Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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f * III f. "J; Brew 1 Mill i i Bv GE0R 41 Comptny (I , & Far Into the night there was revelry on board the Flitter, more guests having come out from the city. The dark hours before the dawn of day had arrived before they put off for shore, hut the flshcr boats still were bobbing about In the black waters of the liar-1 bor. The lights gradually disappearNed from the portholes of the yacht, and the tired watch was about to he re- ' llered. Monty Brewster aud Peggy re- 1 rnained on deck after the guests had | gone over the side of the vessel. They were leaning over the rail aft listening 1 to the jovial voices of the visitors as 1 they grew fainter nnd fntnter lu tlio distance. The lights of the town were 1 few, but they could plainly bo seen J from the oftlng. _ "Are you tired, reggy?" naked Brewster, with a touch of tenderness. Somehow of late he had often fel? n strange ! desire to take her In his arms, and now It was strong upon him. She was very . near, and there was a drooping weariness In her attitude which seemed to . demand protection. "I have a queer feeling that something awful Is going to happen tonight, Monty," she answered, trouble In her soft voice. "You're nervous; that's all," ho said, j "and you should go to sleep. Good ^ night." Their hands touched In the darkness, nnd the thrill that went over ? him told a truth of which he had been j ouly vaguely conscious. The power of ? Jfc It made liiui exultant. Yet when he (] thought of l??r nud her too quiet a (Tectlon for him It left him despondent. 0 Something humped against the side (j of the ship, and a grating sound followed. Then came other gentle thuds com- g blued with the soft swish of water dis- ^ tlirh?*i1 PAnrm. .? %#! * . OHO incwHier wore ou | tlio point of going below when their at- ! tentlon wns caught hy these strange j 8I sounds. S( "What is It?" she asked as they pniis- ^ el Irresolutely. He strode to the rail, t< the girl following close behind. Three n sharp little whistles came from above tl and heldud tlieni, hut before they had I time even to speculate ns to their C1 . meaning tlie result wns In evidence. w j j Over the sides of the ship tame shadI owy forms as if hy magic; at their b hacks panther-like bodies dropped to ki the deck with stealthy thuds.-as if com- 0J " ttig from the'Inky sky above. Thenr With nu tiluUrut -O^ drj*n<1rnlin nnd 1" then the crisis. A dozen sinewy fo*""" ZImrled themselves upon Brewster, who, tl .<Ptaken completely by surprise, was in thrown to the deck in n:i instant, his la attempt to cry out for help being elieek- tl ed hy heavy hands, Peggy's scream at was cut oil as quickly, and, paralyzed pi hy terror, she felt herself engulfed in 01 strong arms and smothered into silence, ir It all happened so quickly that there was no chance to give the alarm, 110 op- hi port unity to resist. tl Brewster felt himself lifted hodlly, and then tliere^ vyas the sensation of cl falling. He struck something forcibly tl with all his weight and fell back with ft n crush to the deck. Afterward he g - found that the effort to throw -him T overboard had failed only because his assailants in their haste had buried / lilni against an unseen stanchion, y Peggy was borne forward and low- f ered swiftly into arms that deposited lier roughly upon something hard. 0 There was a Jerky, rocking motion. c the sudden splash of oars, mid thou s she knew uo more. g flu? invaders had planned with a s can (tineas and patience that deserved ^ success. For hours they had waited, ^ silently, watchfully and with deadly assurance. How they crept up to the i ' Flitter In such numbers and how the ? more during came aboard long before j, ^ ^ ^ ' j ' 1 1 I? 1 Taken completely by turprUc. j the blow was struck no one ever ex- 1 plained. So quickly and so accurately I was the abduction performed that the 1 boats were well clear of the yacht I l?efore alarm was given by one of the < watch, who had been overlooked In < the careful ussault. I Sleepy sailors rushed on deck with < a promptness that was amazing. Very < quickly they had found and unbound I Krewster, carpled a couple of wounded shipmates below and had Captain Perry In his pajamas ?n deck to take ! command. < "The searchlight!" cried Brewster 1 frantically. "The devils have stolen i \ BBIbii iijfn in bi ii' a ster's ions 1 G? BARR M'CUTCHEON RICHARD GREAVES) ? * Miss Gray." While swift hands were lowering the bouts for the chase others wero carrying firearms on deck. The searchlight threw Its mighty white arm out over the water before many seconds had passed, and eager eyes wore looking for the boats of the pillagers. The Arabs had reckoned without the searchlight. Their tierce exultation filed suddenly when the mysterious streak of light shot into the sky and then swept down upon the sea, huutIng them out of the darkness like a great nnd relentless eye. The Flitter's boats were in the water and manned by sturdy oarsuien before inc giau cry went up that the robber fleet had been discovered. They vere so near the yacht that It was evident the dusky tribesmen were >oor oarsmen. In the clear light from he ship's deck they could he seen padding wildly, their white robes flutterng as though inspired by fear. There vere four boats, all of them crowded 0 the gunwales. "Keep the light on them, captain!" ihouted Monty from below. "Try to ?lck out the boat that has Miss Gray in board. Pull away, boys! This means 1 hundred dollars to every one of you? es, a thousand If we have to fight for ler!" "Kill every one of them, Mr. Brewter!" roared the captain, who had reIred behind a boat when he became ware of the presence of women on eck. Three boats shot away from the side f the yacht, Brewster nnd Joe Bragon in the first, both armed with rifles. "Lot's take a shot at 'em!" cried a allor who stood In the stern with his uger on a trigger. "Don't do that! We don't know what oat holds Peggy," commanded Brewler. "Keep cool, boys, and be ready to crap if we have to." He was half mad rtth fear and anxiety, and he was dejrmined to exterminate the band of jbbers If harm came to the girl In lelr power. "She's in the second boat!" came the ry from the yacht, and the searchlight 'as kept on that particular object allost to the exclusion of the othei's. ut Captain Perry saw the wisdom of eeplng all of them clearly located in rder to prevent trickery. Brewster's brawny sailor boys came uTronV'the" bo*ats of* the rtigf ves. Three or four shots were fired ito the air by the zbalous American ,ds, and there were loud cries from le Arabs as they veered off panic xlcken. Monty's boat was now In the nth of light and not far behind the ne which held Feggy. He was standig In the bow. "Take care of the others!" he called ack to his followers. "We'll go after le leaders." The response from behind was a heer, a half dozen shots and some of le most joyous profanity that ever fell rom the lips of American sailors, minted with shrieks from the boats they Fere to "take care of." "Stop!" Brewster shouted to the irabs. "Stop, or we'll kill every one of ou!" Ills boat was not more than fifty eet from the other. Suddenly a tall, white robed figure rose in the middle of the Egyptian raft, and a moment later the pursuers aw Feggy's form paused up to hiiu. he was instantly clasped bjf on<S pt ils long urms, aud thu other was lift-1 d high above her. A gleaming knifo vas lield in tbe upraised hand. "Fire on us If you dare!" came in "rench from the tall Arab. "Dog of n American, she shall die if you come icar her!" CHAPTER XXV. BREWSTER'S heart almost ceased beuting, and every vestige | of color left his face. Clear and distinct In the light from lie yacht the Arab and Ids burden vere outlined against tbe black ereou beyoud. There was no lulstakng tho earnestness of the threat, nor ould tbe witnesses doubt tho gliastly ntention of the long, cruel knife that jleanied on high. Doggy's body serv>d as a shield for that of her captor. Jrewster and Rragdon recognized tho nan as ono of Mohnmiued's principal etainers, a fierce looking fellow who md attracted more than usual attention on the day of tho sheik's visit. "For God's sake, don't kill her!" ;rled Brewster in agonized tones, rhere was a diabolical grlu ou the 'ace of the Arab, who was about to ihout back some defiant taunt when the unexpected liappenod, The sharp crack of a gun sounded n the stern of Brewster's boat, and in unerring bullet sped straight for the big Arab's forehead. It crashed jetween his eyes and death must have aeeu Instantaneous. The knife flew !rom his hand, his body straightened ind then collapsed, toppling over, not imong the oarsmen, but across tho funwaio 01 iuc cruii, ui'iurt; it iiuim could be lifted to prevent, tbe dead Arab and the girl were plunged Into the sea. A cry of horror went up from tho Americans and something surprisingly like a shout of triumph from the abauctors. Even as Brewster potsed for tbe spring Into the water a flying form hot past l)im and lg{o the spa with a '< V v " J'. \ ??? ??? resounding splash. The than that flre< the shot had reckoned cleverly, and In was carrying ont the final details of m inspired plan. The Arab's position a: lie stood in the boat was such as t< warrant the sailor's belief that k< could fall no other way than forward and that meant over the side of tin boat. With all this clearly In mind he had shot straight and true and wai on his way to the water almost as thi two toppled overboard. Monty Brewster was in the water ai instant later, striking out for the spot where they had disappeared, a little U the left of the course In which hit boat was running. There was n rattle of firearms, with curses and cheers, but he paid no heed to these sounds He was a length or two liehiml the sailor, praying with all his soul that one or the other might succeed in reaching the white robes that still kept the surface of the water. Ills crew was "backing water". and straining every muscle to bring the boat around sharp for the rescue. The sailor's powerful strokes brought him to the spot first, but not in time to clutch the disappearing white robes. Jnst as he reached out au nrm to grasp the form of the girl she went down. He did not hesitate a second, but followed. I'eggy had fallen from the dead Arab's embrace, and that worthy already was at the bottom of the sea. She was half conscious when the shot came, but the plunge Into the cold water revived her. Her struggles were ruuuKu iu Keep iier up ror n row moments, but not long enough for the swimmers to reach her shle. She felt herself going down and down, strangling, smothering, dying; then something viselike clutched her arm, and she had the sensation of being jerked upward violently. The sailor fought his way to the surface with the girl, and Brewster was at his side In an instant. Together they supported her until 0110 of the boats catue up, and they were drawn over the side to safety. By this time tho abductors had scattered like sheep without a leader, and as there was no further object In pursuing them the little American fleet put back for tho yacht In great haste. Teggy was quite conscious when carried nboard by the triumphant Brewster. The words he whispered to her as she lay In the bottom of tho boat were enough to give her lifo. The excitement on board the Flitter was boundless. Fear gave way to Joy, and where despair had for a moment reigned supreme there was now tho most insane delight. Peggy was bundled below and Into her berth, Dr. Lotless attending her. Brewster and the sailor were carried to a place where hot toddles were to be had before blankets. "You have returned the favor, Conroy," said' Brewster fervently as he loaned across the heads of his bearers to shake hands with the pallor who was sharing tho honors with him. Conroy yvasr grinning from ear to ear . ttflTflte 1 luckier than I thought in saving your life that day." "It wasn't anything, Mr. Brewster," said young Conroy. "I saw a chanco to drop the big nigger, uml then It was up to me to get her out of the water." "You took a big risk, Conroy, but you made good with It. If it bad not been for you, my boy, they might have got nwnv with Miss fJrnv " "Don't mention it, Mr. Brewster; it was nothing to do," protested Conroy in confusion. "I'd do anything In the world for you and for her." "What Is the adage about casting your bread upon the water and getting it back again?" asked Rip Van Winkle of Joe Bragdon as they jubiluutly followed the procession below. There was uo uiore sleep ou board that night. Iu fact, the sun was not long in showing himself after the rescuers returned to the vessel. The daring attempt of Mohammed's emissaries was discussed without restraint, and every sailor had q story to tell of the pursuit uuil rescue, '4'he event furnished conversation food for days and days among both the seamen and tbo passengers. Dan DeMillo blamed himself relentlessly for sleeping through it all and moped for hours because lie had lost a magnilieent chauce to "do something." The next morning ho proposed to hunt for the sheik aud offered to lead an assault in nerson. An iuvestl gat ion was mado, and government officials tried to call Mohammed to account, Uut he had fled to the desert and the search was fruitless, Brewster rofusod to accept a share of the glory of IVggy's rescue, pushing Conroy forward as the real hero. But tho sailor insisted that ho could not have succeeded without help?that ho was completely exhausted when Monty came to the rescue. Peggy found it hard to thank him gently whllo her heart was so dangerously near the riot point, and her words of gratitude sounded pitifully weak and insufficient. "It would have been the same had anybody else gone to her rescue," he mused dejectedly, "f>he cares for me with the devotion of a sister, and that's all. Peggy, Peggy," ho moaned, "if you could only love me, I'd?I'd?oh, well, there's no use thinking about It! Blio wllf love some ono else, of course, and?and be happy too. If she'd ap pear only one-tenth as grateful to me ns to Conroy I'd be satisfied. He bad the luck to be first, that's nil, but (Jod knows I tried to do It." Mrs, Dan DeMllle was keen enough to see how the laud lay, and she at once tried to set matters straight. Bite was far too clever to push her campaign ruthlessly, but laid her foundations and then built cunntngly and securely with tlio most substantial material that came to hand from day to day. . Iler subjects wero taking themselves too deeply to heart to appreciate Interference on the part of an outsider, and Mra. Dnu was wise In the whims of love. Teggy was not. herself for qgveral ? ? , *ww days after her experleuco, and the * whole party felt a distinct relief when 9 the yacht finally left the harbor and 1 steamed off to the west. A cablegram s that came the day before may have 5 had something to do with Brewster's ' depression, but ho was not the sort to * confess It. It was from Kwearengen 9 Jones of Butte, Mont., and there was something sinister In the laconic ad1 monition. It road: ? Brewster, U. S. Consulato. Alexandria: Have a good time whllo good times i last. > JONES. t Ills brain was almost bursting with ' the hopes and fears and uncertainties 1 that crowded It far lieyond Its ordinary * capacity. It had come to the point, It > seemed to him, when the brains of a dozen men at least wore required to 1 operate the affairs that were surging into his alone. The mere fact that the 1 end of his year was less than two months off and that there was more or less uncertainty as to the character of J the end was sufficient cause for wor- | ry, but the new trouble was infinitely ! harder to endure. When he sat down io iniuu over his financial enterprises his iplnd treacherously wandered off to I**?!?!??' Gray, and then everything was hopeless. He recalle<l the courage niv.i The dead Arab and the girl were plunged into the tea. confidence that had carried him to Barbara Drew with a declaration of love? to the stunning, worldly Barbara?and smiled bitterly when he saw how basely the two allies were deserting him In this hour of love for Peggy Gray. For some reason he had felt sure of Barbarn; for another reason he saw no chance with Peggy. She was not the same sort; she was different. She was ?well, she was Peggy. Occasionally his reflections assumed the importance of calculations. Ilis : cruise was sure to cost 5200,000, a princely sum, but not enough. Swear- , I etlgen Jones and his cablegram did not ! for consequences. His one desire, aside | from Peggy, was to increase the cost of the cruise. T1icjt were leaving Gl- , brnltar when a new idea came into his , troubled head. lie decided to change his plans and sail for the North cape, thereby adding more than $30,000 to his credit. CHAPTER XXVI. MONTY was on declc when the inspiration seized him, and he lost no time in telling his guests, who wero at breakfast. Although he had misgivings about their opinion of the scheme, lie was not prepared for the ominous silence that followed his announcement. "Are you In earnest, Mr. Brewster*:" asked Captaiu Perry, who was tlip prat of the company tq recover (rom the surprise.. '.'.Of course I am. I chartered this boat for four mouths, with tlio nrlvi. logo of another mouth. 1 can see 110 reason to prevent us from prolonging the trip." Monty's manner was full of self assurance as he continued, "You people are so in the habit of protesting against every suggestion 1 make that you can't help doiug It now." "But, Monty," said Mrs. Dun, "what If your guests would rather go home?" "Xouseuge; you wpro asked for a tive mouths' cruise. Besides, think of getting home in the middle of August, with every ono away." Bravo as ho was In tho presence of his, friends, In the privacy of his staterooto Monty gave way to the depression that was bearing down upon him. It was the hardest task of his life to go on with his scheme in the face of opposition. He knew that every man uud woman 011 board was against tho proposition, for his sake at least, and it was dltllcult to be arbitrary under the circumstances. Purposely he avoided Peggy all forenoon. Ills single glance at her fnce in the salon was enough to disturb him immeasurably. The spirits of the crowd were subdued. The North cape had charms, but the proclamation concerning it had been too sudden?had reversed too quickly tho general expectation and desire. Many of the guests had plans at home for August, and even those who hud none were satiated with excitement. During the morning they gathered In little knots to discuss the situation. They were all generous, and each ono was sure that lie could cruise Indefinitely If ou Monty's account the new voyago were not out of the question. They felt It their duty to take a desperate stand. The half hearted little gatherings resolved thenisolves Into ominous groups, and In the end there was a call for a general meeting In the main cabin. Cnptain Perry, the first mate and the chief englueer were Included In the call, hut Montgomery Brewster was not to be admitted. Joe Bragdon loyally agreed to keep hhn engaged elsewhere wb.l]e. the meeting t j HAIR S DI5N' 2 Crown, Brid^'ework ar 2 Office over Mutual Do ^ DR. J. M.\vALLACE. | WALLACE < jj| DEisn iff/ Crown and Bridge Work A Specialty. Phone was in progress. The doors wore looked, and a cursory glance assured the chairman of the meeting, Dan DeMille, that no member of the party was missing save the devoted ltragdou. Captain Terry was plainly nervous and disturbed. The others were the victims of a suppressed energy that presaged subsequent eruptions. "Captain Terry, we are assembled j for a purpose," said DeMille, clearing < ids throat three times. "First of all, ! as we understand it, you are the sail- j iug master of this ship. In other j words, you are. according to maritime | law the ^? -* , ui ?nis expedition. You alone can give orders to tbo sailors. and you alone can clear a port. Mr. Brewster has uo authority except tli.it vested in a common employer. Am I correct?" "Mr. DcMille, if Mr. Brewster in strueis me to sail for the North rape I shall Uo so," said the captain firmly. "This boat is his for the full term of the lease, and I am engaged to sail her with my crew until the 10th of next September." "We understand your position, captain, und I am sure you appreciate ours. It Isn't that we want to end a very delightful cruise, but that we regard it ns sheer folly for Mr. Brewster to extend the tour at such tremendous expeuse. lie Is?or was?a rieh man, but It Is impossible to Ignore the fact that he is plunging much too heavily. In plain words, we want to keep him from spending more of his money on this cruise. Do you understand our position, Captain Perry?" "Fully. I wish with all my soul that I I eould help you and him. My bands ' are tied by contract, however, much ns I regret It nt this moment." "How does the crew feel about this additional trip, captain?" usked DcMille. "They shipped for five mouths and will receive five months' pay. The men have been nandsoinely treated, nnd they will stick to Mr. Brewster to . tho end," said the captain. i _"ThCre Is no chance for a mutiny, i nckml Smltli r^scrftlfllllv (i Tly> i fortable. "Apparently the only way la the one suggested by Mr. Smith this morning," said Mrs. Dan, speaking for the women. "No one will object, I am sure, If Captain Perry nnd his chief officers are allowed to hear the plan." "It is very necessary, in fact," said Mr. Valentine. "We cannot proceed without them. But they will agree with us, I am sure, that it Is wise." An hour later the meeting broke up. and the conspirators made their way to the deck. It was a strange fact that no one went alone. They wore In groups of three and four, and the mystery' that hung about them was almost perceptible. Not one was willing to face the excited, buoyant Brewster without help. They found strength and security In companionship. Peggy was the one rebel against the , conspiracy, nnd yet she knew that tho others were justified in the step they proposed to take. She reluctantly Joined them in the end, but felt that she wns the darkest traitor In the crowd. Forgetting her own distress over the way In which Monty was squandering his fortune, she stood out the one defender of his rights until the end and then admitted fearfully to Mrs. DeMlllo that she had been "quite unreasonable" in doing so. Alone lu her stateroom after signing the arrangement she wondered what he would think of her. She owed him so inuch that she at least should have stood by him. Sho felt that he would be conscious of this. How could sho have turned against him? llo would not understand ? of course he would never understand. And he would hnte her with the others?more than the others. It was all a wretched muddle, and she could not sec her way out of It. Monty fouud his guests very difficult. They listened to his plans with but little interest, and be could not but see that they were uncomfortable. The situation wns new to their experience, and they were under a strain. "They ! mope around like a lot of pouting boys and girls," be growled to himself. "Hut it's the North capo now In spite of everything. I don't care If the whole crowd deserts me. My mind Is made un." Try as he would, he could not see I'^ggy alone. Ho had much that he wanted to any to her, and ho hungered for the consolation her approval would hrlng hiin, but she clung to Pettingill with a tenacity tliat was discouraging. The old feeling of Jealousy that was connected with Como again disturbed him. "She thinks that I am a hopeless, brainless Ullot," he said to himself. "And I don't blame her eiJlier." Just before nightfall he noticed that his friends were assembling in the bow. Ah he started Jo join the group Subway Smith and DcMiilc advanced to meet him. Some of the others were smiling a little sheepishly, but (lie two men were pictures of solemnity and dc^ & HAIR, : riSTS. 2 id Regulating a Specialty. 5 r Goods Co., Union, S. C. J I)R. H. L. FELLERS. g| k FELLERS, 1 PISTS. t| Offices: Rooms 1 and 2 wk\ 117. Nicholson Building. Mf 1 cislon. | "Money," msii<l De.Millc steadily, "we have been conspiring against you and have deeided Hint we sail for New ' York tomorrow morning." : Brewster stopped short, and the expression on his face was one they nevi or could forget. Bewilderment, uncerj tainty am" in succeeded each other like flashes light. Not a word was spoken for several seconds. The red of humiliation slowly mounted to his cheeks, while in his eyes wavered the look of one who has been bunted down. "You have decided?" he asked lifelessly. and more than one heart went out in pity to him. "\Vo hated to do it. Monty, but for your own sake *imr? ? iiu uuier way," saiil Subway Smith quickly. "Wo took a vole, and there wasn't a dissenting voice." "It is a plain case of mutiny, I take It." said Monty, utterly alone and heartsick. "It isn't necessary to tell why we have taken this step," said DeMllle. "It is heartbreaking to oppose you at this stage of the game. You've been the best ever and"? "Cut that!" cried Monty, and his confidence in himself was fast returning. "This is no time to throw bouquets." "We like you, Brewster." Mr. Valentine came to the chairman's assistance because the others had looked at hint so appoalfngly. "We like you so well that we can't take the responsibility for your extravagance. It would disgrace us all," "That side of the matter was never mentioned," cried Peggy Indignantly and then ndded, with a catch in her voice, "We thought only of you." "I appreciate your motives, and I am grateful to you," said Monty. "I am more sorry than I can tell you that the cruise must end in this way, but 1, too, have decided. The yacht will take you to some point where you can catch a steamer to New York. I shall secure passage for the entire party, and very soon you will be at borne. C?n(?ln VC.U' l>u _ - lilt-nine nwnv .lrOHiomtnlr wlmn e..K way Smith detained him. "What do you mean by getting a steamer to New York? Isn't the Flitter good enough?" lie asked. "The Flitter is not going to New York just now," answered Brewater firmly, "notwithstanding your ultimatum. She is going to take me to the North cape." [to be contibcto.] PERT PARAGRAPHS. Some men love their neighbor as themselves, but the trouble is that they also love their neighbor's dollar better. If you wait too long for a good chance, when it happens along you wilt he so rusty in the hinges that you can't hah it before some one else does. When n hoy doesn't know whnt else to do, ho proceeds to hand out nervous prostration to the other members of the family. A sharp speech punctures many uu intlatcd gab bag. The beauty of much present day preaching and political spouting is that no one Is expected to take it seriously. It is easier to eliml> on to ft pedestal than it is to stay there. It is a dog in the manger thnt won't do what he can do because he can't do what he wants to. The more familiar you become with some people the less you understand them. The ingenuity of a boy is not taxed to Its utmost until be has had a quarrel with his sweetheart. Effect of Dyspepsia. "I fear there is n spy In our midst." "Cheer up! It Is only ft pie in your midst." Mean of Him. She?She's a horrid flirt. Lie?Attractive girls usually are. * .