The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1899-02-10
CHAPTER NJ.

struck with very great surprise. 1t
seemed pretty evident that Pradey
could not so well dispose of us as TO
win us over, if ,hat might be. His crew,
though desperate enough. did not pre-
cisely sail under the black flag, and to
butcher us in cold blood would make
very stirring bit OF talk that would
be like to trouble him in the future.
If Morgan indeed held II royal com
mission. then his deeds and those of his
captains must not be altogether law
less, and he mast not have too much
blood OF his own countrymen ON his
hands. Provided that Pradey had
found "A way to silence the fellows
from the Industry. he had only TO win
us over and he might return even to
England in safety. But as 10 comply
ing with his proposition. that was AN
other matter, and one which had more
sides than could turn about aud come
to a decision on in moment Nor did
Mr.. lynn, bold and resolute as he was
attempt "A full and conclusive answer.
lie glanced at Mac Ivrach and me. and.
finding that we wore doubtful expires
sions. made, for him, very cautious
reply.
I'VE have heard you. Master Pra-
dey," he said, "and while |, speaking
for myself, hesitate not to reject one
part OF your proposition-to wit, that
we should Join your ships company
stir there are other points in the mat
ter that require thought"
well | will not press YOU" said
Pradey, rather mildly. and yon may
have iii morning for the answer"
"Meanwhile," said |, thinking it
good time to settle one point. ''hc
pleased to tell as how it came about
that we find you here? Also what has
become OF your companions? ."
"Why, tLat is a short story" said
Pradey, with Que of his cold prins.
"Thc night Of ibe day we left you il
fen quite dark, aud, the watch having
fortified his courage with spirits suf-
fercd himself to fall asleep, and ship
coming up ran us down. Some were
killed outright and others drovdcd.
and i'm the end was tbr only one saved.
The ship was a buccanecr. one of those
cruisers sent out hy Morgan, and was
so unfortunate as TO have just lost her
captain. He had been killed in a
wranglc with the frst lieutenant, and
The lo,ter had then been shot i'm turn
by one of tEe crew. As no person was
left aboard who understood uavipa-
ton. and as I made no scruple to put
myself forward, ! was soon chosen
captain, and when this was settled we
stood away 10 rcioiu the fleet We
shortly cnmo mp with IL. when Capt.
Morgan was pleased 80 confirm me in
my place. 'bout this time news was
received OF tAo sailing ar the pumca,
witltho governor OF Panama ON board,
ard white most o. the squadron stood
for Cat crimes. threc Of us we're
dispatched TO intercept the don. Twas
the only one faicl 20 fam iu with him.
nnl Fl eewa that huve come rather
disasroa.'y or jthiuhyouuow have
The whale ory unless 70 bc that for
got 10 i.Il Morgan and the rest quite
an that haa .ormcrly happened 10 me.
but Spun q yarn about my shin taking
fire and we poor creatures barely
"h'rWn" d' at snort notice. the oth-
ers m'seIhu'' perishing.'
"leI.sir thank you for the story"
said I.'and.i in truth, am sorry iorthe
poor sailors. particularly Tor Lcvson,"
'Aud now ne said. You insight give
me, M RETURN am account of your own
firing. surely, when looked over the
rail- to-day and saw your familiar faces