Willmar tribune., 1899-06-21
CHAPTER III.
A VOLUNTARY PRISONER,


Darkness was we'll settled on the sea,
though there still hung faint, hot glow
in the west when had finished my business
on the Sprite
Barring the baleful eye of Scammell, there
had been nothing to mar the proceedings in
making report in harmony with my story.
The dragons silence and steady gaze were
trlHe dlsconcerting, and the knowledge of
the captured black (who had been conveyed
TO the Sprite), coupled with the feeling that
Lounsbury might return to his senses and
spring mine beneath me, served to keep
my nerves at tension which became well.
nigh unbearable.
There had been number in the elegant
cabin, but of them | wot not, save that most
ot them got hot with liquor. For sight of it
had been taken, even the captain having his
Judgment crossed and his jollty increased
by constant recourse to the bottle.
And here let me say that, in my poor
opinion, both the length and cruelty of the
war were helped more than little by this
never ending taking aboard of "Dutch cour-
age. Had it made men battle in proportion
to their boasting, 'twould have served some
proper end, but never found that | could
fight better with eyes and wits tangled with
liquor, and, in fact, though I preach not,
never touched it when in trouble save as on
this occas'on-to keep up appearances.
And even on this occasion had still the
upper hand of what drank, and noticed
that Scammell was nursing himself as well !;
but, aside from we two twas noisy crowd
| that tumbled to the deck to see me back to
the Phantom.
l had made myself mighty popular during
my short stay aboard. A change of berths
had been offered me, but had small notion
of leaving my own craft with its hidden
cargo, though | put it on the ground of for
(eiting prize money if l deserted her. A
crew of FIVE men were given me (which
would make small claim for salvage in fa-
vor of the Sprite), and now, with the doc
tor. who was to give hand to Lounsburv.
! stood by the side while laying a small
| wager on the race to New York.
| had little heart in the laugh and last
tandshake to the rest, and was about put.
| ting foot on the side steps to pass to the
boat that was swinging high and low on the
| running seas, when my attention was caught
| by the face of girl who rose through the
companion and stood startlingly clear
against the black background of the night
| The bright Iamplight from the cabin flooded
and brought out every detail of her features
1t was but the face and bust saw, the oper
door cutting off the lower part of her figure
but twas the face of an angel, and for an in
stant / forgot to move, looking at her as
would at beautiful picture.
And a picture she made as she stood there
turned toward u.s. High breeding showed in
the delicate contour Of chin and cheek, dark
eyes and clearly cut straight nose, but twas
the small mouth with its fine red lips hall
open as though in inquiry that held me BY
it's sweetness, while the mass of auburn hair
dressed high, as was the fashion of the times
gave touch of perfection to her counte
nance
The vision-for twas more akin to g
vision than realty-lasted Hut breath, fol
Scammel thrust his form betwixt us, arc
made rapid steps toward the companion
way, while |, with hand wave to the others
joined the doctor in the boat.
The surgeon, tall, raw-boned Irishman
afflicted with strong after-dinner hic
cough and a desire to talk, settled back ir
the stern sheets, and voluntarily fell into ar
explanation of a lady being on board the
Sprite.
AN We know not Mrs. Badely, Sir Henry
light-o' love? lis shame that kings off
GERS be made to dance attendance to tha
iik. Her ward seems to be O different clay
though. A bonny lass she is, an lionel,
one, having no great love for her guardian
as it's plain to see, an few to turn wore
with, saving Scammell. Did ye mark tn,
way he slid to her when she lifted DER th,
hatch? 'Tis in my mind he's jealous O tn,
deck her foot lights on, an he hangs abou
her like brooding hen. Twas sorry NOV,
Sir Henry made when he lit on him for
guard O honor to Mrs Badely and Gertrud,
King, Bad for him, mean, since 'tis plai,
he's struck between wind and water by th,
lass, though, in my mind, she'll have !ittl,
to do with the likes O. him after setting foo
ashore"
From this and other rambling talk gath
cred that the Sprite was taking two ladies
from Philadelphia to New York-ladies higl
in favor with Gen. Clinton-and that one o
them, Mrs. Badely, was the famous beaut,
to whom the doughty knight had given hi
heart without the honorable accompaniment
of his hand and name, Her notoriety hae
even spread beyond the British lines, an,
much Of the opportune inactivity of the enc
my was explained as due to the fascination
of his mistress and the inability of the com
mander to withdraw from her influence an,
take the field.
fro Be Continued