The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1899-02-03

group of figures there moved, ana IN
the instant single shape rose above
their heads and travelled up swiftly to
the main yardarm! There it seemed
to dangle for moment, and then fell
into the motion of the ship, and swung
penduum-lil<e, in board and out.
1t was time of horror, and scarce
know what we said. We had no doubt
that the man was the captain, for who
else could be executed at such time?
Moreover. when | came to look more
inteutly, | made out a patch OF white
about the upper part of his figure.
which would answer for the captains
shirt, none of the crew wearing gar
ment of that description. but only
blouses and dark tunics.
We crouched low again, and watched
the poor body as it ier>ed and swung.
There was a dreadful fascination in
the sight, and for one / could not take
my eyes from it. ! have the thought
that the supercargo broke out IL
swearing once, not loud, but as might
say between his teeth, and that /
laughed savagely when heard him.
The buccaneer continued to bear
down upon us, and as soon as he was
within reasonable signaling distance
Mac Ivrach took off his waistcoat and
waved it. 1t was as large Il distress
flag as we had. for all of us were with
out coats.
Nearer he came, and at last his
broad bow. with it's stump of the spirit
sail mast. was close at hand. \ crowd
of figures showed above the low bull
wark of the foredeck, and looked eX-
citedly till one of them should hail. II
was only moment \ man in a cuirass
and headpiece, standing by the
weather shrouds, leaned over and put
his hand to his mouth.
Raft ahoy!"
sprang to my feet. all the old
strength of my voice returned.
BOARD the ship!" | roared back,
1--WE are English!" It was surely un-
necessary now TO tell him that we were
in distress.
She came into the wind, and while
her bows beat up great smother OF
foam and her sails Tapped and thun-
dered, the line snaked out and | seized
it and made it fast. We were hauled
rapidly in, and dozen strong. sun
burned hands helped us scramble up
the side.
square the yards" roared the same
voice that had hailed me.
Mer knocked by me to the after
braces, and | was too confused TO get
out of the way. sailor though was.
"Well, and how is it with you MOVE"
asked a new and quiet voice, and |
started and stared like fool. for he
owner of the voice was Nicholas Pra-
dey!
Mr.. lynn had waited for me, having
gained Il step in advance. but the rush
over the crowded deck had pressed
him back. lie was not at my side,
therefore, when the villain addressed
his question to me.
For the life of me could not lay in
slant hold of the word % answer. The
surprise, the feeling that fate had
played us Il trick, something like the
suggestion that the rogue was des-
tined, in spite of all. to triumph
these mingled impressions confused
me and held the words back on my
lips.
But all was the business of an in
slant, and by that time Mr.. lynn was at
my elbow. He had made out the viii
lain, though it seemed he had not
caught the exact purport of the in
quiry. lie drew himself mp sternly and
looked the fellow in the face
wv hat may be your question. cir!
| trust it may be such that the answer
can be brief"
May" he answered. leiSurely, your
manner is a bit still and unfriendly.
Best take some further consideration
and then we will discourse. Meanwhile
you have wants that shall be attended
to. We can fit you and Master Ardick,
here, as well as this good fellow, with
drier clothes than YOU have. Lieut..
Phibbert!"
4 big fellow in steel headpiece and
body armor, but otherwise in ordinary
sea habit, pushed out of the crowd.
Have these people below Bestow
this one in the vacant berth OFF the
cabin, and find the others hunks in
the steerage. Ask Lieut. Niles for a
shift for this gentleman opine they
are near the same bigness-and have
the slop chest overhauled for Master
Ardick and the other. In truth he
concluded, with a cold grin, 1--WE do our
calling no discredit in bestowing this
hospitality, for / can aver tnat THESE
two, at least, are rare fighting men!"
Mr.. lynn pulled out his lips and
sucked them back, as his habit was
when perpleNed or in thought and
after glance at me, answered
speaking for myself, would choose
to have as little as possible between us;
yet | acknowledge that we ~ not
wholly in case to refuse your offers
Let our absolute needs be met, then
since it must be so, but ask MS not
am sure | speak for Master Ardicl
as we'll as for myself-ask us not Il
exchange more than the strictest neeC