Chicago eagle. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1889-19??, 1896-09-05
spects to "the 80 charming Nine. Langs.


ton"
Roublot made himself 80 especially
soclable that by the time the party
came on deck the cargo was all slowed,
and Kern gave orders for immediate
departure.
by shutdown on the following day the
huge mass of Portland doomed up OH
the horizon, and Kern began to con.
grntulate himself on yet another sue.
cessful run. The old smugglcr stood at
ths tiller. his grim features relaxed into
a placid content as his keen eyes failed
to discover any sign Of a revenue cutter
and he greeted Roublot, who had Just
come up from below, with a friendly
no..
"CargO's as good as landed" he said.
II shall keep her point away to wealth.
er the Bill, and then run In to look for
the signal. They always burn red
fare from the kitchen door II the coasts
clear"
II know, my friend; I have Travelled
with you before" replied the French
man, but should not trouble about
the signal tonight. 1t Is not to yon
perch among the rocks that the cargo
Is consigned this time"
II don't take your meaning"
"Well, will do my best to enlighten
you," replied RoublOt. II am before all
things patriot, my friend, and have
prnctlced upon you a trlfiing deception.
Those kegs do not contain brandy, but
gunpowder. which we are to convey to
n French frigate now waiting In sore
neel Of It in the West Bay.
"When you round the Bill. instead Of
running In close under your interesting
domicile, you will stand on until we
meet the frigate."
"I've cheated the King-God bless
him--for nigh onto fifty years, and
made too good living out Of him to 60
and round on him like that. I'll see
you somewhere before do such a
thing. you dirty French dog"
mot 10 fast, friend Kern" said Rou.
blot, with a sheer. unfortunately. you
are not In O position to indulge In the
freedom Of choice. II you refuse to
oblige me In this matter shall do.
nounce you for the murder OF the pre-.
ventive man, and the King whom you
serve 30 faithfully will most assurcdly
hang you."
| At that moment the lugger rounded
the Bill. and high up In the cliff rel
glow shone out. Kern knew that It was
the signal from his own door bidding
him welcome home In safety. His hand
went to the knife, but he plucked 1t out
and threw 1t into the sea.
"Cold.bloOded murder I've no mind to.
and that would be the only way out Of
It," he said with a sigh. every we'll,
monsieur, I will do your bidding"
"Here are the 1000 francs, then"
said ROublOt, handing him a packet OF
notes. "BG kind enough to sign this;
will hold the tiller," and he proffered
pen, Ink horn and paper. which by
the light OF tho binna Gle lamp Kern saw
was a form OF receipt specifying the
service rendered. hut he signed Il
without comment aud resumed the
tiller.
As they shot past the house In the
cliff a large ship loomcd up quarter
Of a mile away against the lingering
glow IN the western sky.
''That will be the frlgate." said Kern,
calmly. "IIere. Dick, and you two 9th.
crs, come Mt here minute" no called
"YOpder Is q French man.o'-war. NJ,
Roublot and me are going to pu. some
powder aboard her. haven't go, a
choice In the matter. but that's no rca.
son why you lads should turn traitor.
Into the bOnt with you all. and pull for
the ladder"
But rs the three smugglers. sullen
and half dazed. having Obcyed their old
chief mocha nlcally. pushed of from the
lugger, he called out In gentle tones
my love to the missis, Dick. and ia
little Margery. may BE- some time. -lll
France"
Guided by the red eye shining stead
lily above, the boat made for the base
Of tho cliff. and as the men piled the
oars they stiained their eyes OH the
shadowy forms Of tho two vessels now
rapidly approaching each other.
Dick saw the lugger run alongside the
frlgate. Perhaps ten seconds elapsed
and then great sheet of fire l~aped
heavenward, deafening roar followed
and q blot Of miSt-the mist of drifting
sn,Oke--covered the scene.
When the last wreath had rolled
away the pink flush on the skyline wal
perfectly clear; the frigate and the lug
ser were no many fngmenss OF wood
Smuggler Kern had been ono too many
for his enemy-and those Of his country
after all.-Answers.