The rustler., 1891-08-21

work. for an explanation of thl.
phenomenon. the god lady folded her
arms and rrplieds
''Mr Van Burrn, that's = state -
crrtr
The oficcr was discussing = hruiled
steak when shelton entered the bar.
On the table lay an Official note. the
contents ~ which rave the major q lit
lie surprise. II ran a. follows:
we have accesi-d 10 the terms - ; proposed
eKchanra of prisonrra lusi a. hand and you
I'll a. onoe relcasc from eustody Jeremiah
Mariner. Ct1Srux. commanding"
Ere the captain quilted the precincts
Of fiatbush he eontrived 20 deliver his
thanks 10 his fair messenger.
1T was a terrible ride" she said.
but had companion coming hack.
And now tell me, captain. why you are
~ anxious 10 leave uS."
"Ah. madam" whispered the priva-
teer, your porter Is excellent. but ~
is my song of The Yankee sword
and I've sworn 10 make the major sing
az"
One dark night. shortly after the
events described. as the buxom land
lady Of the Cross Keys was industrious.
ly biting the edge Of suspicious six.
pence preparatory 10 placing II with the
rest Of her honest days ''talsings." she
was startled by gentle rap at the
door.
"Who's therc?" she asked.
"The thirsty crew of the pirate shir
Falcon, hailing from New Brunswiclx.r
replied cultural voice.
why, II II amt Capt Mariner" ex.
claimed the hostess, flinging open the
door.
Hush. my lass" grunted the cap.
tain. ''Old man in his bunk?-
"Ycs."
"Ilim, too?'
"Yes."
chairs and tables under the trecs9'
''Oh, yes"
Here, boys, each Of you fill a mug
and go out there 10 the table. No noise,
mind.n
The men did as directed and Can't.
Mariner, after n few whispered words
with Mrs. Van Buren, (which seemed to
afford the lady immense plcasurcl
picked up lantern and went upstairs.
When, after the lapse OF few minutes,
he reappeared, he was accompanied by
tall gentleman. clad only in his night
robe, who carried boot in one hand
and wig in the other.
This way, major" said the captain,
pushing him out doors.
"Maj. shelton ON the table for a
song" came In unison from the trees,
which were now illuminated by the rays
Of n rising moon.
Now, my dear captain-ha. ha. hal
1ood! Very good" said the shivering
soldier. But don't sing Mt all, you
know; really don't"
'Im afraid" whispered the captain.
these men are desperate dogs, so you'd
better mount the table without more
ado, and give them The Yankee
Sword"
Here the majors eyes fell on Mrs.
Van Buren,, who had all she could do to
control her risibilities.
Mount the table-lilse this! cannot
i will not do such thing"
Click! went the locks of dozen pis-
tolls, and II dozen voices shouted. as be-
fore; Maj. Shelton ON the table for a
song!"
splendid shots, those fellows, whis-
pered the captain.
"Oh, this is dreadful! And such
barbarous high wind, too! Surprising
run up stairs and get my small clothes"
whincd the victim. I'm afraid YOU
haven't forgiven me for
"oh, they'll excuse your appearance;
up with you!" and up the major scram-
blcd, frightened out of his wits, al.
most, amid the roars of the privateers-
men.
'But don't know the song" he sniv-
clled.
You shall sing II after me, line for
line, replied Mariner, "and don't you
back water ut the last line, which il
three cheers for General Washington, or
thcre'll be plenty of crows in this neigh
borhood tomorrow
QualSing in every limb the major. his
knees bent and his fingers convulsively
clutching the hem of his scanty robe,
sang the six verses of the song in the
manner directed, and he certainly gave
the three cheers with vim, whatever
may have been his thoughts.
AND now" said the captain, when
the applause had ceased. zone of YOU
run upstairs and get his breeches and
the mate TO this boot and we'll be Off"
The poor major looked Mt his perse-
cutor in horror at this remark.
You see" volunteered that worthy.
"wc're afraid the bcys would quiz gen
too much Il we ,eft you here. so we're
just going to run you over to New York
II prisoner of war!"
That was how Capt. Mariner repaid
a blow.-Thomas Frost, in n. Y. Her.
aid.