THE Kidnapped Millionaires:

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XII, Issue 1885, 4 November 1904, Page 2

THE Kidnapped Millionaires:

A TALE OF WALL STREET & THE TROPICS.

Copyright, 1901, by Lotrop Pmbiishing Co. All rights reserved.

rContinued.

By FREDERICK U. ADAMS.

tempt. It evidently is his intention thiii we remain wiiere we are for an indefinite period. It is impossible to forecast what vagary his fancy may talfe. I doubt if he came near the bungalow last night. If it is his idea to keep us on the island and supply us with luxuries, he will object to the construction of such a boat as we now have under way. There is nothing to prevent his quietly coining in some night and towing ‘The Jumping Jupiter’ out to sea. This would be a calamity and we must run no chances. The yawl he has given us, is not seaworthy for more than three men. If necessary, I am ready to make the trip to the mainland in the yawl, but our best plan is to remain together and finistT our boat. In the meantime, we should guard it at night. I suggest that we detail two men to night work on the boat. They can work with lanterns and guard our property at the same time." “We will do that,” said Mr. Morton. “I 'Will gladly take the night shift for a time. Who will go with me?" All volunteered, and Mr. Morton selected Mr. Haven as his companion. CHAPTER XXII. THE ESCAPE FROM SOCIAL ISLAND The boat was rapidly nearing completion. They tested their work by weighing the hull down with rocks, but no leaks were, disclosed. Each of the eight compartments seemed to be water-tight, and provision was made that in case of a leak the faulty one could be bailed out.

It had been hoped to finish “The Jumping Jupiter” by Saturday night, but this was found impossible. A hoovy rain set in Saturday evening and continued all day Sunday. The duy was spent in reading, and Monday morning found all much refreshed, and ready to complete the preparations for departure. There were occasional showers during the day, but it was cool. It was found possible to work without tlm usual afternoon respite. When six o’clock came Mr. Cannody inspected the “Jumping Jupiter” and announced that the boat was finished.

Candor compels the admission that “The Jumping Jupiter” was ns ugly a craft as ever stood-ready to put out to sea. In comparison, a canal boat was a model of grace, and a Hudson rh or raft would hesitate to recognise the prototype evolved by the builders on Soqial Island. The onlypaint was that used in outlining the name on the opposite sides of the cabin. “The Jumping Jupiter" is easily described. Imagine a 40-foot seow supporting a 24-foot cabin on top of which there were two short masts. These masts supported two lateen sails made of striped window awnings, and the sail-makers madeno attempt to preserve any uniformity of design in connecting the stripes. As Mr. Kent remarked, the

sails looked “like two teams of convicts engaged in a football scrimmage.” There were thwart* for three oars on each side of the boat. A long oar served as a rudder and a crude windlass supported the rock anchor. But what “The Jumping Jupiter” lacked in beauty she made up in staunchness and utility. There was no chance for her to flounder.

“The Jumping Jupiter is all right,” said Mr. Kent, as they stood off and surveyed this marine wonder. “But I object to calling the Jumping Jupiter a ‘she.’ There is nothing effeminate about this boat. We will call it a ‘he.’ It is a wonderful boat. It is also a submarine boat, isn’t it, Vincent?”

“It started oat that way,” said Vincent, with a grin. “I hope he won’t repeat that performance.” During the evening they placed such furniture and bedding on board as was needed. For two day-s Vincent and Mr. Pence bad been cooking in preparation for the voyage. They had provided huge joints of roast beef, and enough bread to last a week or more. They placed in the storeroom of “The Jumping Jupiter” a store of canned meats and vegetables, huge bunches of bananas, pawpaws and other tropical luxuries. Everything which w uld hold water was pressed into service. Several casks of fresh water were placed in the hold, as also were extra stores 01' food, in case a storm should wash the cabin overboard. In that event it was proposed that all should seek shelter below and trust to luck and a sandy beach. The new dinghy was lashed to the roof of the cabin. There was one thought which disturbed the prospective voyagers, though none mentis.ned it. Where was Hester and tin- “Shark," and would he interfere with their departure? Hud he observed their preparations for escape? They could not hope to make any effective fight against recapture, but every- man swore to himself to resist such an outrage to the last extremity. That Monday night Sidney and Mr. Kent climbed the cliffs and scanned the sea. There was no ship or craft in sight, but for all they knew the “Shark" might be anchored behind the cliffs which jetted out from the opposite horns of the crescent which limited their range, of vision north and south. At a conference it was decided to put out to sea about 11 o’clock the following forenoon, unless the wind and weather ah- ■! it -ly precluded sueh a risk. At this hour the tide was favorable, since it wung with a strong current to tin north. They aimed to circle the i.-l oid to the nortli and head straight for the mainland; which in their opinion was not more than 150 miles to the west or southwest. “By the way.” said Sidney, *fliave |To ba Lootiuued.