The Washington times., 1911-03-29
49, THE TIMES SOCIETY AND HOME PAGE E15=-]
THE TIMES DAILY SERIAL STORY
Milady Of the MerCenarleS
By LOUIS JOSEPH VANCE
Copyright. The Frank A. Munsey Company

I 1ected. m Iahln oTueis iiom ths
You are. eh?" said Mr.. Arthur
me, now. 1 am master here"
Il think you are mistaken, Curtice
trumps in this hand. If one Of you
disputes 1t, I'll be pleased to blow of
the top of his head"
He motioned significantly with his
revolver. standing there at the head
Bully for you. Curtice" Haigh
shouted, with great enthusiasm.
keep 'em still moment, will you?
I want to get even with this assas-
SIM He jumped up briskly, II some
what stiffiy, and made for Lazard
| Better leave him alone" Curtice
advised earnestly. IF you strike him
now. he'll likely stick a knife in your
back some night. Wait till we get
out Of this scrape and on land. and
I'll kill him myself. I've a long ac-
count to settle with him.
He caught, for the second time in
thelr short acquaintance, a CLEAN Of
admiration in the eyes Of Mr.. Arthur,
lngly, and resumed his nonchalant
air as he rolled another cigarette.
Now" resumed Curtice, I'm GO
ing to ask you gentlemen to disarm
you have. And l warn you to be
very careful not to point any guns
in my direction while you give them
up. 1t would be folly worse than
resistance"
1t was a bold demand, but 1t carried
the day. Among the five men 1t would
have been an easy matter to have
drawn and shot him, had one of them
dared the initiative. But standing
where he did, Curtice commanded the
entire cabin. and his skill with the
revolver was known to at least two
of the group. He emphasized his de-
mand with a sweeping motion, and
thereafter kept his weapon ever on
the move, fickerinG quickly from one
to the other of those beneath him,
so that no man could have told when
he might be out of danger. They
felt that he would not hesitate to
cited and angry, his eyes flashing,
his voice steady and clear as a trum-
pet, his demeanor wholly fearless
and the more impressive in view of
his physique. which was that of
man In the prime of his prowess. Tall
and sinewy, 1.-THE and active and
cOmely, was Curtice.
He watched vigilantly while Daniel
made the rounds of the circle, re-
lieving Lazard of a second gun and
a nasty-looking knife, Fetter of an
other revolver, and Mr.. Arthur of q
heavy, businesslike Colts forty-four
They made no resistance. being some
what overawed, while Fetter and the
by this unexpected turn of fortunes
wheel. Arthur smiled as if amused.
Now: Mr.. Tompkins!" Jimmy COM
manded. And you. Cap'n Hendry!
gun, but the captain protested hotly.
BE careful. Jimmy Curticei You're
carryin things with a high hand, son.
I'm cap'n of this here ship. and this
is dern nigh onto mutiny"
Call it mutiny. II you will, and |
make the most of it! It's self-preser- |
va atiOn with me. Hand over your
gum The black, deadly muzzle con-
vinced the captain more than did the |
words: he submitted ungraciously. |
Now we can have a little talk" Cur |
ice concluded, seating himself on the I
top step. Mr.. Haigh, bring your
armory up here, and we'll argue with |
his crowd l think I've proposition
20 make EN-"
"Curtice, son, you know me, don't
Sou?" the captain asked reproach-
Il do"
is my word OF any value?"
Its as good as your bond, captain"
WELL then, son, s'pose l give you
ny word Of honor not to put you in
rons. VIII you put up your gun and
81 will, cap'n. You're in command,
is you said a moment ago" Jimmy
,ut the revolver in his pocket. But
heres another thing you'll have to
promise, cap'n. You'll have to agree
o protect this lady, Mr.. Haigh, and
he voyage"
IN do that, son, and here's my
land on it," He extended his palm,
nd Jimmy came down the steps and
Ieck." the captain ordered. This is
our watch, sir. You know the course?
from the Montauk Light. due south
ND nothin' 10 the westward"
The wan could not conceal his disap-
Hand In glove with the
onfidence than the captain himself, he
lad planned and ccnspIred with them
o depose him from command of the
1iranda J. He had meant tc slay the
Id man rutnlessly, if it should be nee
ssary, intending TO reap the reward Of
he perilous venture. In the prospect
4 fight he had seen a chance Of get
ing rid of his chief: that swift con-
unlmation Of mis- hopes being thus de-
led him. he conceived hate for the
nan who had been the moving factor.
md the lock that he gave Curtice lost
one of its blackness at the young mans
ext remark.
Captain he said, II warn YOU not
0 nut too much trust in this mate Of
ours. His hangdog ways don't become
n honest man
What do you mean. sir?' Tompkins
with a bluster.
Precisely what l say. sirr' Jimmy
ave him look for look. I'm watching
on, Mr.. Tompkins, and can tell a
coundrel when I sec him. as rule. II
do YOU injustice. it's your own fault"
You do me great injustice, sir!'
"Tm sure of that" interrupted the cap
hin.
Thank you. sir. You owe me an
pology, Mr.. Curtice.''
"As for that, the dav shall declare
1n1 sill
t 10 revise NV opinion. I'll let you
now, Mr.. Tompkins''
The man left the cabin scowling. Jim-e
" dismissed his case with laugh.
Now, gentlemen" he announced.
et's get acquainted"
Arthur had taken a seat by the table,
nd was paying strict attention to his
noke; at Jinimy's words, however. he
rev away the cigarette and motioned
azard and Fetter TO be still.
Ihe Continuation of This Story VIII
lie Found in TOnOrravr,a Yauus