The Conservative. (M'connelsville, Ohio) 1866-1871, 1870-05-13

'YOu shall be well treated while we remain here
said Mareau, turning his admiring glance upon
Grace. "TO begin, 1 will take soDe one ashore at
once, and erect dwellings for your ccommOdatiOn. -
"Keepin' guard over US while we are in 'em, ]
s'pOse ?" said Crab.
1--WE will be obliged to do that. But not so as to
interfere with your movements, otherwise than to
prevent your leaving the island"
BE entered the cutter lowered, and manned, after
which he directed il ashore.
Soon the three persons were in the boat, which
was rapidly pulled ashore.
The shelters which had been erected were found
to be two in number, and built of canvass, boughs
and leaves, in such a manner as to keep OF the
rain and sum-.
There % said Mareau, as he turned to depart.
81 hope you may make ourselves comfortable.
AS he spoke, a strain Of peculiar music came
floating through the air.
$50 you have musicians on the island 2" said
Merton, while the soft eyesof Grace beamed with
delight.
Yes" answered Mareau, gently, ''and 1 hopeit
may soothe your sister in her troubles I"
alt seems to come from that direction" said
Merton, pointing towards the ruins upon the noun
tain top.
eyes; the DARK Lady's' minstrels are at their
work."
aAnd who is the Dark Lady ?" INQUIRED Merton.
"She is our prophe:ess,' replied Mareau, ga
strange being, who has made a solemn vow to re-
main single all her life, from a peculiar dislike she
takes to the other sex. She sees no man, except
her brother, who now stands before you. / am he.
Others have attempted TO get to her, but their te-
merity has cost them their liVesl"
A plaguey nOnsensel" exclaimed Crab, put
ting his arms a-kimbO; "d'ye expect civilized crea-
tur's like us TO blieve that2'
Mareau frowned, but encountering the soft
glance Of Craze Merton, he controlled himself, and
urning, moved away.
'Ishall prove this matter" said Merton to Crab,
after Grace had retired to her apartment-"I shall
pay a visit to those ruins this very night"
"Ill go with ye," said Crab, slapping his knee,
alphabetically, 'seein' as your sentiments is mine,
exactly"
viii yOu be afraid to remain here alene, for q
little while p Merton inquired of his sister.
"Oh, mol" she answered hastily; ~ am coma
dent that he-I mean that young c~aptain-v1l al
low nothing to modest me-"
Merton explained.
Scarcely had the moon risen, when, followed by
Crab the young man set out upon his expedition.
The ascent, family lighted by the moon, was
steep and haZardous-at least three hundred and
fifty feet. 1t was thickly covered by a growth of
cedars and other trees, which protruded in crook
ed, fantastic shapes from crevices in the rocks.
Just as they reached the foot of the wall. howev-
er. a strange, mufied roar was heard, and the head
Of a demonstrating person was thrust above the
rampant.
It was 4 fiat head, with a huge mouth, great miss
happen ears, large teeth, and a forehead disigured
by an ugly scarf
"Away, or you're dead men I" came from the
head, in deep, cultural tones.
Throw usa rope, blast your eyesl" exclaimed
Crab-'Comel lively therel"
"Bang!" went a pistol, the ball passing within
an inch Of the speakers temple.
The tramp of hasty feet was heard, q concealed
door in the wall was flung open, torches flashed,
and the next moment the two men were surround
ed by a dozen fnelooking fellows, holding cutlass.
es pointed at their heartsl