The Rock Island daily Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1872-1873, 1873-12-04

mother sense. there was nothing strange
bout it; it was simply another case of
Lost at sea How many life has end
ID to all earthly ken with that brief an
But, what is it that is going
m ashore to the west'a of us?" he ad-
led, as vast blaze illuminated the horizon
n that quarter. Looks like house |
afre,
Yes, sir, it does, " assented Denny.
And it is house afre,n affirmed Cant. |
Morrison, after long look through his
glass. And it's curious that none of
the savages who are running about make
the least effort TO put it out.
Aud now that look again, it
seems to me that the burning house is ex-
actly in the direction of the one Mr.. Fortes-
cue occupied
Denny Breeze turned pale at this sug-
gestion.
''Oh, hope not, sir p he exclaimed.
1t would be horrible if Ellie Fortescue
should be in such trouble" said Denny af
ter long look shoreward. There seems
10 be a great deal of jumping and dancing
around that fire, and not soul doing any,
thing as / can see toward putting 1t out.
Guess I'll go below now and get a bit
of sleep, Mr., Buncle," said Captain Nor
rison to his seeond-mate. Call me if any
thing happens.
And with this the commander with
drew.
He had scarcely gone when Mr.. Buncle,
the second mate approached one ofthe sea
men under his charge, and said:
Now is our chance, Bill. If you'll call
Tom and the rest for ard, we'll soon
arrive at some conclusion. My opinion is
that we had better give the old tub the
slip tonight"
But the cap'n thinks as how the saw
ages may be at this blessed minute kill
ing of the missionaries on the island, re-
monstrated Bill, energetically.
Il think we had better see Tom and the
rest, and make our escape Immediately,
while the old man is snoozing.
Good Let's move at once.
Half hidden by sundry hamper at the
foot of the ain-shrouds, Denny Breeze
had listened to every word of this CONVEX
sation.
"A general desertion, eh?'' said Denny
to himself, as he saw the perfdious second
mate becoming the centre of a little knot
of eager men forward. This thing won t
work. my fine fellows.
He lost no time in entering the cabin
and proceeding directly to the command
er's state room. The old sea-dog was just
in the act of turning in.
why, what ails you, Denuyf' he cried.
You are pale
! Perhaps have reason to be. Mr. Bun
Gle and a good share of the men are hatch
: ing up plot to leave the schooner in the
long-boat and make the island y
What i-to-night p
, Yes. sir-to-night. Now is our time,
they say, while the old man is sleep
ing.
: The commander slipped noiselessly from
the cabin, aud soon his voice was heard up
on the torecastle. The truth was he haC
&, waited unseen and silent until the cOnspir
atorS were about to resort to the measure
c of getting out the long boat, and then h
had fallen upon them with all the sterl
c authority Of his position and the still stern
G err authority Of his character
A few minutes only the din lasted, an,
u then the commander slipped back to tn
cabin.
y I've fixed them, he muttered, as b
c rubbed his hands gleefully together. =
!, waited till they were getting QUO the long
G boat, and then | went for them You ca
+ imagine how Buncle is cut up. Mr. Ski
: is now in charge of things. Here, Stew
y ard
The steward Immediately responded {
+ the call.
Make me my usual favorite punch, ad
ded the commander, and let us have
+ while it is hot
e The steward bowed understandingly, an
set about obeying the order.
= After remaining alone in the cabin a
hour or so. musing intently upon all b
: had seen in the direction of the islanC
Denny Breeze again took his way to tn
deck, which seemed to him singularly dar
" and deserted
The wind had fresheued notably.
y chopping sea had arisen. and the vess
a was laboring more than she had done t,
several days preceding The heavens we
ID nearly obscured BY mist Of impending raj
is it you, Pete?' asked voice as De
d ny emerged from the cabin
Pete was the colored steward
r Motifs me-the passenger, Mr. Breeze
ie answered Denny.
lie "Oh. it's you. eh ?" said the volee, viii,
a our hero how recognized as that of NJ
TO Buucle An right,siu. thought it W
& Pete
Advancing upon the deck, Denny Bree
D continued to look around him, awaiting
the schooner to tack forward again.
re "A rough night, Mr. Breeze said t
~ mate.
lg Yes. sir, quite rough. he responde
h, ''Do you know where the capn is p "
the next question of Buncle.
ees ''Abed and asleep sir.
DIS DO you know how sleepy he is? B
of course you don't, and SO | will tell 20
or he is as Sleepy as good dose of medici
can make him"
he DO you mean to say he has be
", drugged p asked Denny.
re That's Just what / mean TO say.
good dose of medicine was puu in the pun
III Pete made lust before the old man turn
ng in.
Ter 1t was easy enough for Denny to see,
ed this time, that something wrong was taxi
m place-that at the very least the villany
, had interrupted was gathering head aga
ne i know not why you tell me this, $
Denny, but ! know that III soon see
ge myself # you are telling me the truth
az He turned toward the cabin.
Softly One moment said Bunt
ne, advancing nearer II want to speak W,
NJ further with You, my young gentleman.
all Say on. then!
re- What have to say is this, said B
-a- Gle Did you not tell Capt Morrison t
ey- |, and Tom and and Bill and some 9th
zen Of the crew, we're about TO run away in
he long boat
re- Denny was not pleased with the situati
Ty especially as several of the intended ru
let ways had gathered about him, but his W,
=. soul inaccesssibleto fear. and, he responds
a. Yes told Captain Morrison of your
tended fight What of it ?
ing You shall soon see, my young bantau
IND said Buncle, with suppressed passi
'nd The long-buat is in the water, duly 7
visioned and stored, and we are read
OF push off in her "
he But Mr.. Skill?" cried Denny look
led around excitedly. where is Mr. Skill
ng He referred to the executive, in VIII
left charge Capt Morrison had left the yes