The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1914-06-06

black as night. Then there was a sharp swerve to the right and gleam of daylight in the far distance. Al ready they were at the barrier, ana l ran forward recklessly, eager to es- cape into the open The way was clear, the floor rising slightly, yet with out Instructions I could hear voices, the pounding of feet behind, and l made desperate effort to outdistance my pursuers. That they were mercl- less I knew, and my only hope lay in attaining some hiding place in the weeds before they could emrge into the daylight thought of nothing else But as I burst. straining and breathless, into the open hands gripped me from both sides. An instant 1 struggled to break free, fighting with a mad ferocity, which nearly accomplish ed the purpose But they were too many for me So Broussard's s belt was strapped tightly, binding my hands heIpIessly to my sides, and I was hurl- ed over so that I stared up bhndly into the face of the fellow in com mand. His black eyes were sneering, while the unpleasant smile revealed a row of white teeth.
 "Great God, manE' he exclaimed. 'sYou must have the skull of an ele- plant. Are you actually alive?''
 s'very much so," gasped. defiant still
 ssNfaybe finish heem monsieur questioned Broussard, with knee still planted on my chest. Then he not
 The leader laughed. with wave of the hand.
 ssYou take the fellow far too serious ly. Let him up. I'll find way to close his mouth if it ever be necessary. Besides. he knows nothing to do any harm,
 Out of the depth of despair and de- feat there had come an animating ray of hope they were going to take me with them. Even as a prisoner I should be near her would yet be able to dig out the truth.
 You take heem along, monsieure~ It was Broussard's voice. Eat vut you mean?n
 Certainly. Why not? There's plen- ty of work for another hand on board. Trust me to break him in. Come! Hustle the lad. along, boys. I'll be with you in a minute.
 They drove me forward roughly enough. We emerged into an open space, from which I saw the chimneys of the old house far away to our left The path led onward into another weed patch beyond, down steep ra- vine, and then before us stretched the lonely waters of the bayou. Hidden Ssnder the dropping foliage of the bank was a small boat. negro in the stern.= I was thrust in unceremoniously the three others following. each man ship ping an oar into the row locks. Her. man alone remained on shore, scatter ing the embers of small fire and staring back toward the house A few moments we waited in silence; then the slender figure of the one who seemed the leading spirit emerged from out the cane Herman Joined us, the latter taking the tiIler, the former. pushing or and sDringing alertIy into the bow.
 Lying between the thwarts, face turned upward, all I could see distinct ly was the black oarsmhn, although oc- casionally, when he leaned forward, I caught glimpses of the fellow believ- ed to be the captain of the strange crew. Our boat skirted the shore, keeping close within the concealing shadows, as evidenced by overhanging trees Twenty minutes elapsed ere we were scraping along the side of vessel of some size.
 was hustled roughly to my feet and bundled aboard My head still reeled dizzily, and the two men gripping my arms hurried me over the rail so swift ly my first impressions were extreme ly vague. knew the sides of the yes sel were painted a dull gray. as nearly an invisible color as could be conceiv- ed. recall the sharp sheer of her bow, the clearness Of her lines and the low ssxvopTl of F1eI- rail ' than ono tons burden, I thought, and then as my eyes swept aloft. and along the decks I knew her for either a private yacht, or tropic fruit steamer.
 First stateroom, second cabin,'' said new voice sharply. Lively now"
 Shall we unIoose the ropes sir ?"