The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1881-12-21

has rich father, has she? Then she
is Just the one to help fill the empty
Golfers of the Sea sGull. But how
shall get hold Of her? Track her
to her home. That is the first step.
TIE rest will come. 1t is warm
evening, even if it is nearly January.
Perhaps she will take a walk in her
garden; if so, she is my prisoner, till
ransomed.H
A low, yet shrill whistle brought
to his side three men in the garb Of
sailors, who, like himself, had been
crouching in the brushwood; one of
these the pirate chief dispatched to his
vessel, which, all unsupported by the
sloop-of-war, lay not half a mile
away, on the opposite side of little
cape jutting out into the sea, huggine
its steep banks as closely as she dare,
her sails closely turled, and her slen-
der nasts undistinguishable In the
distance, from the tall trees on the
cape.
The other two men followed their
captain at little distance, but with
in call, as he stealthilv tracked the
young lovers to the maiden's home;
it was handsome dwelling, stands
in the midst of large, well-kept
lawn, studded here and there with
statues, fountains. and groups of
noble old trees; everywhere the evil
dences of wealth abounded, and the
pirates eyes cleaned as he beheld
them.
"Just the one!' he thought, Just
the one; able TO pay down big ram
som for his daughter ayl and he
shall do it tool"
At the gate the young couple
parted, Alick Kllbourne fastening to
the boat waiting TO convey him Or
board his vessel, while his betrothed
remained leaning on the gate, dream
ing sweet dreams of happiness TO
come, for we'll she knew that the
father who so tenderly cared for his
motherless girl, would not trown
upon him she had chosen, especially
one whom he himself already loved
as son.
So she stood there in the deepen
ing twilight, happy smile playing
around her mouth, while nearer and
nearer crept a baletul shadow, a
shadow of sin, and crime and avarice.
Pass we now TO q widely different
scene. The sun rising bright aud
beautiful over the ripping sea, and a
vessel, the Petrol, beating out from
the shelter of the land, with every
stitch OF canvas spread to catch the
breeze.
On her quarterback stood her
captain, the happy sparkle gone from
his handsome young face, and in its
stead a white, stern, intense express
sion OF trouble and anxiety written
on every feature.
"Masthead! keep a good lookout
there"
SAY, ay, sir" The answer came
floating down from the dizzy height
of the topmast
And then Alick Kilbourne turped
to the white haired man standing at
bis side, and laid his hand gently on
his shoulder.
"Don't give up, sir" he said, as
Stunning a confidence he was far from
feeling. eve shall catch the fellow
yet, and force him to render up our
stolen treasure. Let US hope tor the
best, for surely God is watching oven
her, our daring! 1t was simply
provideutial that the urchin the'ras-
cal chose for messenger should have
Numbered, and delivered the note at
once, instead ct waiting day or two
as he was ordered. He calculated
on getting far away before you re-
ceived his iLsolent message, that he
would take good care OF our deal
one until heavy ransom was paid
tor her return. AS it Is, though he
has slipped off in the night, we will
come up with him. My orders are.lc
run him TO the death, and by
heaven, sir, l will will track him
like bloodhound. Cheer up, sir
We will have happy New Year
yet"
Il know you will rescue my Chile
if it be possible Tor human being tc
do it, Alick," said the old man sadly
"Have you any idea of the direction
he has taken?"
II have no doubt he will stanG
down towards Jamaica; he will seel
shelter in British waters, as he sail:
under that flag when it suits his plans
when he wishes TO overhaul a neutra
vessel, l hear he runs up the black
flag that properly belongs to bin
But, sir, hope to overhaul him be
| A. a