Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1900-11-20
CHAPTER "


As soon as the dead could be buried the
brig was rendered fit for sailing. and hav-
ing put a crew on board sufficient to sail
her, Captain Howard shaped his course
for Galveston. The prisoners were all
confined on board the schooner, where
most of them spent their time in cursng
their captors.
Jilok Tudel was a man not far from
forty years of age, with a complexion al
most as dark as an Indians. He was a
lepero by birth and education, and after
many years of villainy upon the land. he
betook himself to the waters of the gulf
as a more extended and profitable field
Of labor, He was confined upon the af-
ter part of the berth-deck, and he might
have been allowed the freedom of the
schooner had he not made use of the most
murderous threats when he was first con-
fined.
Clarence Howard gazed upon this man,
and wondered if it was possible that An
tonic St Marc had agreed that his sweet
child should marry with such a being.
He had begun to doubt the truth of the
wandering woman's assertions when new
proof came from the mans own lips.
One afternoon the young captain went
down upon the berth-deck to see how his
prisoner came on, and after he had gazed
awhile upon Tudel. and was upon the
point of turning away. the latter spoke:
"Senor captain" he said, what do
you mean to do with me?''
II mean TO deliver you up TO the au-
thorities at Galveston" was Towards
reply.
But there is no military station there. :"
There is enough for our purpose
But look ye, senor-give me my lib
erty, and l swear to you that three
Americans shall be given up TO you in
exchange"
But why should set you at liberty
more than the rest of my prisoners?"
For a very good reason. senior. am
rich enough now to live without more la
Dor, so if | give you my promise that
/ will not trouble your countrymen any
more, circumstances will not force me to
| break my word. And there is another
reason, senior, which, il you are rea-
| sonable man and possess kind heart,
viii move you. In the city of my home
| there is fair maiden who IS waiting
anxiously the return of her lover She
asks even now for the husband whom
You would keep from her.
"Ah, senior" uttered Clarence, with q
strangely auttering heart, land are you
sure the maiden waits for you?''
II am. senior captain"
us she young girl. or have your af-
| fectious fallen upon one near your own
ageF asked Clarence. lightly.
In our land We do not force the cooler
/ Yr1qfrnnS ~ aHv raorS - s.sfI...,
bonds. No. senor-she is not only a young
girl. but one OF the most lovely in Vera
Cruz. Perhaps you may have heard OF
the Senior Antonio st. Marc?'
Il have heard OF him." was Clarence's
repiS, given in a calm. low tone. for he
would not reveal his own feelings in the
matter. He is very wealthy man. il
l mistake not
Yes. senor-not only wealthy. but OF
much influence. II you viii set me free,
you shall have three American prisoners
in exchange"
Il don't wish to pry into your secrets,
senior returned Howard; but stiH ii
appears 10 me that the maiden has chos-
en- rather strangely
"Ehg"
You cannot fail TO understand me-" re-
samed the young captain. unmoved.
Surely your past life has not been one
10 attract respect"
For the moment Tudel seemed inclined
to be angry at this. but he quickly over
came the emotion. and assuming 4 smile.
be said
%, you don't understand the nature OF
cur impulsiye. warm-hearted girls. II a
man is brave and true. they seldom ask
whether he stained his sword on the Geld.
ehapparaL or on the sea. But you win
exchange mer'
''WhereE-
"Why-you have my word that three
prisoners shall be released the moment 7
resch Vera Cruz"
Il rather guess shall leave that mat
ter 70 be decided by our supreme Court
az Galveston
"Eh. Your Suprene-Courts What
DO you mean By thatY'