The Banner-Democrat. [volume] (Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, La.) 1892-current, 1899-07-01

had val ly
Dl%& *SS$" cruised about
the rocks and islands in search OF the
fierce desperadoes who haunted those
shores. One morning, while the red
sunlight was struggling through
gathering haze just yelled from our
sight ship in the ofing, man was
seen standing on distant rock sig
mailing the brig.
The captain sent Mr.. Marker-a
rather supercilious young midshipman
with q cutter, containing q swivel
and twenty armed men. to ascertain
if the signalling stranger wanted to
come aboard.
As the boat proceeded, and the fog
thiokened, Mr.. Marker began to up
braid the coxswain, Granger, for his
steering, though it could not be ex-
celled.
eff you don't de- better, he shouted.
angrily, IT will have you reported.
This coxswain was particularly OBJ
noxious to Mr.. Marker, because he
had lately saved the life of one OF the
midshipmen while he Marker) was
thinking about it.
It had happened during a heavy
gale. A little middy-the first lieu
tenants son-had fallen overheard,
and while Mr.. Marker-who, though
brave, was also cautious-was hesitat-
ing as to whether he could rescue him
by tying q rope to his breast and Jump
ing overheard after him, Granger, one
OF the foremost hands, who was a
spirited, intelligent young fellow OF
seventeen, full of quick decision and
ready daring, performed the maneuvre
successfully, and brought. the little
fellow safely abroad. For this act
Granger was promoted coxswain.
"Now, mind yourself" continued
Mr.. Marker, as the boat approached
the rock on which the form of the
stranger could be dimly made ou
through the fog. 'Be careful how
you steer, or I will have you broker
and put back where you were before.
The young coxswain controlled hi
temper, though it was hard to do so
In the meantime the stranger de
seconded the rock.
"You want to board the brigp" SAL
the midshipman, Watching him ask
ance.
He was a middle-aged man, wit
keen eyes, q nose slightly beaked, an
he wore q long, closely-ftting surtou'
Eyes, SIR" was the reply.
"Well, my orders were to bring 20
sboard-so step in, if you please"
The man entered the boat, quietl
heated himself. and then came tn
order to give way.
As the boat dashed along the mid
shipman peered warily about him, an
now and then stole o glance at tn
passenger.
"He does not look like a pirate,
thought the youth, "but I shall kee
my eye on him."
Just then, emerging from behind
rock, and taking q position dlrectl
a. ahead OF the cutter, at the end OF
narrow passage, between two low reef
appeared large boat containing abo'
twenty desperate-looking cut-throat
wearing wooden caps, broad sashe
and armed with pistols and dirks.
There was no mistaking thei
swarthy fellows with their fierce, 10,
ering visages; they belonged to Il
numerous horde of pirates for who
the man-o' -war'smen had been scare
ing. On the evil face OF the steer
man. a giant in size, might have be-
observed q triumphant, sardonic gri
"Hol my fine fellows, we have y
fastl" he shouted. ''The hunted ne
have the best of the huntersP
1--WE will see about thatF" repli
Mr.. Marker. ''Now, boys, he adde
addressing his crew, we must ngl
and I hope You will give good
count of yourselves.
As he spoke he looked at the strs
car who had been taken OF the roc
The keen eyes of this man we're nx
upon the outlaws, and he had p
duced q pistol from under his co
Init Marker suspected that he
some traitor who had purpos
brought about this meeting win
pirates.
"Had not you better make use
.vour swivel before you close with
rsscals?' he said in deep voice.
IT know my own business best,
swered the midshipman.
Then q troubled look crossed
face, for now another boat. conta
ing q dozen more pirates, appea
from ont the mist astern OF the cut
.'wt are bemmed ip!" be mutteT
ssgrgi, gfr he added addressing
essss .. ''shis IS yass Noskl"