The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1912-05-17
CHAPTER xii.-(continued.)

The other vessel was entering the
mouth of the channel. at the moment
that Coast put the helm over and
brought the Echo's green starboard
eye into view. A mile or so lay be-
tween them. Appleyard lifted the
hatch and opened the throttle full, be-
fore setting out the port light.
A shower Of spray swept over the
Echo's counter as she bucked the tide.
That's the stuff" said the little
man. Now they're wondering what
particular variety OF darn fools we
arc. Hold her as she stands-steady."
Two throaty blasts from an auto
matte whistle ioated down the wind.
"What'd tell your" chuckled Ap-
pieyard. She's slowed down al
ready" he announced. although
Coast was unable to discern any
change IN the speed Of the nearing
craft 'Tt hurts to do this" The lit
tie man jerked the whistle lever and
educed single. prolonged. derisive
blast. Lord they must be cussin'
blue streak!"
r. this time the Echo had worked
well up into the channel, the other
vessel being about midway through.
To second signal. solitary blast,
Appleyard replied with two In utter
defiance OF every rule and regulation
for the prevention Of collisions at sea.
A husky shout of wrath answered this
manifestat on of landlubberly foolish
ness. Appieyard responded with three
short barks of the whistle, the same
signifying what was obviously un.
true--tbat he had reversed his engine
and was running full-speed astern:
for at the same moment. In obedience
to his low-toned command-"Sta-
board, starboard your helm."-Coast
again put the wheel over and the
Echo swung smartly on her heel
showing her port light and making
as II TO cut across the others bows
at a moment when they were but a
few lengths apart.
There was an instant OF suspense
es the boats drew swiftly together.
Coast held his breath and prepared
TO Jump should the threatened hap
pen; Il seemed certain that the sharp
stem OF the motor cruiser would
crash into the catboats side. Even
Appleyard lost something of his Gus
tomary aplomb and betrayed the
strain upon his nerves.
"Sit tight-slt Tight" he whispered
between his closed teeth. Don't give
an inch--they've got to-they don't
6arerah-h!"
The last was a sigh of relief as the
cruiser swerved sharply In toward
Pasque, shot forward couple OF
hngths and brought up suddenly with
churnlng screw-hard and fast
aground.
A moment later the Echo rounded
grssefully TO port within two yards of
her stern; and simultaneously Apple
yard, leaning far out over the comb
ing. made an exceedingly cunning
cast with a coil Of line which Coast
had laid In against the possibility OF
a broken halyard. The flying loops
settled accurately into the water. Just
above the foam kicked up by the
cruisers propeller. and In another In
stant lts motor stopped with a stran- |
gulated gasp.
Out of the cloud Of profanity that |
smoked up from the cruisers cockpit |
few first one heavy spanner. then an |
other. Botn splashed heavily along |
side the Echo Not until they had /
drawn well out ofrsnge did Coast and I
Appleyard rise from the shelter OF /
the combings.
so far. splendid" commented Ap- /
pleyard soberly. staring astern- Il !