The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1890-08-15
CHAPTER NJ.

In the pause which followed the dreadful
episode just recounted by Captain Brand.
the padre was occupied in pattering pray
er. counting his beads, and elevating his
crucifix, as il he was mumbling high mass
at tho altar. Don Ignacio slowly waved his
brown forefhger, and his single spark of
glowing eyes glared fiercely and fixedly at
his host. A clammy sweat burst out on the
pallid brow of the doctor, aud his hands
were clutchcd before him on the table like
the jaws Of 9 steel vice. And still til.
drunken shrieks and cheers of tho pratt
cal crew ut the sheds arose wild and shrill
in tho calm night and made gloomy dia-
pason for the banquet. The doctor was the
first to break the awkward silence which
prevailed the saloon.
"Capitano, said he, in his habitual calm,
deep voice. with respect to what you said
in the early part of the evening, of break
ing up this establishment, what, NAV ask,
are your plans for the futurey"
'Gracias! amigo, doctor! Thank you, my
friend, for changing the conversation. Nv
plans? Eli! ali! Well, they are these"
Hero Captain Brands face assumed its
usual expression. and, entirely himself
again, he went on to state, in precise,
business-like way, the views he had re-
solved upon for future action.
Tomorrow, gentlemen, is Sunday.
Those boisterous fellows out there, after
divine service, will need rest NIL day. On
Monday, however, shall begin to change
the rig Of the schooner-tillu up with provis-
ion for a long cruise, take ON board all tho
loose odds and ends We have slowed here
of course" he added, as lie remarked m
inquiring and rather alarmed mercenary
look from the Tuerto's glim-"of course,
after having squared up oil claims of our
compadre there!'
"Hum!' croaked that sharp rascal with o
nod Of satisfaction, quite like mn old raven.
"Then. Senores. shall burn or destroy
the old sheds, and bury the cannon and
heavy articles we cannot find room for in
the schooner. when. if nothing happens, we
shall trip anchor and spread our sails for
sea!
"Babette! Babette! really believe that
dear old negress has fallen asleep Babette!
ali! there you are, my beauty! See if you
can't give us bowl Of okra gumbo before
We break up here!''
Babette had not been asleep. Oh, no!
aud was listening to the sad history of bona
final scene the old woman fell on her knees
and shivered all over, where she remained
until the sound of the captains voice again
called her to her duties.
"And when We have left these quiet
waters. my son!" broke in the padre, "what
them"
The fact was. that the carnivorous and
vinous Father Ricardo knew that his
stomach was not suited for high winds and
rough oceans, and was hoping that some
scheme might be devised to allow him to
remain TRANQUILITY on tho island.
why, holy padre, l propose to steer
clear of the West Indies by some unfre-
quented track, and, striking the broad At
lantic, stretch down the coast Of Brazil.
Perhaps We muy double Cape Horn, and
see what those miserable patriots are fight
ing for in Chill and Peru; then, maybe,
across the Pacific, to the lovely islands and
maidens of Polynesia; SO on to the China
Seas. where We may fail in with IN out
ward-bound Canton trader, or galleon
with ton or two of silver on board-who
knows? There is plenty of blue water and
fine ships everywhere; SO We must be con-
tent"
Padre Ricardo made the sign of the cross,
kissed his thumb and foreinger. and reach
ing his paw over to the captain, shook hands
with him.
y,
out Winding the friendly interruptions; "yea,
hounds in search of us the slip; and even
should they scent out this retired little spot
they will have their trouble for their chase,
and find nothing but few stones and heaps
of rubbish above ground.
They may find some little matters be-
low, though" chimed in the commander
of the felucca,
"If they do, retorted the pirate, with q
meanin; scowl, I'll put the spy who be-
trays it to such torture as that he'll wish
himself below ground when come back
here"
aCierto, amigo! no fear of that" mutter.
ed the Tuerto. with some little trepidatiou
of manner. my papers are white"
Captain Brand, said the doctor. my
contract with you is nearly up, and since ]
only agreed-as you know-to enlist my
professional services here on shore, I pre-.
sumo you will have no objections to per-
nit me to depart with Don Ignacio in the
felucca."
It would be difficult to say what caused
the flush of passion which overspread the
leaders face as he listened to this simple
request, but it was . full minute before he
replied, and then, having weighed the mat.
tet cafoIutly III LIE uinu, nc balu IN pre-.
else and determined tone. in French
Monsieur le docteur! the compacts that
have made with all those that have taken
service with me have never been broken OF.
cept by death. cannot. therefore, con.
slider your request, and shall expect you
to sail with me in the schooner.
Then he added quickly, as he noticed q
certain naughty expression in his subortlir.
ate's face: Pardon me, monsieur; we had
better not discuss this question now. Sup.
pose you see me on the MORROW"
Willingly, Senior. and you will find my
resolution Interchangeable" Rising as he
spoke, he bowed to his companions at table
and SAYING; Bu en-. noehes!" good night!
II rbess he poused mo%ant, a. e 1n
ing with himself. and then, approaching the