The Lynden tribune. [volume] (Lynden, Wash.) 1908-current, 1914-10-29

questioned. "That-that you love meF'
And why not? Am so different
from other womenT
I held the ttller still with one hand,
but the other arm was free, and l
reached out and drew her toward me.
There was no resistance, NO effort to
break away. I could see her face up
lifted, the wide open eyes.
CHAPTER XVII.
The Revenue Gutter.
rT could not have been long, not
to exceed q moment or two,
when q sudden leaping Of the
boat brought US back to real
ization Of our position. As soon as
had reRained control Of the craft l
reached out again and touched her
hand.
This IL all 30 strange, 80 unexpect-
ed, can scarcely comprehend what
has occurred"
STRANGE. yes, in the way it has hap
pened," she conceded. But we can
not afford to dwell upon that now.
We are in peril. Do you really know
where We are-for what you are steer
ingT
ut IL largely a guess. There is
nothing to give me guidance except
as unscrew the face Of this compass
and feel the needle"
'Then we may still be within view
from the deck Of the Sea Gull at day
break"
Eyes. That will depend entirely
upon luck"
why, look therer she exclaimed
quickly. "See-to the right! Merciful
heavens! 1t Is q ship!"
1t was hard to determine the nature
Of the vessel, the sides looming close
above US. but It was not the Sea Gull
was certain Of that from the height
Of the rail and the outline Of a square
foresail showing dimly against the
sky. l called out:
"Ahoy there! Take u ab0ardw
I shouted twice before head popped
over the rail and stared down In ap-
parent amazement-
"Hullo. the boat! Who are you?
What do you wantr'
"small boat adrift: two passengers.
Throw US roper
"All right! Stand byw
could hear his voice up above
shouting orders. There was q rush Of
feet, and ropes end fell within
reach. The head b0bbed over the rail
again, and a moment later had help
ed her up a swaying boarding ladder
and felt the solid deck under my feet.
The intense darkness puzzled me, not
a CLEAN Of light showing anywhere.
Suddenly hand touched my arm. :.
This way. sir. Help the lady aft
The deck Is clear"
"What kind Of boat is thisT she
whispered.
"Im sure I don't know. Not big
enough for passenger liner"
We were at the head Of the compan-
ion stairs and descended carefully.
cllnging to the rail. The Oflicer. CROP
ing in the darkness. opened door at
the bottom and hurried Us into the
lighted cabin. Facing MS. one hand
resting on the table. stood a short.
sturdy man in uniform. He began
questioning.
"WhO are your How did you come
to be adrift In these waters? Answer
up, sir. You're no fisherman"
I'VE escaped from a vessel last even
ing, SIR"
what do you mean by escaped-run
awayY
Eyes, SIR" And stepped aside SO
he could see her more clearly. I'VE
were being held as prisoners"
His eyes flashed to her face, rested
an instant, and then his cap was in
his hand
"This Is the revenue cutter Saline.
which have the honor to command
Mr.. Smith, assist the lady to a chair
and have the steward bring a glass Of
wine. Now. sir. are you ready to an
swer?"
II am. We were prisoners on board
the Sea Gull. 1t IL long story. In
volving a will, In which the master Of
that vessel was interested. We es-
capped in small boat last evening and
have been floating about since"
'"The Sea Gull? Do you remember
the name. Mr.. SMITH"
mo, sir Perhaps description
"A schooner rugged steam yacht"
explained briefly. clearing from New
Orleans for Santiago. She is en- route
to Spanish Honduras. with munitions
Of war"
Exactly, under command of man
named Henley. Smith, this sounds
too good to be true"
He walked across the cabin twice.
thinking. not even glancing up as he
passed us. Suddenly he stopped, fac
ing me.
"Where did he get you two"
"In bayou OF the Alabama coast"
And you got away last evening
how"
He walked back and forth as I re-
viewed the events swiftly. l hardly
think he asked no n.uch as single
question. his eyes upon my face and
then upon the face Ut the girl.
"A rather strange tale" he COM
mented when l had concluded. land
perhaps the whole IL not told. How
ever, that Is none Of my affair. Now.
listen. This Is revenue cutter. We
were ordered out Of Pensacola four
days ago to intercept this bout on
which you two were prisoners. We
haven't even sighted the vessel. and
If We did would be perfectly helpless
as she can steam three knots to our
one ONLY aoma afraak Of wondoe f..lIr