The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1898-06-11

looked about the cut-water. But, there
he was, you mind, and the six all dead
dead and buried. How had he done
II, not a man aboard US could make out
1t was battle, murder and sudden death,
leastways-him against six. Billy
Bones was the mate; Long John. he was
quartermaster; and they asked him
where the treasure was. .Ah,' says he,
you can go ashore, If you like, and
stay he says; but as for the ship. she'll
beat up for more, by thunderi' That's
what he said.
"Well, was in another ship three
years back. and we sighted this island.
Boys said I. here's Flint's treasure;
let's land and find it, The captain was
displeased at that; but my messmates
were all of a mind and landed. Twelve
days they looked for II. and every day
they had the worse word for me, until
one fine morning all hands went
aboard. AS for you. Benjamin Gum,
says they, heres musket.' they says,
and a spade, and pick-ax. You can
stay here, and find Flint's money for
yourself they says.
swell, Jim, three years have I been
here, and not bite of Christian diet
from that day TO this. But now, you
look here; look at me. Do look like a
man before the mast? No, says you.
Nor 1 weren't, neither, says"
And with that he winked and pinched
me hard.
"Just you mention them words to
your squire, Jim"-he went on: "Nor he
weren't, netherlands the words
Three years he were the man Of this
island, light and dark, fair and rain;
and sometimes he would, maybe, think
upon a prayer (says you). and some
times he would, maybe. think Of his old
mother, so be as she's alive you'll say);
but the most part of Gums time (this
is what you'll say)-the most part Of
his time was took up with another mat
ter. And then you'll give him a nip, like
I do"
And he pinched me again, In the most
| confidential manner.
"Then," he continued-"then you'll
up and you'll say this: Gum is good
man (you'll say), and he puts precious
sight more confdence-aprecious sight,
mind that-in gentleman born than In
these gentlemen of fortune, having
been one hisself."
"Well," I said, IT don't understand
one word that you've been saying. But
that's neither here nor there; for how
am TO get on board?"
"Ah," said he. 'that's the hitch for
sure. Well, there's my boat that
made with my two hands. keep her
under the white rock. II the worst
come to the worst, we might try that
after dark Hill" he broke out, whats
that?"
For just then. although the sun had
still an hour or two to run, all the echoes
OF the island awoke and beloved 10
the thunder of cannon.
They have begun TO fighti" cried.
Follow me-"
And I began to run toward the
anchorage, my terrors oil forgotten /;
while, close at my side, the marooned
man In his goatskins trotted easily and
lightly.
Left, left" says he; keep to your
left hand, mate Jim! Under the trees
with you'll There's where killed my
first goat. They don't come down here
now; they're all mastheaded on them
mountings for the fear of benjamin
Gum. Ahl and there's the cetemery''
cemetery he must have meant.
"You see the mounds7 / come here
and pray, nows and thens. when /
thought maybe a Sunday would be
about doc. 1t weren't quite a chapel,
but IL seemed more solemn like; and
then, says you, Ben Gum was short
handed-no chapling. nor so much as q
Bible and a flag, you says"
So he kept talking as I ran, neither
expecting nor receiving any answer.
The cannon-shot was followed, after
considerable interval. by volley OF
small arms.
Another pause, and then, not a
quarter of mile in front of me, be-
held the Union Jack futter In the air
above q wood.