The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1912-12-20

There viii be no room or provision
or water for you on board the Jeanne
DArc after tonight. Is my meaning
clear?"
Jim was watching, as well as he
could, tho immobile, expressionless
face, and did not Immediately note
that Monsieur Chatelard had drawn a
small, shiny object from his hip
pocket and was holding It carelessly
IN his lap. As his gaze focused on
the revolver however, he did the one
thing, perhaps, which az that mo-
ment could have put the Frenchman
on his guard, lie threw his head
back and laughed aloud
But before his laugh had time to
echo In the narrow focasle, jim
leaped from his bunk upon his tor
mentor, like a cat upon a mouse,
seized his right hand In a paralyzing
grip, and was himself thrown VIC.
lently to the floor. The struggle was
brief, for the Freachman was no
match for Jim In strength and scarce
ly superior to him In skin; but II took
one OF Jim's wrestling feints TO get
the better OF his opponent. He came
out, in five seconds, with the pistol
! In his hand. Monsieur Chatelard
bit breathless, but not greatly discom-
posed, peered out at him from the
edge OF the opposite bunk, where he
sat uncomfortably. His cynical voice
capped the struggle like a streak OF
pitch.
Pray keep the weapon. You are
welcome, though your methods are
somewhat surprising. Had known
them earlier, might have offered you
my little toy"
oh, don't mention it" said Jimmy,
I thought you might not be used to
firearms, that's ALL"
The vanished surface of Monsieur
Chatelard's countenance gave no evil
dence of his having heard Jim's re
mark.
Don't fancy that your abrupt move
ments have deprived me of what au-
thority l may happen to possess on
this vessel. My request as to your fu-
ture action still stands, unless you had
rather one Of my faithful men should
assist you in carrying out my pur-
pose"
Hambleton stood with legs wide
apart to keep his balance. regarding
the weapon in his hand, from which
his gaze Travelled to the man on the
bunk. When it came to dialogue, he
was no match for this sarcastic pur-
yeyor OF words. He wondered wheth-
er Monsieur Chatelard was actually as
cool as lie appeared. As he stood
there, the Jeanne Dare pitched for
ward until it seemed that she could
never right herself, then slowly and la.
boriously she rode the waves again.
You are more picturesque villain
than ! thought" remarked James |
You have all the tricks Of the stage
hero-secret passages, fancy weapons.
and-crowning glory--a fatal gift OF
gab!"
Monsieur Chatelard arose, making
his way toward the hatch.
Many thanks can not return the
compliment in such happy choice Of
English" he scofTed but l can truth !
fully say that I have rarely seen so
striking and unique a figure as | now
behold; certainly never on the stage,
to which you SO politely refer"
But James was too deeply intent on
his next move to be embarrassed by
his lack Of clothes. Not in vain had
his gorge risen almost at first sight of
this man. He stepped quickly in front
of Monsieur Chatelard, blocking his
exit up the ladder, while the revolver
in his hand looked straight between
the Frenchman's eyes.
Whateve- Chatelard's crimes were.
be was not coward, He did not
Iiinch, but his eyes cleaned like cold
steel as Jim cornered him.
Now" said jim, u have my turn"
Wrath burned in his heart.
Captain Paquin Antoine, An
oine!" called Chatelard. No one an
;wered the call of the master of the
ship, but even as the two men meas
lred their force one against the 9TH
n, they were arrested by a commo.
ion above Voices were heard shout
ng, trampling feet were running back
nd forth over the deck, and a moment
ater the ships cook came tumbling
lown the hatchway, screaming in =,
error. He glared unheeding at the
wo men, and his teeth chartered.
ear had possession of him.
Jim lifted his revolver well ont of
each, and backed off from Chatelard :
or the first time during the inter
lew between the American and the !,
the two now faced each !
Their as man to man, with the mask
their suspicious, their vanities and
leir hate cast aside. .
What is the matter? What is this
,ol saying?" Jim asked in loatbipg Id
At last Monsieur ChateIard looked 81
Jim with eyes of fear. His face be-
me so pale and drawn that it re-
embed sponge from which the last
rop Of water had been pressed. hi
He says the yacht is half full Of a,
ater-that she is sinking" the |
renchman said. -
"Sinking" echoed Jim, bearing st
'wn again, with lowered revolver. on h,
8 enemy. We'll and good! You're al
'ing to be drowned, not shot. after SC
!! And now you shall speak, you hi
amp! Your games up, whatever til
~