Argosy All-Story Weekly, May 5, 1928 — page 95: what you’re looking at

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

RED “ My guess is that the steamer struck the tow rope, not hard enough to break that steel cable, but enough to jerk the bow of the barge around and dump us overboard. In the excitement no- body saw us. We had no business on the bow anyway.” ‘That skipper won’t care what hap- pens to us. Do you suppose we’re going to die, Les?” “We're not dead yet,” said his friend grimly. “Don’t talk much. Save your breath.” For awhile they were silent, mov- ing legs and arms gently, floating much, although the water was a trifle rough for comfortable floating. ‘“T see the stars,” Chipmunk, lying on his back, said suddenly. “Yes, and I see ship’s lights. The fog has lifted. That’s a break for us; ‘“ See the barges?” “Yes, over there. They’re a couple of miles away, by the look of them. And there’s the steamer that did the damage. She’s farther away. I see a lighthouse, a revolving light, but it’s very dim. It must be ten or twelve miles off.”’ “We could never swim that far,” sighed Arthur. “ Not a chance. Probably currents would carry us away from it.” “Tf we could float until daylight we might have a chance. Nobody could see us in the dark.” Les made a_ mental calculation. Dawn was six or seven hours off; it was possible they might last until then, but he doubted it. However, he said nothing. Doubtless Colter knew. Silence for a time. “Tt’s awful to die like this,” Arthur said, a break in his voice. ‘‘ Nobody will ever know what became of us. I wonder if Hilda will care.” “Did you ever say anything to her?” | “No-o, but I think she knew the way I felt.” HOT. 661 ‘“ She’s a fine girl,” Les sighed. “I have nobody, unless Nora—I never said anything to her either. We always kidded together, but I guess I was get- ting very fond of that little girl. She was such a good sport!” “To think they’ll never know what became of us! Jook, Les, there’s a searchlight. It’s gone.” A flash had swept the sea a couple of miles away and instantly vanished. ‘“T didn’t see it. Where was it?” Arthur pointed, and they stared in- tently, but the light did not appear again. Several minutes passed. ‘T hear a motor, but can’t see any- thing,” Les cried excitedly. ‘‘ Listen!” They strained their ears. The puff- puff-puff of a motor was distinct and seemed to be growing louder. “It’s coming this way,’ Les ex- claimed. “ Be ready to yell your lungs out. Strange we can’t see its lights.” Now the sound of a powerful gas engine was very distinct. “Tt’s a rum runner,” Chipmunk said bitterly. ‘‘ They'll never pay any at- tention to us.” “Sssh. I see her. Look?!” They could make out a moving shape coming directly toward them, a low, black object on the black sea, which was leaving a white streak in its wake. “Rum runner all right. In a minute they'll pass,” Les declared. “ We'll yell anyway. Wait till I give the word.” The thing was close at hand—a long, low, black motor boat driving through the water at terrific speed, and with- out lights. It was less than a hundred yards away. “Now!” cried Les. Both men opened their eyes wide and uttered shrieks that were inspired by the energy of despair. Whizz! The thing went by without slackening speed! TO BE CONCLUDED NEXT WEEK (E@) Ebhoo (EO)