Sioux County pioneer. (Fort Yates, Sioux County, N.D.) 1914-1929, 1918-01-24
CHAPTER xxII.-continued.

INV lOFSOlten WnCfe we were, the n0-
tute of our surroundings. the fate
which threatened us. could remcm-
Der only her. the velvety touch of her
flesh. the welcoming light of love in
her eyes. know not what we talked
about. conscious only of the Joy of
being alone together. with every bar
rter between US swept away forever.
The sunshine poured in through the
open port. touching her hair with
threads Of golden light. and leaving
bar of br!lI.ance across the state
room deck.
Net Imagine the respite was not
lorg. There came sharp rap upon
tho wood Of the door, bringing US In
stAntly back to a realization of our po-
sixSon. Her arms released me, and l
arose to my feet.
'Whut is wantcd?"
'Its few minutes till noon, sir"
said a voice failed to recognize. "And
I'aA to tell you to come on deck"
"Qui.e right. my man. I'll be there
at once. Stand by to carry the instru-
ments."
AYE. aye. sir"
There was certain cheerfulness
AMI respect in the voice, which con-
vinced me that the fellow was not
among the ringleadcrs, but the hope
OF making him an adhcrcnt to our
cause vanished when opened the
door and recognized Dadc. The man
was too weak. too much of II jcllyfish
to render his friendship of any particu-
1nr value. BESIDES Dugnn was also in
the cabin. leaning idly against the
Gt,ir-rall, but quite as evidently on
guard. nodded to him, but he only
co,ldesccnded to stare in return, and
this look in his eyes convinced me that
he had not yet forgiven the rough
treatment accorded him few hours
before. The memory made me smile.
"I've seen you when you looked hap
pier. Dugan." said carelcssly. "but 1
Imagine you have nothing on Jim
White"
ITO hi with yer" he growled saw
agely. III had my way ye'd have no
tongue left to get smart with. Get
along now after yer things"
Dade followed me into the captains
steteroOm. He was obedient enough,
hut reluctant to talk, no doubt afraid
of being overheard by Dugan.
I The tonsptrators were grouped on
tte after deck waiting my arrival, and
I followed Dade up the ladder. deter
MINED they should perceive no change
In my delneanor, which might awaken
suspicion. McCanns manner was fur
from cordial as approached, but
Thought 1t best to ignore his churlish-
ness.
"You were long enough coming; per-
saaps you still think yourself In COM
Hnand?" he said sRvagely.
THAT would indeed be stretch Of
3he Imagination" replied, holding my
temper, and motioning Dade where to
WIsce {he sextant. However, T do not
think I have wasted my time-it is still
two minutes of twelve"
He growled something. but busted
myself with the observation, only anx-
ious to make 1t accurate enough for
my own use. Whatever figures l re-
ported, 1t was absolutely necessary
thut know myself the exact position
of the ship. Nor did dare to juggle
them greatly in my report. for while
AIeCann was far from being an expert
navigator, he yet possessed smatter-
Ing Of knowledge, which rendered him
dangerous. and he was very sure to
check up my figures with every care
po.,ssble. However, fooled him by q
I7ornt or two. sufficient for my purpose,
and wrote down the result on the back
Of ON old envelope, while slowing away
thu correct figures In my own brain.
Although the air was balmy enough,
the Wind from the southwest almost
directly in our teeth, yet there was a
took Of the north about both sen and
Gl1y which would have convinced me
TINT we were approaching higher lati-
tudes without the hid of my Observa-
ton. Without being able to explain
tho phenomenon the seaman instlnc-
Gyely recognizes northern waters.
New. as my eyes swept the wide circle
OF the horizon, vuinly seeking the
CLEAN of some distant sail, the heav-
ing expanse of water. the overarching
sky we're almost alike in colOr-a
cold. repellent blue. misting into gray
afnr OF. as though particles Of fog
Tiled the atmosphere. Indeed 1t was
this which Interested me the most, this
vogue evidence Of floating vapor, for
knew enough Of these seas to sus-
p.sct that this might prove the fore
ruy,aer Of storm. already preparing to
sweep down upon US out Of the more
northern mystery. Others must have
noted the evidence also. for Liverpool
crUssed the deck to where stood, leav'
INF Mccain with the chart In his
hands.
"What do yer think O. that sortel
mist out yonder7' he asked. indicating
th. distance BY q sweep Of the hands
AID striving to make his gruff voice
sound friendly.
at may luean nothing" answered
civilly enough. II have never sailed
these waters. but my guess would bt
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