The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-06-13
GContinu0dO

There was a small telltaIe compass fastened to a beam over the table. nnscrewed this without difficulty and dropped it into my pocket. It would be a dark night with that cloud shut ting out the sky, with probably not & shore light visible. Then I climbed the companion stairs to take a survey of the deck We were slipping through the water at fair rate of speed, leav- ing a very perceptible wake astern. The open decks glistened with water, although the rainfall was light and 1n- teRmittent; thunder rumbled to the neEfhward, with occasional flashes of lightning. Even as stood there. star Ing forward, endeavoring to make out certain objects in the gloom, the over hanging cloud seemed to close in across the western sky, instantly plun6ing us into night I heard no movement of men, no voice shouting orders, yet be- fore that last gleam faded had seen outlined several figures on the bridge. To better assure myself that no watch EEasuupon the after deck I circled the sabin. Supper had not been served, and one of the watches might be piped down at any moment This would bring one of the mates aft to the ca bin.
 Driven by the thought, I trapped softly on her door and she came forth instantly, full dressed.
 .'You are ready 7''
 .sYes.
 ssXou'H need a waterproof of some kind It's raining outside Wait mo- ment There will be a coat in some of these stater0ons-3'
 found one, fishermsn's sliclxer, and wrapped her in it. It was a world too big. but I frightened the belt and turned up the skirts, SO she managed to walk.
 led her forward slowly, so that the dap6 ct the oi1sk1ns gainst the stair rail ggild hot be heard The steady. batter. of rain on the deck blanks drowned what little noise we made, Rnd as we emerged into the hood q gust of wind drove the moisture into our faces. I could feel my heart thump, yet 1t was more because of her proxim- ity than any excitement of adventure. So far as could perceive, peering out into the storm with hand shading my eyes, the way was clear and, bidding her stoop low, we slipped back along the narrow deck passage into the shad- 0w cast by the boat
 Now said, 4step on my knee, and I'll help you over. Don't hurry only be quiet That's it. Now just let me liftw you Steady yourself with the tackle"
 She peered back at me over the side of the boat, her hair shining with moisture
 ssNow are you coming7''
 ''No. I shall have to remain here and lower the boat Turn about and face the stern Now take this knife. Don't drop It The moment the boat touches the water-an instant before, if possi- bIe-cut the rope you have held on, then hurry forward and cut the other. You understand?'' ?''
 s4-I think so. am to cut this first and then the other1
 Yes Now don't fail. You see, we are launching this boat above the screw There is bound to be suction. If you cut as say you will drift off bow on to the course of the vessel and will float free Otherwise the boat is likely to be swamped. You see what mean
 She nodded.
 'sThe quicker you can get to that sec ond rope.'' I added seriously. 'sthe bet ter your chances s
 .sBut-but what are you going to do ?''
 Jump for it as soon as you are fairly aGoat- I'll be aboard beftre you know it Are you ready2''
 She wasf looking forward, and her hand gripped mine. Her failure to an- swer and the sudden pressure of fin gers was a warning of danger I glanced back across my shoulder. Tn front of the cabin stood a man staring aft. His huge bulk even in that dark ness told me it was Herman.
 heard his heavy step on the deck as he came slowly forward around the bulge of the cabin. The very manner of his advance told me his uncertainty Something had occurred to arouse sIs- picfon- He had heard agnoise or seen a shadow and was Investigating cu- riousfy- He came up to the stern rail. sanding still, a huge bulk in the gloom, his gaze on the swinging boat. Then. unsatisfed. he leaned forr-lfss and began to explore with one ha..u Apparently he touched som tIsins strahge-the edge of her skirt it nuts have been, for there was a bit of cloth in the lifted fingers. Noiselesaly arose to my feet, planting myself firm ly on the wet deck There was buf one means of escape now. and. ig as the fellow was. I must acc the chance Another minute woui can discovery, and his bull voice would roar the length of the ship He nei- AHcA S0A" A~A neal N AAcg -AS "i'O4S SD tenfion concentrated on the boat. Without warning, putting every ounce of strength into the blow, I struck, landing square on the chin There was a smothered groan, and he collapsed, hurled back bodily, his arms flung up. heard him thud against the rail- his great form bending to the shock. and then he went over, whirling through the air
 What is itY she asked, her voice barely audible. What has happened F
 Her voice seemed to recall me in stantly. to restore my numbed facul- tles
 sWhe. really hardly know" am gMeEed. xet atsDping back to grip the