The Somerset reporter., 1896-12-31
CAPTURED BY A GIRL

Day was breaking when Captain
Suarez Of the schooner Chimba emerged
from his cabin and began to pace back
and forth upon his quarter deck. He was
scarce 20, but his bearing plainly indi-
sea. He had not made more than a
dozen turns fore and aft when a girl
came tripping lightly to his side.
All, sister, you are early! | am
afraid your dreams could not have been
pleasant to drive you to the deck so
soon.
Say not SO, brother Carlos. The vi
sions which last night visited my pillow
were of the sweetest, for they showed to
me that our cause was bound to meet
with success, and that the would be
dictator, Balmaceda, would be driven
in disgrace from Chile by his indignant
countrymcn -
''Ah, Isabel, as enthusiastic a patriot
as ever" returned the sailor Il would
that the sons Of Chile possessed the
spirit of some of her daughters, "
NAY, Carlos, do not malign your
companions But, brother, when and
where do you expect to mako "a harbor:
BY this time our army must be sadly in
need Of the arms and ammunition which
you have.
IF fortune favors us, we shall have
our anchor down in the port of Iquique
before another sunrise.
AT that instant voice from the
main topmast crosstrees caused brother
and sister, us we'll as the crew of the
vessel, to start with apprehension
Smoke, OH Two points on the port
bow.
But supposing it should be one of
Balmaceda' s yessels?" asked the young
girl anxiously as she grasped her broth
er's arm.
''Then our voyage will have a speedy
ending unless | can succeed in hood
winking her officers, for escape would
be out of the question. -
An hour later the sun had burned
away the mists of night, and perhaps a
mile distant was brig rugged steamer.
Presently puff Of white smoke jetted
out over the bow of the pursuing craft,
and the boom of gun was borne to the
ears of those on board the smaller vessel.
THAT means for us to heaye to, Isa-
del, and show our colors ="
'But who are they, Carlos--friends
or enemies?"
They belong to the other party. and
In In ,rE
better go below to your stateroom until
we learn the result of the coming meet
ing?"
Eyes, Carlos, will leave the deck if
you will promise me one thing"
And that is?'
"To follow these instructions to the
letter. Read them carefully, and then
destroy the paper Farewell, brother, :"
and, with fervent hand clasp, Isabel
Suarez hurried below.
As his sister disappeared through the
companionway the captain glanced at
the note When his eyes fell upon the
writing, he started in surprise, but as
he continued to read a smile broke over
his features.
The captain now ordered the Chilean
flag to be hoisted to the main peak, say
ing, as he saw the bunting fluttering
aloft, 1--WE are still sons of Chile and
will meet either friend or foe beneath
her ensign"
Schooner, ahoy Who are you, and
where from?'
"The Chimba, from Callao for Val
paraiso "
AYE. aye! Stay where you are, and
I'll send boat aboard.
Sopn cutter from the man-of war
was alongside, and an officer stepped to
the deck and demanded to see the papers
of the schooner with IA list of her cargo,
stores and crew.
Without the slightest hesitation the
young commander placed IA bundle Of
official looking documents ON the table
in the cabin before his visitor, and then
stepped back pace One after another
the papers were closely scrutnized I'M
til the stranger reached the vessels
clearance.
ut strikes me there is something
wrong about this. The seal of the Pc
ruyian government does not look just
right
ut is as received it but an hour
before leaving port, senior
'How long ago were you i'll Callao2'
I've sailed Il week today.
Again something strange, captain,
for we ourselves were IN that port
shortly before that time, and am posi-
tive there Was no such vessel as the
schooner Chlmba IN the harbor then
IF you have any doubts rs to the
honesty Of our purpose, quickly re-
marked the captain, could you not
send six or eieat men with US 70 Val
paraiso. The aew Is small. and | will
gladly relinquish command to any one
whom you may detail for the service.
1T might be better for us to take you
in tow ourselves but | will lay the
matter before our commander Remain
hove to until l return.
Scarcely had the unweleome visitor
left than isabel emerged from her state
room and joined her brother
You have done well, Carlosl'' she
exclaimed. Now, listen You must
not let them know we arerelatcd ] am
simply a passenger Let two of your
best men be armed and placed ~ my
room under my instructions. Leave the
rest to me. Our oaptors will not offer
such an indignity to Chilean lady as
en- ntt TO