The Red Cloud chief., 1899-06-16

Philip turned round and stanmereo
something unintellisible.
I'VE were talking Of his sister. COM
mandant," said Krantz, taking his arm.
and leading him away. DO not men.
ton the subject to my friend, for It Is
a very painful one, and forms one rea.
son why he Is so inimical to the sex.
She was married to his intimate friend.
and ran away from her husband; It
was his only sister, and the disgrace
broke his mothers heart. and has made
him miserable. Take no notice Of 1t,
I beg"
Some days after this conversation. as
they were all three seated at table. a
corporal entered, and, saluting the
c~ommandant, informed him that a
Dutch sailor had arrived at the fort.
and wished to know whether he should
be admitted. Both Philip and Krantz
turned pale at this communication
they had q presentiment of evil, but
they said nothing. The sailor was or
dered in, and in a few minutes who
should make his appearance but their
t%ormentor. the one-eyed schriften. On
perceiving Philip and Krantz seated at
the table he Immediately exclaimed:
"Oh. Captain Philip va~nderdecken, and
my good friend Mynheer Krantz, first
mate OF the good ship Utrecht, ] am
glad to meet you again."
Captain Philip Vanderdecken!"
roared the commandant. as he sprang
from his chair.
Eyes, that is my captain, Mynheer
Philip Vanderdecken. and that Is my
first mate, Mynheer Xrantz, both OF
the good ship Utrecht: we were
wrecked together. were we not, myn-
heer? He! he!"
"Sangue de Vanderdecken! the hus-
band! Corpo del diavolo-is 1t posi-
ble?" cried the commandment, painting
for breath, as he seized his long sword
with both hands and clinched 1t with
fury. What. then. I have been de-
ceived. cajoled. laughed att" Then.
after a pause-the veins OF his forehead
%distending 20 as almost to burst-he
continued, with a suppressed voice:
Most noble sir, I thank you; but now
1t is my turn. What. no, there! Cor
poral-men-here. instantly-Quick!"
Philip and Krantz felt convinced that
all denial was useless. Philip folded
his arms and made no reply. Krantz
merely observed: "A little reflection
will prove to you. sir, that this indig-
nation Is not warranted"
Not warranted" rejoined the COM
mandant, with a sneer; you have de-
ceived me; but you are caught In your
own trap. have the paper signed.
which I shall not fail to make use Of.
You are dead. you know. scaptain; I
have your own hand to it. and your
wife will be glad to believe It."
"She has deceived you, c~ommandant.
to get out OF your power. nothing
more" said Vanderdecken. "She would
spurn a contemplate. withered wretch
like yourself were she as free as the
wind"
go on. go on; 1t will be my turn
soon. Corporal, throw these two men
into the dungeon; a sentry at the door
till further orders. Away with them!
Most noble sir, perhaps your inluen-
tial friends in Holland and Spain will
enable you to get out again."
Philip and Krantz we're led away
by the soldiers, who were very much
surprised at this change OF treatment.
Schriften followed them; and as they
walked across the rampant to the stairs
which led to their prison. Krantz. in
his fury. burst from the soldiers and
bestowed a kick upon Schriften, which
sent him several feet forward on his
face.
That was a good one-he! he!"
cried Schriften. smiling and looking at
Krantz as l. regained his legs.
There was an eye. however, which
met theirs with an intelligent glance
as they descended the stairs to the
dungeon. 1t vas that OF the soldier
Pedro. 1t told them that there was
one friend Upon whom they could rely.
and who would spare no endeavor to
assist them In their new difficulty. 1t
was a consolation to them both: a day
OF hope which cheered them as they
once more descended the narrow steps
and heard the L.eavy key turned which
secured them in their dungeon.
Ito be continued.)