The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1897-03-17
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Apart from the ammunition, what
other favor does Fox want?" asked Cap
tain Denham.
This evening he called on Mr..
Hedges, and said that the Wanderer
was going to drop down with the tide
tomorrow evening, and take position
off Montauk to watch for the pirate,
Kidd.
The audacious villain" exclaimed
the Squire.
He said that fifty of his men wero
unfit for duty, and in the event Of a
fight would be in the way, so he sug-
gested that he send his fifty men on
board the Sea Hawk and take fifty Of
ours"
What reply did the Lieutenant
maker"
He said he would let him know in the
morning"
Valentine" said Captain Denham,
rising to his feet. The men must be
sent from the Sea Hawk"
murmur of surprise from all, which
increased when Ralph added:
They must be picked men who under
stand in advance what is needed Of
them, and they NUS be commanded by
an officer in whom they have every con-
fidence."
The Sea Hawk men have confidence
In all their officers"
True. Val: but do not think they
will hesitate an instant when they know
I am gaing to lead them"
Another gasp from the people, and
Valentine said hurriedly:
But Fox does not want an officer"
Il see through his purpose, and I pro-
pose to meet fire with fire. The very
measure by which he hopes to secure
success must be made to result in ruin.
1 can disguise myself after I have met
with the men. Fox supposes me dead,
or as good as dead. The sick men he
sends on board the Sea Hawk must be
received. It will be found, if they get
a chance, that they are strong enough
to murder our people and seize the ship.
Ha. We shall adopt his tactics. His
men must be made sick enough.
Let me mix 'em drink, en- I'll see
ez dey are all sick 'nuff, said Dinah.
1T will be daylight in a few hours; l
must 90 aboard and perfect all the ar
rangements at once, said Ralph, rising.
Hear me before you leave" said Un-.
tilla, who had remained an attentive
listener, Il think can help Captain:
Denham."
you have already saved my life, you
and Dinah, my trusty friends" said
Ralph, giving a hand to each.
When daylight comes, l will send
Uncas back prisoner to our head men,
whom his conduct has sorely offended.
Till he changes the Montauks will obey
me-"
Another noble Zenobia," said the
Squire.
They will obey me, and can bring
tomorrow two hundred warriors all
we'll armed, and place them on board
the Sea Hawk, if they can be Of any use
there. Many of them, as Ralph Den
ham knows, are good sailors, and all of
them are as much at home on water as
on land. If Ralph Denham takes fifty
men to the Wanderer, and l like the
plan, the force Of George Hedges will
be weakened so much. If you agree
will wear the plume and carry the spear
of Wyandauch, the insignia OF our
chiefs, and the Montauks will then fol-
low Untilla to the silent tents OF death
if need be-"
While Untilla spoke, her beautiful
face became radiant, her 1.-THE form was
drawn up, and her eyes burned with a
light like unto that which inspired the
followers of Joan Of Arc when on the
eve of battle she flashed along their
lines.
"Ha, the Montauks have at length a
chief worthy Of Wyandauch. l accept.
l gladly accept, noble Untilla, cried
the Captain.
But what will Fox say?" asked VAL
entine.
He need not know it. Tomorrow
night they can board the Sea Hawk
from their canoes. Hedges and you
must see to that" replied the Captain.
Come, Dinah; you must help me. l
will be here again tomorrow before the
sun is in mid-heavens. said Untilla.
towing in her graceful way and going
out, followed by Dinah.
Ralph would have left note for Lea,
but he feared it might fall into other
hands and defeat his scheme. Mrs. Con-
dit promised to send for Lea in the
morning, and that she and Ellen would
then explain everything and enjo.n her
to silence, though With a girl Of Lea's
good sense that precaution would be
unnecessary.
Il tell you, my boy" said Squire Con-
dit, as he stood with his hands on
Ralphs shoulders, and his eyes and
voice telling Of his anxiety, that I
don't at all like your doing what you
propose. Consider that you have es-
capped from the lions den and the fiery
furnace, and that it may be tempting
destruction to place yourself again il
the power Of those sons Of Belial."
knowledge is power. There would
be cause for alarm il they knew what
we do. and my men will go prepared
for every emergency. The fight will
take place near Montauk, and the
Wanderer is the more powerful vessel
Of the two; she has fully seventy men
More than the Sea Hawk. Leave it to
me. father, and trust me-.
Il do trust you, my boy! 7 always
have trusted you, and you have always
shown yourself to be worthy. May God
bless and prosper you in this contest
for right"
Ralph kissed Mrs. Condit and Ellen,
and Valentine, by virtue Of his recent
right, did the same, and both went
down to the shore.
They put off in the canoe which the
squire had used, and they had to wait
some time till the boats Of the Wander
er, laden with their last cargo Of fixed
ammunition, had left the Sea Hawk,
before they could get on board without
attracting attention.
Ralph Denham still retained his dis
guise, so that Lieutenant Hedges did
not know him at first, and could not be
convinced that it was he, till they had
entered the cabin and turned up the