Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1913-05-02


not 90 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 viii be no room or provision
or water for you on board the Jeanne
D'Arc after tonight. Is my meaning
clear?"
Jim was watching. Is we'll as he
could, the immobile, expressionless
face. and did not Immediately note
that Monsieur Chatelard had drawn a
small, shiny object nom his hip
pocket AID was holding it c~arelessly
In his lap. Az his gaze focused On
the revolver. however. he did the one
thing. perhaps. which at that mo-
ment could have put the Frenchman
on his guard. He threw his head
back and laughed aloud.
But before his laugh had time to
echo In the narrow f~o'casle, Jim
ieaped from his bunk upon his tor
mentor. like a cat upon q mouse.
seized his right hand In a p~aralyzing
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 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. q
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 q streak OF
pitch.
Pray keep the weapon. You are
welcome. though your methods are
somewhat surprising. Had known
them earlier. l 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
C~hatelard'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 al
cool as he, appeared. As he stood
there. the Jeanne D'Arc pitched for
ward until 1t seemed that she coult
never right herself, then slowly and la
boriously she rode the waves again.
you r a more picturesque villair
than ! thought" remarked James
you have all the tricks Of the stag
hero-secret passages. fancy weapons
and-crowning glory-a fatal gift o
gab!"
Monsieur Chatelard arose. making
his way toward the hatch.
Many thanks. l can not return the
compliment in such a happy choice o.
English" he scoffed. but I can truth
fully say that l have rarely seen sc
striking and unique a figure as l now
behold; certainly never on the stage
to which you 80 politely refer"
But James was too deeply intent or
his next move to be embarrassed by
his lack of clothes. Not In vain had
his gorge risen almost at first sight oil
this nan He stepped quickly In from,
Of Monsieur C~hatelard. blocking his
exit up the ladder, while the revolver
in his hand looked straight between
the Frenchman's eyes.
Whateve- Chatelard's crimes were,
he was not q 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 as the two men meas
ured their force one against the 9th
or, they we're arrested by a commo
ton above. Voices we're heard shout
ing, trampling feet were running back
and forth over the deck, and a moment
later the ships cook came tumbline
down the hatchway. screaming In
terror. He glared unheeding at the
two men, and his teeth chartered
Fear had possession of him.
Jim lifted his revolver well out OF
reach, and backed of 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
oa-a az nola ond dro un thot a. -