Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1899-08-25
CHAPTER XIV.

OF THE CONCLUSION OF OUR GREAT
SURPRISE AND WHAT FOLLOWED
AT THE HEELS OF IT.
Even Mr.. lynn changed color. and
for my part my legs grew weak and my
why, friends, don't We know me?
Do We take me for a ghost?'
It was the same old hearty, sea-
rough voice that we knew so well. It
was no spirit, but the mans mortal
self!
Mr.. lynn was the first to pull himself
together. He rushed forward, and
with a little cry of gladness seized
Sellinger by both hands and danced
the strong skipper about. I was next,
and could scarce keep back the tears
as I gripped the big brown hands.
Even Mac Ivrach grinned like merry
andrew and cut one step of caper as
he took his turn.
But, man." cried Mr.. lynn, as we at
last released the skipper and stood de-
hghtedly about him, show can this be?
Did we not see you hanged? Aye,
dangling your length from the yard
arm of the Pilanca? Why, we made
out the very white shirt you have on
surely the only one among the crew!"
The captain first gave stare of as
constituent and incredulity, and then
broke into a low whistle.
"Aye, aye, see how it was. Tt was
the boatswain, Pedillo. Marry, 1 never
thought of your taking him for me!
You see the old governor conceived
the notion that the fellow was more
responsible than anybody else for our
little break, and so danced him up to
the yard. I believe one of the priests
gave him a shirt, or frock, to be turned
off in, and so that was where you got
your white tog. Aye, aye, I under
stand the thing now.''
And so, of course, did we, and it was
simple enough, to be sure.
He asked a question or two in turn,
which we answered, and then went on
to inquire how the Spaniards used him
after our escape.
why, not so bad" he answered.
my wound was attended to, and then
l was clapped in the brig. When the
ship reached Chagre was set upon the
midships of a mule and brought here.
Since then have lived in the house of
Faith! but that reminds me. / have
run at my best speed hither, not alone
to sail in your company, but because
of another matter of urgency. viii
you come along with me and make no
stay for questions?"
Surety" cried Mr.. lynn, without
hesitation.
And Mac Ivrach and l said the same
Then this way"
He turned, and set off up the same
ho6 o1
course, noticed his dress and other ap-
pearance, ere this, and found that he
looked and was habited as formerly.
He was armed now, however, being
girded with belt, to which was hung
a short hook pistol and q Spanish
hanger.
We fetched up at high stone wall,
which I perceived must set of a con-
siderable estate. a little way along
this wall was a strong iron gate, the
top defended by sharp spikes. The cap
tain plucked a key out of his pocket,
with which he unlocked this gate, and,
urging US all in before him, hastily
locked it again. i now perceived that
we were in an extensive garden, fruit
and shade trees standing thickly about
and the walks bordered with flowers.
A little way in the rear I could partly
make out a handsome, low stone house.
The captain hurried us up the main
walk, making no .concealment now OF
speed, and at foir run we brought up
before the door OF the house. per-
eeived then that the place was strong
as well as handsome, the building be-
ing of some yellowish stone set of
with a cage fashion of balconies in the
Spanish style. The chief entrance was