Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1899-02-21
CHAPTER III.
A VOLUNTARY PRISONER.

CHAPTER III.
A VOLUNTARY PRISONER
Darkness was well 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
trihe disconcerting 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 we'll
nigh unbearable.
There had been number in the elegant
cabin, but of them wot not, save that most
Of them got hot with liquor. For sight of it
had been taken, even the captain having his
judgment crossed and his jollity 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 preach not,
never touched it when in trouble save as on
this occasion-to keep up appearances.
And even on this occasion l had still the
upper hand of what l drank, and noticed
that Scammell was nursing himself as well ];
but, aside from we two, twas a noisy crowd
that tumbled to the deck to see me back to
the Phantom
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
feiting prize money if deserted her. A
crew of five men were given me (Which
would make small claim for salvage in ia
vor Of the Sprite), and now, with the doc
tor. who was to give hand to Lounsbury.
| stood by the side while laying a small
wager on the race to New York.
l had little heart in the laugh and last
handshake 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 lamplight from the cabin flooded
and brought out every detail of her features.
It was but the face and bust l saw, the open
door cutting off the lower part of her figure,
but twas the face of an angel, and for an in
slant forgot to move, looking at her az ]
would at beautiful picture.
And picture she made as she stood there
turned toward us. 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 half
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 a
vision than reality-lasted but breath, for
Scammell thrust his form betwixt us, and
made rapid steps toward the companion
way, while l, 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 desire to talk, settled back in
the stern sheets, and voluntarily fell into an
explanation of lady being on board the
Sprite.
AN We know not Mrs. Badely, Sir Henry's
light-o'-love? IT'S shame that king 3 Off
GERS be made to dance attendance to that
ilk. Her ward seems to be O. different clay,
though. A bonny lass she is, an lonely
one, having no great love for her guardian,
as tits plain to see, an few to turn word
with, saving Scammell. Did We mark the
way he slid to her when she lifted Ger the
hatch? TITS in my mind he's jealous O. the
deck her foot lights on, an he hangs about
her like brooding hen. Twas sorry move
Sir Henry made when he lit on him for a
guard O honor to Mrs. Badely and Gertrude
King. Bad for him, mean, since It's plain
he's struck between wind and water by the
lass, though, in my mind, she'll have little
tc do with the likes O. him after setting foot
ashore"
From this and other rambling talk gath
cred that the Sprite was taking two ladies
from Philadelphia to New Y ork-ladies high
In favor with Gen. Clinton-and that one of
them, Mrs. Badely, was the famous beauty
to whom the doughty knight had given his
heart without the honorable accompaniment
of his hand and name. Her notoriety had
even spread beyond the British lines, and
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 and
take the field.
OF the younger lady had never heard,
nor, after my feeting glimpse of her, could
make myself believe that her nature was
tainted. Scammell was the official guard of
the two for the trip, which accounted for the
dragoon being at sea, and, according to the
doctor, he had become deeply enamored of
his younger charge, the fair Gertrude King
Doubtless it was desire to cover himself
with glory and dazzle the eyes of his love
which had led him to take hand in board.
ing the Phantom, but i gave over interest
in the whole matter by the time the boat
reached its destination.
The half-slewed Irishman made but iiasty
work with Lounsbury The unconscious
man had been removed to the cabin, and lay
in my berth with eyes fast closed, still
breathing like BUMP, The doctor locked