Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-07-20

give been in America twenty odd
iyears," the proposition went on.
"Seen all sorts of injustice and wrong
but I've lived to experience the eli
max myself"
Still silence from his captors, while
the black waters swished about the
launch. ..-.
| Il take it you chaps believe me to
be an impostor, just as Allan does.
Well, I'm not. And I'm going to give
you my little talk on the old days
at Rakedale hail. When I've finished
mo. you're not" said Minot. 'Ive
heard all that once"
And you weren't convinced? Why,
everybody in San Marco is convinc-
ed. The mayor, the chief Of police,
the"
my dear George" said Minot with
feeling. 1T doesn't make the slight
est difference who you are. You and
Trimmer stay separated until after
next Tuesday"
"Yes. And rank injustice it is, too.
Well have the law on you for this.
Well send you all to prison"
Pleasant thought" commented
Paddock Mrs. Bruce would have
to develop lockjaw at the height Of
the social season. Oh, the devil-I'd
better be thinking about that lunch
con-
! All thought All sat there silent.
The black waters became little
rougher. On their surface small fecks
of white began to appear. Minot look
ed up at the dark sky.
twenty-five after" said Paddock
finally, and turned toward the engine.
Heaven grant that red light is on
view. This is getting on my nerves. y
slyly the little launch poked its nose
around the corner Of the island and
peeped at the majestic Lileth. Pad
dock snorted.
mot trace Of it."
Il must have underestimated the
time" said Minot. "Wha-what's
thati"
THAT? That's only thunder. Oh,
this Is going to be a pretty party!"
Suddenly the heavens blazed with
lightning. The swell of the waters in,
creased. Hastily Paddock backed the
boat from the range of the Lileth's
vision.
Trimmer must 60 soon," cried Min,
ot
Fifteen minutes passed In eloquent
silence. The lightning and the thun'
der continued.
TRY 1t again." Minot suggested
Again they peeped. And still no REQ
light on the Lileth.
A~< fho1 ~,,f ~ 10
black heavens swept sheet Of sting
ing rain. 1t lashed down on that frail
tossing boat with cruel force; it OBJ
scured the Lileth, the island, every
thing but the fact of it's own damp ex
istence. In two seconds the men un
protected in that tiny launch were pitt
full dripping figures, and the glory OF
Mr.. Paddock's evening clothes depart
ed never to return.
"A fortune teller in Albuquerque,
said poor old George, told me I was
to die of pneumonia. It'll be murder
gentlemen-plain murder"
"It's suicide, too, isn't it," snarlec
Paddock. That ought to satisfy
you" ....
"I'm sorry" said Minot through
: chattering teeth
No answer. The downfall continued
"The rain Is raining everywhere,
quoted Paddock gloomily. 1T falls
on the umbrellas here, and on the
ships at sea- Damn the ships at sea.
Here, here said poor old George
A damp doleful pause.
: Greater love hath no man thar
this. that he lay down his life for {
friend" continued Paddock presently
"A thousand apologies" Minot said
"But I'm running the same chances
Jack"
"Yes-but it's your party-you
happy little party replied Paddock
mot mine"
Minot did not answer He was al
miserable as the others, and he coult
scarcely blame his friend for losin,
7 temporarily his good nature.
) "It's after eleven" said Paddock, al
tier another long pause.
"Put in closer to the Lileth," sug
! gested Minot.
Mr.. Paddock fumbled about beneatl
) the canvas cover of the engine, an
they put in But still no red Ugh
aboard the yacht =.
"rd give thousand dollars" sal
Paddock, ito know what's going o.
aboard that boat"
. The knowledge would hardly hav
, been worth the price he offered
3 Aboard the Lileth, on the forwar
{ deck under protecting awning, MI
Trimmer sat firmly planted In chail
stReside him in other chairs, sat tire