The Hartford republican. (Hartford, Ky.) 18??-1926, 1912-03-22
CHAPTER XIV.

In the face Of the fact that the i'm
portation Of hashish into Egypt has
been declared illegal by Khedival leg
islation, the drug is always to be OBJ
tained In the lower dives of Alexan-
dria, Cairo and Port Said---if one only
knows where to go and how TO ask
for 1t. Manufactured in certain
Islands OF the Grecian Archipelago, 1t
is mysteriously exported under the
very noses OF complaisant authorities
and, eluding the rigor Of Egyptian
customs, as well as the vigilance of
Egyptian spies, finds its way to the
fellaheen-among other avid consum-
ers; speaking badly, is struggled into
the land. Customs inspections, fur
thermore, are as severe as might be
expected by anyone acquainted with
the country and its inhabitants-as
was ORourke.
He felt, then, no sort Of surprise Mt
the brevity Of the official visitation.
The inspector, accompanied by an
excessively urbane and suave Captain
-. Hole, consciously but briefly
glanced into the hold. asked a few
questions which would have been
pertinent had they not been entirely
pcrfunctory, and took his leave.
From the gangway the captain
turned back directly TO his first OFF,
Ger and the latter's charge. Hearing
his approaching footsteps, O'Rourke
gathered himself together and sum.
moned all his faculties to his aid
Troublesome" demanded Hole.
pausing.
mot a syllable" said the mate.
9TH mons sensible. haze me doubts
but he's too canny altogether"
Peaceful as byby, Ell? Well"
savagely, "'ell learn wot for. Get up,
you Irish"
ORourke lay passive under the
storm of Holes profanity. He had
all but closed his eyes. and was watch
Ing tie pair from beneath his lashes.
Failing to elicit any response,
"'Asn't 9 moved?" demanded the cap.
tain.
mot a muscle"
"Shammin'! Ere. ~ show i'm"
'ORourke gritted his teeth and sup
pressed a groan as the toe of Holes
heavy boot crashed into his ribs.
"Th' mons nae shapHming." Denni-
son declared. "Hes fair tainted"
Tainted hell" countered the cap
tain. Give Is arm a twist, DENIM
SON."
The mate calmly disobeyed. The
arm-twist desired by the captain re-
Quires the use Of the twister's two
hands. and stoutly as he defended his
opinion. the first oficer was by no
means ready to put up his revolver.
He advanced and bent over the
Irishman, who lay mot!onless. his up
per lip rolled back to show his
clenched teeth. "Heugh!" exclaimed
the first onicer, peering into his face.
his tone expressive Of the liveliest
concern. without further hesitation
he dropped the revolver into his pocket
and-received tremendous short-arm
blow in the face.
With q stihed cry he fell back.
clutching at a broken nose. and
sprawled at length; while O'Rourke.
leaping to his feet, deliberately put
q heel into the pit of Dennison's stom.
ach. thereby effectually eliminating
him as factor In the further contro-
vefsy. simultaneously he advanced
upon Captain Hole.
But in the latter he encountered no
mean antagonist. The man-it has
been said-was as tall as and heavier
than the adventurer. and by virtue Of
his position q competent and expert
enced rough-and-readt fighter. In a
breath he had lowered his head and.
believing like bull, launched him.
self toward O'Rourke.
The Irishman met the onslaught
with a singing uppercut; which. new
ertheless, failed to discourage the
captain. who grappled and began to
belabor O'Rourke with short, stabbing
blows on the side of the head, at the
same time endeavoring to trip him.
The fury of his onset all but carried
the Irishman OF his feet. At the same
time It defeated Holes own purpose
iO'Rourke watched his chance. seized
the mans throat with both hands and
Tightening his grip. fairly lifted him
on his feet and shook him as Q ter
rier shakes q rat. Then. with grunt
Of satisfaction. he threw the captain
from him and turned to face greater
odds.
The noise of the conflict had brought
the crew down upon the contestants.
Surrounded, he was rushed to the rail
With that to his back he drew on bis
reserve Of strength and, posing HIM
self, began to give his assailants per
sonal and individual attention. They
pushed him close. snarling and ours
ing, hindering one another in their
eagerness, and suffering variously for
their temerity. O'Rourke fought with
trained precision; his blows. lightning
quick, were direct from the shoulder
and very finely placed; and % straight
did he strike that almost from the
first his knuckles were torn and
bleding from their impact upon hssh
and bone.
FYsht A Aercely e. he might. how