The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1915-08-03


Seeker"
was more than interested. She
seemed coming toward US and one of
the big guns was trained in readiness
for a try at her.
Just then there was a new commo-
ton. Out from a cliff-guarded inlet
there set out one of the largest men
of war l had ever seen. Her bulk was
fairly enormous. She steamed along
slowly. clumsily. The officers of the
Polaric were manifestly troubled. Then
/ overheard one of them cry out:
II see the game!"
what is it?" sharply challenged his
companion officer.
I'VE 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 Is q daring little vixen!"
Eyes, and troublesome-a worry to
the admiralty, with her quick ways and
daring lodgings. 1t will be a 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,
ed me his glass. l looked once and
shuddered. DE.
Great heavens" exclaimed. ire
sistibly.
What is that?" sharply asked the
officer.
Nothing" stammered, and handed
back the glass. Thanks"
l stood electrified upon the gun
deck of the Polaric. had made out
the commander Of the Seeker. the vice
admiral and. fearlessly viewing the
outlook of collision or attack, was q
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 square shot at
her. As the Seeker neared, neared.
neared, the Polaric Unanswered. The
gunner had his clear poise, for the Pc.
laric had shut down steam and was
nearly motionless AS the gunner
oh al hD
swift course of the Seeker with dis.
tended eyes and bated breath.
I 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
I Seeker. 1t was the hazard OF sec
ond. A whistle rang out-the signal
My love! had but an instant to
think l pretended to slip clumsily.
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 a
the scudding runaway.
| They we're all but ready when 9
startling, a remarkable thing trans
pired. The Seeker made straight To-
the bow of the big cruiser. Two mann
moth sheet steel doors swung open
Into the arms of the cruiser darted thu
Seeker. The giant gates reclosed
shutting the Seeker out of view, sc
cure in the safety we'll of the mothe
ship.
l was landed two hours later Thu
officers of the Polaric viewed me grim
ly. recalling my timely collision Will
the gunner. They did not voice thei
suspicion, however.
It was not until after had seen m!
drug consignment safe in the hands To-
: 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 beyOnt
those stout metal gates like q chilli
clasped by the protecting arms of
mother" l told Vice-Admiral Burtelle
And Adele, peerless Adele. nestle'
into mine. loving and endeared, ant
proud of me, could see, and her faith
er's approving smile told me that h
believed me worthy Of her.