Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1898-01-27
CHAPTER XXIX.
THE BLACK SPOT AGAIN.

The council of the buccaneers had
lasted some time. when one of them
reentered the house. and with repeti.
ton of the same salute. which had in
my eyes an ironical air, begged for q
moments loan of the torch. Silver
briefly agreed; and this emissary re.
tired again, leaving us together in the
dark
There's a breeze coming. jim" said
Silver who had by this time adopted
quite friendly and familiar tone.
turned TO the loop-hole nearest me
and looked out. The embers of the
great fire had so far burned themselves
out and now glowed so low and dusky
that | understood why these conspir-
ators desired torch. About half way
down the slope to the stockade they
were collected in a group; one held the
light: another was on his knees in their
midst. and saw the blade of an open
knife shine in his hand with varying
coors in the moon and torchlight. The
rest were all somewhat STOPPING, as
though watching the maneuvers of this
last. | could just make out that he
had book as well as a knife in his
hand. and was still wondering how
ANYTHING so incongruous had come in
their possession. when the kneeling fig
IRE rose once more to his feet and the
whole party began TO move together to-
ward the house.
Here they come" said /. and re-
turned to my former position, for i
seemed beneath my dignity that they
should find me watching them.
We'll. let 'em come. lad-let EN-
come" said Silver. cheerily. I've still
a shot IN my locker"
The door opened and the five men.
standing huddled together just inside
pushed one of their number forward.
In any other circumstances it would
have been comical to see his slow adj
saRces. hesitating as he set down each
foot. but holding his closed right hanG
~ front Of him.
Step up. lad" cried Silver II won.
eat yen. Hand it over. lubber. ! know
the rules. do; won't hurt depyta-
ton
Thus encouraged the huceaneer
stepped forth more briskly and, having
passed something TO Silver, from hand
10 hand, slipped yet more sma:tly back
again to his companions.
The sea cook looked at what had been
given him.
The black spot! thought So" h
observed. Where might you have go'
-. ..,,,o-0 W. hsff.F Iso,l- kara 49,.
this amt lucky! You've gone and cu'
this out of Bible. What fools cut i
Bible?"
"Ah. there" said Morgan-"there
Wot did say? No good'll come o that.
said"
We'll. you've about fixed it now.
among you" continued Silver. You'll
all swing now. ! reckon. What soft
headed lubber had Bible?"
1T was Dick" said one.
Dick. was IL? Then Dick can get to
prayers" said Silver. Hes seen his
slice of luck. has Dick. and you may lay
10 that"
But here the long man with the vel
low eyes struck in.
BeiaN NnnI Talk. JOhn silver. u
said. This crew has tipped you the
black spot in full council. as in doot.
bound; just you turn ii over, as in dooty
bound. and see what's wrote there
Then You can talk"
''Thanky. George" replied the sea
cook. you always was brisk for bust
ness. and has the rules by.heart, George.
as I'm pleased to see. Well, what is il
ALL 'Deposed'-thats it. Is
IL? Very pretty wrote, to be sure; like
print. I swear. Your hand O. write.
George2 Why. you was gettin' quite
leadin' man in this here crew. You'll /
be cap'n next. / shouldn't wonder. JUS
oblige me with that torch again. will |
you? This pipe don't draw"
Come. now" said George. 'you don'i /
fool this crew no more. You're funny /
man. BY your account. but you're over
now. and You'll maybe step down OF
: 49, 1.a- Il