Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1877-11-15
CHAPTER xxx.

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THE'IoRkoR wlIci1 4 SEARCH nEYEALED.
The river pirate captain was carricd to.
tho deek. The latter, feeling easier, asked
what had been discovered. Upon learning
the facts, he said:
"Search tho vessel from stem to sternW
and n moment later added: "Oue of my
mem Carly, the sailor, knows n vessel from
her keel to her topmast; get him to lead the
way"
Curly, the sailor, wos rough looking
fellow, with Scared face. When in.
formed as to what was wanted Of him, he
said:
GAIL hands remain on deck. I'll just go
this alone" ssT
The man took lantern, ond asked to be
lowered down ono Of tho hatchcs. Half an
hour passed., whom the man signalcd to bo
raised on deck again Tho inforpation he
brought was that there was Dot q living soul
sbelowttho dock, The detective felt that
kis2trip was bound to prove fruitless ono,
,sshaash cry from ono of the men directed
his attention aft. A strange glow was seen
shooting up through the companion hatch.
+ "lIcaveDsS!" exclaimed tho detective, ''tho
brig is on fire'>
A rush was made To Tho rear but the
light hpd disappeared, but a-.slhr;sk -was
heard-a piercing scream-like the one
which hud startled them upon q previous
visit. Tho cry came seemingly from tho
cabin. Frank and the detective rushed
below, and second search was made. Not
sign of living person, beside the two
bound blacks, could he taupfttv, .She deteo-
tive orr numthf@or insicca Of on deck,
W%e v" ae's ~ s''"' CHOSEN il py epy vho| hS's
came directly e!ss;aSi 5ssai their feet. s"1l
suspicion flashed through tho detectives
mind. He commenced sounding the floor
OF tho cabin. His efforts were rewarded by
discovering, under one of the berths, sus-
picious looking spot indicative Of trap.
He managed to remove square about two
feet in length and width. An opening vas
discovered. The officer crawled through,
and the Mystery was revealed. He de.
scended into false cabin followed by Frank
Midgcly. A wonderful discovery was
made. -Four females, young and beautiful,
we're discovered. The mission of tho brig was
disclosed. kidnapping on largo scale,
was the object Of her commander. For
what purpose we will but leave our readers
to surmise. But as she had como from an
Oriental port, and was bound for one, and
as wives are purchased in certain lands the
Same as slaves were once bought and sold in
this the ultimate ject can be readily guessed
Among the four maidens was tho French
girl, but not Lucy Palmedo. They were
led upon the deck, and lowered into the
boat ready to be taken ashore. frhc last
one had just been passed over the side of
the brig, when ono of tho men called, the
detectives attention to the strange light
A second investigation was made. This
'ime an nnmistakable odor of fire was dis
covered. Tho strange light it was ascor-
tanned was reflection. Further examina-
tion revealed tho truth, the brig was on fire.
"Wbat shall wo do?" asked Frank.
"1let her burn!'' answered the detective,
in fierco tone, adding: "By George! if
she had not taken fire accidentally, should
have fired her or scuttlcd her!'
"What will we do with tho orcw?"
"Put them in the briggs boat, and let
them take care of themselves"
For few moments scenc of excitement
followed. The men who belonged to the
brig we're all passed over into a boat along.
side. The tide had changed and was run
ming out. Tho detective determined to
raise tho anchor and let her drift to sea-
AS tho fire was astern, the men were able to
do as ordered without risk. Thu moment
tho vessel commenced to drift, all hands
went over the eide iDto the boat. A third
boat Ind been secured from tho vessel
The detective ordered the men to hold the
boat containing the prisoners in tow, while
ho and Frank pulled ashore. Once on shore
he secured tho girl who had been rescued
from the carriage, and informed the land
lord of tho hotel concerning what had oc-
Cured. The latter feared for his lifo whom
the sailors should recover from the drugecd
sleep.
"You need have no fcar," said tho deteo.
tive, "ccnough Of us will remain here to
protect you. But those men will all disap--
pear like dew before the morning mist; they
have moro to fear than you have
Frank now asked what should be done
under tho circumstances.
"Nothiug," said tho detective. s'I am
glad that brig is on fire, as it will save us
heap of trouble. Had she not got on fro
| would havo been compelled to report and
arrest oil hands of her Drew; as it is, they
can shift for themselves as best they can"
y Tho officer descended to the boach Tho
brig was rapidly drifting away. Tho fro
had not got beyond the lover decks yot, and
that she would be far out to sea before tho
fro would hurst above decks. * signal
brought tho boats ashore. The fau? released
girls were taken to tho landlords private
house. In tho meantime tho landlord had
received Instructions from the detective.
Tho tavern keeper went to tho Stable whsto 1
tho two men were bosnd and gahssed. iie'