Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1919-04-29
WOLVES
I ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
s : 5;
ss CHAPTER XIV. =
Tie Cabin o. the Namvr.
Observation-Disclosures
CDoyTighS by 4 @ AsCiurS D o..


Spokes, and It was evident that It re-
Quired' all his giant strength to con-
troll the bucking wheel He was an
ugly-lookins brute. the lower portion
Of hi1 face apelike and the wool grow
Ing 90 low a. to leave him scarcely
an inch Of forehead His eyes lifted
IN instant from the pinnacle card to
glance at me curiously. They exhib-
lied - fash of recognition.
For half IN hour Estads hung about
aft, apparently paying no attention to
me, and yet watching my movements
closely, There was little to be done.
but thought 1t best to keep the watch
reasonably busy, so they might thus
learn that I knew my work. They
proved prompt and capable enough,
although I was eyed with some curl
osity when I first went forward, and,
no doubt, was very thoroughly dis
cussed behind my back. The idlers
amidships were . totally different
class--a mongrel scum. profanely
chatting in Spanish or staggering
about the deck, their very looks
challenge. However, they kept out
Of my way. and I found no occasion
to interfere with their diversions.
After Estada left the deck the ma
jority amused themselves gambling,
and as I had received no orders to
interfere permitted the games to pro-
coed. Mendez interfered only once
on occasion of q brief fight. My only.
instructions from the Portuguese on
his going below was to call him at
once II sail was sighted. Apparent
~ he was satisfied Of my ability to
command the deck.
No occasion to call him arose dur
ing my watch. It was still daylight,
but with a purple CLEAN across the
waters. when Levere arrived on deck
for my relief. We were talking to-
gether abaft the wheel when Estada
appeared in the companionway.
every promise Of a clear night,s he
said. glancing about at the horizon.
Better change the course two points,
Levere; we are lying In too close to
the coast for our purpose. The table
call will come very shortly, Senior
Gates"
~ washed up hastily in my state.
room and came out into the cabin
perplexed as to what might occur
within the next few moments. Yet
whatever the result there was no
avoiding 1t. My every move was one
of extreme caution.
Estada and Estevan awaited me. The
latter was all rugged out, and with
smooth black hair oiled and plastered
down upon his forehead. I never be.
held more disagreeable face, or one
which SO thoroughly revealed the ma.
ture Of a man. AS I touched his hand,
Mt Estada's brief introduction, 1t was
as II fingered snake.
"This is your chair. Gates, and you
will find we live well aboard the Ma.
mur-wine, women and song-hey,
Manuel! Why not, when all are at
command7 Steward. YOU told the lady
what my orders were. Then bid her
Join u.s. ;7r.'-'-
We stood In silence, as Gunsaules
crossed the deck and inserted q key
In the after stateroom door. Manuel
was grinning in full enjoyment, but
the expression on the face of Estada
was that of grim cruelty. / felt my
hands grip like iron on my chair back
and my teeth clinch in restraint. God,
but would have liked to grip Tho fell
low where he stood-all the bottled
up hatred in my soul struggling for
action. Yet that would only mean the
death of all hope, and l turned my
eyes away from him and stared with
the others at the opening door.
Out into the full light Of the cabin
the woman came and halted barely
step in advance Of the steward, her
head uplifted proudly, her eyes on us.
Never before had / realized her beau.
ty, her personality, as I did then. Her
posture was not that of defiance nor
Of surrender; she stood as woman
defending her right to respect, sus-
taihed by q wonderful courage. I
caught her glance. but there was no
recognition In it; not by the flicker
Of an eyelid did she betray surprise.
and vet In some mysterious manner a
fash Of intelligence passed between
u.s. It was all instantaneous, for her
gaze seemed to concentrate on Estada
Hs though she knew him as leader.
''You sent for me? For what?' she
asked, her Spanish clear and well
chosen.
.aTo Join us at meal" ne answered
unmcved. ut is better than to remain
plone."
.Retteri You must have strange
opinion OF me to believe would sit
with murderers and thieves"
Harsh words, senorita," and Estada
grinned grimiy. Yett / expected them.
There are many trades In the world
BY which men are robbed. We only
work At the one we like best; nor Will
4 discuss that with you. However.
senorita. can say that we have taken
no lives IN this last affair"
mo lives!' in sudden, incredulous
surprise. ''You mean my uncle lives7"
III you refer to Fairfax-the one in
whose room the chest was hidden. I
can only reply truthfully that he lives.
One Of my men struck him down, but
IT was not q death blow. II that be
the reason OF your dlsdnin there Is no
cause. This chair is held for you." II
"But why was brought away a
1872.