Bemidji Daily Pioneer Newspaper, February 5, 1916, Page 3

Py SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1916. About The City Mrs. Martin Hogan of Grant Val- ley was calling on friends in Bemidji Friday. Mrs. H. A .Ricer of Frohn was among the out-of-town business call- ers in Bemidji yesterday. S——— Mrs. H. White of Northern was among the out-of-town shoppers and visitors in Bemidji yesterday. One of these nice days you ought to go to Hakkerup’s and have your picture taken.—Adv. 14tt E. J. Boobar of Nary was a busi- :ss visitor in Bemidji yesterday. He returned last evening to Nary. J. C. Thompson, county commis- sioner from Blackduck, arrived in the city this morning for a day's visit. Mrs. M. LaMay arrived in Bemidji I'riday from Grand Forks, to visit as the guest of friends here for sev- cral days. Andrew Hedman, after having spent yesterday visiting as the guest of relatives in Bemidji left this morn- ing for his home at Guthrie. Mr. and Mrs. Ben Burdic, after having spent the past several days visiting with relatives, returned to their home yesterday at St. Cloud. FFrank Arnold, formerly of this city, now of Kelliher, returned to his home last night after having spent the day here on legal matters. Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Parker returned Wednesday from the Twin Cities where they have been visiting for some time as the guests of relatives. Misses Ella and Josephine Parker and A. E. Murphy left yesterday af- ternoon for Clearbrook where they visited over night as the guests of relatives. Miss Esther Peterson, who has been visiting with friends in this city for the past three months, re- turned yesterday to her home at Clearbrook. Mrs. P. Branvic arrived in the city Friday to spend the day here visit- ing with friends and doing some shopping. She returned to Nary in the evening. Charles Moller, who has been visiting with friends and transacting business in this city for the past few days, returned yesterday to his home at Pinewood. Miss Bertha Larson, a former high school student, after spending sev- eral weeks visiting in Bemidji with friends, returned yesterday to her liome at Lengby. G. H. Irench, formerly of the Be- midji Brokerage company, left last cvening for Benedict, where he will spend several days looking after his husine: nterests. Iver Myhre arrived in the city yes- terday morning from his home at Liberty and spent the day here at- tending to business matters and vis- iting with friends. Louis Larson, having spent the carly part of the day in Bemidji at- tending to business matters and vis- iting with friends, left for his home at Aure yesterday. Miss Eva Burnett, who has visited in Bemidji for the past week as the guest of Misses Mary and Florida LaCombe, returned last evening to her home at Blackduck. S. C. Bailey ,game warden for this Do You Find Fault With Everybody? An irritable, fault-finding disposi- tion is often due to a disordered stomach. A man with good diges- tion is nearly always good natured. A great many have been permanently benefited by Chamberlain’s Tablets after years of suffering. These tab- lets strengthen the stomach and en- able it to perform its functions nat- urally. For sale by all dealers.— Adv. Auto and Horse LIVERY JAMES L. POGUE 4th St. and Mississippi Ave. Phone 164-W — Res. 164-R. Dwight D.- Miller Insurance Specialist I can Insure Anything Anywhere Télephone 360-W. Offices SECURITY STATE BANK BLDG. game law ‘violations. on the afternoon train. NEA SYNOPSIS. Princess = rescues flve-year-old _Annette Tlington from an_open boat, but 1s forced to leave behind her father and his com- panions. Ilington is assaulted by Her- nandez and Ponto in a vain attempt to get papers which Ilington has managed to send aboard the Princess with his daughter, papers proving his title to and telling the whereabouts of the lost island of Cinnabar. Ilington's injury causes his mind to become a blank. Thirteen years elapse. Hernandez, now an opium smug- gler, with Ponto, Inez, a female accom- plicé, and the mindless brute that once was Tlington, come to Seaport, where the widow of Captain Hardin is living with her son Neal and Annette Ilington, and Blot, to steal the papers lett to Annette y her father. Neal tries for admission to the Naval academy, but through the treachery of Joey Weicher Is defeated by Joey and disgraced, Neal enlists in the navy. Inez sets a trap for Joey and the conspirators get him in their power. An- nette discovers that heat applied to the map reveals the location of the lost is- land. Subsequently in a struggle for its possession the map is torn in three parts, Hernandez, Annctte and Neal each secur- ing a portion. ~Annette sails on the Coro- nado in search of her father. The crew mutiny, and are overecome by a boarding arty from U. S. Destroyer Jackson, led y Neal. In Martinique Annette and Neal are captured and taken to a smugglers’ cave to be blown up with dynamite, but are rescucd by a sponge diver. Inez forges identification papers for herself as An- nette. 1In an insurrection Neal and An- nette are again captured, carried to the Sun City and Annette is offered as a sac- rifice to the sun god. They are rescued bv marines from the Albany. NINTH INSTALLMENT THE YELLOW PERIL CHAPTER XL. The Pests of Tortuga. The commander of the Albany low- ered his glasses. He beckoned to Neal Hardin, a gunner on his ship. Neal answered the summons and sa- luted. “You may inform your friend Miss Ilington and her party that in half an hour they will be set ashore at Tortuga,” he directed. Neal started off. “One gnoment,” added the commander. “Tell Miss I1- ington that I'd like to speak to her.” Neal found Annette and delivered the message—and in & moment An- nette was at the commander’s side. “Miss Ilington,” said the command- er, “without intruding, may I ask the purpose of your extensive peregrina- tion?” “Peregrination describes it,” said Annette laughing, “and you may.” She glanced about her—even there— & bit stealthily, and produced her chamois bag, and from it took the map—the old time-worn, yellow, tat- tered parchment map of the Lost Isle of Cinnibar. The commander glanced at it with interest. “Hum,” he said at length, “no longi- tude, no latitude.” the hidden inscription,” she returned, “the latitude is there but you can’t Annette ‘Ministers to the Sick. silver mines.” I can’t recall.” been of service. district, returned this-morning from Kelliher and other points north where he spent last - night ' investigating Miss Gena Hegland of Rosby was calling on Bemidji friends and at- tending to shopping in the city yes- terday. She returned to her home spend a short time visiting. Leonard French, clerk and agent i mmosquitoes. :-Avold-being:bitten it / you-can and kil all' the mosqui - toes you find, Until ‘then good-by.” |+ “That afternoon::Ramon . Carrol, -th -mayor.of, ‘Fortuga, stood, now clad, -I’higioffieial iuniform; inthe middle: of -his :doorway, surrounded:-by:a clamo: ing mob. 59 Back in the jungle, on the outs of the Aztec village of Corazon Sol, a few days before, three men= accompanied by a native guide or two —had crept through the jungle towatd) -clais civilization and 'the’ shore:: second day they had reached a rail- ‘way station, such as it was, and a rail- road, such as it was. the stationmaster. “When does the next train 'go?” demanded Hernandez. The official yawned. - “When she Fe- turns from Tortuga, the pestilential possibly tomorrow afternoon.” Hernandez stamped his foot imj the day of the eruption of Mount Pelee Capt. John Hardin of the steamer ton that sruiser are the most wondel k “fortune 1 am' paying all these special Hours later from a-clump of tréés on the outskirts of. Tortuga Hernan- dez, Ponto and Brute peered acr Suddenly Hernandez clutched Pén- to by the arm. “Look,” he cried, ‘they Through the opening in the leaves he pointed toward the wharf. Annette and her little coterie were landing “Ponto,” said Hernandez, “that lit- tle wildeat of a girl—she and her smooth-faced - sweetheart—they have tricked us long enough. This time they shall not get away.” CHAPTER XLL They turned. their rear, saluted. He was the ship’s surgeon. strode on with brisk pace. . ” get ahead there if you please,” he|86ORS grasp. ""Gea whiz,” he said, sald, “there’s ‘something that I don’t| YouTe stiong. like about this place—TI want to have | Scarcely had he said it .before & native woman darted out of’a tumble- down hut—one of many that fronted on the shore road. “Madre di Dios,” -she-cried -in shrill “Americnnos,—)u;lp—luemr.k For the love of heaven.” She kneeled by the roadside and as the surgeon swungalong, she: clasped him by the knees. P “My childi—my man child—my only, one,” she walled, in the Spanish|fore he knew it he was. where he tongue, “he is at'death’s door. Help, | wanted not to be—in the streets of the others what she sald. i “Go on, everybody,” he cried, point-|- Ponto raised his-eyebrows: signifi- ing up the road, “let nobody follow | cantly. -He had heard rumors—this Go your way.” ¢ Annette and- her: little party pro- ceeded forthwith to the hotel—a fiimsy | Self, *“mosquitoes.” affair, rejoicing ‘in ‘the cognomen of the Inn of the Spanish Don. 4 Hut after -hut:the ‘surgson ‘entered, glancing - quizzically into the face of | ‘the Inn’ some sufferer—nodding solemnly with { the rear. he-spied..a-figure in a win- pursed-up lips—left-tablétsand direo- | dow. -He: whistled softly. tions, and then went on his way. Finally he found his way to the cen- ter of the town and made an inquiry. H &nid" nofselessly tore the net from it, e was directed to nlomawhattorm;q ! toly-roplacing- it a8 best he Annette smiled. “Heat brings out looking -building. 3 The’ surgeon::strode ion into tBe' He: found ‘the~mayor M his pajamas, smoking:a- cigar. . The 'surgeon :seated:himselt and ac- cepted a’palmleat fam:" “Sorry,” he said, “but your-place:réeks with yel low fever—you've:got&n epldemic on your hands—" Mayor ‘Ramon-Carrol started up. “Madre -di Dios,” he cried, “what—not another one.: it is ruin. Say-mot so.” The surgeon nodded. cited, Senor Carrol, “Don’t get ez~ see it—so is the longitude. I know it by heart—18 degrees 30 minutes north and 123 degrees 40 minutes west—and there, somehow, I hope to meet my father—and find his quick- not even Mrs;“Hardin=if you follow my instructions. “The importantithing;® went on the |'small-trees on:a hill. ] A-man inside, waking:suddenly, as likely the bites'you've got have done | suddenly sprang.up, knife in hand. “Soft, capitan,” whispered Ponto, “it: But |18 but 1" The ¢wo men struck a light and sat “Pacificocean,” mused the com- mander, “off Mexico, Central Amer- ica—South America—but not far off. There’s something in my mind about that locality—what is it? I've heard talk about it ‘somewhere. Something— surgeon, “is the:-mosquitoes. It isn’t | yeu ary harm. Tl leave you tablets anyhow, to-ward ‘the fever off. I'll=do -more—I'll-have ‘moesquito net- ting“fetched over-from the ship and | down‘facing each other. you can sleep ‘under it at night. Now |/ ‘ Ponto ‘spoke in ‘measured:tones—ev-: He returned the map. “What I de- sired to say, Miss Ilington,” he went on, “is this—if I had my way I'd take you there. But the United States navy has other duties to perform. Yonder is Tortuga. We'll see you safe ashore—and if we find the shore isn’t safe, we'll see you safe ashore some other place. I am expecting or- ders daily, to return. Glad to have I want help—" Ramon' Carrol, “8it ‘down—all of you—anywhere,” |' he commanded, “and write out ‘what'l |\Ty. the.pestilence.. It'll-'be in’Spanish-—and-it’s got | the mniosquito sickness Jjust as well. I'll spell the words 88 | 'And at dusk, then'is thefr time=then: <] they bite the worst—" ° you won’t go wrong. Begin.” 2 And then he dictated the warning|;: *“Go om”i.ecémmanded’ Hernardes, that was posted that-afternoon. in sl | rimly. 2He felé-that Ponto was ‘hold- the public places of the town; "= " iM§ something baek, —- - An hour later Annette and her party.-disembarked from one €€ the Albany’s launches, = ‘of the J. J. Opsahl & Son land firm, | in the city toddy wisititig with‘friends returned yesterday afternoon from: while venroutevto<Nevis where she Boy River where he has been for|will visit relatives for a few days, sSeveral days on business. from her home at Northern. Mrs. Edward Johnson- and-: Mrs. |~=Harold:Davis6f Walker, who re- Roy Cowan of Virginia ‘arrived: yes- | cently -commenced a -course in the terday at the R:.*Li. Giventhomie on|Bemidji Business college, has been Lake Boulevard, where they will|confined to his bed for the past week | ['with & severe attack of lagrippe. Mrs. Olva Hayth spent.a Xew.lgourb = Ol@t Gelen returned 'Friday after- of the NAVY 0y William Hamilton Osborne, AUTHOR OF “RED MOUSE.” “RUNNING FIGHT,” “CATSPAW,”“BLUE BUCKLE,” ETC. NOVELIZED FROM THE PHOTO PLAY: OF THE SAM NAME PRODUCED BY PATHE EXCHANGE, INC. COPYRIGHT; 19/3, BY WHLLIAIT HAIILTON OSBORNE “ NOTICE, ~ ~ 4b-people are-hereby:warned ithat yellow ‘fever::is carried by ‘RAMON CARROL; Mayor. ~-In co-operation with U. 8. 8. Al- bany. . “Gunner,> he-said :toNeal,: “you'rd | on shore leave; ksknow: -But I'd b { #lad if- yow'd:buckle' to and tack: thes ‘ap-in town. “PIl go'back ‘to the"shi #nd get my squad and a few supplies “See, now; my -people,” he e ed, “thereiis mo-cause for-al; Bee ‘what .1 :am: doing for-you—wha ‘other mayor hasdone 80 much? -‘Nots “the magnificent ‘cruisér—of the Unit ‘States—the: Albanez— "I have sent fo noon ‘to his home- and ‘business at ‘Aure after having spent the past sev- eral days in this city on business for the Pinewood Telephone company. Mrs. Alice Benner was called - to Park Rapids yesterday by the serious illness of her grandfather, Henry Parks, who has been sick for some time with an attack of pneumonia. Miss Lizzie Brennon arrived in the city yesterday from her home at Wilton for a few days’ combined business and pleasure trip. She will return to her home at Wilton Mon- day. Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Hoskins of Rosby drove to Bemidji yesterday to spend the day here shopping and transacting other business. They re- turned to their home in the eve- ning. {t=+it ‘has come—af my request. Up} ful specialists in the world—they ar among you—see, yonder—see - thei white coats—here, there, everywhere, Out of my private fortune (which i vast, my-children) ‘out‘of my privats ists. . . .” +He'sighted suddenly g figure. on the-outskirts of -the erowd; His manner changed. The figure was that of the surgeon of the Albany— he pressed forward and joined the mayoy | “Ah, senor,” said the:mayor, speaki ing in a low toneand rapidly, “I have been . telling my .people—see. I .have congregate them for the. purpose— how noble, beneficent your country is |’ —how you have, free of all charge and ‘without’ expense—come to our > prosperous’ little community and have fight ‘the ‘pestilence. They are grate: ful.” ‘The. surgeon :snorted. “Excuse me for- a.-moment,” ‘he- exclaimed. He w darted down the street and caught a young woman by the arm just as she As. Annette's party -passed along, | Was entering an adobe hut. single file, up the narrow overgrown shore road, slapping and swatting | ington. mosquitoes to their heart’s -content, they heard a quick step behind.them. t P An officer closing up |'@way—hands off—you’ll kill yourself. ‘Theé young woman was Annette Il- “You young remegade,” he cried, sternly, “I.thought I told you to keep «From-inside there came & low moan- ing sound—ea wail. Annette broke away from the sur- ‘The wail“inside turned to speech— quavering‘Spanish— “Little - white: angel,” .cried the 'voice,- ‘‘come, - little white angel—and lay your hands on me.- Come quick, before I dte.” CHAPTER XLIL rniclous :Plots. er dark.- Out of'a clump It wasaft of ;trees: upon: & -hill - there sauntered forth-a-man—this man was Ponto. He picked his way carefully—warily. Be: “Mosquitoes,” he said softly to him- He' tucked 'the “word mosquitoes back’in the inmost recesses~of -his ‘'mind and’ went his way. Skirting the<town-he reached fofthe’ Spanish Don. ::From A woman in the window started slightly, and peered out. Ponto" tlambered: up ' to-'the window might: He snjffed -the air. “Ah,” whispered Inez Castro softly, “lI am smeared: with- crude ofl—face and hands and ankles. I am immune. Here, you smear also, Ponto.” mapt” Inez;-“sheihas it still.” a%Yon ¢annot-get it1” Ponto-shook his head. “Not,” he returned, ““until the ‘chief says the " he returned, “fog- | word, What of mine host?” he quer- tunately the ‘Albany is in the road-| fed. stead. I'll fetch over a hospital force. We'll do what: we can. Have you got | he'll-do-anything for coin.” a plece of paper—I want half a dozen sheets. That’s what 1'came here for.” He got them ‘and ‘went on ‘his way. “A blovd-sucker;” -answered Inez; 'Summon ‘him,” said’ Ponto. “More later,”- whispered Ponto, “sit He | down—confer with us.” An hour later Pénto—a black patch ‘of ‘a-hut:in’ the: middle of a'clump-of ery word that he uttered frogn now on He' distributed the sheets of official | contained pertent.—He-knew: what he paper he had obtained from Mayor | was:about. :-In ithe back of-his head # [he had-an.idea—~~baleful -but useful. “Yes,” he said,-“the-mosquitoes ear- ne might call it “Where,” querfed Ponto, “is the “Sofar as T'determine,” answered =4 Not 2 -1 show- hand,” said “They ‘will'tmpeach me=- Ines. mnlese oY 4 ‘The proprietor-was summoned. At the door, at sight of Ponto he started His way lay past the Inn of the Span-| back in surprise. - But Ponto held his il fimger”on his lips, and “exhibited & “Here, Gunner Hardin,” he cried; || multitude ‘of coins:in ‘the open palm “come out in the road and spray ma il:of his hand. - The proprietor-advanced with this.” Neal sprayed him. The }.and-quickly:appropriated: the coin. surgeon sat down in the hotel office and harangued Annette’s party. harrangued them from a distance. “You }* people,” he said, “are in no danger-=! on the background ‘of black ‘night it- ‘gelf—stealthily -pushed ‘open:the door “The little white angel,” went on Ponto as though reciting a lesson. “Eh,” cried Hernandez. “Our young friend of the map— that is what they call her—every- where. The little white angel. She goes about from hut to hut—from fe- ver-stricken patient to fever-stricken patient—yet ‘she survives. But she will answer any call.” He leaned forward. “You under- stand, capitan,” he said, “she will an- swer any call. Let sickness call to her, she goes.” “Ab;” said ‘Hernandez, “that is well. And the gunner—where is he?” “Everywhere—he, too, will answer any call.” “Um,” said Hernandez, “go on—go on.” Ponto’s eyes gleamed. “Ah,” he said, “one mile out of ,town—and through this clump of bushes where ‘we sit—down in yonder hollow—" “Go on,” commanded Hernandez, “what lies down in the hollow by this hing” Ponto shaded his mouth with his hand. “Whisper,” he returned, “whis- per. No one—not even he—shall hear.” For a moment he whispered into the ear of Hernandez. When he had fin- ished Hernandez rose to his feet—with glittering eyes. “It’s here,” he said, in his turn tap- ping his forehead. “I have it. By heaven, this time they shall not get away.” CHAPTER XLIIL Perilous Places. Ten days later Annette Ilington, now called the little white angel even by the shore squad from the cruiser, felt her skirts plucked by a clutching hand. She looked down. -A native—a mere bag of bones in a jumble of rags ~—crouched at her feet. “Little white angel,” whined the na- tive in Spanish—and Annette had learned enough of the tongue to listen to appeals for help—“my daughter— just like you—so kind, and pretty. She lies at death’s door. You have food, you have medicine—and you can lay your hand on her. She will get well. Whidt you have done for oth- ers you can do for her.” An officer from the Albany turned the corner. Annette’s heart leaped. The man was Neal Hardin. “Neal,” she cried, “listen to him— talk to him for me. Ask him where his daughter is—I'll go unless it's too far.” Neal spoke to the man in his native language. The man jabbered back eloguently. - “Only a short distance out of town,” said Neal, “over that hill.” “I'll go,” said Annette. Neal pondered for a moment. “All right,” he said, . “and I'm free just now. I'll go with you.” +« The native leaped to his feet with | alacrity and ran crookedly ahead .of them. Outside of the town they iplunged into undergrowth and then ‘through woods—but the ground was dry and the trail was fairly good. At the door of a hut the native paused and motioned them in. Neal and Anuette entered side by side. In a dark corner was a huddled :shape under a filthy cloth.” Annette sprang toward it. At that instant the ‘native dropped to the ground and clutched Neal's ankles tightly in each ihand. At the same: instant.the hud- idled figure in the corner leaped to its feet—it was no stricken girl—it was Hernandez, with the light of triumph 4n his eyes. And at the same instant . Ponto and the brute sprang into the ray. . . . it was only a matter of a moment ‘wofore-Annette and Neal found:-them- “Little White Angel,” Whirned the Nati\-u. Neal, after a few gasps for breath, ‘| smiled at Annette forlornly. Hernandez stamped his foot. “I will give you two minutes to produce the map of Lost Isle,” he said, “and it it is not then forthcoming. . . . He paused. “Go on,” said Neal, “what then?” At the end of two minutes he thrust his watch back into his pocket. He signed to Ponto. “The helmets,” he commanded, “and the gloves.” Ponto produced two sets of crudely- fashioned head nets and hand gloves made of mosquito netting. Inez had told him how to make them. Hern- andez ' donned one set and Ponto donned the other. Neal and Annette, each with a guard of two behind, were forced to leave the hut, and forced down the trail on the farther side of the small hill, After fifteen minutes’ walk they halted. Ponto spoke sharply to the native who was with them. “Lead on,” he commanded; “you know the way.” “Ah,” said the native, “I and mighty few beside. Be careful now.” Ponto turned to Hernandez. “This,” he said, “is the cause of all the pesti- lence—this is the quagmire at the bot- tom of our hill—mosquito swamp—" “There are not so many mosquitoes here,” returned Hernandez, ‘“not enough in fact.” The native grinned. “Not now—but at night—at night they are legion— they are fiends, foul fiends. And they breed pestilence. On. Follow me.” Back at the Inn of the Spanish Don Neal Hardin's mother began to grow restive—Annette had not returned— Neal was nowhere to be seen. Once the surgeon stepped in an? inquired for Neal. After that Mrs. Hardin made inquiries of her own. No one knew- where he was—no one had seen the little white angel. . . . Out in the swamp Neal and Annette were conducted to a small, swamp islet, green with dark growth—upon which there was barely foothold. “This,” said the native to Fernan- dez, “is the place of which I told: From this there is no escape. Hernandez bowed. “You have chos- en pests and pestilence, your friends,” he said. “Good-night, and pleasant dreams. Now take us back.” Back at the hut, the native was bow- ing low. Hernandez poured - much coin into-his hand. “And mind,” said Hernandez, “close mouth for two days at any rate, you dog.” In one way he was close-mouthed. In another way he . . . well, he started for the nearest tavern, and -bent his elbow with great frequency and every time he bent his elbow he opened his mouth—and to some pur- pose . . . after awhile he began to treat—and talk—and show his money. And then, to prove he was an honest man and no thief, like others there, he began to tell just how he had become 80 very, very rich in such a short space of time . . . they listened to him open mouthed. Among them were men, sober men, whose families had beén ministered to by the angel sent from heaven—a little white angel. One of these men suddenly sprang to his feet and grabbed the boaster by standing struggles, carried him, pell mell, from the wine shop. . . . Back in the Inn of the Spanish Don, the proprietor was protesting that he had not scen Gunner Neal—had not learned of the whereabouts of the lit- tle white angel—Senorita Annette Il- ington. A dozen bluejackets were on hand—the surgeon was there. Mrs. Hardin, wild-eyed in the glare of tue smoky lamps, was sobbing: hysterical- 1y- Inez looked on calmly. Suddenly into the midst of this company was selves bound and’lying mnh-flm Nalaadrtiue Mrs. E. E. Kenfield and daughter, - Pluma, left this morning for Florida where they will spend the balance of the winter visiting; returning to Be- midji some time during the sum- mer. . Be a commuxicy builder. Join the Pay-Up - Week throng. Bemidji Pay-Up Week, Feb. 21-26. Take advantage of a want ad. _—— ©f bones clad in a jumble of: rags. Another native pounced upon him and shook him like a terrier shakes a rat. “This man, senor;” said the sober native, “curses on him—he knows where the little white angel is. Come, he will guide us there. Tell them, you" dog." The dog told. He didn’t want to, bui neither did he like the prick of bayonets through his hide—so he told, and then he led the way. By the time they had reached the outskirts of the town, the whole town was with them. Hernandez, in his hut, heard the commotion. He knew ‘in his -bones what it was. “Come on,” he cried to Ponto, “we're going back into that swamp—I swore they should not get away—you swore it, too.” “How will we get there,” shivered Ponto. “The Brute is a brute,” said Hernan- dez, “where he has been once, he can always find the way. Come. Lead on—lead on.” The Brute, under the usual stimulant of cuffs and blows, led on. Ponto fol- lowed. At the edge of the swamp, Hernandez, with a wicked smile, dropped silently to one side and crawled behind a clump of bushes. Out on that fateful islet in the cen- ter of the quagmire, Neal, his eyes heavy lidded with sleep, was holding Annette in his arms. She was ob- livious. Suddenly he woke her up and sprang to his feet, drawing her with him. 3 “Someone comes,” he whispered. No sooner had he said it than the Brute was upon them. He seized Neal as in a vise. But Neal—a trickster in a wrestling match—wriggled out of his grasp. He seized a heavy stick and lunged at'the Brute. The Brute engaged him once again. Ponto tore the stick away from Neal, and whirl- ing it about his head, brought it down with a resounding crack upon Neal’s head. Neal dropped like a log. Ponto, knowing the reason for haste, turned and looked about him. He was puzzled by Hernandez’ absence. but this was no time to wonder. He drew a knife and started toward Annette. “This time,” he cried, “you shall not get away.” Annette ran, crookedly, hysterical- ly, across the small islet. In another instant she was waist deep in the quagmire, and s#ll sinking. Ponto from terra firma, lunged at her with his knife—but his lunge fell short. Annette struggled away—tried to reach some place of safety. But her way was blocked by a waterlogged piece of wood. Against this she rest- ed, wide-eyed, watching Ponto’s ef- forts—sinking, sinking all the time. For the first time she screamed. The Brute, busy with Neal who lay upon the ground, heard her and swung around. He saw what was happening. Ponto has raised his knife on high. Failing to strike—he was about to hurl it at the girl—and Ponto’s aim was perfect. “ . . . never get away,” snarled Ponto. At that instant the Brute seized a heavy stone in his hand, and the scruff of the neck—and, notwith- He Spied a Figure in a Window. hurled it with tremendous force at him. It grazed bis head, stunning him. The Brute, grasping in his hand 8 sapling, leaned far out from the shore of, the little islet and with one hand grasped Annette, drew her, drip- ping from the quagmire and set her on dry land. i « . . Behind him he heard shouts. [n a frenzy of fear, he seized Ponto’s body, slung it over his shoulder, and then, with the instinct of a brute and not a man, he leaped lightly, but sure- ly, from bog to bog, and disappeared along some pathless trail. Ten minutes later Annetty, in the midst of a motley crowd of tars and natives—and in the glare of many torches, was answering Neal's whis. pered question. ) ” “No, dear,” she whispered back, “they didn’t get - the .map. They couldn’t get it. Last week I gave it —for safe keeping—to the commander of the Albany.” propelled an intoxicated native—e bag And then she fainted dead away. (TO BE CONTINUED) ~ ~ iR S b ji ot