The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-08-30

bunk. My head throbbed with pain,
and managed to lift one hand, assur-
ing myself that my hair was matted
with blood. Where was I? Had l met
with some accident? 1t was only grad
ually that the vision began to reflect
upon my mind-the. attack on deck;
the struggle in the forecastle; and then
Vera Darlington. It was her face, her
memory which aroused life, and gave
me back the strength to struggle. The
fate Of the ship was of small impor-
lance to me, but the girl left alone
and helpless among these ruftians, was
thought so filed with horror as to
draw me back from the very gates Of
death.
I forced my eyes open, finding at
first the light binding, and for an in
slant stared up through red mist.
Gradually normal sight came back, and
I realized that rested in a bunk gaz-
ing upward at the white-painted bot
tom Of another. There was a splash
Of sunshine on the side wall, and l
slowly turned my head toward the
open port through which it streamed.
Then knew where I was lying-ln
the captains stateroom. Why had l
been brought there?, What object could
those villains have for giving me these,
quarters If they were really in control
Of the ship? Perhaps they were not;
perhaps Leayord and Olson had been
warned Of danger in time to overcome
them, and still retained command.
That would account for my presence
but, If this was true, why was left
alone, uncared for? Why had they
brought me here2 Gradually the con-
ception Of their purpose dawned--a
navigator; the need Of navigator.
Without me they were helpless; with
out my knowledge and skill not one
on board could tell where they were,
or how to shape the course of the YES
sci. was necessity to them; in
way l held the villains still in my
power; they dare not let me die-not
yet! l cannot explain the new life
this thought brought to me. I seemed
to feel the strength Of it injected into
my veins, and l rose up on one elbow,
and then, encouraged by this effort,
swung my feet over the edge Of the
bunk and rested them on the deck.
The hands Of my watch told me 1t was
after eleven. I got to my feet, cling
ing to the berth, and swaying weakly
1t first, but gaining strength with every
movement. The chart still lay on the
desk, our course pricked on 1t up until
he day before, and the ,telltale COM
pass told me the ships bow was still
pointed, northwar,ls. I ,clawed my way
across to the door, and tugged at the
latch. 1t was locked
This discovery vanished the least
doubt. The men had won, and were
In full possession, Fergus Mccain
was in control by virtue of his money,
and his chosen lieutenants were Liver
pool Red and Jim White. What their
object might prove to be remained to
be learned--but they must seek some
obscure port, or some safe spot for
shipwreck, sacrificing everything else
20 their own safety-and, to accom-
plish this they must use me. Lord!
I gripped that idea strongly enough,
my brain clearing as ! realized the
important part must still assume in
this odd sea tragedy. Perhaps l
could not save the Indian Chief, but
there was hope yet that might be
instrumental in preserving the lives
Of those whom my carelessness had
mperiled. -
There was water in the chocks of
the iron washstand, and I bathed my
face, scrubbing as best could the
CONCEALED blood from my hair. The
wound on my head had bled freely, but
was not serious, and the application
Of cold water lessened the pain, and
helped to restore my faculties. A fine
breeze swept in through the open port,
and l sat down on stool to gather
together In my mind every detail which
might prove of future value. I was
still sitting there, but by then alert
md ready, when a key turned in the
lock, and the door was cautiously
opened. McCann's face appeared In
the opening, but his eyes were upon
the bunk, and he failed to observe me
where sat beyond the desk. He took
step within, still staring at the
rumpled blankets, and had glimpse
Of the inflamed cOuntenance Of Liver
pool just beyond his shoulder.
BLOW mel" he CALCULATED in star
tied voice.. ''The fellows not here
he's got away" >.-.".
Red laughed, and pushed past, but
still blocked the door with his great
body. .s
"Got away! Where could he have
got to with the door locked? He's
here all right
stood up and faced the two, the
desk still between. US, but took the
precaution to grip the stool by one
leg. s.
II am certainly present" said cold
~, IF your reference is to me; but
I advise you both to keep your dis
lance. I'll brain the first man who
attempts to lay hand on me-"
Red must have felt the challenge Of
my words, and could tell he was in