The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1913-07-17
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Monsieur takes the liberty OF be
Ing impertinent."
oh, xcu mel beg your par.
don. But it's so beastly hot and dark
In here, you know, and I've never been
seasick before"
No? Monsieur is fortunate" The
visitor advanced a little, drew from a
recess a shoe backing outfit, pulled
over 1t n OF the stiff blankets from
a neighboring bunk, and sat down
rather cautiously. Little by little
James made out more of the look of
the a He was large and rather
blond, well-dressed. clean-shaven. He
spoke English easily. but with a for
eign accent.
Il wish tn inquire to what unfor-
tunate circumstances we are indebted
for your company on the Jeanne
Dare" The voice was cool and sharp
as a meat-ax.
Why, to your own kind-hearted-
ness. ! was a derelict and you took
me in-saved my life. in fact; for
which ] am profoundly grateful. And
| hope my presence here is not too
great a burden?"
Il am obliged to say that your pres
ence here Is most unwelcome. More
over, ! am aware that your previous
actions are open to suspicion, to e
press 1t mildly. You threw yourself
of the tug; and az this Is not a pleas
ure yacht, but the vessel of a high Of
fetal speeding on a most important
business matter, ! said TO the captain.
Let him swim! Or, II he wishes to
die, why should we thwart him? But
the captain referred to the etiquette
OF the line,' as he calls 1t, and picked
you up. So you have not me to thank
for not being among The fishes this
minute"
Jimmy pulled his blanket about and
sat up on his bunk. The sarcastic
voice stirred his bile, and suddenly
ans call for help. The hooded motor
car, the mufied cry of terror, the In
ert figure being lifted over the side
OF the yacht-these things crowded on
his brain and fired him to a sudden,
unreasoning fury. He leaned over,
looking sharply into the others face.
you damned scoundrel!" he said,
choking with his anger. The blood
surged into his face and eyes; he was,
for an instant. a primitive savage. He
could have laid violent hands on the
other man and done him to death, in
the fashion Of the half-gods who lived
In the twilight Of history.
The visitor in the fo'casle exhibited
a neat row of teeth and no resentment
whatever at Jim's remark. But a
sharp glitter shot from his eyes as he
replied suavely:
Monsieur has doubtless mistaken
this ship. and probably its master al
so, for some other less worthy adven-
turer on the sea. For that very rea,
son I have come to set you right. II
may be that / nave my quixotic mo-
ments. At any rate, | have a fancy &c
give you a ~gentleman's chance. Mon.
sieur, I regret the necessity Of being
inhospitable, but ! am forced to say
that you must quit the shelter OF this
yacht within t~wenty-four hours"
The thin. sarcastic voice and clean
cut syllahles famed the flame OF Jim
my's rage. He felt impotent. more
over, which never serves as a poultice
to anger. But he got himself In hand
though imitation courtesy was not
much In his line. He tuned his big
hearty voice to q pitch with the
Frenchman's nasal pipe, and clipped
of his words In mimicry.
And to whom, pray. shall I have
the honor to say farewell, at the au,
spicious moment when l jump over,
boardf"
Gently, you American, gently!'
said the other. My friends, and
some OF my enemies. know me as Mon
sieur Chatelard." AS he paused for
an impressive instant. Jim. grabbing
his blanket. stood up In derision and
executed an elaborate bow In as for
eign a manner as he could command
Monsieur Chatelard politely waved
him down and continued:
.But pray do not trouble to give me
your cardi had rather say adieu tl
Monsieur the Unknown. whose daring
and temper / 20 much admire. But
certainly misunderstood our violent
remark . moment ago. did l not? You
can not possibly have any ground oil
quarrel with me-"
Il thought you stole my money
belt"
Monsieur smiled and waved q cepre
catory hand. You have already dis
missed that idea. I am certain. A
~money-belt, between gentlemenl More
over, you should thank me for "a
much as recognising the gentleman IN
you. since you are without the custom
airy trappings OF u class"
"O1. 1 don't know" said Jim. But
Monsieur Chatelard was now impair
turbable. He continued blandly:
~Since you ara fond OF searbatha,
sos MI 10 d1ast ssjas : plnngs--o