Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1899-02-17
CHAPTER VI.-CoNTINUED.

CHAPTER VI.-CoNTINUED.
BY these arguments Mr.. lynn finally
prevailed, and the idea of an assault
was abandoned. We then fell to talk
ing and Capt. Sellinger remarked that
at least we were in command of nearly
all the powder in the ship, the maya
zine lying beneath, in the hold, and the
double doors betwixt that and the gen
eral storage securely locked. 1t would
require the use of ram and violence,
or considerable work of carpentry, to
break through.
Yet conceive they might employ
one or the other" said Mr. lynn, land
since we have the floor of the storage
room between us and the magazine,
the sound might be cut off. think we
had best raise yon trap, to be prudent.
Say, you do it, Master Ardick."
l disturbed the scuttle accordingly,
and we moved that way that we might
catch even a small sound of opera
ton.
AT least, if it comes to the worst,
we can blow up the ship" said the cap
tain, with setting together of the
lips, yet not quite SO desperate as his
air was, | thought.
II pray you let us think of less des-
peratc measures" l said, quite dis
turbed Surely, we should take much
encouragement from what we have
done, and trust to the like fortune in
the future. They are but eight, as
you say, and for the most part of small
skill with arms. We are only three,
but all have a good knowledge of
weapons-for would have you to know
that l am no novice with either broad
sword or backsword, having had in
struction from an approved maitre
rd'armes-so the real odds are by no
means what they SEEM"
This is all good" said Mr.. lynn,
with tranquil air, ''and | doubt not
that we could hold them stiff bout,
so we could have them all in front, and
no use of firearms. Yet let us remain
as we are for awhile, and see whether
still better way will not open"
Faith" said the captain, quickly,
''it may be opening now. l see some
sort of glimmer or spark through the
chinks in yon door,"
The spark flickered before the cracks
in the door. and l was just thinking
that it might be the match of an old
fashioned gun, and had opened my
mouth to utter warning, when the
glimmer increased to clear little
fame, and as it did so some one knocked
on the door.
who is there?" called out Capt.
Sellnger.
Its US, sir-Toby Hedge and Tom
Flying"
What do you want, Hedge and
Flyng?"
I'VE are from the mate, sir, with a
message" answered the same voice.
What want you?" went On Capt.
seIlinger.
The mate, he summons you to sur
render, sir. If you refuse he will have
all your lives"
Despite the terror of the situation,
I could scarce forbear smiling. The
fellows voice had the most marvellous
cas1down humble, mingled with an air
of respect for the captain-something
that long habit would not quite suffer
him to escape from--that could be
imagined. But Capt. Sellinger only
looked uncommonly solemn and stern.
THE mate is a villain, and you like
WISE" he made answer. For myself,
I bid the whole rascally pack of you
defiance! Yet stay little, and 4 will
give you the word of the others. What
say you, friends?" he concluded, turn
ing to us. Have you a message of
another sort?" b..
What manner OF terms does Master
Pradey offer?" spoke up Mr.. lynn,
somewhat to my surprise.
HE will spare your lives and give
you good treatment answered the
sailor. 1t seemed to me that he spoke
something eagerly.
''Of what sort are the mates plans?"
The man hung little in the wind.
There you have me out of sound
ings, sir" he said at last. "You will
need to ask Master Pradey."
II have done with him." said the SUI
percargo, turning with an Indifferent
air to the captain. 81 did but try
him"
''And I wish not even to so to that
limit" said l.
"Hark'ee, fellows" cried Capt. Sell
linger. sternly. ''Begone. and tell that
lobscouring villain to do as he lists.
We will neither trust him nor hold
further parley with him"
The men received the message in ST.
lence, and presently we heard them re-
tire, and the glimmer of their lanthorn
died out.
Il think they viii now leave us in
peace for little" said Mr.. lynn, with
the remark sheathing his sword. ''They
have found they can neither overbear
US. and till they think of something
new will of necessity do nothing
Il hold the same" said the captain.
land my council is that we take adj
vantage of the lull, and catch a little
rest"
with all my heart" said the super
cargo LET us be about it." He
yawned prodigiously. but added. laugh