Middletown transcript., 1922-01-14
They negotiated the fringe Of break.

ers to the north of the island success
fully, pulled the boat up on the beach,
and proceeded at once to business. Mr.
Gibney explained to Tabu-Tabu what
was expected of him, and Tabu-Tabu
In turn explained to the king. 1t was
not the habit Of white men, 80 Mr..
Gibney explained, to kill their prison.
ers In cold blood, and he had decided
to give them an opportunity to fight
their way out Of sad predicament
with their naked fists. If they won,
they would be taken back aboard the
schooner and later dropped at some
Inhabited island. If they lost, they
must make their home for the future
on Tuvana-tholo.
Let 'er co." called McGuffey, and
Mr.. Gibney squared off and made n
bearlike pass at Tabu-Tabu. To the
amazement of all present Tabu-Tabu
sprang lightly backward and avoided
the blow. His footwork was excellent
and McGuffey remarked as much to
Captain Scraggs. But when Tabu-
Tabu put up his hands after the most
approved method Of self-defense and
dropped into "crouch." McGuffey
could no longer contain himself.
"The beggar can fight, the beggar
can fight" he croaked, wild with Joy.
"Scraggs, old man, this'll be rare
mill, / promise you. He's been aboard
a British man-o-war and learned how
to box. Steady, Glib. Upper-cut him,
upper-wow!"
Tabu-Tabu had stepped in and
planted n mighty right In the center of
Mr.. Gibney's physiognomy, following
1t up with hard left to the commo-
dores ear. Mr.. Glbney rocked a mo-
ment on his sturdy legs, stepped back
out Of range, dropped both hands, and
stared ut Tabu-Tabu.
II do believe the nigger'll lick you,
Glib" said McGuffey anxiously. Hes
got a horrible reach and mule kick
in each NIT. Close with him, or he's
due for .a full pardon"
"In q minute" said the commodore
family. Hes so good hate to hurt
him. But I'll might him to a finish"
Which Mr.. Gibney forthwith pro-
ceeded to do. He rushed his opponent
and clinched. though not until his right
eye was In mourning and stiff jolt
in the short ribs had caused him to
grunt in most ignoble fashion. But
few men could withstand Mr.. Gibney
once he got to close quarters. Tabu-
Tabu wrapped his long arms around
the commodore and endeavored to
smother his blows, but Mr.. Gibney
would not be denied. His great fist
shot upward from the hip and con-
nected with the cannibal's chin. Tabu-
Tabu relaxed his hold, Mr.. Gibney fol-
lowed with left and right to the head
in quick succession, and McGuffey was
counting the fatal ten over the fallen
warrior.
Mr.. Gibney grinned rather foolish
ly, spat, and spoke to McGuffey, soto
voce: "By George, the joke amt all
on Scraggsy," he said. Then turning
to Captain Scraggs: Help yourself to
the mustard, Scraggsy, old tarpot."
Captain Scraggs took off his hat,
rolled up his sleeves, and made dive
for the royal presence. His majesty,
lacking the scientific training Of his
prime minister, seized handful of
the Scraggs name and tore at it cruel
ly. A well-directed kick In the shins,
however, caused him to let go, and IA
moment later he was flying up the
beach with the angry Scraggs in full
cry after him. McGuffey headed the
king off and rounded him up SO
Scraggs could get at him. and the lat
ter at once dug in" like terrier.
After five minutes of maulng an6
tearing Captain Scraggs was out of
breath, so he let go and stood Off a
few feet to size up the situation. The
wicked McGuffey was laughing immod-