The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1916-09-02
BY HAROLD BINDLOss.
Copyright, 1914,
BY II. A. Stokes Co.
(Continued from our last issue3
CHAPTER X.


Thick fog lay upon the water
when Jimmy wakened. He looked
at Bethune with heavy eyes.
did you get the case?"
"Sure!" smiled Bethune. But
/ came down to bring you this
note from Aynsley. One of his
mea. brought 1t, and his gigs wait
ing alongside"
Jimmy opened the note and
read 1t aloud.
shall consider 1t a favor If
you will come across at once. My
father seems very i'll, and he in
eists on seeing you.
"Td better CO." Jimmy said.
AFTER all. we couldn't have got
the case without his help, and in
a way, I'm sorry for him. He
must have known he was running
q big risk, but he was very
plucky."
Jimmy got into the waiting boat
and the men piled the oars rhyth-
mically. Aynsley's face was anx-
ious as he greeted Jimmy.
He led Jimmy into handsome
lighthouse between the masts, and
opened a door into the owners
cabin, which occupied the full
width of the house.
Clay was propped up on two
large pillows. His face was
pinched and gray except where 1t
was streaked with faint purple
tinge. Jimmy could see that the
man was very i'll.
II hear you got the case" Clay
begin, in a strained voice, motion
ing Jimmy to seat.
Eyes; the others brought 1t up.
haven't examined 1t yet"
you'll find it all right" Clay
smiled weakly. 81 suppose you
know there's another case and a
couple of small packages still in
the strong room?"
I'VE understood So"
Get them up; they're in the
sand. It shouldn't take you long.
You're welcome to the salvage; 1t
isn't worth fighting you about.
After that there will be nothing
left in her. I give you my word
for 1t, and you can clear out when
you like"
None Of us wants to stay; we
have had enough. l suppose you
have no idea of going down
again."
no." Clay answered. rather
grimly. at doesn't seem prob
able. I haven't thanked you yet
for bringing me up" He turned
to Aynsley. "Mr. Farquhar stuck
to me when I was half conscious
and helpless. I'd like you to re-
member that. Now want quiet
talk with him."
Aynsley left them, and Clay
was silent for a moment or two
When he spoke, it seemed to be
with an effort.
About the bogus case? What
are you going to do with it,"
I'VE have been too busy to
think of that. You spoke of an
exchange, but of course we
haven't the thing here"
NO." said Clay. your part
ner's pretty smart. The chances
are that you won't be able to give
It to me-"
Jimmy understood him. Clay
seemed to know that he was very
III. He lay quiet again, as IL II
tired him to talk.
at has been a straight fight on
your side" he resumed. after his
short rest. II guess you might give
that box to Osborne. You're white
men. and. though you might. per-
haps, make trouble about II, the
things no use to you. You know
Osborne?"
YES" Jimmy answered, rather
awkwardly.
II believe you know Ruth os-
borne" Clay went on with a
searching glance at him.
Jimmy was taken off his guard
and Clay noticed his slight start
and change of expression.
Il met Miss Osborne on board
the Empress" he replied. eau
tiously.
Clay smiled.
well" he said, she's a girl
who makes an impression, and my
notion is that her character
matches her looks" He paused.
and went on with a thoughtful
air: Anyway, she wouldn't have
Aynsley."
Jimmy colored. Clay's manner
was significant. but not hostile.
II mustn't keep you talking too
hong" Jimmy said. He did not
wish TO discuss Miss Osborne.
II soon get tired; but there's
something I must mention. You'll
clean the wreck out in a few
hours. and then You may as well
blow her up. My diver will help
you. and we have some high-grade
powder and . firing outfit"
1T might be wise. II she wash
ID up nearer the blight she would
be dangerous. The islands chart
+ Cd, and I dare say vessels nov
and then run in"
(iay looked at him with a faint
twinkle.
yes; I think we can take II
that she's danger. I'll tell my