The San Francisco call., 1913-07-27
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Observation-Disclosures
| Jerry. Unless I miss me guess it'll
land us on his beach inside o five
| minutes, SIR
i The slender scallop of a new moon
had set an hour before, but the night
was luminously clear and the stars
blazed with an almost southern efful-
gence. There was very little breeze
and the waters of the Mianus were
scarcely rippled Along the shore to
our left we caught the CLINT Of lights
from the summer cottages.
To Jerry Rooney every inch of the
little bay and river was familiar.
Each light was for him a landmark,
and so, as much by intuition as care
full calculation, he had closged the en-
gine at a point whence, taking tide
and current into consideration, we
might count upon drifting to the
water end of Artist Murphy's lawn.
As we drew nearer and he stealthily
pointed out to me the location, was
able to descry little grove of trees,
black in the starlight. making a hori-
zoutal barrier across the limited in
closure. and hiding. like rope por-
there. the bungalow from the river.
Now the shores shadow was engulf-
ing us. and the next moment, with q
gentle swish of waters. we felt the
boats bottom crate on the pebbly
beach.
The prospect which confronted us
as we walked shoreward over the
creaking planks was about as hospita-
BILE as the grim walls of prison.
The tree barrier rose stark and for
bidding dozen yards away. Between
1T and the river was combination Of
pebbles, sand. high grass and ragged
overgrown lawn. family visible in the
starlight. On nearer approach, how
ever, we found an opening in the cur
tain of trees through which we passed
to a strip of neglected sward and a
squat. unpainted. weather beaten cot
tage of single story, with vine
screened veranda.
| And In what seemed to US the very
center of the house front there shone
a tiny glowing point of red fire. BY
all the odds of chance 1t was a safe
conclusion that Murphy, in propria
persona. was behind that lighted end
of cigar. Then we saw the point
move, describing a half circle, and
simultaneously voice rang out.
What do you want here?'
MY motor boat ran out of gasoline, y
said, "and drifted to your beach. I
was in hopes we might borrow enough
to get US home
| | saw him now, dimly, in the shad-
owed recess. He was seated facing
me, creature Of great bulk, with
huge head and ponderous shoulders.
Z don't keep gasoline was his
gruff response.
Il thought began.
Il say don't keep It, he reiterated
in louder tones. Isn't that plain %
"Oh, quite. You have neither gaso-
| line nor good manners"
| | saw him RISE q massive tower,
dwarfng his surroundings, and take
a step forward to the edge of his
porch.
This is my house and my castle -
he flung at me, savagely. "and I won t
stand for trespassers- II you two
don't want to be flung off my property
it would be advisable for you to make
haste in going"
My laugh was not calculated to
salve his i'll humor.
You're names Murphy, / think"
ventured, calmly. not moving an inch.
But he made no response.
Mine is Clyde" I went on Il am
one of the state game wardens."
I'm not interested in who you are,"
he growled
But I'm interested in learning what
your Chinanan was shooting this
morning on the Cameron place.
Then find out" was his courteous
retort. I'm sure shan't tell you.'
Maybe the Chinaman will be more
obliging,' suggested. and turning to
Jerry, I said: Look around at the
back. my lad, and If you can find Mr.
Murphy's man. fetch him here"
But before I had quite finished the
big man in the shadow of the veranda
was storming.
He'll stop just where he is. II he
dares to come another step nearer
this house I'll throw the pair of you
over the hedge. neck and crop. Do
you hear me?'
And II you dare to interfere with
an officer or his deputy in the dis
charge of his duty the authorities will
settle with YOU" was my calm re-
joinder. 'Trot ahead, Jerry. His
bark's worse than his bite"
Jerry, quick to obey, disappeared
around the corner of the bungalow,
and Murphy, after pretended dash
&c,.u-ard l.al&ad 80.