Adventure, November 1915 — page 168: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

166 “Humph! Where did you get your booze, Henderson?” grunted Dacy. “From Ralder,” said Henderson in an anxious voice. “Blast that nigger!’ swore Dacy. “It was he who-handed it out! I suppose he is stretched out drunk somewhere. I'll have a word with him that he will remember! How is that rat I shot, doctor? “His shoulder is smashed,” replied Far-_ ley. “He is out of it. It is a bad business, Captain; both Ralder and Worden were ~ good men.” “T would kill you just as quickly for the same cause,’ was Dacy’s savage state- ment. “No chance. A woman is not my weak- ness,” said Farley. ‘‘But it was foolish to bring a pretty flapper like——” “Shut up!” grated Dacy. “If you have occasion to speak of that young lady you will speak with respect.” “Oh, all right, no offense meant. I only ——” “Now that those dogs are quieted, we may as well get under way,” interrupted Dacy. ‘We have no time to waste if we are to make Bodie Island and transfer the _ stuff before daylight.” “No, the sooner we get there the better,” said Farley. ‘‘I suppose the yacht is already there waiting for us.” “We are only a couple of hours distant; we'll be there before midnight,” said Dacy. “But come aft with me for the moment; I mean to find that nigger and question him. There is something strange about this booze racket.” The four of them moved away aft along the port side, and I listened to the retreating clump of their feet upon the deck-plates. “No time to lose,” whispered Dooin. “T’ll stay here on lookout. If I whistle, made a break for it. Leave Podd—he’ll make out.” I got to my feet and slipped into the chart-room. Podd followed me. The fel- low’s movements were mechanical, like one hypnotized; but his feverish eye and twitch- ing lips proclaimed him alive to the situa- tion. He stepped to the switch and threw it into the sending end. I drew the handful of co- caine pellets from my pocket and placed them upon the table in plain sight. Podd made aninvoluntary start towards them, but with a great effort controlled himself. Great Adventure beads of sweat glistened upon his forehead. He stood by the apparatus, waiting, his eyes fixed upon the drug. ‘‘Are you ready?” I asked. He nodded. “Then send this in the international,’ I instructed. “No trickery, now—I know the code.” He nodded again. “All right, take this: S. 0. S.—S. O. S.—Wasp at Bodie Island— Bodie Island—Have Mauresubia gold——” At my first word Podd splayed his fingers upon the keys, and the juice leaped through the gap with a thunderous crackle, it seemed to me. As I reached “gold,” a quick, sibi- lant whistle checked me. Podd stopped, and I heard a shout from the deck. ~ I leaped for the door, and as I passed through, I had a sidewise glimpse of Podd throwing himself with animal-like ferocity upon the little pellets I had left upon the table. Dooin had vanished. Along the port side came the pounding of feet. The forecastle door was flung open. I dropped to my knees, crawled swiftly to the starboard ladder and slid down it to the deck. I was in the shadow, and safely gained the shelter of the funnels. Feet raced along the port side. Several forms dashed past, opposite to where I crouched. I heard Dacy’s Voice in shouted inquiry. From the bridge came exclama- tions, and Podd’s shrill, protesting wail. I slipped aft, hugging the shadow. I crept around the third funnel and plumped into a man’s arms, “Eh, what—McNeil!” was the startled exclamation in Hot Scotch Henderson’s voice. “By ——! Treachery——” My clutch on his windpipe throttled his outcry to a gurgle. I thrust him backwards against the stack. He struggled furiously. His right arm whipped up, and I caught the sheen of a gun. I clutched his wrist and twisted it fiercely, and the weapon clattered upon the deck. I shifted my grip from his throat to a full neck-lock, and pressed him tome. He clawed frantically, and I felt the breast pocket of my coat rip out. . And then it ended suddenly, and without tragic intent upon my part, God knows. I knew I was fighting for my life, but I had no desire to kill the man, only to overcome CORMEOOOKS (CO)