The Forrest City times., 1888-03-24
crcs the Island, to be ct hand beside sss

across the Island, to be st hand beside sne pine. Soon. however, he saw that our party had the stad of him; and Ben Gum, being feet of foot had been dispatched in front to do his best alone. Then Il had occurred to him 10 work upon tho supers;tions of his former shipnates: and he was SO far success ful that Gras and the doctor had como up and were already ambushcd before Inc arfi. val of the treasure hunters
 "Ah," said Silver, "it was fortunate that had Hawkins here. You would have lei old John be cut to bits, and never given n . thought doctor"
 Not a thought" replied Dr. Llvescy, cheerily.
 And by this time we had reached tho gigs The doctor, with the pickax, demolished one of them. and then we all got aboard the other. and set out to so round by the sea for North Inlet.
 This was run of eight or nins miles. Silver, though he was almost killed already with fatigue, was set to an oar. like the rest Of us and we were soon skimming swiftly over q smooth sea. Soon we passed out of the straits and doubled the southeast corner of the island, round which. four days ago, we had lowed the Hispaniola
 As we passed the two-pointed hill. we could see the black mouth of Ben Gunn's cave. and figure standing by 1t. leaning on mu ret It was the squire; and VIC waved q handkerchief and gave him three cheerS in which the voice of Silver joined as heart fly as any.
 Three miles further. just Inside the mouth nf North Inlet what should VIC meet but the Hispsnlola, cruising by herself. The last foot had lifted her; and had there been much wind or a strong tide current as In the southern anchorage, we should never have found her more. or found her stranded beyond help. As It was, there was little amiss beyond the wreck of the mainsail. Another anchor was got ready, and dropped In . fathom and half of water. We all pulled round to Rum Cove the nearest point for Ben Gunn's treasure-house; and then Gray, single-lianded, returned with the gig lo the Hispaniola, where he was to pass tho night on guard.
 gentle slope ran up from the beach to tho entrance of the cave. At the top, the squire met us To me he was cordial and kind, saying nothing of my escapade, either m the way Of blame or praise. At Silvers polite salute he somewhat flushed.
 John Silyer.' he said, you're prodi- gious william and impostor-a monstrous im- postor. sir. l am told am not to prosecute you. Well, then I will not But the dead men, sir, hang abous your neck like mill. stones."
 Thank you kindly, slr," replied Long John, again saluting.
 Il dare you to thank mer cried the squire. "lt is gross dereliction of my duty. Stand back"
 And thereupon VIC all entered the cave. It was large, airy place, with little spring and pool of clear water, overhung with ferns. The floor was sand. Before big fire lay Captain Smollett; and in far corner, only duskily fiickered over by the blaze, l beheld great heaps of coin and quadria seras built of bars of gold. That was Flint's treasure that we had come to seek, and that had cost already the lives of seventeen men from the HispanIola. How many it had cost in the amassing. what blood and sorrow, what good ships scuttled on the deep what brave men walking the plank bllndfold. what shot of cannon, what shame and lies and cruelty, perhaps no man alive could tell. Yet there were still three ipon that island-Siver, and old Morgan, md Ben Gunn-who had each taken his
  vain to share In the reward.
 Come in, Jim" sail the captain. "You're a good boy in your line. Jim but I don't think you and nell go to sea again. You're too much of the born fayorite for me. Is that you. John Silver? What brings you here. man?"
 Come back to do my dooty, sir" returned Siiver
 "Ahr' said the captain; and that was all he said.
 What supper had of 1t that night, with all my friends around mo; and what meal 1t was, with Ben Gunn's saIted goat, and sOme delcacies and bottle of old wine rrom mo n'sranioIa. Crver, am surc. were people gayer or happier. And there was Silver, sitting back almost out Of fire light, but eating heartily, prompt to spring forward when any thing was wanted, even joining quietly in our laugh:er-the same oasd, polite. obsequious seaman of the voyage out