The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1926-02-19
CHAPTER XI-Continued
Il.

tnat ne would revisit Lne cave either
to destroy the instrument or to op-
crate it, he made his way cautiously
to the vicinity shortly after dark. Pro-
ceeding with the utmost care, watch
ing and listening every few feet. he
gained the summit of a nearby rock
that commanded good view OF the
entrance to the cave. Concealed there
among the bushes he began his long
vigil. His ears more than his eyes
had to guide him.
Fighting off sleep, he spent the en-
tire night watching and waiting, with
out results Light of new day was
beginning to break little in the east
when his ear caught the first sounds
of stealthy footsteps.
Craning his head forward he waited
eagerly. In the half light OF early
morning he saw dark figure creep
ing cautiously In the direction Of the
cave. 1t halted frequently to look
around and listen.
"McGeei" Dick murmured. smiling
II thought he'd come"
The sailor was approaching the en-
trance in a wide detour, beating the
brush, as it were, to make sure his
enemy did not take him in the rear.
When he finally reached the brink of
the hole he leaned over cautiously
and peered down. a
This was Dicks opportunity. Swift
~ but noiselessly he crept upon him
from the rear. Not anticipating any
danger from behind, the man was
leaning far over to explore the interior
of the cave. The sailor was a for
midable antagonist, and Dick had no
intention Of taking chances. He in
tended to give him a dose of his own
medicine.
With stout club picked up for the
purpose, Dick dealt the kneeling sea-
man blow on the head that knocked
all senses out of him. With grunt
he iurched forward and tumbled into
the cave.
Dick was after him, descending rap
idly, and stood over him with the club
appraised before he had chance to
struggle to his feet. But further pun
ishment was unnecessary. Either the
FIRST blow or the fall on the hard
recks had made him as helpless as a
child. The man was still unconscious.
THAT was quick work. Niece, Dick
said exultantly. 'Now for gag and
some rope"
He had brought both along with
him, and within short time he had
the sailor trussed mp and gagged.
p Rolling him into corner just as con,
seriousness was returning to the sailor.
he climbed back out of the hole, and
resumed his vigil
He had every reason to believe
Blake would put In an appearance be-
fore daylight. It was his habit to
send wireless messages just before the
break of day. With McGee % ad-
vance guard to clear the way fer him.
there was little to fear. and when he
aid finally appear he approached the
cave with less caution than his cen.
federate.
Dick had taken possession Of an au-
tomato that he found on the seaman,
and with this in his hand he trailed
in the rear Of Blake His intention
was to use 1t to force obedience to his
orders, but the sight of the man, small
and rather weak Of stature, made this
course repugnant to him,
"Tun around, Mr. Blake" he called
calmly.
The man whirled on his toes as If.
electrified. When he saw the gun
pointing at him. his hands started up
ward as if to surrender. Dick smiled
at the craven fear on the white, pasty
face
snow you'll go below to join your
friend. expect McGee's lonesome
down there"
"McGee!- Is he down there?" STAN
mered Blake.
Eyes, he's been listening to our
little alteration"
Dick picked him up and carried him
to the entrance He was light
weight, and without great difficulty he
got him down and placed him along
side his partner in crime. MCGEE shot
him venOmous look and tried to
grunt his anger.
"Don't exert yourself. MCGEE" Dick
said. You'll burst a blood vessel.
That gags made to stay in the mouth
You can't work it loose"
'Are you going TO gag me?" whined
Blake. "Ill keep quiet If you don't"
For the present-no," replied Dick.
Il may want to ask you some ques-
tons, and it would be little incon-
venient to remove the gag to get an
swers from you"
He left the two in the corner and
walked over to the wireless, which he
began examining carefully and criti-
cally. He was so absorbed in this
that he nearly forgot his prisoners
Finally with a smile he looked up.
Il get 1t now," he said trlumphantly.
Il guess l know wireless enough to
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