Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-08-04

with excitement, ripe for mischief It
| mattered little to him now what he did
or what happened to him, so that he
might bring confusion into the ranks OF
the conspirators, in some small degree
confound or Illustrate their designs.
He noted little change in the aspect OF
the ship since he had followed Claret be-
low: the decks were before. deserted;
only from the direction OF the smoking
room. aft were audible sounds of ami
mated celebration: and below on the
foredeck Thurlow was still disturbing
, the peaceful hour with the spiteful crepi-
tation of the wireless spark.
That sound resurrected and revivified
the half-fo-:ned plan Crittenden had con-
ceived a sight OF Thurlow and then had
set aside. without consideration. TO fol-
low and punish Claret. And IL found him
apt, fallow TO a hint. i'm his desperate ex-
tremity.
He took a stride forward. then. on pru-
dent reconsideration. reconnoitered art
The view framed by TIE smoking room
window treasured him. There were as
sembled all involved I'm the plot and the
workings of the ship. Thurlow and Claret
excepted-Rhode sitting rebelliously apart.
apathetic to everything save the bottle
and glass al his elbow. A gratulatory
spirit in the habits of the others indi-
Gated a sense of dangers passed, success
assured. Crittenden reviewed the scene.
smiling grimly. his expression hardening.
Then. without permitting himself time
to weigh his risks. he turned back TO the
forward companion ladder and slipped
down to the main deck.
Thurlow. having apparently concluded
his communication TO the Orion. was
standing In the doorway OF the wireless
house lighting a cigarette preparatory 10
rejoining his associates. Surprised by the
thud OF crittendens feet as they lett
the ladder, he looked up and into the
mouth OF Clarets revolver.
Cnperturbed and impressive. he blew
out the match. tossed il from him. eject
ed twin clouds OF smoke from his nos
trils and removed the cigarette from his
mouth only long enough TO inquire:
well, what's eating YOU, Crittenden?"
Back up suggested the other. falling
in with his cool humor without modify
ing the poise OF his weapon. Get inside
there and I'll explain. No harm intended
but il you yell or kick up a row OF any
kind, I'll have to treat You unkindly.
Thurlow looked him over with a less
dtsrassionate eye. stepped negligentiy
back into tine cabin and dropped into a
tention concentrated. Cr.ttenden. follow
ing him over the threshofl. shut the
door and with his unengagec he.rd shot
the bolts.
Now he said, in level tone, I'VE
will proceed to put a severe crinlp in this
gay swindle. Please don't make IL un-
pleasant by trying to object or put UP
scrap; I'm deadly serious. and this thing
is going to go through the way I plan IL.
Do you understand me?'
Clearly" Thurlow lifted his brows
and laughed quietly. Whats the mat
teri"
1.-The matter is personal" continued
Crittenden, in the same manner i won't
bother you with the story or how they
made me sore. But this game Is up, So
far as Perez ct Ell. are concerned. Please
turn round. switch on your juice and call
Key West"
"Why?' asked Thurlow. without NOV
ing.
Because I want TO send a message,
and you can send II a bit easier than l.
though I'm enough Of dab at sending,
myself-as you know-to put IL through
without your assistance. In fact, you
can claim did IL, il you want to. when
the storm breaks"
Go be continued; tomorxaWA