Evening star., 1927-11-01

This maneuver was repeated with
slight variation on the south side
of the island. and then Marriott pre-.
sented himself at the door of the
larger hut.
Norman. can speak to you a
minute? The three days aren't UP.
but I've had enough Of thiss'
The shaggy-headed leader was play.
Ing cards with his third henchman,
but he laid his hand down with a
chucxle.
Thought you'd come to terms. Get
outside, Lefty. Carrie. you beat 1t.
too! Now then, Marriott. going to
come clean?"
Marriott shrugged.
II know when I'm whippedp' he re.
marked iaconically. You gave me
your word that you'd let the women
assurance have ], IL tell you what
you want to known"
you've got my assurance Of what
Til do IL you don't talkv' Norman re-.
torted, cycling his victim shrewdiy.
He'd almost think he was sparring for
time. but what did time matter on that
sandbar? He might as well have a
little fun with this lad. 1--WE got
1t all planned. Shooting or knifng's
too rough stun for lady, and poison
amt handy, but there's rock out
there that we'u make real comfort.
able for her and then watch the tide
come In! 1t don't rise any too quick,
but when It's high that rocks four
feet under: plenty for young lady
who's head wouldn't come much
above the top Of It. Too bad IL she
got drowned. but accidents will hap
He paused. vaguely irritated at the
lack Of indignant interruption, but
though Mariott's face had flushed he
was smiling.
That's rot. Norman! You wouldn't
do such thing, but all the same she's
going to pieces and can't stand IL"
He would give worlds to know what
was going on there at the remote end
OF the island. The iongboat had ap.
peared, a mere dot on the water, but
ward the point where he had left the
two girls. with a patronizing word to
Lucy and silent handciasp for Janet
Were they safely away now, beyond
the reach OF the rifles? What had be.
come OF the Crole woman and
Lefty? He had had to risk their
discovery Of the escape.
well, You know what to do to
end it"' Norman's great fist banged
the table 80 that the cards few. "You
say you're licked and you know 1t.
Come across with the straight dope
and you 60 free, you and the women;
try to kid me with any crooked stun
and the three OF you pass out. Get
me?"
Perfectly" There was a new note
in Mariott's voice, for the sound he
awaited had come to him over the wa
ter. 1t was too faint to be caught
by other than expectant ears, but un-
mistakable to his; the distant echo Of
a yachts whistle! "You gave me an
alternative to--er-disa on
the part Of the young lady and gave
me three days to decide. I've made
my decision now. You see, that imi.
tation cutter Of yours isn't coming
back tomorrow. nor for some little
time; not until the Federal Govern.
ment sells 1t and it's new owner has
a fancy for a trip UP this way"
What do you mean?" Norman
Say, that's only bluff, Marriott!
Quit stalling.'
"Ail right, wait and see. That's all
| you'll be able to dO--wait. and you'll
have a good long time before you. 1t
wouldn't astonish me IL some sea-wa-
ter had seeped in on your rockets and
smoke bombs" DIV ~..
| III 1t has. bullet will astonish you,
my lad"" Rluster and banter had
/ alike gone from Norman's tones and
he spoke with deadly intent. "Now,
which is it? The information ] want,
or does the young lady disappear"
| Neither" Marriott thrust a revol.
yer suddenly into his antagonist g
ton from me and the lady has already
disappeared!"