The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1913-01-01

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 card! had rather say adieu to
Monsieur the Unknown, whose daring
and temper l so much admire. But |
certainly misunderstood your violent
remark a moment ago, did not? You
can not possibly have any ground of
quarrel with me-"
Il thought you stole my money
belt"
Monsieur smiled and waved depre-
catory hand. You have already dis
missed that idea, am certain. A
money-belt, between gentlemen! More
over, you should thank me for so
much as recognizing the gentleman in
you, since you are without the custom
airy trappings of our class"
"Oh, l don't know" said Jim. But
Monsieur Chatelard was now imper-
turbable. He continued blandly:
Since you are fond of sea-baths,
you will no doubt enjoy pluuge-to-
, night possibly. AS we have made
rather slow progress, we are seally
not so far from shore. Yes, on second
thought, 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
Dare after tonight, Is my meaning
clear?"
jim was watching, as well as he
could, the immobile, expressiorless
face, and did not Immediately note
that Monsieur Chatelard had drawn a
small, shiny object from his hip
pocket and was holding it 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'casle, Jim
leaped from his bunk upon his tor
mentor, like a cat upon a mouse,
seized his right hand in paralyzing
grip, and was himself thrown vio-
lently to the floor. The struggle was
brief, for the Frenchman was no
match for Jim in strength and scarce
ly superior to him in skill; but it took
one of Jims 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 breathless, 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 streak of
pitch.
pray keep the weapon. You are
welcome, though your methods are
somewhat surprising. Had known
them earlier, might have offered you
my little toy"
Il thought you might not be used to
firearms, that's all"
The vanished surface of Monsieur
Chatelard's countenance gave no evil
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 flu
ture action still stands, unless you had
rather one of my faithful men should
assist you in carrying out my pur-
pose"
Hambleton stood with legs wide
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 D'Arc pitched for
ward until 1t seemed that she could
never right herself, then slowly and Ia
boriously she rode the waves again.
"You are 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