Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-05-16
4 QUEER RACE.
BY WILLIAM WESTEL.

sS5tODI'
And Queen Nab, who has glided unseen
from her hiding-place, stands between the
combatants, and with imperious gesture
bids them lower their weapons. The two
leaders step back aghast, and terror is de-
picted on every face, for all believe they
see before them visitant from the world
of spirits.
''The Diana went down in the storm
and it did not seem possible" stammers
Amyas, in a voice so broken as to be hard
ly audible.
How know you she went DOWN. And,
even though you had see me perish, would
that have been enough , justify you in
setting the Council at defiance and pro-
voking civil WARP Amyas Fame. you are
a murderer, traitor, and dastardw
"Madamel'
II repeat it; a murderer, traitor. and a
bastard. You cut the Diana from her
moorings in the hope that she would be
carried out to sea, and that we who were
on board would thereby perish. Don't
deny it; know you did. 1t was a muir
derous, a traitorous, and a dastardlv deed.
And you wrote this letter to Mr.. Erie, vir-
tually threatening him with death if he
obeyed not your behest to leave the island
within ten days, because, | suppose, you
thought had in him brave and devoted
friend, who, in case of need, would defend
my person and defeat your plots! And so
he has. Twice, nay, three times, has he
saved my life But for him l should not
be here tonight"
To all this Amyas answers never a word.
All his holiness has vanished; his knees
bend under him, and he bows his head in
shame and confusion.
"You have nothing TO urge in your de-
Tense. You admit the truth of these
charges. 1t is better so. Without adding
perjury to your other sins, you could not
deny them. Gentlemen, / appeal to you
all-even to those of you who call your
selves his friend what shall be done with
this man, who virtually pleads guilty to a
charge Of actual treason and attempted
murder3 Pronounce his dooml 1t is not
meet for me to be both accuser and judge"
The queen paused for a reply; but none
liked to utter the word which was in every
mind, and there ensued painful silence
that lasted for several minutes.
At length a white-haired member of the
Council, who numbered more years than
the century, broke the spell.
slowly and deliberately; and the sentence
was repeated by fifty voices. Not even
the men who had been ready to fight for
him had aught to urge in arrest of judg-
ment.
YES" said the queen, che deserves
death. But the prcrogative of mercy is
mine, and freely pardon him, as have a
right to do, for his Offense was against me
oil I ha
is my llnsman, but because believe that
he is not wholly bad. He has been led
away by pride, envy, and ambition; vet he
has good qualities, and if opportunity be
given him he will make reparation and re-
deem his honor. Another reason for spar
ing him is that we have need of him, as of
every man who can WELD a sword and
draw bow The Cariberoes are in Swamp
Island and 1 dare say by this time have
crossed the creek"
1.-The Cariberoes - Impossible ~ =
"Who says SOP" HAS anybody seen
them9" and hundred other EXPLANATIONS
of incredulity, establishment and doubt
followed the queens announcement, which
cause almost as great a sensation as her
own re-appearance had done.
rs this really true, Mabel?" asked Field,
when the clamor had somewhat subsidized.
81 know you think so; but there is such a
thing as being misinformed. Has anybody
actually seen the Cariberoes?"
Eyes; we have seen them, been chased
by them, and had to run and fight for our
lives"
And then Nab told what had happened,
from the beginning Of our involuntary
cruise on the Diana" to our return to
ho
$50, YOU see, that which we and our
fathers had so long feared has at length
come to pass You may be quite sure that
the braves we encountered are either the
forerunners of large force, perhaps two
or three thousand strong, or that large
force has already landed on Swamp Island.
At any rate, it is not safe to act on any
other assumption. You know, too, that
many of the Calibans, who are of their
own blood, being greatly discontented Il
fear not without reasOn), will certainly
Join them-haYe probably invited them to
come over, for several of late have myster-
iously disappeared; boats have 10 been
missed. Hence the danger is cry great,
and unless it be nipped in the bud the con-
sequences may DC disastrous, nay, ruinous.
1t will not be enough merely to repel the
we would not be crushed ourselves. 1t
will be a severe struggle, yet if we all pull
together success is sure. What say you,
Amyas; will you take part in the struggle,
and endeavor, by loyalty and devotion, to
win back your good name and my conf
dencet"
"Only give me the chance, and you shall
see-I swear"
It cannot allow you TO remain cap
f nv guard-that were unfair to bet
men: you must serve in the ranks as q
common archer"
Amyas, who seemed deeply moved, bow
ed his head and kissed her hand.
"I am more than conquered" he said.
.rThe life which / had forfeited and you
have spared is yours, Queen Nab. Dispose
of me as YOU think best. 1 ask only an
opportunity to prove that l am not un-
worthy of your kindness and forgiveness.
So help me God, will serve you faithfully
to the death"
"It only remains now" the queen went
on. after a moments conSideration-'it
only remains now to say who shall under.
take the necessary preparations, organI.,~
our small army, and command it in the
field. To this office 1 appoint our guest,
Mr.. Sidney Erie. He holds the Queen of
England's commission; he has been trained
TO arms. can personally testify that he
is brave, and as wise in council as he is
prompt in action. 1t is post of great diff
ficulty and danger, nevertheless, although
we can offer him little other reward thar
our gratitude, am sure we may count Oh
his loyalty and devotion"
CHAP XxvIIL-BoLSovER HIMSELF AGAIN.
Astonishment was not the word. Fol
fba oop,ant T was simnIy stricken dumh