Cheyenne record., 1914-11-26
CHAPTER VI.-ContInued.

Al IWO CLOCK Iuo IudL WAS JusI
making a wide turn at the end Of the
slip. preparatory to proceeding up the
line, when Holton saw against the
blackness a deeper black-something
that seemed to move.
1t was out in the bay, perhaps two
hundred yards. AS he lowered his
head, straining his eyes into the sable
curtain. he found he had lost whatever
he had seen.
Perhaps his Imagination had played
him false. But no, that could not be,
for in his first glance he remembered
that some stars on the horizon had
been blotted out by tho object. That
certainly was suggestive of its tangi-
bility.
Holton went to the little bridge,
and, pointing out the spot where he
had last seen the moving blot on the
night, ordered the Gnat to head in that
direction at half-speed.
For five minutes the little craft pro-
oeeded out into the bay, and then sud-
denly Holton made out clearly the out
lines of a small tugboat, with a skiff
in tow.
"Heave to. or I'll fire!" cried Hol-
ton
Still no reply, but the propeller of
the tug could be heard churning the
water in excess speed.
Without further word Holton snatch
ed the rifle from the sailors hand, took
quick aim, and let dive. AS response,
there came flve shots in rapid success
sion from the tug, the bullets rattling
through the Gnat's funnel and venti-
lators.
Full speed ahead" cried Holton. in
full exaltation at hearing for the first
time the whistle Of bullets discharged
in anger. Right into her." he added,
forgetful of his boats "tin bow"-"run
her down."
When within a hundred feet the
Gnat sheered off. made a detour, and
rounded to in front of the tugs bow.
"Stop!" yelled Holton, leveling the
rifle. Stand by that machine gun"
he added in low tone to the man at
his side.
The tug stopped abruptly but not a
sound came from her.
What boat is that?" called Holton.
No reply
AS the bow of the torpedo boat
rasped against the tenders OF the
stranger. Holton, his pistol in hand,
leaped over her guards to the deck.
Three Of his men followed
Then, as though by magic, shadowy
forms arose. A dark figure moved
swiftly at Holton's side, and as his re-
volver blazed in the mans face, he
felt the sharp impact of a weighted
club upon his shoulder.
Another man seized him from be-
hind, and in an instant the deck was
the scene Of a wild hand-to-hand fight.
Holton felled his foe with a revolver
and then turned to the assistance Of
one Of his seamen, beset by two men.
Revolvers we're banging on all sides,
wildly, as 1t appeared to Holton, for he
caught fleeting glimpses Of his three
mon fighting as American sailormen
can.
In a flash Of light Holton saw a man
bending at the stern. In his hand was
the match whence the flash had come.
The ofncer darted swiftly toward him.
He saw a sputter Of sparks. Quick az
thought he turned.
Men Of the Gnat. overheard" he
roared. Dynamite.
Suiting action to his words. he dived
swiftly into the dark waters. and the
next instant tho Port of Tampa was
startled by an explosion which shat
tered the windows Of the hotel and
brought thousands rushing out into the
night.
Holton's first thought ~ soon ~ his
bead emerged above the water. was to
naks sure Of his position. which for