The Watertown weekly leader. [volume] (Watertown, Jefferson County, Wis.) 1912-1917, 1915-10-19

and not behind.
To the sea-to the seattle voice
of the multitude raised itself in agony.
There was but one cry-"to the sea-
let me past-make room for me-to
the sea-to the sea-
At crazy little wharf Ilington
twitched himself and Manuella and the
child deity to one side and let the
crowd plunge on.
He 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. Ilington shook
his head.
There's not chance" he said.
"Senor Ilington,'' said Hernandez,
you are indeed fortunate to nave tied
yourself to me. Always l have some
thing up my sleeve" He jerked his
head Follow me-" he added.
Ilington, wondering, followed, drag
ging Manuella with him.
Swiftly the group moved along the
water front-they fought their way
inch by inch Suddenly Hernandez
darted out upon another wharf.
Stand in a circle" he commanded,
"and when 1 say the word-quick ac-
ton, senor.''
Then Hernandez stopped quickly
fha& cd
been fitted into the planking.
Quick he whispered, drop"
He seized Manuella and dropped her
through the opening. She screamed
this scream rose to shrek when she
struck the water But her alarm was
unwarranted There was no danger
she stood waistdeep in water. Ponto
followed with leap-he knew his
ground Ilington lowered himself
warily, to save annette from injury;
chung for 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, 81
have a boat One moment, please"
He CROPPED about and caught rope
tied to a pile. He drew it in, hand
over hand,
en-" said Hernandez-"everybo
in"
The group obeyed. The boat was
small
"Senor," said Hernandez, you are
large-you are tall. See yonder ray of
light-it is an opening, just wide
enough to admit of this small craft.
Leap out, senor-draw us thither-it
is the sole way to the sea-"
Ilington dragged the boat through
the narrow opening and swung back
into his place.
'1'l1 row." he said.
Suddenly Hernandez pointed toward
the north. Look, senor," he ex-
claimed, "succor-yonder is saliva
ton"
Ilington 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
into the rain of living fire to rescue
whom she might.
On the forward deck of the steamer
stood Captain Hardin-and beside
him his small son-to welcome refu-
gees. And there were many refugees
to welcome. Captain Hardin soon
saw he must discriminate.
Finally he shook his head. Ben"
he told his mate, we're filling up.
Pick your crowd from now on-on1y
the helpless-children women, old
men. Reject all others"
Welcher, with two of the crew be-
hind him-both scared into frenzy
all armed with capstan bars-raised
alcft his bludgeon.
mo moreno more!" he cried. "I'll
brain the first man who tries to get
aboard"
Suddenly above the din, powerful
voice was heard.
"Ahoy, there, Princess" cried this
voice.
Welcher followed the sound It
came from the lungs of a powerfully
built man rowing a leaky boat.
Make way there" beloved the
oarsman, Ilington; "one moment,
Princess. Where's the captain?"
Ilington seized his little daughter
Annette and uncovered her head.
Never mind me- he said 81 want
refuge for this woman and the child"
Welcher was adamant. Not an
other ounce of human flesh aboard
this boat" he said.
There was a tug upon his arm. He
turned. Little Neal Hardin, the cap
tains son, stood at attention and
touched his cap. He pointed with one
hand toward little Annette Ilington.
please, Mr.. Welcher," he pleaded,
'1et her come aboard. She don't weigh
an ounce"
The mate turned savagely upon the
boy. you mind your own business,
brat" he cried. The boy stared at him
moment, then saluted and started
off.
yes, sir" he returned, that's what
I'm going to do