The Forrest City times., 1888-01-21
doubt about that.

From trunk to trttnk the creature fitted like q deer. doubt about that.
 began to recall what had heard of can nibals I was within an ace of calling for help. But the mere fact that he was man, however wild, had somewhat reassured me, and my fear Of Silver began to revive in pro- portion. l stood still, therefore, and cast about for some method of escape; and as was so thinking, the recollection of my pis- tol flashed into my mind. As soon as l re- membered l was not defenseless courage glowed again in my heart; and l walked briskly toward him.
 He was concealed by this time, behind an- other tree trunk; but he must have been watching me closely. for as soon as l began to move in his direction he reappeared and took step to meet me. Then he hestated, drew back, came forward again, and at last. to my wonder and confusion, threw himself on his knees and held out his clasped hands In application.
 At that once more stopped.
 "Who are youg' asked
 Ben Gunn," he answered, and his voice sounded hoarse and awkward, like a rusty lock. I'm poor Ben Gum, l am; and haven't spoke with Christian these three years"
 could now see that he was white man like myself, and that his features were even pleasing. His skin, wherever 1t was ex- posed was burnt by the sun; even his lips were black and his fair eyes looked quite startling in so dark face. Of all the beg gar-men that had seen or fancied, he was the chief for raggedness. He was clothed with tatters of old ships canvas and old sea- cloth; and this extraordinary patchwork was held together by system of the most various and incongruous fastenings, brass buttons bits of stick, and loops of tarry gas kin. About his waist he wore an old brass buckled leather belt, which was the one thing solid in his whole aecouterment. 'Three years?' cried. Were you ship wrecked?"
 May, mate" said he-"marooned."
 had heard the word, and knew it stood for a horrible kind of punishment common enough among the buccaneers in which the offender is put ashore with lite powder and shot and left behind on some desolate and distant island.
 "Marooncd three years agone," he con- tlnued, land lived on goats till then, and berries and oysters. Wherever man Is. says 1, a man can do for himself. But, mate, my heart is sore for Christian diet You mghtnt happen to have piece of cheese about you, HOW? No? Well. many's the long night I've dreamed Of cheese-toasted, mosty-and woke up again, and here were"
 If ever can get aboard again" said l, "yon shall have cheese by the stone"
 All this time he had been feeling the stun of my jacket, smoothing my hands, looking at my boots. and generally, in the intervals of his speech. showing childish pleasure fin the presence of fellow creature, But at my last words he perked up into kind Of | startled slyness.
 ''If ever you can get aboard again, says | you?' he repeated. Why, now, who's to l hinder you%'
 Not you, l know," was my reply. And right you was he cried. Now | you-wat do you call yourself, mate?' | linn" told him.
 Jim, Jim" says he, quite pleased appar | ently. Well. now, Jim, I've lived thai rough as you'd be ashamed to hear of. 1 Now for instance, you wouldn't think had had a pious mother-to look at me? he asked.
 Why, no, not in particular" answered.
 ''Ah, well, said he, but had-remarka- ble pious. And was civil. pious boy. and could rattle of my catcchlsm that fast as | you couldn't tell one word from another. | And heres what 1t come to, Jim, and 1t be- gun with chuck-farthen on the blessed | grave-stonesi That's what it begun with, but 1t went further'n that; and so my moth- 1 CT told me, and perdicked the whole, she did, the pious woman. But it were Provi- | dence that put me here. I've thought it all out in this here lonely island, and I'm back on piety. You don't catch me tasting rum so much; but just thimblefui for luck, of course, the first chance have. I'm bound l I'll be good, and 1 see the way to. And, Jim"-looking all round him, and lowering his voice to a whisper-"lm m rich" 1 now felt sure that the poor fellow had l gone crazy in his solitude. aud 1 suppose must have shown the feeling in my face; for he repeated the statement hotly: 'Richi rich! l says And I'll tell you what; I'll make a man of you, Jim. An, Jim, you'll bless your stars, you will, you was the first that found mep'
 And at this there came suddenly . lower ing shadow over his face, and he frightened his grasp upon my hand, and raised a fore finger threateningly before my eyes.
 Now, Jim. you tell me true; that ain'i Flint's shipp' he asked.
 At this had happy inspiration. I be- gan to believe that had found an ally, and l answered him at once.
 its not Flints ship, and Flint Is dead | but I'll tell you true, as you ask me-there | are some of Fiint's hands aboard; worse
 uck for the rest of us"
 .sNot man-with one-legP' he gasped.
 'tSilver% 1 asked.
 'Ah, Silverr' says he; 'that were hit name"
 He's the cook; and the ringleader, too"
 He was still holding me by the wrist and at that he gave it quite a wiring.
 If you was sent by Long John." he said, ''I'm as good as pork. and l know it. Blu! where was you, do you supposey"
 had made my mind up in moment and by way of answer told him the whole story of our voyage, and the predlcament in which we found ourselves He heard me with tho keenest interest, and when had done he patted me on the head.
 You're a good lad, Jim" he said; "and Tou're GU iR cloye hitch, ain't you2 Well,