The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1916-09-02
CHAPTER X.
The Last OF the Wreck

iffiiifiiiiiififiifi i.....iIII


looked at Bethune with heavy
eyes.
Did YOU get the ease"
sure" smiled Bethune. but ]
came down to bring you this note
from Aynsley. One Of hIs men
brought Il. and his gigs waiting
alongside.
Jimmy opened the note and read
II aloud.
shalt consider u tsver ~ yea viii
some across at ones Ny father seems
very ~. and he tnsist. on .ssins yea
"f'd better 60" Jimmy said. "Af
ter all. we couldn't hay. got the
case without his help. and In way.
I'm sorry for him. lie must have
known he was running a big rink.
but he was very plucky."
Jimmy got into the waiting boat
and the men piled the oars rhyth'
mioally. Aynsley's face was anxious
as he greeted Jimmy
Hc led Jimmy into handsome
between the masts. and
opened door into the owners
cabin. which occupied the full width
OF the house.
Clay Was propped up on two large
pillows. Ills face was pinched and
gray except where II was streaked
with faint purple tiugc. Jimmy
could see that the man was very Ill
Il hear you got the case" Clay
began. In a strained voice. motion
Inc Jimmy 20 seat
Yes: the others brought II up. !
haven't examined II yet"
You'll find II all right" Clay
smiled weakly Il suppose you
know there's another case and "a
couple OF small packages s,ill In the
strong roomf"
I'VE understood 30"
Get them up: they're In tho sand
II shouldn't take you long. You're
welcome 10 the salvage. II isn't
worth fighting you about. After
that. there will be nothing lief, In
her. give you my word for u. and
you can clear out when YOU like
None of us wants 60 stay. We
have had enough. ! suppose you
have no idea of going down again ="
No" Clay answered, rather grim
ly. ''1t doesn't seem probable. I
haven't thanked you yet for bring
ing me- up" He turned 10 Aynsley.
Mr.. Farquhar stuck 20 me when I
was half conscious and helpless. I'D
like yon 10 remember that Now
want a quiet talk with him
Aynsiey left them. and Clay was
silent for a moment or two. When
b. spoke. II seemed TO be with an
effort
"A5ou, the bogus caseT What
are sou going 20 do with IT,"
"We have been too busy 10 think
OF that. You spoke % an exchange.
but OF course we haven't the thing
here"
-No." said Clay. Your partners
pretty smart. The chances are that
you won't be abb. TO give II to me +"
Jimmy understood him. Clay
seemed to know that he was very
III. lie lay quiet again. as II II
tired him 10 talk.
ut has been a straight fight on
your side" he resumed. after his
short rest. Il guess you might give
that box TO Osborne. You're white
men. and. tho you might. perhaps.
make trouble about Il. the things
no use to you. You know o.
bornsT"
yes" Jimmy answered. rather
awkwardly.
Il believe you know Ruth os.
borne" Clay vent on. with a
searching glance at him.
Jimmy was taken off his guard.
and Clay noticed his slight start
and change OF expression.
II met Miss Osborne on board the
Empress. he replied. cautiously.
Clay smiled.
Well" he said. shes a girl who
makes an impression. and my no
ton Ia that her character matches
her looks" He paused. and went
on with thoughtful air: ANY.
how. she wouldn't have Aynsley."
Jimmy eolored. Clay's manner
was significant. but not hostile.
II mustn't keep yon talking too
long" Jimmy said. lie did not wish
10 discuss Miss Osborne.
II soon get tired: but there's
something must mention. You'll
clean the wreck out In few hours.
and then you may as well blow her
up. My diver viii help you. and we
have some high.grade powder and
n firing outfit.
TT might be wise. II she washed
up nearer the blight she would be
dangerous. The islands charted.
and dare say vessels now and then
run In"
Clay looked a. him with a faint
twinkle.
Yes; think we can take II that
she's a danger I'll tell my man to
give you the truck you want and
You had better get finished while
the weather's fine"
Moving feebly. he held out his
hand In sign Of dismissal. and
Jimmy took IL.
BY noon the next day they had
brought up the last OF the gold.
After a hasty luncheon they went
down again. but their next task
took some time. because the diver
insisted on clamping the charges OF
dynamite firmly to the principal
timbers and boring holes In some.
II was nearly supper time when
Jimmy came up from HIS descent.
The men on the sloop were filled
with keen impatience. They had
borne many hardshlps and perlls in
these lonely waters. and now that
their work was finished, they want.
ed to get away There was a mys.
terry connected with the wreck, but
they thought they would never un.
ravel II, and on the whole. they had
no wish TO try. They we're anxious
to see the end OF her and leave the
fog. WraD Ded Island