Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1895-01-26
CHAPTER VII

AT the moment Oh Leonard S anu Oluer {
introduction to his society the Yellow
Devil was about to make a speech, and
every eye was fixed upon him so intently
that none saw or heard the pair approach
Now, my friends, make path, if you
please. +" said Leonard in a loud voice and
speaking in Portuguese. Il wish to pay
my respects to your chief. F"
A dozen men wheeled round at once.
who are your" they cried, seeing a
stranger.
If you will be SO kind as to let me
pass, shall be most happy to explain, ;"
Leonard answered, pushing his way
through the throng.
"Wko is thats' cried Pereira in coarse,
thick tones Bring him here"
There, you hear him. Let us through,
friends said Leonard. LET US through. I"
Thus adjured, the throng opened a path,
and Leonard and Otter passed down it,
many suspicious eyes scanning them as
they went.
"a greeting to you, senor," said Leonard
when they had emerged in front of the
veranda.
Curse your greetingl Who in satan's
name are your"
"A humble member of your honorable
profession said Leonard coolly, "come
to pay his respects and do little bust
ness
Are you? You don't look it. You
look like an Englishman. And who is that
abortion, pray?" And he pointed to Otter,
Il believe that you are spies, and. by heav
en-, if you are, am the man to deal with
you!"
This is likely story" said Leonard,
laughing, that one man and black dog
should venture into the headquarters of
gentlemen like you, not being of the cloth.
But l think there is a noble gentleman
among you'll mean the Senior Xavier
who can vouch for me. Did he not send a
note to one Captain Pierre, whose dhow
lies in the harbor yonder, hailing from
Madagascar! Well, Captain Pierre has the
honor of accepting his invitation and ar
rives here not without difficulty. Now he
begins to think that he would have done
better to stick to his ship
"That is all right, Pereira," said
Xavier. a huge Portuguese with q dash of
negro blood and a villainous countenance,
the same man whom they had followed
through the gate. II sent note to the
senior. l told you of it
Then / wish you had left 1t alone,
snarled Pereira for an answer. II don't
like your friends looks. He might be the
captain of an English man of-w war rugged
up in our dress" At the words English
man-of war; murmur of fear and anger
went through the assembly. Some of
those present had experience of these
hated vessels and their bigoted crews, who
loved not this honest commerce. and to all
they were names of i'll omen. Things
looked serious, and Leonard saw that he
must do something and quickly, SO he
lost his temper or pretended to.
Curse you all for pack of suspicious
cursv' he said. Il tell you that my dhow
lies yonder. / am half an Englishman
and half creole and as good man as
any of you. Now, look here, Dom Pereira,
IL you or any other man dares to doubt my
word, just step out, and / will ram this
down your lying throat" and placing his
hand on the hilt of his saber he took a
pace forward and scowled. The effect was
instantaneous. Pereira turned a little
pale beneath his yellow skin, for, like
most cruel men. he was great coward
Put UP your pig sticker," he said Il
see you are one of the right sort. only
wanted to try you. As you know, we must
be careful In our business. Conc and
shake hands, BROTHER and be welcome
trust you now, and old Antonio never
does things by halves
Perhaps you had better try him lit
tie further" said a young man who was
standing near Pereira as Leonard pre-
pared to accept the invitation. Send for
a slave and let us have the old test. There
is none better"
Dorafra bac;fatad .p1 Te0par.5ts blood
turned cold
LOOK here, young man." he said more
furiously than before, II have cut the
threats of more men than you have whip
ped and if you want test will give you
one. Come down, my young cockerel,
come down. There is plenty of light for
comb shipping"
The man turned white with rage, but
stood a moment contemplating Leonard IS
athletic form and keen eyes. Apparently
he found that in them which gave him
pause, for instead Of springing at him be
burst into volume of threats and filthy
abuse
How the matter would have ended it is
difficult to say, but at this junction Pere-
ira thought 1t well to interfere and vigor-
ously.
''Peace.i' he thundered in his great
voice, his white hair bristling with rage.
Il have welcomed this man, and he ID
welcome. Is my word to be set aside by a
drunken young brawler like yeui Shut
your ugly mouth, or, by the saints, will
have you clapped in irons"
The slave driver obeyed. Perhaps he
was not sorry for an excuse to escape the
quarrel At any rate, with a scowl at Leon
ard, he dropped back and was silent.
Harmony being thus restored, Pereira
proceeded with the business of the even
ing First, however, be called Leonard to
him, shook him by the hand and babe a
slave girl bring him drink. Then he adj
dressed the company thus:
| Ny lambs. my dear companions. my