La Junta tribune., 1899-04-29

| poop-ladder and was forward on the
quarterback when the pilot made this
remark to the seamen.
"Ay! ay" replied an old seaman to
the pilot: mot only the devil, but the
Flying Dutchman to boot"
Flying Dutchman," thought Philip;
can that refer to-" and Philip
walked step or two forward. so as to
conceal himself behind the mainmast,
hoping to obtain some information,
should they continue the conversation.
In this he was not disappointed.
They say that to meet with him is
worse than meeting with the devil,
observed another of the crew.
Who ever saw him?" said another.
He has been seen. that's sartin, and
just as sartin that ill-luck follows the
vessel that falls in with him" 4.
And where is he to be fallen in
with?"
oh. they say that's not so sartain
but he cruises off the Cape"
Il should like to know the whole
long and short of the story" said a
third.
Il can only tell what I've heard. It's
a doomed vessel; they were pirates.
and cut the captains throat, l be-
lieve."
No. no,' cried Schriften, ''the cap
tain is in her now-and n villain he
was. They say that. like somebody
else on board OF us now. he left very
pretty wife. and that he was very fond
of her"
n
Because he always wants to send
letters home when he boards vessels
that he falls In with. But. woe to the
vessel that takes charge of them!-
she is sure to be lost. with every soul
on board"'
II wonder where you heard all this. :"
said one of the men. did you ever
see the vessel?"
Yes, did," screamed Schriften;
but. as IL recovering himself. his
scream subsidized into his usual giggle.
and he added. but we need not fear
her, boys: we've bit OF the true cross
on board Schriftcn then walked aft
as II to avoid being questioned. when
he perceived Philip by the mainmast.
so. I'm not the only one curious?-
he! he! Pray. did you bring that on
board. in case we should fall In with
the Flying Dutchman?"
I'm no Flying Dutchman.'" replied
Philip. confused.
Now / think Of 1t, you are OF the
same name; at least they say his name
was Vanderdecken-eh?"
There are many Vanderdeckens in
the world besides me-" replied Philip,
who had recovered his composure; and
having made this reply, he walked
away to the poop OF the vessel.
"One would almost imagine this
malignant one-eyed wretch was aware
of the cause OF my embarkation,
unused Philip; but no! that cannot
be. Why do feel such a chill when
ever he approaches me? wonder IL
others do: or whether 1t is a mere
fancy on the part OF Anime and my
self dare ask no questions. Strange.
too. that the man should feel such
malice toward me- I never injured
him. What l have just overheard
confirms all; but there needed no con-
| firmation. Oh. Anime! Anime! but
for thee. and 1 would rejoice to solve
this riddle at the expense OF life. God
IN mercy, check the current OF my
BRAIN" muttered Philip, "or my rea-
son cannot hold Its seat"
In three days the Ter Schilling and
her consorts arrived at Table Bay,
where they found the remainder of
the fleet at anchor waiting for them.
Just at that period the Dutch had
formed a settlement at the Cape of
Good Hope. where the Indian fleets
used to water and obtain cattle from
the Hottentot tribes who lived on the
coast. and who for brass button or a
large nail would willingly offer a fat
bullock. A few days were occupied in
completing the water Of the squadron,
and then the ships, having received
from the admira! their instructions as
to rendezvous In case Of parting COM
pany, and made every preparation for
the bad weather which they anticipat-
ed, again weighed their anchors and
proceeded on their voyage.
For three days they beat against
light and bafiing winds, making but
little progress; on the third, the breeze
sprang up strong from the southwark,
until it increased to a gale, and the
fleet were blown down to the north
ward of the bay. On the seventh day
the Ter Schilling found herself alone,
but the weather had moderated.
THE sun looks red as he sinks"
observed Hlllebrant to the captain,
who with Philip was standing ON the
poop; I'VE shall have more wind be-
fore tomorrow. II I mistake not"
II am Of your opinion" replied Myn-
heer Kloots. "It is strange that we do
not fall in with any Of the vessels of
the feet. They must all have been
driven down here"
Perhaps they have kept wider Of