The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1915-11-05

and his Aztec ally we're ahead Of him
and not behind.
"To the sea--to the sea"-the voice
OF the multitude raised itself In agony.
There was but one cry-"to the sea
let me past-make room for We-to
the sea-to the sea-
At crazy little wharf Ilington
twitohed himself and Manuella and the
child deftly to one side and let the
crowd plunge on,
lie scanned the surface of the bay
the fringe OF shore, The bay was dot
ted with small boats, laden to the gun
wales. The water was alive with
swimmers,
Ilington turned suddenly-at his
side stood Hernandez. llington shook
his head.
There's not a chance" he said.
"Senor llington.' said Hernandez,
you are indeed fortunate to nave ned
yourself tc me. Always | have some
thing up my sleeve. He jerked his
head Fellow me" he added,
llington, wondering, followed, drag
ging Manuella with him.
Swiftly the group moved along the
water frcnt-they fought their way
inch by inch. Suddenly Hernandez
darted out upon another wharf.
Stand in a circle" he commanded,
"and when | say the word-quick ac'
tion, senor.'
Then Hernandez stopped quickly
and ierked back a trap door that had
been fitted into the planking
quick" he whispered, drop"
He seized Manuella and dropped her
through the opening. She screamed
this scream rose 10 a shrek when she
struck the water. But her alarm was
unwarranted There was no danger
she stood walstdeep in water Ponto
followed with a leap-he knew his
ground. Ilington lowered himself
warily to save lnnette from injury;
clung fer one instant to the edge OF the
opening with one brawny hand, and
then dropped straight as a plummet.
Hernandez followed suit, closing the
trap door behind him. The closing of
this door left them almost in total
darkness.
"Senor" whispered Hernandez, Il
have boat. One moment, please"
He groped about and caught rope
tied tc a pile. He drew it in, hand
over hand
Tn" said Hernandez everybody
in"
The group obeyed. The boat was
small.
"Senor" said Hernandez, you are
large-you are tall. See yonder ray of
light--it is ar opening, just wide
enough to admit of this small craft.
Leap out, senor-draw us thither-it
is the sole way to the sea-"
llington dragged the boat through
the narrow opening and swung back
into his place, ---~r,,.,s.s,, .,-ssg,r
''I'll row, he said.
Suddenly Hernandez pointed toward
the north. Look, senor," he ex-
claimed, "succor -yonder is saliva
tion.
nington followed his glance. His
face lighted
Salvation is right" he returned in
tones of relief, "a steamer-and,
what's more, she flies the American
flag. Good luck"
Under the command of her captain,
Hardin, the Princess had steamed back
int the rain Of living fire to rescue
whom she might.
On the forward deck of the steamer
stood Captain HarGin-and beside
him his small son-to welcome refu-
gees. And there were many refugees
to welcome. Captain Hardin soon
saw ne must discriminate.
Finally he shook his head Ben"
he told his mate we're filling up.
Pick your crowd from now on-only
the elpless-children women. old
men. Reject all others"
Welcher, with two of the crew be-
ulllu ulii1 -DbIH oCdl Gu lItO q - ChAF
all armed with capstan bars-raised
aloft his bludgeon.
mo moreno more!' he cried. "Tll
brain the first man who tries to get
abcard"
Suddenly above the din, a powerful
voice was heard.
"AhCy, there, Princess" cried this
voice.
Welcher followed the sound 1t
came from the lungs of powerfully
quilt man rowing leaky boat.
Make way there" beloved the
Ilington; one moment.
Princess. Where's the captain?"
Tlingtcn seized his little daughter
Annette and uncovered her head
Never mind me" he said. 81 want
efuge for this woman and the child"
Welcher was adamant. mot an
,ther ounce of human flesh aboard
his boat" he said
There was tug upon his arm. He
urned Little Neal Hardin, the cap
aims son, stood at attention and
ouched his cap He pointed with one
Iand toward little Annette Ilington.
Please, Mr.. Welcher" he pleaded,
let her come aboard. She don't weigh |
n ounce"
The mate turned savagely upon the
oy. you mind your own business,
rat" he cried The boy stared at him
moment, then saluted and started
If.
yes, sir" he returned, that's what
m going to do"
He darted off on the run, and sought
is father, Captain Hardin.
1lThnrnl, i,,rA nnn nnnn 1ittIn lii