The Bismarck tribune., 1931-12-11
NNR Sgujceinc

"See? What did I tell you!" the
sailor pointed. "Here she comes.
It won't be Z bad one because you
can sec the edge Of it there along
the horizon. but it will be plenty
damp while It lasts. Better get un.
der cover. sir. I've got to get my
oilskins."
The Fly stood where he was after
the other had gone, staring at the
rolling.up mass Of cloud. Suddenly
he snapped his fingers. Strengthened
with sudden decision and she saw
him take something from his
pocket. There was a sharp click.
then he melted along the deck in
the same noiseless way he had
come.
A wisp Of stray cloud flying
ahead Of the storm blotted out the
moon just then. Mary scrambled
from her hiding place and ran back
along the top deck. There was still
light enough to see that the deck
below her was deserted.
What ought she to do? Rouse
Bates? Was It really the click of q
cartridge chamber she had heard,
or might 1t have been the swapping
shut Of cigaret case? Hardly that
for the only other smoker on
board was Bates, and that young
man would have swallowed his
available supply Of tobacco rather
than share it with The Fly.
While she hesitated the first
drops Of rain hit her and before she
could move the storm broke. The
wind lashed at her clinging skirts
which were soaked in q moment.
She fed down the gangway to the
comparative shelter of the lower
deck. Breathless. she leaned against
the bulkhead and pushed tho wet
hair out Of her eyes.
The Gypsy" was stirring un.
easily on the rect a. the sea and
wind pushed and tugged at her.
As Mary felt her way along she
passed Mr.. Jupiter's window. His
snore sounded even above the
storm, but what was that other
sound? Like someone stumbling
against q chair.
The Fly was in there. She knew
It. She could feel his presence. In
the darkness Of the room he must
be able to see her head silhouetted
; against the opening. She turned
and ran blindly back along the
deck. She must get someone.
Where was Bates room? She had
never thought to find out and now
she wanted to know so desperately.
Bruce. She turned and pushed
open his door.
"Bruce! Bruce! Get up! Some.
ones in your fathers stateroom!"
"What?" Reused suddenly from
sleep. Bruce sat up SO quickly he
almost knocked her over.
The Fly! He's in your fathers
room. Quick!"
She had hated Bruce, but she
could have kissed him for the quick.
ness with which he grasped the
situation. Leaping from bed, he
fumbled an instant on the table.
and was out the door. "Stay there!"
he commanded. pushing her aside.
Mary was after him, though. be-
fore he could take halt a dozen
strides. As she rounded the bulk.
head which hid Mr.. Jupiter's door
from that Of Bruce she heard the
heavy impact Of two bodies. and two
shots-so close together they seemed
almost one. Something pitched
headlong onto the deck at her feet
For the space Of q breath she stood
still. too frightened to move. afraid
to step for fear Of the unknown.
"Bruce!" she screamed suddenly.
terrified BY the stiffness. As she
started forward. . plunging form
came out Of the blackness, struck
her and hurled her bodily aside.
She was knocked OF balance, her
head hit something hard and she
slipped down In q dead faint.
! TO Be Continued)