The Huttig news., 1917-10-13

English and French vessels are no doubt gathering along the coast like birds of prev
 "Ihe German navy Is strong"
 "Yes; but not strong enough to cope with both Great Britain and France. For while, however, they may sue ceed in keeping open passageAthrough the North sea. That would be your only hope, for the English channel will be closed already. The Indian Chief sails under the United States fiag?"
 "Yes"
 "That might prevent a search, pro- viding you had good explanation ready, especially as you left port be- fore war was declared. However, spies cargo aboard may be known. If so every cruiser on watch has already been notified by wireless"
 He arose to his feet facing me, his slender hands opening and closing nervously, his face white and drawn.
 Il realize all this, Captain Hollis,' he said. his voice trembling, "and also that there still remains a chance ot success. I like your face, your man. her of fronting things. think you are the very man whom God has sent to me in this emergency. Listen: tell you l am absolutely ruined unless l complete this voyage. I am young man, not over thirty, but my health is gone. You can see 1 am practically a physical wreck, yet am the only sup port of an aged mother and three younger children. Two years ego no one had brighter prospects in life than l now l am struggling desperately for mere existence. A little more than a year ago l met with serious accident 1 need not go into details-the result you can see by looking at me. For eight months I was in a hospital in New York, lingering between life and death. There was no one to attend to my business affairs, and everything went to the dogs. When I got out again all that was left me was this vessel, a reputation for business abil- ity, and q few thousand dollars. This contract came to me as a godsend; it was so arranged that I was able to carry it with little help. If success ful, 1t will put me on my feet again"
 You are not German?"
 Not a, drop of Teuton blood is in my veins, so far as I know. I never dreamed of the possibility of war, or even asked the nature of the ship ments."
 ''I understand. Of course it makes little difference where ones sympa- thies chance to be in case like this" l put my hand on his shoulder, and looked into his eyes. "You have been perfectly frank with me; how I am going to be just as frank with you l believe your story. and my whole inclination is to stand by and help you through"
 You will," he interrupted eagerly. his eyes glowing. You mean you are going to make the attempt?"
 "No, I didn't say that, my friend :. only that such is my natural inclina tion. If there was only my own peril. my own time to be considered, would shake hands with you instantly. and accept the adventure. But there is another on board this ship to be con sidered-a woman, whose comfort and wishes I cannot ignore"
 ..Bnt she could be transshipped !"
 (Which would at once reveal our whereabouts and probable course. Any vessel speaking us would make report as soon as it reached harbor. Our only safe method of procedure will be to keep far enough away from any passing vessel during daylight to escape recognition, and to run the main European routes by night. If we so much as speak a ship, it will double our peril of capture: the wireless is our greatest enemy"
 ''Then what Is it you propose doing?'
 "Just this: I'll go out now and .alk with the lady. I'll explain the whole situation to her fully, so that she will understand every detail.'
 But is this fair to me?'
 "Yes, perfectly fair. She is no weak ] nerved creature to be awed by peril.