The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1912-02-14
SHERLOCK'S
ELOPEMENT
By JAMES HAWKINS

Chamber over the side. He had seen
him several times over at the hotel
Some one had said he was a South
American revolutionist awaiting a IA
vorable opportunity to dash across the
Gulf. At any rate he was decidedly
too attentive to Leigh Granger to suit
Bert Sherlock.
Apparently the little man was not
accustomed to yachts for he stumbled
on the ladder and would have fallen
back into the boat had not one Of the
sailors boosted him aboard with an
oar, a timely aid but one accountable
for decidedly undignified sprawl up.
on the deck.
Sherlock sprang to his assistance
and with a powerful grip upon his col.
lar dragged the visitor to his feet.
The senior skipper" demanded the
intruder as he arranged his disordered
dress.
The same admitted Sherlock, with
bow. How can serve you?'
"Much-very much" gesticulated
the other, Il am Jesus Maria Juan
Santiago Alvora'
All OF lhat?' murmured Sherlock in
mock amazement The other searched
the grave face for possible mockery
but finding none there continued: II
see you know not who that is"
The name is imposing-but unfa-
mlliar,' apoogized Sherlock. You
see ! am recently arrived. lam not
yet familiar with the notabilities."
very true" assented Alvora gra-
ciously. You are not to be blamed
But over there" he added with ma
jestic sweep toward the southern hori.
zon. they know and fear the name.
1t brings terror to the bravest hearts"
Il can imagine agreed Sherlock
politely.
Yes" beamed Alvoro. 81 have come
to see you upon business. Your own.
er-he is here?"
My Owner?' echoed Sherlock.
There is a flag they fly when tho
owner he Is present. ! have watch
three day. He is not here?"
Sherlock smiled. 1t was bad enough
to have the Enid anchored opposite
the hotel without flying the owners
pennant. He wanted Frederick Gran.
ger to believe that the yacht was sim.
ply waiting his coming.
THE owners flag is not flying" he |
assented.
He will be here soon, yes?" asked |
Alvoro.
Perhaps. cannot say"
Three day. week-two weeks?'
What Is it you want?" demanded |
Sherlock.
Il would charter your beautiful
boat" explained Alvoro. Il would
elOpe."
"Elope? You mean escape?" sug.
gested Sherlock-"from your enemies"
Il have said 'elope'" declared AL.
voro. kissing his finger tips. Il would
elope with goddess"
And you want to hire the boat?"
YES" he exclaimed. Il must have
boat. You will take us to Bunoyen.
ia. l shall make a revolution"
i guess ! can fix IT,, declared Sher-
lock- 1t would be at least week be-
fore Frederick Granger would be gone
and he could make his presence known
to Leigh.
Tomorrow you shall be ut the
point, exclaimed Alvoro. Il shall ride
to the point. Two Of my men shall
be there TO help yours: We shall seize
her. Once aboard. no for Bunoycnta.
She shall marry me then and | shall
be dictator"
Perhaps her parents will object"
suggested Sherlock 1T might get me
into trouble on my return"
No, was the eager answer. "She
only objects"
What's the lady's name." demand
ed Sherlock.
Granger announced Alvoro proud.
". You mus know him. Yes? !
Il know him." admitted Sherlock.
He is with you?"
Mos hearty. His the Idea Is. She
ike a young man Of the north. Gran.
ger say you shall take her on to your
,wn land. She will marry the Presi.
lente and forget the other"
I'm with you," declared Sherlock
Well make 1t an elopement to live
n history for quickness and dispatch"
You are my fren'. my hes fren'."
declared Alvoro. You shall be what
Tou call admiral"
That's go, too." agreed Sherlock,
but look here. can't have your :
men on board. I've big crew. They
an follow on fruit steamer"
Jus So" agreed Alvoro. BE then
t the point at 2. l will pay $500 ia |
old. Also shall you be admiral"
He tumbled into the waiting boat
nd Sherlock vatched hin, scroe. ,o