The state herald., 1913-04-25

night possibly. A. we have made
rather slow progress. we are really
not 10 lar from shore. Yes, on second
tnought would by all means advise
you @ take your departure tonight.
Swim back to shore the way you came.
IN any case, your absence is desired.
Tnere will be no room or provision
or water for you on board the Jeanne
DArc after tonight Is my meaning
clear?"
Jim was watching, as well as he
could, the immobile, expressionless
face' and did not Immediately note
that Monsieur Chatelard had drawn
small, shiny object from his hip
pocket and was holding 1t carelessly
In his lap. As his gaze focused on
tne 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 fo'casle, Jim
leaped from his bunk upon his tor
mentor. like a cat upon mouse.
seized his right hand In a paralyzing
grip. and was himself thrown VIC.
lentiy to the floor. The struggle was
brler, 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
DIT oreathless. but not greatly discom-
posed peered out at him from the
eoge OF the opposite bunk. where he
sat uncomfortably. His cynical voice
capped the struggle like q streak OF
pitch.
I, Pray keep the weapon. You are
leone. though your methods are
80 newhat surprising. Had l known
so IN earlier. might have offered you
M little toy"
On oh. don't mention It," said Jimmy.
thought you might not be used to
ne arms. that's ALL"
X, he vanished surface Of Monsieur
ltelards countenance gave no evi.
a ce OF his having heard Jim's re-
*
~ Don't fancy that your abrupt move
rs ats have deprived me of what au.
th0rity | may happen to possess on
this vessel. My request as to your fu-
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
apart to keep his balance. regarding
: the weapon In his hand. from which
his gaze travelled to the man on the
> bunk. When 1t 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 stoot
there. the Jeanne D'Arc pitched for
ward until IL seemed that she coult
never right herself. then slowly and la
! boriously she rode the waves again.
You are a more picturesque villain
than ! thought" remarked James
: you have all the tricks OF the stag,
: hero-secret passages. fancy weapons
: and-crowning glory-a fatal gift o
Q slbl"
Monsieur Chaeelard arose. makinl
!, his way toward the hatch.
:, Many thanks. can not return tn,
compliment In such happy choice o
!, English" he scoffed, but ] can truth
fully say that ! have rarely seen s,
= striking and unique n figure as | nov
behold: certainly never on the stage
to which you so politely refer
But James was too deeply intent OF
j his next move to be embarrassed b,
his lack OF clothes. Not In vain ha,
his gorge risen almost at first sight o
this man. He stepped quickly In from
of Monsieur chateiard. blocking hi
Q exit up the ladder. while the revolve
In his hand looked straight between
a the Frenchman's eyes.
+ Whatever Chatelard's crimes were
+ he was not a coward. He did no
y finch. but his eyes cleaned like col,
I steel as Jim cornered him.
Now" said Jim. Il have my turn.
Wrath burned In his heart
y Captain Paquinl Antoine, An
! tolne!" called chateiard. No one an
swered the call OF the master OF tn,
ship. but even as the two men meas
ured their force one against the 9th
= or. they were arrested by commo
: ton above. Voices were heard shout
ing. trampling feet were running bacl
and forth over the deck. and n momcn
. later the ships cook came tumblini
down the hatchway. screaming II
terror. He giared unhoeding Mt tn,
Y two man and his teeth ehatterad