The Globe-republican., 1891-08-05

II wiz obey you. father, In 20 much
as 20 take short jaunt into the coun-
try, but will return when darkness
has settled over the land"
So saying, the young girl bent low
and imprinted a kiss upon her parents
cheek, and after extending her hand to
her brother in farewell, turned and
passed through the house into the
stable.
When Rowena had gone the planter
and his SON turned their whole atten-
ton to the approaching visitor.
He was a man Of herculean stature,
| with long black hair and beard.
which latter was Enthusiastically twisted
! with knots of red ribbon. lending to
his features grotesque yet repulsive
appearance. By his side was peculiar
ly-shaped blade, something between a
cutlass aud a sword. while protruding
from the crimson silk sash which en-
circled his waist were the butts of two
heavy pistols.
The stranger paid not the slightest
heed to the group of gaping negroes
who were gazing at him with nly-con
cealed fear and CONSERVATION. but
walked straight to the house; and
when he reached the lower step of the
veranda he paused. and, politely lift
ing the three-cornered hat from his
head. said, in deep, gruf voice:
Good evening, gentlemen. And par
don me this intrusion"
Good evening, SIR replied the
planter, rising and stepping forward
Speak not of intrusion: a stranger is
ever welcome to what this establish
ment can offer"
Thanks. my dear SIR" replied the
mariner. I'm that case we shall be
able to arrange our little business to
the satisfaction of at least one of US.
Know you the nature of yonder yes
sels?" And the newcomer waved his
hand towards the water.
My son and myself have been spec
ulating as to their character ever since
they came to anchor. but as yet have
not been able to make up our minds
what business they may be engaged
| in"
Look again, my dear sir, and per-
haps you will see something that may
enlighten you
At that instant. as if by precon-
certed signal heavy gun was dis
charged from one of the sloops, and a
black flag huttered out upon the even
ing breeze from each masthead
''Pirates." exclaimed Mr.. Carlisle, in
| dismay.
such may be termed our calling
| replied the stranger nonchalantly.
And am Black Beard, at your serv-
ice,''
At the mention of a name which had
struck terror to the hearts of thousands
from the Carribees to Cape Sable. Mr..
bling, not SO much from fear as from
establishment.
The buccaneer seemed greatly to en-
Joy the CONSERVATION which the revela-
ton of his cognomen had produced in
his hearers. After short pause he
continued: "Perchance you would like
TO know to what circumstances you are
indie bted for this visit? will tell you.
We have been cruising between the
West Indies and Cape Hatteras for
three months and have been able to
send but one bark, two briggs and
sloop with their lubberly crews to the
bottom during that whole time As
none Of the vessels were laden with
over-heavy strong boxes our own
exchequer was not greatly swollen by
their capture. As our season is nearly
up and the time approaches for our re-
turn to our island retreat in the Ba-
hamas we must needs make up on the
land what we have failed to obtain on
the seas.
Let US visit some of the wealthy
planters along the coast suggested my
mate. They will surely help us out of
our difficulty
"A good PLAN 9uoth 1. So we bore
away for this inlet. and here am,
with the modest request for ten thou
sand pounds at your hands,
Ten thousand pounds" gasped the
planter. why. have not that amount
were all my slaves. stocks. lands and
buildings converted into money"
You will think differently of that,
my dear sir, within forty-eight hours.
II at the end of that time ten thousand
pounds are not forthcoming, this house
shall be- levelled to the ground, your
negroes transferred to the hold of NV
vessel. and you yourself. with this
young man here. whom 1 presume to
be your son, will find yourselves pris-
oners in my cabin, held at high ran
som, which if not paid-and by whom
care not-you will be allowed to
walk the plank when we reach blue |
water. And now will bid you good |
night. But. mind you. my guns are |
trained upon this house and any act of |
treachery on your part will be the sig |
nal for its immediate destruction and |
your own death So saying the fierce |
buccaneer turned on his heel and strobe !
away to his boat. leaving his two hear
ers transtxed with dismay.
.sWhat shall n. Sopaa-- axclaiypaJ ~,