Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1919-07-16
CHAPTER xx-Continued.

HNn
T,bad BY. There was no shout, no
soar the fellows seeming to realize
a. desDerate nature Of their work,
M the Importance of surprise. They
,.rs outnumbered five to one, and
ser only hope of success lay in rem
bring their opponents helpless before
NOV could rally to a defense. All the
,srt.up hate Of years was In their
s.orts, blazed madly in their eyes !;
ssv we're tigers Ieaping at the throat
Their prey, yet sane enough to COM
,,ohend even in their blOod-rage that
NOV must act together. 1t was over
a mickly 1 scarcely saw it all. My
vps swept from group to group-the
Srr tOiling at the cover of the main
latch: the fellows racing toward the
hrecastle; and Watkins squad driv-
sg straight into the grouped watch
ss7oDd the foremost. 1t was smartly
aDe: Watkins had taken no cutlass,
hut went In with both fists, asking no
uestiOns but battering right and left,
lis men surging after, with steel
u8des flaming in the sunlight. The
sounded watch, cursing and fighting
rnly, held for a moment, and then
vent staggering back against the port
nl unable to stem the rush, and roar
biz for mercy. 1 had view of Carlson
hopping recklessly down the forecas-
he guttle, and then sprang forward
agelf to give a hand to the four
rpStling with the main hatch. To
nher we dragged 1t into position,
hrdlg relentlessly back as we did so,
dozen struggling figures frantically
rieayOring to reach the deck. Shots
Fge fred, the bullets whistling
trough the opening, the flare lighting
% the black depths below, revealing
nguey a mass of frantic men staring
p and cursing US fiercely in a dozen
blguageS; but, in spite of them, we
lamped the hatch down tight, and
EEed it securely into place with an
Ion bar
Watkins needed no help; he had ms
party rounded up. To my orders they
we driven into the cooks galley and
guard stationed at the door. Then l
Iled to the more serious work con-
entng ne in the forecastle. We
INST have men enough to sail the
ak and if I was to command them,
must first Of all prove my courage
I'd enforce authority. The whole sue
KS Of our effort depended on this.
What's going on below?" I asked.
Vlrsin' mostly" answered Carter,
Arng down through a slight uptilt-
got the scuttle. 'They don't just
low what's happening yet, but the
y niger seems ter be raisin' hell.
4Son is holdin' him back with his
saaSS."
Vpen up and let me down."
iel, rather than clambered along
FulgS Of the ladder, coming to
leet on deck in the midst of a
Elp Of angry men. The light was so
could scarcely see their faces
'Oe Of voices greeted me, and more
~ one hand gripped me fiercely as
excited owner yelped a demand to
Wv what in hell we were up to. l
sly cleared space, aided by Carl
w cutlasS, and fronted them. Tow
y above them all, his black ape
lace distorted with rage, / dis
c~Sned the giant Cochose, his I'M
I've hands grasping a wooden bar
PSI nom a bunk. Plainly enough
'aS the leader. If / was to rule,
uiack brute must be conquered
Le very start, conquered by my
landS, and in the presence of his
S1ld back there lads" I said stern
II explain all that has happened
'IuH bnt first I am gong to lick
0Sok within an inch Of his life.
O1 Of there, Cochose."
came grinning widely, balancing
heavy club.
W. mean me, sab? You all think
&a lick me?"
think so; I'll try 1t anyway.
carlson, take this pistol and
Knife. If anyone interferes
aLn' All I ask is fair play.
uat club, Cochose, and throw
sOuF knife. You and I will fight
w With bare hands,"
ull brain worked slowly, and
su at me, his eyes ugly. His
sad lack of response, awoke a
uom the impatient circle of
und. One fellow kicked the
~ OF his hand contemptuously,
Omer plucked the knife from
Ols skulker," the latter said.
Oath Of derision, "go on, and
- Tor All fight this white man?
even know who he is"
~ III tell you. Estada is dead ;
~ a prisoner. Pm in COM
uiS bark. You are big,
1 ! cur! ! heard what you said
Sane down, and now I'll make
Two steps forward, my adj