The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1913-07-17

rather slow progress. we are really
not SO far from shore. Yes. on second
thought, 1 would by all means advise
you to take your departure tonight.
Swim back to shore the way you came.
In any case, your absence is desired.
There will be no room or provision
or water for you on board the Jeanne
D'Arc after tonight. Is my meaning
clear?"
Jim was watching, as we'll as be
could, the immobile, expressionless
face, and did not Immediately note
that Monsieur Chatelard had drawn a
small. shiny object from his hip
pocket and was holding 1t carelessly
In his lap. AS his gaze focused on
the revolver, however. he did the one
thing. perhaps, which at that mo-
ment could have put the Frenchman
Off his guard. He threw his head
back and laughed aloud.
But before his laugh had time to
echo In the narrow fo'cas'le. Jim
leaped from his bunk upon his tor
mentor, like a cat upon a mouse,
seized his right hand in a paralyZing
grip, and was himself thrown yio-
ientiy to the floor. The struggle was
brief, for the Frenchman was no
match for Jim In strength and scarce
iy superior to him in skill; but 1t took
one of Jim's wrestling feints to get
the better OF his opponent. He came
out. In five seconds, with the pistol
In his hand. Monsieur Chatelard, a
bit GREATNESS. but not greatly discom-
posed. peered out at him from the
edge OF the opposite bunk. where he
sat uncomfortably. His cynical voice
capped the struggle like q streak of
pitch.
Pray keep the weapon. You are
welcome, though your methods are
somewhat surprising. Had l known
them earlier, | might have offered you
my little toy"
"Oh, don't mention it." said Jimmy.
4 thought you might not be used to
firearms, that's all"
The vanished surface of Monsieur
Chatelard's countenance gave no evi-
dence OF his having heard Jim's re-
mark.
Don't fancy that your abrupt move
ments have deprived me Of what au-
thority ] may happen to possess on
this vessel. My request as to your fu-
ture action still stands, unless you had
rather n of my faithful men should
assist you In carrying out my pur-
pose"
Hambleton stood with legs wide
apart to keep his balance, regarding
the weapon in his hand, from which
his gaze travelled to the man on the
bunk. When it came to dialogue, he
was no match for this sarcastic pur-
veyor OF words. He wondered wheth-
er Monsieur Chatelard was actually as
cool as he appeared. AS he stood
there, the Jeanne dare pitched for
ward until u seemed that she could
never right herself, then slowly and la
~boriously she rode the waves again.
you are a more picturesque villain
than l thought" remarked James.
You have all the tricks of the stage
hero-secret passages, fancy weapons,
and-crowning glory-a fatal gift of
gab!"
Monsieur Chatelard arose, making
his way toward the hatch.
Many thanks. l can not return the
compliment in such a happy choice of
English" he scoffed, but | can truth
fully say that | have rarely seen so
striking and unique a figure as | now
behold; certainly never on the stage,
to- which you so politely refer"
But James was too deeply intent on
his next move to be embarrassed by
his lack of clothes. Not in vain had
his gorge risen almost at first sight of
this man. He stepped quickly In front
OF Monsieur Chatelard, blocking his
exit up the ladder. while the revolver
In his hand looked straight between
the Frenchman's eyes
Whatever Chatelard's crimes were.
he was not a coward. He did not
finch, but his eyes cleaned like cold
steel as Jim cornered him.
Now" said Jim. Il have my turn"
Wrath burned in his heart.
Captain Paquin! Antoine, An
toine!" called Chatelard. No one an
swered the call of the master of the
ship, but ever az the two men meas
ured their force one against the 9TH
er, they were arrested by a conimo-
ton above. Voices were heard shout
ing, trampling feet were running back
and forth over the deck. and a moment
later the ships cook came tumbling
down the hatchway. screaming in
terror. He glared unheeding at the
two men. and his teeth chartered
Tear had possession OF him.
Jim lifted his revolver well u of
reach. and backed on from Chatelard.
For the first time during the inter
view between the American and the
Frenchman. the two now faced each
other as man to man. with the mask
OF their suspicious. their vanities and
their hate cast aside.
what is the matter? What is this
fool saying?" Jim asked in loathing.
At last Monsieur Chatelard looked
at Jim with eyes OF fear. His face be.
came so pale and drawn that 1t re-
semhled a sponge from which the fast
drop OF water had been pressed.
He says the yacht Is half fun of
water-that she is sinking" the
Frenchman said.
~ 80