The Huttig news., 1917-12-08

fighting last night. 1--I heard the struggle on deck. and then here in the cabin; and when l started to leave my room l encountered MeCann and some of the crew. They were dragging Leayerd down the stairs, and his face was all blood"
 You were not injured?"
 No; the big man with the red hair threatened me, hut McCann interfered, and thrust me back into the stateroom. He t0id me to lock the door, and not to make any noise. I-I thought they had killed you."
 Well, they tried hard enough. but, as you see, am very much alive stin They trapped he in the forecastle. Do you know what has become of the athers?"
 She shook her head.
 What I've told is all I know. Those villains have control of the ship?"
 l related the story to her swiftly, coneealing nothing. At the last she asked
 That is all? You know no more?"
 "No."
 "Then the others must be alive. and on board. Surely you would have heard if any had been kil!ed%
 T believe so they would not kill if possible to avoid it, as such a crime would render their own case more des- perate."
 "Nhat-what are you going to do?"
 Frankly. Miss Vera, do not know,", l confessed. 'I have had no time to think, and my head still throbs so from blows that l hardly realize the situa- ton. l cannot hope to fight these men alone, and there can be no immediate danger - they are sailing the ship toward St. Johns.''
 You believe they will take to the boats, and leave us aboardT'
 That would be their only safe course. They would never dare sail the Indian Chief into that. or any other harbor They must land as ship wrecked seamen. tell their story, and then quickly disappear"
 II know that-but-but will they dare to leave us afioat, to be picked up by some vesselY'
 l hesitated, but her eyes compelled an answer.
 I do not know" I said soberly. "It hardly seems possible they can conten- plate such an act of villainy as the seuttling of the ship, and leaving us on board fO drown IiIya ra4. yYal. be loo horrid crime for this age. White and Liverpool might be brutal enough, but surely not Fergus Me Gann."
 Why not Fergus MeCann?"
 Ills education, his former life, the civilization in which he has been reared; he has lived among gentle men,"
 "Gentlemen !" she echoed the word in scorn. His associates have been principally gamblers and romders. He is notorious in New York. and his money alone gives him entrance to de- cent circles. He doesn't know what the word gentleman means. If there IS treaehery behind this, it will be the plan of Fergus MeCann."
 You know him better than l."
 Il know of him longer have heard more tales. yet surely you saw what he was in the boat?''
 You believe, then, the intention is to scuttle the vessel?"
 ""Yes, do."
 And leave us helpless on board?"
 "Yes, MT. Hollis."
 l drew deep breath, at this direct yerification of my own secret suspi- cion.
 So do I,' l returned in a whisper. although had no thought of telling you"
 You have some plan, then? Ton have considered what to doYn
 No; hardly that. There will be two days, at least, before we shall be close enough to the coast for them to take to the boats. Much may happen with Ill that time; we may be spoken by some other vessel, even oyerhauIed by q warship, and manned by prize crew
 You hope for this?'
 SI' Johns IS naval base; the closer we approach the harbor the more apt We are to encounter Brit ish cruiser"
 Her fingers grasped my sleeve.
 But, MT. Hollis, if all these homes fail, and there should be no rescue. Is there not something we can do? Must We remain here helpless, just waiting for death to come?"
 l took the little hands in mine ten deriy' and, with an effort, controlled my voice.
 Perhaps so but we cannot be too cautious. Our only chance is to retain our freedom, and arouse no suspicion that we are plotting together. Can you learn where the others are confined and get the word to me?"
 'Yes,' she said. 1T think I can" What is it you think you can do, Miss Carrington?" said a voice quietly. McCann stood in the open passage way leading to the stewards pantry. less than fiffpny1 faat Tic+oD+ n A..