Putnam patriot., 1915-03-12
THE PUTNAM pArluoI March IF 1913

dently drawn mp for the convenience of his lawyers
 Il think I've got your number" said finally
 You've got te get away first. he sneered defantly. and you'll pot find that SO easy My turn will come yet. lightning. Even as I stood there. star Ing forward. eBdeavoring to make out certain objects in the gloom. the over hanging clomd seemed tn close in across the western sky. Instantly plnuging us Into night. l heard no movement of men, no voice shouting orders. yet be- fore that last sleam faded l had seen outlined several figures on the bridge. To better assure myself that no watch was upon the after deek circled the cabin. Snpier had not been served. and one of the watches might be piped down at any moment This would bring one of the mates aft to the cabin. Driven by the thought. l rapped softly on her door and she came forth instantly, full dressed.
 You are readyf"
 Yes
 "You'll need waterproof of some kind It's raining outside. Wait mo. ment There will be a coat in some of these staterooms
 found one tiSherman's slicker. and wrapped her in it. II was world too big. but tightened the belt and turned up the skirts. SO she managed To walk.
 led her forward slowly. SD that the Tapping of the olskius againsi the stair rail would nor he heard. The steady batter of rain on the deek blanks drowned what little noise we made. and as We emerged into the hood gust of wind drove the moisture Into our faces l could feel my heart thnmp. yet il was more because of her proxiin- ity than any excitement of adventure. Sa far as l conid perceive. peering out into the storm with hand shading my eyes. the way was clear. and. bidding her stnop low. we slipped back along the narrow dack passage into the shad- DIV cast by the boat
 Now. l said. step on my knee and I'll help yo'i over. Don't hurry only he quiet That's it Now just lei me lift you Steady yourself with the tackle"
 She peered back at me over the side of the boat. her hair shining with moisture.
 Now are you coninC?"
 ..No; shall have 10 remain here and lower the boat. Turn about and face the stern Now take this knife. Don't drop it. The moment the boat touches the water an instant before. if possi- be-cut the rope you have hold on. then hurry forward and cut the other You underestimate:
 "I-l think so. am to cut this first and then he other"
 '.Yes. Now don't fail YoI see. we are launching this boat above the screw. There is bound 10 be suction If you cut as l say you will drift oh bow on to The course of the vessel and will float free. Otherwise the boat is likely to be swamped. You see what meaB?''
 She nodded.
 "The quicker you can get to that sec ond rope" l added seriously, ''the bet ter your chances"
 Put bnt what are you going 10 doy'
 Jump for it as soon as you are fairly afioat. I'll be aboard before you know it. Are yon ready:'
 She was looking forward. and her hand gripped mine Her failure to an
 AZ. swer and the sudden pressure Of hn- gers was a warning of danger glanced back across my shoulder. Tn front of the cabin stood man staring aft. His huge bulk even in that dark ness told me it was Herman.
 l heard his heavy step on the deck as be came slowly forward around the bulge of the cabin The very manner of his advance told me his uncertainty. Something had occurred 10 arouse sus. picion He had heard a noise or seen shadow and was Investigating GU riously. He came up to the stern rail. standing still. huge bulk in the gloom, his gaze on the swinging boat Then. unsatistied. he leaned forward