The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1915-11-12
CHAPTER TX.
A Stern chase.

Miss Irene Courtier, II such were
her name rose from her couch In an
upper room in the Hardin cottage
with an agility that gave no hint of a
disabled ankle.
At last she spied knot in one Of
the floor boards. She procured nail
file from her handbag and within a
few moments had removed the knot
from its containing hole. Then she
treated herself to view Of the room
below.
She perceived that a celebration
was in progress. Upon the table was
a birthday cake with eighteen candles
in It. and about the table were four
people. Annette, the center of attrac-
ton; Neal and his mother and his
foster brother, Joe Welcher.
Mrs. Hardin stepped to a cupboard
and drew forth a paper bundle. She
placed it on the table ard by the light
of the eighteen candles she unwrapped
it, exhibiting to Annette Ilington and
to the boys set Of childish garments.
a heavy leather bag, that clinked as
she laid it down. and a mysterious
looking yellow packet, sealed with red
sealing wax. She unpinned from
diminutive dress piece Of paper
which she read aloud.
The listener above started as the
note was read II was a strange note
it contained both a promise and
warning.
Look" said Annette suddenly, as
she examined her possessions, here
is a locket"
In it there was a picture of man,
"My father" said Annette, 81 am
sure it is my father Where is he
when will he come for me?"
Suddenly Welcher started forward
Godfrey" he cried, did you hear
that"
IT'S shot from a small-bore gum"
said Neal. Come on, Joe Welcher
lets go out and see"
The shot was the indirect result Of
the raid upon the gangsters. of the
Side Pocket"
For an hour at least a government
destroyer with United States revenue
officers aboard had patrolled the coast
waiting for the signal arranged as
per the unsigned bit of paper taken
from the coat pocket of Shorty.
The signal was a flash fare The
destroyer waited for it. Suddenly an
officer held up his hand.
There. close in shore"
A light flashed forth into the night.
Now, we've got them where we
want them" said the officer Man
the launch and get away as quietly as
possible
Meantime Hernandez and his two
companions, Ponto and the brute,
waited with the patience of adventur-
ers for the replying signal. They
we're anchored in a speedy motor boat
in a small cove to the south of Sea-
port. Receiving no answer to their
signal, they flashed another flare into
the darkness. Once more they we're
disappointed. Suddenly Hernandez
sprang to the engine and turned it
over.
"steer an even course down shore"
cried to Ponto. Keep out
of the open. If they press US we can
land and make a getaway"
The commander Of the destroyer
glanced through his glasses.
That's a bad crowd" he said, "a
desperate bunch. Send up a gunner.
l think I'll take a chance"
They sent up a gunner and he took
a chance. The bow Of the motor boat
flew into space. Hernandez and his
gang were plunged into sea.
With one accord Hernandez and his
two companions struck out for the
shore.
AT the Hardin cottage, at the sound
of the shot, Neal and Annette had
rushed forth with Joe Welcher close
third.
"Come on, joe" said Neal. stay
where you are, Annette"
But Annette, always venturesome,
insisted upon keeping them company.
They had not gone twenty PAGES when
happened. There was a
sudden rush from down the road and
a man, his breath coming quick and |
fast, darted upon them, passed them,
and was away in an instant. But in
that instant he had accidentally or by |