smooth
the path for his intriguing feet. Cur
tiCe read his secret with one swift
glance; Crouching by Daniels side,
the man had concentrated upon Cap
tain Hendry a look of desperate
feToCity.
Curtice himself. in spite of Daniels
call to him, had thought for but one
person, as had she for him. In her
eyes, meeting his, he read a faith i'm
pliCit, trust in his will and ability
to give her the aid which, with the
same glance, she beSOught. 1t was
receive; few men, in truth, are ever
so honored, and they but once in a
lifetime. 1t electrified him, reused him
TO determination that that which
life should be forfeited.
His eye passed from member to
member of the tableau, seeking for
. one at least upon whom he could |
rely. He saw the captain and passed |
him by as a man bound to the inter- |
ests of the junta. He saw Mr.. Arthur |
comPlacently lighting his cigarette. |
lie discounted Fetter, in whose slouch |
ne read fear. He saw that LaZards |
hand rested upon the butt of his re- |
NolVer, and knew that a false move |
would prove a fatal one for Jimmy |
!uruce; The expression of Mr.. Tomp-
kins told him that he need expect no |
alo from that quarter. And Haigh |
was helpless.
The revolver which he had taken
from Lazard in the studio was in his
coat pocket. but the mercenary's atti-
tude forbade an attempt to use II.
Murder was in those chill narrow
eyes, in that pointed jaw, in the very 7
strike and slay.
Nevertheless, instant action was de-
manded. The weak spot in the circle
was Fetter, who stood at the foot of
the cOmpanionway. Could he but
bowl the man down and gain the deck
Curtice felt that he might have
fighting chance. He deliberated not at
ALL but with one swift leap hurled
himself across the cabin.
Conceive, then, of his surprise when
he gained his point. Fetter met him
with a half hearted display of a knife,
Dut reeleQ ana Gell under Jimmy S fist. |
The companionway was clear. and
Curtice went up IT at a bound, in
safety; no shot rang out, no ball
found lOdgment in him. Dashing
through the door, he half turned and
'saw that which caused him to halt
thunderstruck
Mr. Arthur's left arm was around
Lizards neck, forcing the generals
head up and backwards, while with
Elis right hand he grasped the re-
svolver and kept it pointed to the sky
light. As Curtice. looked, the 1.-THE,
supple, delicate fingers twisted the
weapon away with scarcely an effort, i
and Mr.. Arthur flung the mercenary
from him, staggering.
Never try that again." he warned
him in an even, unpleasant tone, |
wherein contempt predoTninated. His
eyes were blazing. but not a muscle of
his face had moved in his anger; the
of his sister. He grabbed Lazard by
the shoulders and faced him sternly,
without fear, although the generals |
features were livid and contorted
with rage. You understand me-" he
commanded. IF you want to kill that
man. try it to his face Take your
chance with his. you coward Then,
releasing the Spaniard. he turned to |
Captain Hendry. Have those two
to Daniel and CurtIce
put in irons, and keep them so.
Guard them well-don't let this thug
get at them"
Hold on, Il, ,re," the captain oh.