The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1935-09-12
CHAPTER III-Continued

=
What disaster had laid him here
helpless before them? Hes-s.
AS II their questions penetrated his
consciousness, the stranger slowly
opened his eyes.
Sorry TO come here like this" he
murmured. 1.-THE fog was so thick.
lost my bearings and my power-boat
ran aground. I've been trying hours
to get her Off. She's hard and fast Oh
your sand-bar."
He struggled to rise and Marcia.
kneellng beside him. helped him Into
an upright position where he sat, lean
Ing against her shoulder.
Il seem to have brought In about
half the sea with me- he apologlzed,
looking about In vague, half-dazed
fashion.
NO matter. We're used to salt
water here" she answered. How do
you feel? You're not hurt?"
"Only little. Nothing much. I've
done something queer TO my wrist. /
was trying to push the boat Off. and
something suddenly gave way
Turning his head aside. he bit his
lip rs II In pain.
well telephone Doctor Stetson.
Meanwhile, you mustn't remain In
these wet clothes. There Is no surer
way of catching cold Do you think
you could get upstairs II Sylvia AMI
| guided yoE9"
II guess so--if 1t isn't far. I'm abb
surdly dizzy. | don't know why
suppose, though. | must shed these
wet toys"
You certainly must. Come. Sylvia.
lend hand! Wen help him up"
"Oh, I'm not In such bad way as
all that. / can get up alone" he pro-
tested only please wait just another
minute. The whole place has suddenly
begun to pitch again like ship In
midocean Perhaps may be faint
| haven't eaten anything for a day or
| two"
"Why didn't you tell me? The soup
| quick, Sylvia. ! only wish had some
brandy. Well, at least this Is hot, and
will warm you up. I'll feed you
Hand me the cup and spoon, Sylvia
but feel like baby fretted the
stranger.
mo matter We must get some
thing hot inside you right away. Don'l
fuss about how it's done,' said the
practical minded Marcia. There! You
look better already! Later you shall
have real, honest-to goodness meal
/ Run and coll Doctor Stetson, Sylvia
and open the bed In the room opposite
mine. You might light the heater
/ there. too"
AS the girl sped away, Marcia turned
toward her visitor.
Suppose we try to make the rock
Ing chair now. Shall we? But wha
worries me Is your wet clothing. In
afraid you'll take your death Of cold
Let me peel Off your shoes and socks
can do that. And I believe | coul,
get you cut Of your water-soaket
sweater.If we're to cut the sleeve
Nav try? We needn't mind wreck
Ing 1t, for ! have another can Civ
you"
The man did not answer.
4 instead he sat tense and unsmllne
his penetrating brown eyes fixed Of
Marcias face. Apparently the scru
/ tiny crystalzed In him some swift
resolution, for after letting his glanc
| travel about the room TO convince him
self that no one was within hearing
he leaned forward:
There Is something else I'd rattle
you did for me first he whisperet
dropping his voice until 1t became al
most inaudible. "I've a package her
wish you'd take charge Of. It's In
side my shirt But for this inferno
wrist, | could reach It,"
"Tlt get It."
nd rather you didn't talk about 1t,
continued he. hurrielly. Just put
in a safe place. Will you, please?'
Certainly"
Puzzled, but unqnestionlng. Marci
thrust her hand beneath his sodde
clothing and drew forth small, flu
box, wrapped In q bedrasgled handke
chief.
III you'll look out for 1t. I'll b
| ,ra,,andnucl,.- f,h1iuel -
"of course ] WILL smiled Marcel
Look Here is my pet hldng.plac
This brick in the hearth IS Loose an
under it is plenty Of space for til
small box. In tuck 1t In there. ILL