Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1870-05-12
CHAPTER IL.


Splash! splash splash --one Ter another. all had
walked overheard, To 20 down the dark waters, ex
cept Merton and Tom Crab.
The former, conducted to the edge OF the panking
about to suffer the tate of his companions when
the young captain sprung forward and with one vigor
Gus push sent the plank over into the water,
The taller man uttered cry of rage, but the other
hung upon his pleading, in his native tongue,
Tor the lives OF the TWO remaining,
They we're not Britons-they we're Americans he
cried in English, as he glanced at the prisoners
AT your sarvice," answered Tom Crab but what's
the dinrence as to the country OF them that to
jabber in tother worldY'
AT length the taller man seemed affected by his
Your lives arc spared" he said-''that is-for the
preaentln
BY midnight, the vessel having been sacked of all
vauables the prisoners taken aboard the French
alter which the St George scuttled and sunk
Next day, at about noon, the captured ones were
brought deck, TO behold the little vessel anchored
in bay nearly screened from the by thick mass
of beautiful banana and other trees that frngad its
shores
The view was beautiful
Upon this peak Merton's keen eye detected what ap
peared in the distance TO be the ruins OF tower GOV
cred with heavy, creeping vines, through which small
windows, catching the rays OF the rising sum- flashed
with diamond like briiancy.
beautiful" involuntarily burst from the lips OF
Grace
'Ay beautiful, indeed" said musical voice behind
or, when, turning, she oeheld the young pirate cap
lie was even more fancifuly arrayed than on the
Eyes" no continued, 'this is a beautiful spot
spot acrea TO me- be added, with sign, "as It was
here mat was born"
"you said you were born here?n remarked Richard
Merton
Yes" answered the other, sadly "and it was herr
my mother d ed, after my poor father was killed.
He set his VIII te teeth together as he said this, and
his ey seemed to flash ghtning
The tall, dark man who has been SPOKEN Of now
made his APPEARANCE from forward. where he had
been snperintet ding some work about he anchors.
IL gave all present the benefit OF q dark saowl.
THIS rs my FIRST Lieutenant Lemuel Eravo.n said
the captain, in his musical voice land may as well
tell yoq irst as last that my name-or at least the
name sail undsr--is MAREAU!"
"You shall be well leated while remain here.n
sald Naroau turning hls 'dmring glance upon Grace.
70 begin with, vi take ope ashore, at once,
and erect dwellings, for yo1r q, 1oinmodation"
N eepin, guard over us while We are in 'em |
s'uosen said Grab
I'VE will be obliged to do that But not SO as to in
terere with your movements, otherwise tnan to pre-
vent your leaving the island"
He order d the cutter lowered, and manned, after
which he directed 1t ashore.
Soon the three persons were in the boat, which was
rapidly pulled ashore
The shelters which had been erected we're found to
be two in number ana built OF canvas boughs, and
leaves in such manner as to keep off the rain and
"iherel" said Mareau, as he turned to depart 81
hope YOU may N AXE yourselves comfortable "
S. he spoke strain OF peculiar music came float
ESQ YOU have musicians on the islandY, said Mer.
ton, while the soft of Grace beamed with delight
"es answered Mareau, gently, "and hope il mag
soothe your sister in her troubles"
1T seems TO come from that direction said Mer.
ton, pointing towards the ruins upon tbs mountain
"Yss; the Dark Ladys midstrels are at their
work.
And who is the Dark Lady, asked Merton
"She l. prophecies" replied Mareau, "a strange
being, who has made solemn vow remain sing an
her te from peculiar disl Ike che takes to the other
sex. She sees no man, except her brother. who now
stands be ore you | am he. Others have attempted
tg get to her, but their temerty has cost them their
Ives"
Mareau f-owued, but enconn' ering the soft glance
OF G ace hertoa he controlled himself and turning
moved sway.
II sha prove this matter" said Merton to Crab, af.
ter Grace.hsd retired to her apart uet TT shall pay
visit to tho ruins this very nght IL all sounds Ike
. fairy tale, which chant believe until il with
am 20 with We "said Grab slap ing his knee en-
seem as your sentiments is mlne, ex-
a9 &,,I ,oo h. afraid 70 remain ,o,. ,Ioro ,,.
wheyn Merton inquired of his sister
"Oh, nd, she answered, hastily; II confident
that he mean that young captain-vill allow moth
ing to IN lest me.n
Scsrcely bad the moon risen, VII n. followed by
Grab, the young man set out upon his exposition
Tue ascent, family lighted by the moon, was steep
and hazardous at leas1 three hundred and hty feet
1t th,cky covered by growth OF cedars aud b.
trees, which proiuded in crooked fantastic shapes
from crevices in the rocks,
Just they reached the foot of the wall. however
a strange, muiled roar was heard, and the head of
hideous looking person was thrust above the rampant
II was II x head, with huge mouth great uishap
ears, large teeth and forehead distgu ed by an
ugly scar!
Away or you're dead mem" came from the head in
deep, gutteral tones
,.rhros US rope, bat your eyesl" exclaimed Grab
"Baugln went pistol the bal passing within en-
inch OF the 8, eaker's temple
The tramp OF hasty feet wac heard, concealed door
IN the wal 1uug open, tor, hes flashed and the
fine looking fellows, no ding cutlssses pointed al their
hearts.