The Portland daily press., 1874-09-19
49, (ooNCLUDED.l
"Tricks that are vain.''
CHAPTER v.

CHAPTER V.
About the same time that our friend Jake
made the startling discovery recorded in the
last chapter, Capt. Skillins and the detective
were engaged in private interview in the
apartments of the latter gentleman.
"And So" said Obadiah continuing the
conversation, eyou have made no more yet9"
'Nothing of Importance" answered Sharp
sey, have set some inquiries on foot, how
ever, which may give us a clew."
"Oh," said Skillins, slipping his rum and
water with a great show Of Indifference,
''Some inquiries eh? and whereabouts mi ght
these inquiries be located, for instance?"
'Located? Oh, weIl-principally in the
direction of Fortress Monroe" replied Sharp
sey.
Fortress Monroe" repeated Obadiah.
"Jess SOL see-and you have heard nothing
yet?"
Nothing" said Sharpsey.
''Likely to hear soon?' inquired the
captain.
Cant tell" said Sharpsey. "Perhaps in
week."
''Well now cunnel," said Obadiah, I'll tell
you what think of doin'."
"Yesa" said the detective with interest.
eyes," said Obadiah, can't waste my
time loafing around here waiting for news,
and you don't want me for anything, so I'll
slip across to Chester and load the Turtle
and be back in time for anything that turns
up. How's that?"
81 see no objection to the plan,'' answered
the colonel. SIN fact I think it good idea"
'!All right cunneI," said Skillins, am off,
and if you want me just send word and I'll
be here in no time"
GAIL right" said the detective, and Cap
tain Skillins departed to carry out his project.
81 calculate fixed that little game" mu-
sed Obadiah as he proceeded in the direction
of. his vessel. 'sFortress Monroe" he continued
in thoughtful tone. ''Jess so. Things
seem to be settin' in that direction with
vengeance. Jake was goin' to Fortress Mon
roe; Sharpsey's little inquiries are goin' on
at Fortress Monroe. The pirates landed near
there, and on the whole reckon yours truly,
Obadiah Skillins, might as well shape his
course for that ere locality and take squirt
at things. Just as well to keep an eye on
these fellars aud that's fact;'' with which
satisfactory and wise summary of the case
he stepped on board the Turtle and proceeded
to business.
Early the next morning, the cargo now
being all out, Captain Skillns proceeded to
get under way in accordance with his plans
as stated to Colonel Sharpsey. While busily
engaged in overhauling some of the running
rigging and profanely lamenting the absence
of his mate which devolved much extra work
upon himself, he was suddenly hailed by
familiar voice from the wharf
How are We captain?"
GLOW are ye,'' answered Obadiah turning
around to view the speaker, whom, to his
great surprise he discovered to be an entire
stranger-a man evidently sailor, from his
dress and bearing. of medium height, COM
pact build and hair and beard of violent
redness.
"Want a mate don't ye?' said the man
advancing to the captain of the wharf,
GLOW do you know?' responded Sklns
eying him suspiciously.
''Col. Sharpsey said you did, that's ALL" re-
piled the man with every assurance.
''Col. Sharpsey ?" said Obadiah. "Wall
wonder how he knew that. Suppose he
thought wanted somebody to take Jake,s
place though. And supposing I. do?" he
continued turning to the man.
81 want to ship"
allow much do you want?'
The man stated his terms, and the captain
at once proceeded to beat him down, till after
lengthy negotiation the bargain was struck
and the man came on board bringing his bag
gage and was duly installed first mate of the
Lively Turtle.
The work of getting under way proceeded
rapidly; the captain meanwhile keeping a
vigilent watch upon his new mate.
81 swan" he muttered, 81 could swore
knew that voice but it amt nobody ever I
see BEFORE" and as Mr.. Smith (such was the
name he gave)appeared to be smart and active
he dismissed these speculations from his
mind and preceded with his work.
Dropping down the river under easy sail
his course S. S. E., and calling the mate aft
directed him to take the wheel.
''We are going to Fortress Monroe" said
Obadiah. 81 suppose you are acquainted
with these waters9''
eyes sir" said Smith and smiled so sweet
ly that the captain was half inclined to re-
sent it. Making no remark however, he
11oI1 81
pass over the time during which the schooner,
favored by wind and tide, made quick pas
sage to her destination, where we find her on
the following morning anchored in little
cove just above the town.
''Want to 60 ashore, Smith ?"said Obadiah
appearing on deck dressed in his state ap-
parel.
''Well, don't care if do" answered the
mate, and the two stepping into the captains
private barge, commonly known as the gig,
were set on shore by one of the men and pro-
ceeded in the direction of the town.
After thoroughly investigating the lions of
the place, and making the acquaintance of
sundry saloons where cooling beverages were
on tap, Obadiah proposed to his mate that
they should go up and look over the fort, and
they accordingly proceeded in that direction,
Passing the sentinel at the gate, they war
dered for some time about the vast enclosrre,
Obadiah making various comments uprn the
great waste of farming land, and me vast
amount of potatoes which the government
might raise on the neatly swept lawns, were
they so disposed, till his attention was ar
rested by the sight Of small one stoy stone
building near the main gate.
"What do you suppose that ere is, snith ?"
he inquired, pointing out his discover to the
mate.
"Don't know, am sure" repliedSmith,
euness it is the guard house,
"Sho-guard house, you don't say said
Obadiah, regarding it with great iterest.
"Spose there is anybody in it?'' he INJURED.
eve might go and see, if you are to
knew" responded the mate, and te s~o