The copper country evening news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 18??-1907, 1896-03-14
CHAPTER XIY.r[CoNrINurn.l

CHATTER NV 10 CONTINUED.
He made a sign to tombstone. who
took Dick in his arms and swung hin
lightly down the companion-hatch like
bundle OF hammocks. In two min
utes he was i'm his old seat at the END
OF the table in the saloon. with his
ankles fast to the chair. which in lis
turn was screwed into the floor. For
long time he did not move. He had
little hope left now, but he steeled him.
self TO wait with patience If any un-
foreseen chance might yet give him his
opportunity. The sunset gun was heard
from the shore; 1t grew rapidly dark
Iohnstone entered TO light the lamp;
In his hand was a heavy iron capstan
bar.
He laid II down upon the table, with
the letter beside Il.
There's your choice" he said.
"All right" said Dick. stoutly I'm
ready but you'll all go. too, my man;
you're lost without me"
tombstone laughed brutally.
Don't you hatter yourself he said.
Dead or alive, you'll do our business
for us"
Dick was silent.
Look you here" said the other. "this
Is the way OF 1t, and II you don't un-
derstand il now. you'll never have the
chance again. The briggs standing In
straight for Jamestown; she's not three
miles off at this moment; and the flag
ships lying ready for her just outside
the harbor. If you put your name To
that bit O. paper you're a free man this
minute. You'll stand in with the rest
OF us for prize-money, and the lass.
that's worth IL all, she's yours into the
bargain. But IL you're fool enough TO be
obstinate-there' the colonel upon deck
there watching; when the guard-boat
comes, he gives me a last signal-one-
two-and before three's out your neck's
broke, and you lying quiet in the hold.
sad accident, gentlemen! An old friend
OF Sir Pulteney's too; and just had
letter written to him asking leave 10
anchor; on his way 10 sign it when he
fell. P'r'aps the admiral would let us
bury him ashore tomorrow? So either
way we stand to win easy. dye see?'
He did indeed see. and that with a
supreme anguish Of bitterness. Not
even by death was he 10 thwart them,
or clear his own name from dishonor.
But his conscience was without re-
proach. and Camilla knew the truth;
on these two thoughts he anchored him
self to meet the fury of his last storm.
The moments fed. The colonel called
down the hatchway that the boat had
left the flagship. Camilla heard him
shout. and fell upon ner knees beside
portfolio. gasping for air.
a second time that memorable calm
voice came down 10 the deck below.
tombstone took the iron bar I'm his hand.
The boat came alongside, and an Of
ficer's voice shouted close 10 Camilla's
fainting head: Brig ahoy! Throw us
a rope there
Dimly. as one in dream OF horror.
she heard the coloners answer.
You needn't trouble To come on
board" he called down in his smooth
est tones. This is the Speedwell, Cap
tain Estcourt. He is an old friend OF
Admiral Malcolm and is just writing
90 him for leave to anchor. Johnstone!"
he shouted louder still. ASK the cap
tain IL his letters ready"
DO you hear?" said Johnstone, bal
ancing the bar in both his hands.
There's the last sigma. Now then
one"
The clear voice OF the officer outside
rang through the ship and drowned his
words.
"Estcourt!" It cried. Pass IN. pass
in! The Emperor's deadw