The weekly sun. (New York [N.Y.]) 1851-1869, 1862-06-07
CHAPTER V.
THE FIRE STEAMER.

The halt wited boy stood at the foot of the
pilo,-house, concealed from the oberservation Of
capt. Halcom, and watched him rs he pro-
certcd towards the shore. lie put his hand on
the knob OF the cabin door, and producing key
aud inserted 1t in tho lock, IA ii intending to
open II, at the same time looking around and
listening The next moment he withdrew the
key and returned ii to his pocket.
u" mousht scar err he muttcred. "That
aint the way ter dot !"
lie watched lIalcom u moment longer and
crossed the deck to door just in front Of the
smoke pipe, and entered the main saloon. lie
soon rcappeared bearing in his hands a small and
having delicate wire ribs. When launched, this
structure seemed mere cockle-shell in size, but
1t was buoyant and strong, and the boy sprang
into II with fearlessness which showed that he
had often tried Its merits. Taking q couple Of
little paddles from under the seat Ia its centre,
Jude padded rapidly after Halcom, keeping him
continually in view.
When Halcom reached tho beach, he went d.
rectly to the police headquarters aud inquired
for Major Goss. Learning that the Major was
at Crops hotel, he proceeded thithortin hurry
and found him on the wa.ch for Col. Wayne,
whose non-return was beginning to annoy him,
besides rendering him suspicious. The arrival
Of his employer inspirited him, and he hastencd
to explain how matters stood.
The girls up stairs, he said. "Thought
I'D retain her ~ bait to catch her father"
"Oh, you did !" rejoined Halcom, with his
mtable placidity.
EYES, As to the Colonel, he's gone--I havnt
the least idea where. Mr.. Crops said he went
out for 4 walk before night and hasn't come
back T.
Indeed I" said Halcom, thoughtfully. "I'm
sorry. tell YOU what It's, Major, wo must act
with more energy"
VERY well. But what Of the prisoners taken
| this afternoon p
They're spies, Of course. The taller Of the
two's a regular Yank named Winthrop-the
same fellow who was visiting the Colonel and
| his daughter, year or two ago. lie was even
engaged to marry the girl u
liza then | understand EN- !" exclaimed
Goss. ats plot between EN- I"
"Of course Doubtless the Colonel is now
absent on business OF his own. Pr'aps the man 4
in communication with Commodore Dupont him.
| self! Shouldn't wonder ii they are plotting to
strike blow at Brunswick Pr'aps the Col,
onel', now meeting the Commodore somewhere
on the Coast or In the woods You see, Major
great games going on around us. We We must
undoubtedly person Of not among the fed
who're bloekading our ports. Have you search
oil them p
! No. liavn't had time--hecn drling-bu
I'll tend to it right away"
m satisfied that tlis Winthrop is com
mandant, and You cant hold him too secure.
can get the crews necessary II 90 to SEA will
I the cotton fleet to-night-or tomorrow nigh. =
o while this mans In limbo. The very bollnes
u with which he comes here shows that he's
h right hand man. must slip to sea while he
n our prisoner -
=, :, "Can't--hsynt time, AS to the Colone
ii make every effort TO lind him. | bclievo j.
could take him aboard the brig, and treat hil
l. with rigor, he'd reveal the plot !"
1t Just the thing Why not I"