The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1899-02-03
CHAPTER IN.

10 De uOnt, anu INC > IlduldluS NOO ldNg
or too Indifferent to set us tasks.
had Mr.. lynn always in my eye, ready
TO give him lift should need be, but
all passed without the call
That night passed uneventfully, and,
as | may as well add, to be brief, so
did the next three days. The weather
held fair, with moderate winds, and
there was nothing 10 put strain upon
anyone.
Meanwhile that this time was pass
ing my companions and had come by
a better knowledge of things touch
ing the voyage and the governors
plans. 1t seemed we were to make but
one more port before reaching Chagre.
that being n place called Baracoa, in
the eastern part of the island of Cuba.
There the governor was to transact
some business and obtain such fresh
stores as we needed. and thence meant
TO fetch straight over for Chagre.
On the morning of the fourth day
after our rescue something of a thrill
ing and in part of a dreadful sort hap
pened, and this | shall now proceed to
detail. Mr.. lynn and 1 were lying in
our hammocks, it being our watch be-
low, when thought heard some small
stir on deck. followed by the bawling
of voices, as though delivering com
mands. | sat up and listened, for |
could not guess what was in the wind,
and as did so the ship suddenly began
TO saw up and down.
what is doing?' queried Mr.. lynn.
sitting up in his hammock as | had
done.
at is passing singular" | said. and
with one mind we rose and scuifed into
our shoes, having keen desire to
solve the mystery. In the forecastle
beyond we met the cook, who had just
descended the ladder. lie was littl-
cut of breath. as though from hurry,
and his looks showed something had
happened.
"Hootsl" he cried. without waiting
for us to speak. I'VE are a in peekle.
A buccaneer will be DOT yonder."
"A buccaneer!" | cried. in surprise
and joy. Are you certain? Nay. that
Is n pickle that is right enough. When
did he heave in sight?"
"He has been showing a the watch"
he answered, land now we are rising
him fast. Gin We are e'er sac wal
pleased We wad be wise to hide it," he
added, under his breath.
was quick to see the wisdom of the
suggestion and returned an answering
nod. Come, Mr.. lynn" | said. in IA
lower and soberer key, "let us go and
have look at this pirate
| spoke the word pirate with pur-
posed emphasis. knowing that the fell
lows i'm the watch-most of whom
were now sitting up in their hunks or
shaping about in their bare feet
would hear. and so far understand me.
"a pirato!" went from one TO an
other. The most sluggish bounced out
In a twinkling.
Leaving thccook to finish with them
or those who would stay TO hear
Mr.. lynn and fastened up the ladder,
Truly enough, the sun was in our
faces. and the Pilanca was driving
eastward, close hauled.
Directly astern, and | guessed now
about four or five miles distant, was
the well-defned canvas OF the sup
DOStu mere was no SuN lilH
anything about him, of course. with
out glass. and ! could merely guess
that he was quite little smaller than
the Pilanca. We might be raising him
but of course that would not he APP
parent without longer inspection,
There was no great change in the
weather. The wind had strengthened
frsAa 81 nd IRA
was more head TO the seas, but other
wise everything stood nearly the same
In this part of the ship the watcl
hung about the braces, as though foi
orders, and there was an anxious, sub
dued jabber running round, but no par
ticular confusion.
Aft found the poop cleared Of bright
gowns and petticoats. the prudent old
governor thinking, doubtless, it might
be wise to offer as few allurements as
possible, and in their place were five
or six of the shining, armored guards
Others of these fighting men were dis
posed about the quarterback, and, al
told, guessed the entire company was
on duty. The governor himself, q
somber-lined cloak flung over his gay
attire, was walking TO and fro on the
poop, and Capt. Placido was spying Will
aglass from the wether mizzen shrouds
II went grievously against the gov
ernor's pride and that of the dons t.
run away, but in prudence no othei
course seemed open. Besides, the safe
ty OF the women was 10 be considered
The foe had the advantage of nimbler
Woodworking ship, and doubtless
mustered an equal or larger crew.
We discussed the matter at som,
length, aud decided that a great water
castle like the Pilanca, with relative
ly small sails and blum bows, must b.
inferior AT plying, and that some excel
lent trick of seamanship would be need
ed II we were TO shake off fellow Xix
the buccaneer.
"And yet" added Capt. Sellinger
there is one point in our favor
mean in favor of the pilanca-the win'