The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-06-11
Gordon Cra1S Soldier of Fortune ------ by Randall Parrish
by Randall Parrish
yes, that belt will do ,

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 yes, that belt will clo.''
 She tore it from the hook on the wall and thrust it into my hands. With a single movement I had it buckled se- curely about his arms, and was free to sit up and stare about. A cord from the portiere curtain. draping the bathroom entrance completed his lash ings.
 "By -, Craig" he snarled, you'll both wish you'd killed me before you're done with this job. What chance have you got to get away7"
 'sThat is for me to decide" I an swered. s'But if you open your mouth again I'll gag you Now, stop it. The first word you utter will mean hand kerchief in your mouth.' I stopped down and dragged him to one side. As I strengthened up again she was facing me
 How did you get here2'
 'I found my way through the con meeting bathroom yonder.''
 'Then-then, we can escape in the same manner.v
 q hardly think that will be neces- sary. I'll go through our friends pock- cts for his keys I turned him over and began the search. sAh, a re volverl I thought probable-in protec- tion against a woman, you eur! Here are keys; now let's see what they fit"
 The third one tried unlocked the door, but even. as I tried them in the lock my mind swiftly reviewed the situation It must be open war from now on. Henceforward we could ex- pect DO mercy on board. Yet how was it possible to escape, or avoid discov- cry? To attempt leaving the Sea Gull before dark would be suicidal. Yet there was chance that what had oc- cured in this cabin could be kept concealed for a few hours, until dark ness gave us better opportunity for successful action. The memory of what Henley had said to me the even ing beforeAthat he was only techni- calIy in commando; that for days at a time he never appeared on deck in per son, gave me the clew If he could be kept absolutely secure in his cabin un- able to create any alarm, we would be free to plan our escape. There were but two points of danger to be guard ed against-Herman and the stew ard The former, when he returned from shore, might seek him for final orders and the latter, if he failed to appear in the cabin for the regular meal, would endeavor to learn his desires: would have to guard against these contin-
 
 stepped across to the bathroom, and was gratifed to learn that the door, leading into the mates stateroom,. could be locked on the inside. With this private approach barred, felt confident of being able to guard the single entrance remaining.
 Well, what can we do?7 she asked when returned.
 ssKeep the fellow tied and wait for night,'' I answered soberly. 1HThat is our only chance. The mate is ashore. We are lying in the cove of a small is- land off the Florida coast waiting for darkness and a chance to slip through into southern waters
 Do you know where this boat is boundH
 loaded with munitions of war; laugh ed T was to be a general down there. I had to play part But you received my note?"
 ttYes, and 1t helped me wonderfully, although even then I scarcely compre- hended why all this pretense was nee essary. Surely you do not believe this man is Philip Henley. that-that have told you a ne?''
 'fNo, do not,'' answered earnestly. t.But he has shown me evidence of his identity which would have convinced me under other circumstancesIe letters and pictures. I will show them to you, for know where they are kept in the desk No evidence would shake my faith. in you, and I am certain now there is fraud here, some deviIish plot concocted to steal Judge HenIey's for tune.''
 What Ietters7 What pictures were they ?'s
 Letters from the judge to his son intimate family letters, and a photo graph of the father and this man taken together
 Philip?'
 ''The envelopes had been destroyed, and. no name was mentioned, but the photograph was indorsed in the judges handwriting