Wood River times. [volume] (Hailey, Idaho) 1882-1915, 1893-08-28

OOlSt. N
.~O~
CHAPTER XXv-Continued.
Mrs. Hedges Is q great admirer Of
R.Inh Denham, and If she was the only
one to consult, no obstacle would have
heen thrown in the way Of his union
with her dau liter.
II may surprise the reader to know
that. in view OF the incontrovertible
knowledge these young ladies had OF
CAPTAIN Fox, that they should ever
mink of going on board his ship.
But they had double object; at least
thew reasoned themselves into the belief
that thew had; and then they could not
even Imagine the act of perfdy contem-
plated by the pirate.
Thew knew that the entertainment
was a part Of Fox's scheme to keep tho
people of Sag Harbor blind to the ac-
tuai purpose, the capture Of the Sea
Hawk.
Again, Lea Hedges and Ellen Condit
were devoured by an intense curiosity
"a curiosity which is said to be pecu-
liar to the sex-to see Ralph Denham
In his disguise, or rather to try and dis
cover him in the disguise.
Certainly the latter was not a good
motive for going on board the Wan
derer; but the world might not be so
pleasant place to live in II sound rea-
sons could be given for everything that
is done.
Promptly at two o'clock the young
ladies'. after hearing many sage injunc-
tons from their mothers. and dutifully
promising to obey them. went
down to the beach, where long boat
from the Wanderer was waiting to take
the visitors on board.
They met there cutie a number Of
young people. to whom an invitation
was extended, and not few OF the old
er men, among them Doctor Hedges,
who had been dazzled by Fox's mag
nifcence.
Although every man on the ship had
been working with all their might be-
fore 2 o'clock, they now appeared in holi-
day attire, and the vessel was gay with
bunting.
Awnings covered the quarterback,
and the Wanderers musicians played a
welcome as the boat came alongside.
Captain Fox and Frenauld were there
in all the glory OF their gorgeous uni
forms, and they made no effort to hide
their delight as they helped Lea and
Ellen on board.
But while careful not to attract at
tention by their wandering glances, nor
to seem Indifferent to the courtesies Of
their entertainers, their hearts were
with the blue jackets forward and
amidships, and many a glance they cast
in the hope Of being able to distinguish
Ralph Denham.
splendid collation. was spread on
the deck; and there were favors in the
shape Of gems and flowers for all the
young ladies'.
1t was understood, Of course. that
there would be no dancing-there was
no time for that; but there was much
promenading. and, judging from the
Laughter that occasionally accompanied
1t, much delightful conversation.
Every now and then Fox or Frenauld
would leave his guests, and go forward
to issue q whispered order to a man in
waiting, who would communicate it in
the same way to the sailors.
The crew no longer stood in listless
groups, but hurried back and forth,
busying themselves with ropes and re-
moving the bunting that was in their
way.
About half-past four a showers
most fortunate one for Captain Fox e
his luxurious cabin.
AS Lea was passing down from the
quarter deck, she laid her hand on a
sailors shoulder, who was there for the
purpose. and she heard Ralph Denham's
thrilling whisper:
MY God! Why are you here?"
To those coming behind 1t looked as
If she had slipped; as it was she stag
gered into the cabin, white as a ghost
"Frenauld, will go down and hold
the attention Of the people. Send a
message to Hedges, tell him I have
changed my mind, and he must follow
me to Montauk in the morning. Do
not waste a second in getting the ship
under way. This is our chance"
Aye, aye, sir, replied Frenauld.
Captain Fox spread before his visit
ors his wealth OF pictures and rare
curios. He showed them the cream Of
the plumber of score Of gallant ships
He dazzled them with strings Of pearls
He flashed on them emeralds and dia.
monds till they forgot where they were
Meanwhile the anchors were beine
hoisted and the sails let down.
Half-past five came, the turn OF thu
tide.
The wind was In the west, and thu
Wanderer caught the breeze, ana 10 I'M
horror OF the crowd on shore, watching
the preparations without seeing any
thing Of their friends. the stately ship
like q great white bird, few out OF tn
harbor.
CHAPTER XVI.
DOCTOR HEDGES HAS HIS EYES OPENED II
VERY UNPLEASANT WAY.
Doctor Hedges was the first one Il
the party to discover the ship was Il
motion. He did not suppose that Capt
Fox knew it, so he shouted out:
Why. Captain. the ship is sailing
away"
L know It," said the Captain, with o.
easy manner and . smile, intended +
calm the anxiety ON every face;
wanted to close up the entertainment
BY giving you q little surprise. w
shall take q sail OF a few miles, win,