Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1889-01-04

of display, she wore on every pos
sible occasion. | came TO the con-
clusion that the shrewd MILDLY, de-
spairlng OF promotion and having
received more blows than dollars,
was laying an anchor to windward,
for which | could not blame him,
and wished him success in captur-
ing the prize-if he could. But
what puzzled me was how they
managed to get along so well when
neither could understand a word
the other said J.; but as the days
rolled by the impetuous MILDLY
pushed the siege, with bat little
doubt in my mind as to the ultl-
mate result.
81 was stretching over for the
Tortugas bank that you can see
looming up abeam, when one OF
the crew at work on the foretopsall
yard reported a sail in sight broad
Off the beam.
"Now, a sail in those days meant
danger, and a reasonable expendl'
ture of caution at least became nee
essary, as nine times ont of ten the
stranger would prove to be a pl-
rate. 1 at once slung my glass over
my shoulder, jumped into the fore
rigging and ran alott for the pur-
pose of examining the fellow. l
was there some time looking at the
sail that was glistening in the dis
tance not much larger than a gulPs
wing.
The wind was light and variable,
the sun dazzled my eyes, and a
little swell rather interfered with
nv observation, so that, all COM
bined, l was aloft much longer
than | originally intended, finally
returning to my post not much
wiser for my trouble.
"Descending the after compan
ionway, | entered the cabin with
the intention of enjoying my usual
siesta, hoping meanwhile that a
foyoring breeze would spring up.
had nicely composed myself for
a nap, when a light, rapid footstep
crossed the cabin, and the next
instant the MILDLY entered my room
without knocking, somewhat to
my surprise, as he was very
punctiliOus in all matters pertain
ing to sea etiquette and customs
| was on the point of so expressing
myself, when l chanced to catch
his eye, causing me to start up
from the lounge in surprise and
alarm. | knew at once that some
thing out of the usua! line had Oc'
CURED.
ellis voice dropped to a whisper
as he seated himself by my side,
while thrill of nameless dread
and appreh~ ion shot through my
heart as :. said, impressively
"'Captain, we have pirates on
board
"'Pirates = echoed. 'What are
you talking about Has your
spooning and coolDg affected your
brain ?
"'On the contrary, it has done
us both a good turn. ! assure Jou
we have to confront a matter of lie
or death, and that very shortly.
repeat, sir, we have pirates among
u.s.
"'Speak out, man let's have ii
all Who are they ~
"'The nine Spaniards in the
forward saloon and their faithful
ally, the senorita.'
81 looked at the naval officer
sharply, for | could not credit what
he was saying but the steady
gaze of bis clear, gray eyes reflect
ed back no fires of insanity, while
his demeanOr, cool and undemon
strative, was indicative of anything
but a highly wrought or excited
state of mind.
"'HOw did you discover th'
fact and ascertain they were sail
ing under false colOrs 2"
Simply enough. | have baC
my ears and eyes open for some
time, the entire passage, in fact
losing but little OF their converse
tion, plans and intentions concern
ing us ALL
"'Why, confound it, what d.
you mean ? What are you telling
me, young MANI Did you not in
form me in person, that you coul'
not speak a word of Spanish, ant
have | not heard you jabberlnI
awav to the girl, trying in vain t.
make yourself understood ?
"T admit | told you that, bu
there was motive in it all. M
suspicious we're aroused when
looked your passengers over, so
began to play a part. Than
Heaven, my pretended ignoranc
of the language will not be withou
it's good results. Why, nay dea
sir, do you suppose that | could b
native of New Orleans, and tw
years on the West India statlol
and not learn something of I'll
language of the Don's l can spea
it like a native. But in this ma
ter we must move at once ; there
no time to lose.'
"Let me hear the whole stOr