Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-02-25

Nh''uSn INC pOrf above his berth
While he had been asleep the wind
had ircshencd, tho sea had riscn
slightly. In the wcs, the sun was
lowering low y little was to star
board lifc-boat was rocking in tho
trough Of tho waves. in it's bows q
man stood incxpcrtly, grasping with
awkward. unframed hands at Il line
that. thrown from tho schooner, had
fallen athwart the smaller craft. I'm
It's stern a young woman sat. holding
on to tho gunwalcs with both hands
watching anXiously tho mans clumsy
efforts.
That woman WAS Nictorinc Sava,z.
That man was Count Ramon dc Ioba
without lingering to wonder how
those two had com" TO leave tho Astra,
Philip flung out of his cabin into tho
the naddcst haste. gaining the deck in
time to sec success crown Ramon'g
final and most frantic essay TO make
fast the line.
Then once moro tho schooner swung
back TO her course. her sails filing
while the lifc-boat slipped up under
her quarter.
Half dozen willing hands helped
tho Savatz In over the rail.
"Mastcr-in In. name Of reason
appeal 10 the captain--,cll him what
these devils intend
This from Juan Lopez, who sudden
Is appeared at Philips elbow Philip
silcnccd him with Il shake of his head
I'VE are not savages.' he said: I'VE
cannot ask those vino rescued us TO
abandon others. And Tiarnon will hard
~ dare separated from his paid
thugs against such odds -
But he rcckoncd without certain
knowledge Of tho temper OF that one
Ramon. helped aboard immedia;cly af-
. 4,
the deck beneath his feet than he dis
covered Philip.
Instantly his face became a iivid
mask OF acmi-insane rage. brushing
aside those who stood in his way. he
throw himself wildly toward Philip.
At the same time whipping from con-
ccalncnt i'll his clothing ii long and
wicked looking knife. Before any Of
the bystanders could move tho two
men were at grips and struggling flu
riously.
Philip had caught the despcrado's
wrists and they closed together.
Swinging them high above Rainon's
| head he sought TO throw his man. and
would have succeeded but for we'll
intcntion.d interference. For, recov-
crinS from their establishment. Captain
Goodc and Juan Lopez tackled the
would-bc murderer on either side and
in Il twinkling held him helpless,
though he continued 10 struggle all
most foaming with rage and threaten
ing Philip hlasphcmously in half a
dozen languages.
Meantime. apparently injected by
like madness. Vic,oriuc Savutz had
started TO his aid. and had been pre-
vented from Joining in the struggle
only by tho prompt action OF tho mate
who clipped her in his arms from be
hind, and held her 80. as "A grown man
might hold bad-tcmpcrcd child
laughing IA little at her efforts 10 re-
gain her freedom.
The foul torrent Of threats and abuse
that issued from Ramon's lips earned
| him as severe shaking at the hands OF
the skipper
shut up" he was admUnishcd. Il
allow no such language aboard the
Samaritan--e specially in tn, presence
OF ladies'. Shut your trap, or III shut
II for you in a way you won't like"
Sobcrcd by fear. Count Ramon hi; an
oath in two and sulleny subsidized.
Now let's get at the meaning of
this. What right do you think you've
got TO attempt murder aboard my YES
scl--ch?"
y second shaking elected shrill re-
Spouse.
Murder" Ramon shrickcd, pointing
at PHILIP. ITS no murder 70 Kill "a
-
:, murderer II ever one lived. Three
men he killed aboard the Astra--my
yacht--and he would have killed me as
we'll but for good lack. Then he stole
one Of our boats TO escape the penalty
OF his crimes
And you-how did you come TO be
adrift?"
The crew mutinicd against us--mis-
led BY his cunning in covering up his
work they SUSPECTED me
~ likely story" The skipper cut
Ramon short and turned to Julia. who.
reused by the commotion on deck. at
that instant came up the companion
way You. Miss--if YOU please--tell
us the truth"
YOU" the girl replied, with look
of loathing for Ramon-"whatevcr
charges he had laid against Prince
Philip-all are lies. II was his per-
sccution that made us take 10 an open
boat rather than remain aboard the
yacht. lie is a liar and would be
assassin
There was a little pause. Stolidly
the skipper awaited rcfutRtion Of the
girls charges. He received none
Ramon dared not Sainsay tile daughter
OF his sovereign. Under her scornful
regard he dropped visibly and hung
his head.
Come now. What have you got TO
say for YOURSELF"
Still Isaomn's tongue refused it's Of
fec.
81 guess don't need any more tes-
mony against this fellow" Captain
Goode delivered Judgment. THE woman
with hin, can stay. Throw the man
back into his boat and let him find an
other ship to pick him up
Fright broke the spell OH Ramon's
wits. For full minute he raved pas
sionatcly. implorinS mercy. Rut
Goodies attitude was .ncXorable. Strug-
Cling and cursins the Prime Minister
of Alania was dragged back to the
rail. There he managed to make q
stand, by almost supcrhuman efforts
freeing an arm. DlunEing n hand into
pocket and bringing TO view great
roll Of money.
Ten thousand dollars he screamed
to the man who stands by me-
With gesture of Jury Captain
Goodc strobe toward him.
Back he roared. Back into that
boat, you numbering hound
Instinctivcly Ramon rctreated before
the menace Of the shippers bony fist