American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1917-12-14
CHAPTER xx-cen,Inusd.


AYE. that was easy enough: you
never supposed | was such a foot as
20 overlook that. did your We are
from ~. Johns 10 Liverpool. with a
miscellaneous cargo. The fellow swal-
lowed my yarn as though Il was sugar
candy. And the best OF II Is. that Is
the only war vessel patrolllng these
waters. we have a cinch."
Not without me" | answered calm
ly. after a pause In which my mind
gripped the situation. "The telltale
compass shows you are three points
on your course now. III talk with
you. Mccain. but II | continue TO nav
lgate this ship II win be at my own
terms. and you1l either give me what
! ask. or wen fight u out here and
now"
what are your termsi"
took time 20 think, determined 20
demand every concession ! dared ask,
assured that | held the winning hand.
We'll" l said finally. this coast
TO the west OF as Is no Joke at any
season Of the year, and there are sea
currents along here 20 fool any sea-
man. You can take the chances II you
want TO. but u Is my belief you fools
win have this ship on the rocks within
twenty-four hours. II you trust In blind
reckoning"
% H." sung out Liverpool
hoarseiy, 1--WE don't need no sermon ON
the dangers OF the deep. Stow the
gan. an tell us what yer want"
Il WIN ! snapped back. The free
CON OF the ship for both myself and
Miss Cnrripgton. Our meals are TO
be served privately, and the lady Is not
60 be addressed by amy one Of you"
MY Gawd." exclaimed n munIed
voice, you don't want muchl Who
are you. the csar OF Russia y
Il am the rightful captain OF his
ship" ! returned stifiy. and the only
man on board capable Of navigating
her. You al accept my terms. or
leave them and those are not all.
Mccain, l nm talking 70 you. not that
sea scum"
IAN right; 20 ahead. What elsef"
Il am 20 retain this revolver for
protection. and the key to my state
room Miss Darlington Is also TO re-
tain her key. When you men desert
ship, which know you plan to do.
the Indian Chief Is 20 be left IN sea
worthy condition. That's ALL"
Enough. l should think. You must
consider your services Indispensable.
However. 1 accept the terms. providing
o agree 20 do what we ask In re
turn"
That ] navigate the ship 20 within
hfty miles Of 81. Johns notify you
when VS. reach that point. a give
you correct sailing directions"
That Is what we want
Good l accept. Take your men
out Of the cabin"
stood ~motioukss, still gripping the
revolver IA one hand. listening to
catch every sound the other side OF
the closed door. There was a muttered
discussion, the words mostly inaudible.
although ] heard enough ~ convince
me that Mccain was urging accept
ance OF my conditions on the ground
that Il would be impossible for me,
alone. and under surveillance. 10 add
60 their danger. Some words were
added 10 SO low a tone as 20 fail 20
reach my ear, but whatever they we're,
they evoked a laugh. and seemed 20
restore the dissatisfied 10 better hu-
NOR. Liverpool took sides with Me
Cam In the dispute. and the two unit.
cd must have prevailed. for the men
nnniiy dispersed. aud we could hear
their heavy sea boots tramplng up
the stairs.
Relieved of the strain. | turned TO
meet h questioning eyes OF the girl.
"fhat-thHt was better thar light
lng-wasn't ltf she asked almost anx.
iously.
Yes; lost my head for the mo-
ment. and could Gully think Of reaching
deck. and shouting an alarm to the
cruiser"
III was too late for that"
"Yes; we know Il was now, and
probably l would never have reached
there alive. l am very thankful to
you"
ITO mel" Her lips smiled. although
her eyes remained grave why.
merely opened q doOr-besides. ever
that act was supremely selfish"
Il cannot conceive how"
"You do not7 Yet surely you can
realize what II would mean to me to
be left alone on board with-with Fer
gus Mccain. ! do so despise the
creature that ] shrink from even look
ing into his eyes. lit was TO avoid
meeting him again that l locked the
door"