Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-09-10

some small degree confound or frus-
trate their designs.
He noted little change in the aspect
of the ship since, ne had followed
Claret below; the decks were as be-
fore, deserted; only from the direction
of the smoking room, aft we're audible
sounds of animated celebration ano
below on the foredeck Thurlow was
still disturbing the peaceful hour with
the spiteful crepitation of the wireless
spark.
That sound resurrected and revtci-
fed the hall -orr1Sd plan Crittenden
had conceived at sight of Thurlow ana
then had set aside, without considera-
ton. to follow and punish Claret. Anu
1T found him apt, fallow to a hint. in
his desperate extremity.
He took a stride forward. then on
prudent reconsideration reconnoitered
aft The view framed by the smoking
room window treasured him. There
were assembled all involved in the plot
and the workings of the ship. Thur
low and Claret excepted-Rhode sit
ting rebelliously apart. apathetic to
everything save the bottle and glass Al
his elbow. A gratulatory spirit in the
habits Of the others indicated a sense
of dangers passed, success assured,
Crittenden reviewed the scene, smIl-
ing grimly, his expression hardening.
Then without permitting himsen
time to weigh his risks he turoed back
to the forward companion-ladder ano
slipped down to the main deck
Thurlow. having apparently concluded
his communication to the Orion, was
standing in the doorway of the wire
less. house lighting cigarette prepar-
atory to, rejoining his associates. Sur
hn krrTd -rF
as they left the ladder. he looked W.
and into the mouth Of Clarets re-
volver.
Unperturbed and impassl :. he blew
out the match. tossed il from him.
elected twin clouds of smoke from his
nostrils and removed the cigarette from
his mouth only, long enough to inquire:
well, what's eating you, CrittendeaY'
Back up" suggested the other. fall
ing in with his cool humor without
modifying the poise Of his weapon. "eGt
inside there, and IN explain. No harm
intended-but If you yell or kick up
row of any kind, I'll have to threat you
uukindly.
Thurlow looked him over with a less
passionate eye, stepped negligently back
into the cabin and dropped into a chair
before his operating table, his attention
concentrated. Crittenden. following him
over the threshold, shut the door and
with his unengaged hand shot the bolts.
Now" he said in a level tone. I'VE
will proceed to put a severe crimp in
this gay swindle. Please don't make it
unpleasant By trying to object or put up
a scrap; I'm deadly serious, and this
thing is going to go through the way L
plan it. Do you understand me?"
"CIyearly." Thurlow lifted mis- brows
and laughed quietly. What's the mat
ter2"
THE matter is personal" continued
Crittenden in the same manner. Il won't
bother you with the story of how they
made me sore. But this game is up,
so far as Perez ct al. are concerned.
Please turn round, switch on your juice,
and call Key West"
'.why?" asked ThurIow, without NOV
ing. -e@
Because I want to send. a message,
and you. can send il bit easier than
Though Pm enough OF a dab at send
ing, myself-as you know--to put 1t
through without your assistance. In
fact, you can claim did it, if you want
to. when the storm breaks
IT suppose you know what this means
if they find it QUITO your eie a8
Call Key West" insisted CFfttenden
"And hurry up about it,,
His manner was instant peremptoryi