The Beaver herald. [volume] (Beaver, O.T. [Okla.]) 1895-1923, 1921-02-03
By Fair Means
or Foul
By FRANK r. TUCKER
tCopyright.)

IL was n perfect summers evening.
A soft breeze waited ashore the me-
tedious yinkle OF innumerable ships
bells as they struck the hour. From
the piazza OF the Ledge Cove Yacht
club issued the sound of laughter and
the merry cllnk of glasses.
In the midst OF group, one hand
fondllng an empty stein, the other
similarly engaged with pedigreed
Boston bull. his constant companion,
sat a careless, nonchalant young fel-
low in yachting attire. The bronze
OF his complexion was Enthusiastically
that Of lover OF aquatic sports.
"Well. Hadley," said youth who
boasted Of two terms at Yale, you've
certainly enjoyed good luck today; n
blue ribbon nt the dog show this morn
ing. and another hundred on your
yacht this afternoon. But then" he
laughed, II suppose It's that ours
blue ribbon that counts with you"
"Yes," returned Hadley. 81 admit
that II pleases me immensely. And"
he added. gazing blnndly at the
friends grouped about him. "let me
tell you I consider that brindle. stub
tailed Boston pup as worthy Of nffcc-
tion and esteem as any of this COM
pnny."
ITS strange" he went on, smiling
that GIN persists In thinking, at n
hundred dollars per think, that he has
the faster boat"
A good-natured chuckle behind his
chair caused him to turn. GIL had
Joined the group unnoticed.
"Yes, gentlemen. Jack is right that
tub OF mine has caused me the loss of
Just three hundred plunks. But still
think | can win-if not by fair means.
by foul"
"And thereby hangs tale" sug-
gested Hadley.
"No, merely proposition" He
perched himself on the piazza balus-
trade.
"what is 1t, race for another hun
ired?"
Exactly"
A burst OF uncomfortable laughter
followed.
"Gad, GIL. have another" roared
Hadley. rapplng on the table for the
steward.
The challenger quietly waited for
silence.
81 admit, Jack. that you have the
better boat" he finally went on. Had.
ley raised his eyebrows. "Neverthe-
less. I'll wager three hundred, the sum
that I've lost, that can make my boat
win, provided you accept my PROPOSE.
tion."
The usually immoblle countenance
Of old Commodore Noing, who was
seated at a short distance from the
group. showed slight degree Of in.
terest as he followed the conversation
"Your conditions are fair enough SO
far" announced the son OF ELI, grin
ming, but isn't II customary to take In
reef when there's too much wind?"
GIL glanced at his tormentor, who
with Observation-Disclosures ex.
preston, retired into his shell.
"My conditions" he said. lighting a
cigarette, "are. that the boats be al
lowed to win by fair means or foul"
1t was arranged that the race should
take place the following morning.
The course selected was a short, tri-
angular one o. eighteen nautical miles
After much friendly bantering, Had.
ley finally arose.
II must be going home" said he,
looking around for his little four-foot-
ed friend, 'as a clear eve tomorrow
seems to be one Of the requisites for
winning this peculiar competition.
Why, where the deuce is Crackerr he
suddenly asked In establishment; "he
was here at my side not two minutes
agow
This was the signal for general
search.
Gill and many others Joined in the
search.
At very late hour. tired and dis
appointed party dispersed to their
homes TO court the sometimes elusive
god Of siumber.
But not so GIL. Returning by a
circuitous route to the yacht club, he
stepped into boat which had evil
1ently been In waiting and was rowed
out to his yacht.
The captain stood at the rail-. boat
hook in hand, as the sailor unshlpped
his oars and GIL sprang on board.
swell. Cap" said he. laughing, 81
feel about as contemplate as a pick
pocket. Did you have much trouble?''
"None at all. SIR" answered the cap
tain. ave kidnapped him easy. He
didn't make peep. An now he's
sleepin' peaceful on one OF the tran
sons"
"Good Now, Cap. II you'll accom-
pany me below, wen discuss tides"
"Tides, sir?" exclaimed the skipper
IN bewilderment.
Don't ask questions, Cap; every
ching will De explained to you in due
tipna Ctit IanglfnorIy rapIInl