The Clio messenger. (Clio, Mich.) 1907-current, 1916-02-04
CHAPTER XIII.

there was Il ueal OF curSlnB anu
grooming as the men at the bottom OF
the ladder crawled to their feet.
Somebody strike a light. my
thumbs out OF joint" said one of the
men, Parsons, swarthy. saturnine
man, boat steerer in Standishs boat, in
which Harrison was puller.
You'll find 1t knockin' about by the
bits" Leach said, sitting down on the
edge of the bunk In which | was con-
cealed.
There was fumbling and scratch
ing of matches, and the sea-lamp
flared up, dim and smoky, and in it's
weird light bare-legged men moved
about, nursing their bruises and caring
for their hurts.
How did he get away?" Johnson
asked.
He was sitting on the side of his
bunk, the whole pose Of his figure in
dicating utter detection and hopeless
ness. He was still breathing heavily
from the exertion he had made. His
shirt had been ripped entirely from
him in the struggle, and blood from
q cash in the cheek was flowing down
his naked chest, marking q red path
across his white thigh and dripping to
the floor.
Because he is devil, as told you
before" was Leach's answer; and
thereat he was on his feet and raging
his disappointment with tears in his
eyes.
All the while | had been apprehen-
sive concerning my own predicament.
What would happen to me when these
men discovered my presence? could
never fight my way out as Wolf Lar
sen had done. And at this moment
Latimer called down the scuttles:
Hump! The old man wants you!"
called back.
Eyes he u.s." said, sliding out Of the
bunk and striving my hardest to keep
my voice steady and bold.
The sailors looked at me in conster.
He amt down here!" Parsons
nation. Fear was strong in their
faces, and the devilishness which
comes of fear.
I'm coming!" shouted up to Lati
mer.
mo you don't!" Kelly cried, step.
ping between me and the ladder, his
right hand shaped into a veritable
strangers clutch. you damn little
sneak! I'll shut yer mouth"
Let him co." Leach commanded.
Not on yer life," was the angry
retort.
Leach never changed his position
on the edge of the bunk. Let him
go, say" he repeated; but this time
his voice was gritty and metallic.
The Irishman wavered made to
step by him, and he stood aside. When
had gained the ladder, turned to
the circle of brutal and malignant faces
peering at me through the semidark
ness A sudden and deep sympathy
welled up in me.
Il have seen and heard nothing, be
lieve me-" said quietly.
II tell yer, he's all right" could
/ hear Leach saying as / went up the
! ladder. "He don't like the old man
no more nor you or me-"
Il IOu0u WOll l<dTbcu Tie CABIN
stripped and bloody, waiting for me-
He greeted me with one of his whim
. steal smiles.
Come. get to work, doctor. The
signs are favorable for an extensive
practice this voyage. don't know
what the Ghost would have been with.
out you, and IL could only cherish
such noble sentiments would tell you
her master is deeply grateful"
knew the run of the simple medi
cine chest the Ghost carried. and while
was heating water on the cabin stove
and getting the things ready for dress
ing his wounds, he moved about, laugh
ing and chatting, and examining his
It's with a calculating eye. ! had
e before seen him stripped. and
as It of his body quite, took my
YES ay. It has never been my
49, exalt the fesh-far from
-, ncugh OF the artist in
re wonder.