The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1914-12-19

shouted and led the panic stricken rusl
that followed. by which Cecil. forgot
ten. was hurled aside.
With Incredible swiftness the schoon
er's two boats were lowered. the me,l
tumbled in and the oars tore the water
into foam. Already the flames. feed.
ing ON some highly infiammable mate
rial, were leaping from the hatch. and
the explosion Of the powder might be
expected at any instant. Cecil looked
about hastily with the idea Of securing
some article which would serve as a
support In the water and tore open a
deck house door with the intention of
wrenching it from its hinges.
Facing him from the interior of the
cabin was Betty. her eyes wide with
alarm and uncertainty.
Before Cecil could recover from his
aStonishment the girl sprang forward
and pushed him violently aside. Al
the same instant Il revolver cracked be
hind him, and the bullet brushed his
temple. Whirling about. Cecil recogniz.
ed the malicious face Of Monte Carson.
contorted by rage and lit up by the red
glare OF the fire forward.
1t was the Najhoy that Carson had
selected for the escape of himself and
Betty from England. and as Il precau
tion both had kept to their cabins since
coming aboard. Carson, feeling that
the strain was over and that the i'm.
mediate future did not require his
close personal supervision had immc
diately indulged in quart of Irish
whisky. with the result that he did moi
immediately rouse ut the noise on deck.
appearing only mt the same instant
that Cecil opened the door to Betty's
cabin.
: To Carscn's befuddled mind there
came but one thOught-that by some
means Cecil had tracked them and was
about to recover possession of the girl
and that he tCarSon would again suf.
Ter the humiliation of defeat. Also
vaguely he realized that if Cecil should
be killed Betty. as his widow. would
recover the fortune she had thrown
away. 1t would be gratifying TO his
hate and advantageous to his interest
TO Kill Cecil. and the opportunity seem
ed TO present itself. His first murder
ous shot failing its mission, Carson
took refuge behind the charthouse.
HE will kill you. Shoot him" Bet
ty cried. and stretched out her hands
10 Cecil in an agony of appeal.
But l haven't gun. v know" Cecil
stammered. "Oh. Betty girl
From his cover Mr. Carson tried an
other shot. and Cecil's left arm went
suddenly limp and useless.
"Oh. Cod" Betty moaned. Her des-
pairing eyes flashed frantic. searching
glances about the vessel seeking for
something that might serve as weap-
on. On the open deck. cleaning in the
light of the flames. was Pieterson's re-
voiver. and with a choking cry that
was prayer of thanksgiving she
sprang forward and caught it up.
Now" she painted. and thrust the
weapon into Cecils hand.
Don't look. beloved he whispered
gently. and sprang across the deck so
that the corner of the house no longer
gave shelter to the gambler. Two
shots blended their reports. and Monte
Carson crumpled and fell. bullet |
through his heart Cecil. with a hap.
py smile. turned to Betty and held out
his one good arm.
ut Is over" he said simply. For
what he has done TO you he deserved |
a hundred deaths. Now you must
come back to my heart"
Slowly she drew near until. leaning
against his breast. she looked deep