Fisherman & farmer. [volume] (Edenton, N.C.) 1887-19??, 1889-01-04

ton, SO that all combined, | was aloft
much longer than originally intended,
finally returning to my post not much
wiser for my trouble.
''De cending the after companionway
l entered the cabin with the intention OF
enjoying my usual siesta, hoping mean
while that a favoring breeze would
spring up. l had nicely composed my
self for the nap when light, rapid
footstep crossed the cabin, and the next
instant the MILDLY entered my room
without knocking, somewhat to my sur
prise as he was punctilious in all mat
tiers pertaining to sea etiquette and Gus
toms was On the point of 80 express
ing myself when | CHANGED to catch his
eye, causing me to start up from the
lounge in surprise and alarm. L knew at
once that something out of the usual
line had occurred.
"His voice dropped to whisper as he
seated himself by my side, while thrill
of nameless dread and apprehension shot
through my heart as he said impress
sively:
"'Captain, we have pirates on board
talking about. Has your spooning and
COOluS dueCteu your OTaluf
'On the contrary, it has done US
both good turn. l assure you we have
to confront matter of life or death. and
that very shortly. l repeat, sir, we have
pirates al ong u.s.
"'Speak out, man; let's have it all!
Who are they?
The nine Spaniards in the forward
saloon and their faithful ally, the seno-
rita
81 looked at the naval officer sharply,
for | could not credit what he was say
ing; but the steady gaze of his clear,
gray eyes reflected back no fires of in
sanity, while his demeanor, cool and I'M
demonstrative, was indicative of any
thing but highly wrought or excited
state of mind
"'How did you discover the facts and
ascertain they were sailing under false
colors?'
Simply enough, I have had my
ears and eyes open for some time, the
entire passage in fact, losing but little
of their conversation, plans and inten-
lions concerning us all
"'Why, what do you mean? What
are you telling me, young man2 Did
you not inform me, in person, that you
could not speak a word Of Spanish, and
have not heard you jabberIng away to
the girl, trying in vain to make yourself
understood?'
IL admit I told you all that, but
there was motive in it all. My suspic-
ions were aroused when [ looked your
passengers over, SO | began to play a
part. Thank Heaven, my pretended
ignorance of the language will not be
without its good results. Why, my dear
sir, do you suppose that [ could be a
native of New Orleans, and two years ON
the West India station, and not learn
Of the language of the Dons?
| can speak it like native But in this
matter we must move at once; there is
no time to lose.'
"''Let me lear the whole story. I can
decide better then upon some plan of
action. [ presume the piccaroons have
designs upon the vesselH
"Not only upon the vessel, but the
lives of all hands. 1t is ngular, but
that pretty faced demon is at the bottom
of the entire plot. Perhaps you wonder
at the course pursued in regard to her
and my pretended ignorance of the
Spanish language. l will explain my
reason more fully for telling that whop
per. The day we sailed | was standing
by the side of the senorita, who tripped
and would have fallen but for my as
sistance | noticed on her hand gem
that glittered and sparkled to a wonder
full degree, while the setting was both
odd and very massive. Well, sir, that
ring was once the property Of M uncle.
He owned a plantation IN Jamaica, which
he left two years ago to visit his people
In New Orleans. Neither he nor the yes
vel in VIII Oh he embarked has been heard
from since. My suspicious were at once
aroused; it was too late to back out or
seek for a passage by some other craft,
while to disclose bare suspicious without
proofs would have placed me in an I'M
enviabIe position. I hell my peace.
waiting for what might turn up. While
have been flirting with her and she pre-
tending to converse with me she was in
reality perfecting plans with the
Span ards for the sci .ure Of your ship
and the murder Of US all. They are all
members Of one gang, and fine lot of
Jail birds they are. have no doubt that
they murdered my uncle, and in some
way the senorita has been mixed up
in it.
"'What do you propose to do:'
" 'While you were up aloft they had
last grand confab. Tonight they are to
rise, take the ship, make all hands walk
the plank, and then RIM into Galveston,
which is their rendezvous. They have
not the slightest suspicion that we I'M
derstand a word of their language and
imagine that the vessel will fall an easy
prey to their rapacity, which very conf
dence on their part will be of immense