The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1897-03-31

dalpQ D6nQdu, duu IL Sno was et0 oh'J
one to consult, no obstacle would have
with her daughter.
It may surprise the reader to know
that, in view Of the incontrovertible
knowledge these young ladies had OF
Captain Fox, that they should ever
think Of going on board his ship.
But they had double object; at least
they reasoned.themselves into the belief
that they had; and then they could not
even imagine the act Of perfdy contem-
plated by the pirate.
They knew that the entertainment
was part Of Fox's scheme to keep the
people of Sag Harbor blind to the ac-
tual purpose, the capture OF the Sea
Hawk.
Again, Lea Hedges and Ellen Condit
were devoured by an intense curiosity
"a curiosity which is said to be pecu-
liar to the seX-to see Ralph Denham
In his disguise, or rather to try and dis
cover him in the disguise.
Certainly the latter was not good
motive for going on board the Wan
derer; but the world might not be so
pleasant place to live in if sound rea-
sons could be given for everything that
Is done.
Promptly at two o'clock the young
ladies, after hearing many sage iniunc-
tions from their mothers, and dutifully
promising to obey them, went
down to the beach, where long boat
from the Wanderer was waiting to take
the visitors on board.
They met there quite a number OF
young people. to whom an invitation
was extended, and not few OF the old
or men, among them Doctor Hedges,
who had been dazzled by Fox's mag
nifcence.
Although every man on the ship had
been working with all their might be-
fore clock, they now appeared in holi-
day attire, and the vessel was gay with
bunting.
Awnings covered the quarterback,
and the Wanderers musicians played
welcome as the boat came alongside.
Captain Fox and Frenauld were there
in all the glory of their gorgeous uni
forms, and they made no effort to hide
their delight as they helped Lea and
Ellen on board.
But while careful not to attract at
tention by their wandering glances, nor
to seem Indifferent to the courtesies OF
their entertainers, their hearts were
with the blue jackets forward and
amidships, and many glance they cast
In the hope of being able to distinguish
Ralph Denham.
A splendid collation. was spread on
the deck; and there were iavors in the
shape Of gems and flowers for all the
young ladies.
It was understood, Of course, that
there would be no dancing-there was
no time for that; but there was much
promenading, and, judging from the
laughter that occasionally accompanied
1t, much delightful conversation.
Every now and then Fox or Frenauld
would leave his guests, and 60 forward
to issue a whispered order to man In
waiting, who would communicate it in
the same way to the sailors.
The crew no longer stood in listless
groups, but hurried back and forth,
busying themselves with ropes and re-
moving the bunting that was in their
way.
About half-past four q shower-a
most fortunate one for Captain Fox's
plans, came on, and he invited all into
his luxurious cabin.
AS Lea was passing down from tho
quarterback, she laid Der hand on
sailors shoulder, who was there for the
purpose. and she heard Ralph Denhsm's
thrilling whisper:
My God! Why are you here?"
To those coming behind it looked as
II she had slipped; as it was she stag
gered into the cabin, white as ghost.
4Frenauld, will 60 down and hold
80
message to Hedges, tell him I have
changed my mind. and he must follow
me to Montauk in the morning. 10
not waste o second in getting the ship
under way. This is our chance"
Aye, aye, SIR" replied Frenauld.
Captain Fox spread before his visit
ors his wealth OF pictures and rare
curios. He showed them the cream of
the plunder Of score Of gallant ships.
He dazzled them with strings Of pearls.
He flashed on them emeralds and dia-
monds till they forgot where they were.
Meanwhile the anchors were being
hoisted and the sails let down.
Half-past five came, the turn OF the
tide.
The wind was in the west, and the
Wanderer caught the breeze, and to the
horror OF the crowd on shore, watching
the preparations without seeing any
thing Of their friends. the stately ship,
like a great white bird, flew out Of the
harbor.
y CHAPTER XXvI.
DOCTOR HEDGES HAS HIS EYES OPENED IN
VERY UNPLEASANT WAY.
Doctor Hedges was the first one in
the party to discover the ship was in
motion. He did not suppose that Capt.