The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1897-02-24
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means o. terrOrlZlHS SOloHel NlaliaIN,
or Lord Pa!iton, should he refuse to az
cede TO his additional terms.
So far, everything looked to the car
rying out Of this bold programme with
success. The most difficult part Of the
work was already accomplished. and he
was a strong believer in the provero
that what is well begun is half fin
ished."
Feeling very much pleased with him
self, as from his peculiar standpoint he
had certainly right to be, Captain FOX
went down to the cabin, where sat
Colonel Graham, looking anything but
happy. -
Fox, with more familiarity OF manner
than he had ever before assumed to the
man who now felt sure that in law, as
well as in fact, he was Lord Palitoa.
You know 1 have been sick.
Il know that, my lord.
Colonel Graham waved his hand in q
deprecatory way. and continued:
THAT idiot of a Doctor Hedges
drained me Of my last drop OF blood
curse his barbarous method-and did
not then and never had any blood to
spare for these leeches."
But what blood you have in your
veins, Colonel, is the best in England, D"
said Fox, with a sly wink.
You persist in bringing in matters
that I would rather not have discussed.
Now, will you permit me to speak for
while without any Of those irrelevant
Interruptions" asked Graham, pet
tishly.
Certainly. Are you not my guest?
Therefore, talk all night If you find the
exercise pleasant and healthful."
Without needing the rudeness, for
Graham, villain though he was, had the
breeding of gentleman, he went ON to
advise Captain Fox.
You have finished your work here,
Kidd"
Il beg your pardon, Lord Paliton;
sorry to interrupt you again, but my
name is Fox, Fox. Captain Kidd is
another fellow. He is a cursed pirate
out on the raging seas. He's man that
a thousand gendarmes are creaking to
hang. He's a man that Lord Paliton
could not associ-"
We'll, we'll. ask your pardon" said
Graham, with a smile as grim as the
pirates humor, Il am at fault there.
But 1 was going to say that the rumor
is out that Kidd is In these waters, and
very soon there will be hot chase. My
advice, therefore, is to show your heels
while you can do so with safety. I will
remain here a short time on a little
private mission, and il do not succeed
1 will GO to New York and thence home
to England"
Before you go 1 have some more
business with YOU" said Fox, with that
startling, decisive manner which he
could so suddenly assume. But before
seeing to that have business Of great
importance to myself to attend to.
came with one ship; propose to leave
with two. ! came here single man;
propose to go away with q wife,"
With a wife?" echoed Graham.
' Certainly; I am old enough to marry,
so are you. The face Of the charming
Indian princess-I admire your taste
has struck your fancy; the face Of the
daughter OF the man that bled you 80
freely has impressed itself on my too
susceptible heart. The father Is willing,
and the lady will be: but If she is not,
why, I'll play the part OF Romulus and
the Sabine"
Il beg your pardon. sir" said Don,
putting his head inside the cabin door,
abut. sir, Mr.. Frenauld wants to see you
at once"
Tell him to come here"
Frenauld came in looking very much
excited, and said:
Il have brought Thrasher on board,
sir"
That is right. Has Thrasher fright
ened you that you look so ashy?"
NO, Captain; but there has a post
rider just come through from New York
with letters for Captain Denham. He
swears that Denham never was in New
York"
Hold" thundered Fox. Back to
your boat, at once, man, and away to
arrest this fellow, and bring him on
board. Tell the people he is fraud
and an impostor-the murderer Of tho
post-rider. Do not lose second. This
should have been done at once"
Frenauld sprang into the boat, and
the puzzled sailors rowed lack with all
speed for the town, over which the
shadows OF night were settling. And
Fox went back to the cabin, but there
was cloud on his brow, and his conf.
| dent manner was gone.