The Lamar register., 1911-01-04
MCOUbAGE Of
CAPTAIN Plum
O. JAMES OLIVER CURWOOD
ILLUSTRATIONS @ ANW GkEllNER
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his companion FOR quarter OF a
mile Neil forced the dugout through
water viscid with slime and rotted
substance before the clearer channel
of the creek was reached. As they
progressed the stream constantly be-
came deeper and more navigable until
1t finally began to show signs Of a cur
rent and little later. under the pow
erful impetus of Neil's paddle. the ca
noe shot from between the dense
shores into the open lake. A mile
away Nathaniel discerned the point Of
forest beyond which the Typhoon was
hidden. He pointed out the location
of the ship to his companion.
you are sure there is a small boat
waiting for you on the point?" asl0d
Neil.
Yes. since early morning"
Nell was absorbed in thought for
some time as he drove the canoe
through the tall rice grass that grew
thick along the edge of the shore.
How would it be II / landed you
on the point and met you tonight at
Obadiah's?" he asked suddenly. 1T
is probable that after we get Marion
aboard your ship I will not return to
the island again. and 1t is quite neces-
sary that l run down the coast for
couple of miles-for-" He did not
finish his reason, but added: Il can
make the whole distance in this rice
so there is no danger of being seen.
Or you might lie on the point yonder
and I would join you early this eve
ming"
That would be a better plan II we
must separate" said Nathaniel. whose
voice betrayed the reluctance with
which he assented to the project. He
had guessed shrewdly at Neil's mo
tive. rs It possible that we may have
another young lady passenger" he
asked banteringly.
There was no answering humor to
this in Neils eyes.
Il wish we might" he said quietly.
I'VE cant" exclaimed Nathaniel.
My ship"
1T is impossible. I am speaking OF
winnsome. Arbor Croche's house is
in the heart of the town and guarded
by dogs. l doubt II she would go.
anyway. She has always been like a
little sister to Marion and me and she
has come to believe-something-
we do. l hate to leave her"
obadiah told me about her
mother" ventured Nathaniel. He
said that some day Winnsome will be
a queen"
Il knew her mother" replied Neil.
as though he had not heard Ma.
thaniel's last words. He looked frank.
ly into the others race. Il worshipped
her!"
"Oh-h-h!"
From a distance" he hastened.
She was as pure as Winnsome is
now. Little VIM looks like her.
Some day she will be as beautiful"
she is beautiful now"
But she is a mere child. Why, II
seems only a year ago that I was to-
ting her about on my shoulders, And
by George, that was a year before
her mother died. She is sixteen
now"
Nathaniel laughed softly. d.
Tomorrow she will be making love
Nell, and before you know It she will
pc married anu nave u laully Oi ner
own. l tell you she is a woman-and
II you are not fool you will take her
away with Marion"
With a powerful stroke of his pad
die Neil brought the canoe in to the
shore
"There!" he whispered. You have
only to cross this point to reach your
boat" He stretched out his long arm
and In the silence the two shook
hands. IF you should happen to
think Of a way-that we might get
Winnsome-" he added, coloring.
The sudden grip of his companions
fingers made him finch.
I'VE must!" said Nathaniel.
He climbed ashore and watched Neil
until he had disappeared in the wild
rice. Then he turned into the woods.
He looked at his watch and saw that
1t was only o'clock. He was con-
scious of no fatigue; he was not con-
scious Of hunger. To him the whole