Charlevoix county herald., 1915-06-05

up, you leilOC! lie CTltu dnSTliy. linen
turning to Harcourt, he said. II sup
pose / may as well tell you that we
are in danger of capture by cutter.
We've barely time to get you away in
the launch before she overtakes us.
We're helpless. She crept up in the
darkness and if we try a run for it
she can sink us with a single shot"
Harcourt smiled SIN that event
I'll stay here" he said.
You'll do nothing of the sort!'
Cornish Numbered. "Get into that
coat"
Harcourt made a move to take the
heavy garment. Then, as the atten-
ton of the three was taken from him
for a moment, he made a dash for the
doorway and ran quickly along the
passageway. In an instant they were
at his heels, and just as he gained the
deck rough hand caught him.
Exerting all his strength, Harcoult
wrenched himself free and ran to the
yachts rail. The bright, binding rays
Of a searchlight swept the deck now,
occasionally swinging to the right and
left to light up the dark, seething
waters. AS Harcourt gained the side
of the yacht, the arm of a light swung
back, outlining him sharply against
the blackness. Frantically he waved
his arms in signal to the pursuing cut
ter, but even if the glasses of it's
officers were upon him, he had little
hope of being recognized or making
his actions understood.
Only a moment remained before
Cornish and his men would be upon
him, and he hurriedly made trumpet
of his hands, calling as loud as he
could: ut is Lord Harcourt! They
are taking me off in the launch!"
But his voice was lost in the fury
Of the storm and in another second
his arms were pinioned to his sides
in vicelike clamp. A great hand
was put over his mouth and he felt
himself helpless prisoner. The
searchlight was gone now, but in the
dim light of the deck lanterns, Har-
court recognized Cornish's stern an
CRY features.
Don't try that again" the big
American cautioned sharply. Some
times ] wonder if Pm crazy trying to
take care of you like this-and this is
one of the times. But it's too late to
think of that now. If that cutter over
takes us with you on board We'll both
be in pretty mess"
He signaled to the men who held
Harcourt to stand aside, and the Earl
breathed freely once more. "Mr. Corr
nish," he said, please don't think
fail to appreciate what the kindness
of your big heart is prompting you
to do, but you are making a mistake.
If the police have sent this vessel
after me, l wish to be given up"
Rot" Cornish exclaimed, impa-
tiently. care you crazy, or will you
go quickly without any more non
sense ?"
IL cannot" Harcourt said firmly.
"You mean you will notw Cornish
retorted. 81 don't want to use force
unless you compel me to do it, but
most certainly will if it is necessary.
As soon as the captain tells me we are
near enough to the shore to make a
dash for it, we are going to lower the
launch. They may catch US with their
searchlight, but doubt it, and Whit
ford will keep them busy until we are
safely away"
AS he spoke there was a flash from
the darkness astern, and a dull re-
port echoed across the sea between
the ships. The outline of the pur-
suing craft were barely distinguish
able, but Cornish knew that she was
gaining on them, and his impotence
to be off increased momentarily.
Their fireworks are getting tire
some" he exclaimed. But / suppose
they'll soon vary it and send a she'll
across US as gentle hint that we'd
better stop without further delay"
"Then please take no further risks
for your daughters sake" Harcourt
urged him. 81 do not wish to be the
cause of endangering any of YOU
Cornish smiled. you're getting
mighty considerate," he said sarcasti-
cally. "But you're about the most
stubborn idiot / ever saw"
The storm seemed to grow in inten-
sity. The rain was coming down in
torrents, mak'-~ great, slippery
stream of Elk, and the wind
drove fier.c gusts into the faces of the
men gathered by the rail. Now vivid
flash of lightning made the scene like
day for an instant, and while the light
lasted thew could coo tbeir n,,rsro,.