The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-08-05

The answer came definitely: The
Seeker"
was more than interested. She
seemed coming toward US and one of
the big guns was trained in readiness
for try at her.
Just then there was a new commo-
ton. Out from q cliff-guarded inlet
there set out one of the largest men
OF war had ever seen. Her bulk was
fairly enormous. She steamed along
slowly. clumsily. The officers of the
Polaric we're manifestly troubled. Then
I overheard one of them cry out:
II see the camel"
What is it," sharply challenged his
companion officer.
we have headed OF the Seeker and
she is making for the protection of the
big marine. Set position to give the
little one q shot as she passes in
range"
"She IL . daring little vixen!"
Yes. and troublesome-a worry to
the admiralty, with her quick ways and
daring lodgings. It will be feather
In our cap to end her. Get her sure,
and the admiralty will see to promo.
TONS"
The Seeker seemed needless Of peril.
She seemed resolute to dart past US.
The big cruiser seemed to be her goal.
! moved nearer to the swivel gun,
mounted and leveled. An officer hand,
cd NJ hfc class I onnEnA
shuddered.
Great heavens" / exclaimed, ire
sistibly.
What is that?" sharply asked the
offlcer.
Nothing" stammered, and handed
back the glass. Thanks"
stood electrified upon the gun
deck Of the Polaric. l had made out
the commander of the Seeker. the vice.
admiral. and, fearlessly viewing the
outlook of collision or attack. was
girl wearing bright tri-color knot on
her left shoulder. favorite adornment
of the girl loved.
Then Adele was with her father! 1t
was now a race; the Seeker getting
to the shelter and protection of the big
cruiser before the Polaric could half
intervene and get a square shot at
her. AS the Seeker neared, neared.
neared, the Polaric Unanswered. The
gunner had his clear poise, for the Po-
laric had shut down steam and was
nearly motionless. AS the gunner
watched and waited, l followed the
swift course of the Seeker with dis
tended eyes and bated breath.
saw the Seeker come squarely
across our bow. The gunner sighted.
Then he drew back and his hand
reached out for the electric switch
which ignited the cap fuse. Aloft the
lookout kept the focus of his glass
shifting with the progress of the
Seeker. 1t was the hazard of q sec
ond. A whistle rang out-the signal.
My love! had but an instant to
think. pretended to slip clumsily. A
curse echoed in my ears as the gun
ner. torn from the electric switch,
went fiat, on top of him.
Then rapid orders rang out. The
Polaric shifted to get in new range of
the scudding runaway.
They were all but ready when q
startling. a remarkable thing trans.
pired. The Seeker made straight for
the bow Of the big cruiser. Two man.
moth sheet steel doors swung open.
Into the arms of the cruiser darted the
Seeker. The giant gates reclosed,
shutting the Seeker out Of view, Be-
cure in the safety well Of the mother
ship.
was landed two hours later The
officers Of the Polaric viewed me grim.
~, recalling my timely collision with
the gunner. They. did not voice their
suspicion, however.
It was not until after had seen my
drug consignment safe in the hands for
which 1t was intended that, the eve
ming before my marriage to Adele
month later at Paris, recited the cpl
sode of the gun deck.
your little craft vanished beyond
those stout metal gates like child
clasped by the protecting arms Of
mother" l told Vice-Admiral Burtelle.
And Adele. peerless Adele, nestled
into mine. loving and endeared, and
proud Of me, l could see. and her faith
er's approving smile told me that he
believed me worthy Of her.