The Van Buren press., 1896-10-17

failed TO discover any sign of a resenuA
cutter, and he greeted Roublot, who
had just come up from below, with a
| friendly nod.
"Gargo's as good Us landed" he said.
Il shall keep her point away to
weather the Bill, and then run in 70 look
for the signal. They always burn a
red flare from the kitchen door il the
coasts clear
Il know. my friend; I have travelled
with you before" replied the French
man. "but I should not trouble about
the signal tonight. Il is not to yon
perch among the rocks that the cargo
Is consigned this time
Il don't take your meaning
well, l will do my best TO enlighten
you." replied Roublet. Il am before
all things \ patriot. my friend. and
have praetieed upon you trihing de-
eeption. Those kegs do not contain
brandy, but gunpowder. which we are
10 convey 10 a French frigate now wait
ing in sore need of it in the West bay"
when YOU round the Bill. instead OF
running in close under your interest
ing domicile. you viii stand on until
We meet the frigate."
I've cheated the king-God bless him
for nigh On 50 years. and made too
good living out of him TO go and round
On him like that. I'll see you some
where before I do such thing. you
dirty French dog"
Not SO fast, friend Kern" said
Roublot. with a sheer. Unfortunately,
you are not in a position 10 indulge
in the freedom of choice. II you re-
fuse TO ohlige me in this matter shall
denounee you for the murder Of the
preventive man. and the king whom You
serve so faithfully viii most aSSuredly
hang YOU
1t that moment the lugger rounded
the Bill, and high up in the cliff red
glow shone out. Kern knew that il
was the signal from his own door bid
ding him welcome home in safety. His
hand went 70 the knife. but he plueked
il out and threw it into the sea.
~Cold-h looded murder I've no mind
te. and that would be the only way out
Of IL" he said. with a sigh. VERY well,
monsieur, l will do your bidding
Here are the 1000 francs. then said
Roublot. handing him a packet Of notes,
he Kind enough 10 sign this; I viii
hold the tiller." and he proffered pen.
ink horn and a paper, which by the light
of the pinnacle lamp Kern saw was a
form of receipt specifying the service
rendered. But he signed il without
comment and resumed the tiller-
As they shot past the house in the
cliff lsrge ship loomed mp quarter
OF a mile away against the lingering
glow in the western SKY.
That will be the frigate." said Kern.
calmly. Here. Disk. and you two
Others, come aft here = minute he
called. Wonder is a French man-o'.
var. NJ. Reublot and me are going to
put some powder aboard her. haven't
got a choice in the matter, but that's
no reason shy you lads should turn
traitor. Into the boat with you all,
and pull for the ladder
hut as the tnEcS snug -lcE>s SQAAeI
and half dared. having obeyed their
old chief mechanically. pushed Of from
the lugger. he called out n gentle tones:
Ny love to the missis, Dick. and 10 little
Msrgery. may be some time = in
France"
Guided by the red eve shining steadily
above, the boat made for the base OF the
cliff, and as the men piled the oars they
strained their eyes on the shadowy
forms Of the two vessels now rapidly
approaching each other.
Dick saw the lugger run alongside
the frigate. Perhaps ten seconds
elapsed, and then 4 great sheet Of fire
leaped heavenward, a deafening roar
followed and 4 blot Of mist-the mist
OF drifting smoke-covered the scene
When the last wreath had rolled away
the pink flush on the skyline was per
feetly clear; the frigate and the lugger
we're 50 many fragments OF wood.
Smuggler Kern had been one too many
for his enemy-and those of his eoun-
Jry-after all.-London Answers