The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1897-06-17
6r Pc Rff/SS/OW or
RAND. MCs'n'jN r ca
CHAPTER XIv.-ICoxrINuED.l

He made a sign to tombstone, who
took Dick in his arms and swung him
lightly down the companion-hatch like
a bundle of hammocks. In two min
utes he was in his old seat at the n
of the table In the saloon. with his
ankles fast to the chair, which in it's
turn was screwed into the floor. For
q long time he did not move. He a
little hope left now. but he steeled him.
self to wait with patience, If any I'M
foreseen chance might yet give him his
opportunity. The sunset gun was heard
from the shore: 1t grew rapidly dark.
tombstone entered to light the lamp:
In his hand was a heavy iron capstan
bar.
He laid it down upon the table, with
the letter beside 1t.
There's your choice" he said.
A right" said Dick. stoutly I'm
ready but you'll ali go, too, my man;
you're lost without me-"
tombstone laughed brutality.
Don you fiatter yourself" he said.
Dead or alive, you'll do our business
for u.s.
Dick was silent.
Look you here said the other, this
Is the way of ii, and il you don't un-
derstand it now, you'll never have the
chance again. The briggs standing in
straight for jamestown; she's not three
miles off at this moment; n the flag
ships lying ready for her just outside
the harbor. IL you put your name to
that bit o. paper you're a free man this
minute. You'll stand In with the rest
of US for priZe-money, and the lass,
that's worth it all, she's ours into the
bargain. But If you're fool enough to be
observation-disclosures the colonel upon deck
there watching; when the guard-boat
comes, he gives me a last signal-one-
two-and before three's out your neck's
broke, and you lying quiet in the hold.
Sad accident, gentlemen, An old friend
of Sir P~ulteney's, too: and just had a
letter written to him asking leave 70
anchor; on his way to sign Ii when he
fell. P'r'aps the admiral would let us
bury him ashore tomorrow" So either
way we stand to win easy, dye see
He did indeed see, and that with a
supreme anguish of bitterness. Not
even by death was he 10 thwart them,
.or clear his own name from dishonor.
But his conscience was without re-
preach, and Camilla knew the truth;
.on these two thoughts he anchored him.
self to meet the fury of his last storm.
The moments fled. The colonel called
down the ~hatckway that the boat had
left the flagship. Camilla heard him
shout, and fell upon ner knees beside
a portfolio, gasping for air.
A second time that memorable calm
voice came down to the deck below.
tombstone took the iron bar in his hand.
The BOAT came alongside, and an Of
fccr's voice shouted close to Camilla's
Painting head: Brig ahoy! Throw us
a rope there!'
Dimly. as one in a dream of horror,
she heard the coloners answer.
you needn't trouble to com on
board he called down. in his smooth
est tones. This is the Speedwell, Cap
tain Estcourt. He is an old friend OF
Admiral Malcolm n is just writing
TO him for leave to anchor. Johnstone."
he shouted. louder still. TASK the cap
tain if his letters ready"
do you hear?" said tombstone, ball
ancing the bar in both his hands.
There's the last signal Now then
one
The clear voice of the officer outside
rang through the ship and drowned his
words.
"Estcourt.' 1t cried. Pass in, pass
in! The Emperor's dead!"