The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1896-12-02
p, ShssIfs 81 cIoth!o@e: ing

was commanded Dy captain hluu' WIZ
still holds commission in her majesty 3
service" .,
Colonel Crab am filed glass with
wine, drank it down at one gulP, ana,
pushing back from the table, looked
critically at Captain Fox.
But wha' ever of surprise the words
might have given, had their information
been more condensed, was prevented by
the time it took the Colonel to tell his
story.
my friend Kidd has not been follow
ing his sailing orders, must CONFESS.
said Captain Fox, covering his mouth
with his hand as If to suppress yawn.
Il must get word to him at once, ana
have him keep his eyes open.
He should remain at sea until he has
destroyed some greater pirate than him
SELF" said the Colonel, his strange gray
eyes again cleaning as If with laughter,
and his cruel mouth fastening as II 1t
closed with spring lock.
Il shall see that my friend is informed
of his danger. And now as to your own
natter"
II came to meet the Wanderer at this
point, and have done 30. Where is the
original Wanderer?
AT the bottom of the Indian Ocean,
with all her officers and crew" replied
Captain Fox, sinking his voice.
so supposed. Now, it will be nee
essary to have this ship lost after she
leaves this Fort"
"On paper?"
You must arrange that, but a report
Of her loss must reach the admiralty In
hn
it to yourself. You are much more able
In such matters than I am"
Il beg your pardon, Colonel; from the
time we first met, or rather first ex-
changed views in Bermuda, where you
were Governor, I felt that outside Of
practical seamanship there was not q
thing, good. bad or Indifferent, about
which you did not know more than my
self. But we will not play modest as to
our merits. So far, have kept my part
of the contract, and you are now q
member of the House of Lords"
Silence, man," said the Colonel,
striking the table until the very glasses
rang again, as if manifesting his own
impatience and alarm.
"But, CAD, sir, it is matter OF noto-
riety.
Here, assume the role OF man
whom we know to be dead, and in En-
gland am Lord Palitan; but why speak
Of the facts? Why not treat me as do
you9"
Because, sir" said the Captain, with
sarcastic laugh, Il do not want to lay
myself open to charge OF rudeness.
But henceforth I pledge myself to re-
spect the incognito. Now as to Den
ham?"
THAT is the point. Your own safety
demands immediate action. Yes, it is
imperative that this Ralph Denham
should be at once missing, and"
And never to be found thereafter"
you have it, Captain.
And am to do the business?" asked
Fox.
The Colonel compressed his thin lips
and nodded.
In the event of trouble Detailing me,
you pledge me in writing to use all
your influence and fortune for my self
deliverance?"
=" I come prepared to do that"
You also come prepared 10 pay the
$40, 900 in gold, and an obligation ior
twice that amount when the work ia
done2"
My black servant has brought the
money here, and, I presume, as to the
rest, that your ship is we'll provided
with writing material?"
1T is"
Very we'll. I am ready to do my
part at once. When will you be ready
to act?" ask the Colonel.
within forty-eight hours the Wan
derer will prove her claim to her name,
by being at sea without flag"
But Denham?" " .'
Well, Colonel, Denham will be on
board my ship till Il am hundred
leagues from land" replied the Captain.