Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-03-12
CHAPTER xxx.
The Raft Again.

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Yancy and Cavendish threw them
selves on the sweeps apd worked the
raft clear Of the keel boat, then the
turbulent current seized the smaller
craft and whirled it away into the
night; as its black bulk receded from
before his eyes the Earl Of Lambeth
spoke with the voice of authority and
experience.
1T was a good fight and them fell
lows done we'll, but not near well
enough" A conclusion that could
not be gainsaid. He added, NO one
amt hurt but them that had ought to
have got hurt. Mr.. Yancy's all right,
and SOS Mr.. Carrington-whos
mighty welcome here" The earls
shock of red hair was bristling like
the name Of some angry animal and
his eyes still flashed with the light OF
battle, but he managed to summon up
an expression of winning friendllness.
MIR. Carrington's kin to me, Pol
IT," explained Yancy to Mrs. CaVen'
dish. His voice was far from steady,
for Hannibal had been gathered into
his arms and had all but wrecked the
stole calm with which the Scratch
Hitler was seeking to guard his emo
tions.
Polly smiled and dimpled at the
Kentuckian. Trained to a romantic
point OF view she had frank liking
for handsome, stalwart men. Caven.
dish was neither, but none knew bet
ter than Polly that where he was most
lacking in appearance he was richest
in substance. He carried scars hon
orabIy earned in those differences he
had been prone to cultivate with less
generous natures; for his scheme OF
life did not embrace the millennium.
THANK God, you got here when
you did," said Darlington.
I'VE was some pushed TO time, but
we done it." responded the earl mod
estly. He added, What now?-do we
make landing?"
"No-unless 1t interferes with your
pldIlS uOI ". want W 6el "touA1N
the next bend before we tie up. Later
Wen all go back Can l count on
you?"
You shorely can. l consider this
here as sociable neighborhood as l
ever struck. 1t pleases me well.
Folks are up and doing hereabout.
Darlington looked eagerly around In
search of Betty. She was sitting on
an upturned tub, pathetic enough
figure as she dropped against the wall
of one of the shanties with all her
courage quite gone from her. He
made his way quickly to her side.
"La!" whispered Polly in Chills and
Fever's ear. If that pore young thing
yonder keeps a widow it won't be be-
cause of any encouragement she gets
from Mr.. Darlington. If l ever seen
marriage in mans eye seen 1t in
his this minute!"
"Bruce!" cried Betty. starting up as
Darlington approached. "Oh, Bruce.
I am so glad you have come-you are
not hurt?" She accepted his presence
without question. She had needed
him and he had not failed her.
I'VE are none of US hurt. Betty" he
said gently, as he took her hand.
He saw that the suffering she had
undergone during the preceding
twenty.four hours had left its record
on her tired face and in her heavy
eyes. She retained shuddering con-
seriousness Of the unchecked saVagery
OF those last moments on the Keel
boat; she was still hearing the oaths
of the men as they struggled together,
the sound of blows, and the dreadful
silences that had followed them. She
turned from him, and there came the
relief of tears.
There, Betty, the danger is over
now and you were so brave while ii
lasted. I can't bear to have you cry!'
81 was wild with fear-all that time
on the boat, Bruce" she faltered be
tween her sobs. Il didn't know but
they would find you out. I could only
wait and hope-and pray"
II was in no danger, dear. Didni
the girl tell you was to take the
place OF a man Slosson was expect
ing? He never doubted that l wa:
that man until q light-a signal i
must have been-on the shore at the
head Of the bayou betrayed me-"