Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-03-31

and the glow-worms jetted fire at our feet.
We watched the darling lamps alighting
near their mates. the tiny fires first bright
ening, then dulling. last of all being OBJ
scured as the insects consummated their
love affairs, all of which interested us
much.
On board the San Esteban We could hear
a sound of hammering, and sometimes
figures moved up the stays and about the
rigging, all black ebony, save for a silver
edg1ng to each spar, mast, cord and moving
shadow. but, Lord how the mosquitoes bit
down by the fat mud banks of the shore
great, speckled fellows they were. and with
the appetites of unfed tigers for good, fresh
Scottish blood
On these nights 1t was hot with a kind of
lukewarm heat. and Will and would gladly
have cast off our light clothes and plunged
into the heavtng waters We refrained.
however, owing to the presence of certain
curious objects out in the bay. These were
most like black bottles set aslope upon the
sea- save that they passed and repaSSed
swiftly and noiselessly across the shining
wake or the moon, glistening like wet leath-
er as they vanished into the shadow They
were the back fms of school of sharks,
and as may well be believed. the sight put
bathing out of our heads.
1t was upon our return from one of these
rambles that We found Saul Mark waiting
Tor US. He greeted us cordially enough.
but with more than usual of the sneering
manner winch made me hate him He
was seated very much at his ease in the
little chamber at the end of the weaving
shed. where for ordinary we swung our
hammocks and kept what privacy was pos
sibie for u.s. 1t was a pleasant place save
for the mosquitoes, and these we made shift
TO rid ourselves of by raising a great smoke
or "smudge," as We called it outside just
beyond the veranda. This We started on
one side or the other according as the wind
blew. 1t was, therefore, through fine
cloud of this smoke that discovered our
unwelcome visitor, his black beady eyes
SDarkliQy and his large silver
glinting in the smoky freight which came
IN through the open door, bringing with it
the rolling smoke. This last kept all
three coughing and rendered more bizarre
our interview with Annals father.
Your health, gentlemen he said with
out moving. came in.
He had found and opened a large square
case bottle of Hollands, the gift of the Lady
Juanita. He lifted tankard and quaffed TO
us GENEROUSLY. leaning back the while in
our only chair, and crossing one leg over
the other, very much at his ease.
At which Will Bowman only grunted, but
| saluted the man courteously enough. both
because he was Annals father, and because
(save in matter of conscience) l have al
ways tried to steer the course which most
avoids the perils of our life's pilgrimage by
land and sea, not always, L admit. with en-
tire success, but always with the best in
tent.
You have been out to visit the senoritas
-ah, youth, youth he cried, holding up
his hands. We'll, 1 am the last man to
blame you. l drink. instead. to your fair
ladies eyes"
I'VE have been down by the shore edge.
to admire the moonlight upon the water
So answered him. gravely.
All he cried, with a note of added
gusto in his voice, so 1t was in my time.
also went to admire the moonlight upon
the water!
Nevertheless, the thing is true, sir"
said |, with a respectful assurance which
1 thought fitted to convince the most I'M
believing.
"Ah, what have you in that pocket?' he
said, pointing to the place in my blue work.
ing blouse where / carried Annals letters in
tapped inside pouch. secured with but
ton and tag.
AT this L was astonished. and. 1 fear
showed something of it.
Saul Mark nodded gently
Good lads-good lads" he said, why
should you be 'shamed? We all fam
lily party here-husbands and wives sons
and daughters little mixed perhaps at
present. but full of the possibilities of do
nestle bliss when once We settle down a
little
driver who cracks his whip of fire over a
new and unstaled team.
Will and l had no words to answer him,
and after gloating over our silence for a
moment he went on:
But now l need you, young sirs,' he
said; you and | have work before us /
remember well your many excursions in the
High Woods when We Were all in a man
ner of speaking happy together on the
Isle of the Winds-before the coming of
Captain Keys cruel pirates. You know the
place of our adventure. l will reveal to
you secret Under the blessing of the
Almighty We are fitting out an expedition
to retake the island and find Morgan's
treasure. 1t is not the first time Master
Philip here has gone treasure seeking. God
give him better luck on this occasion, Yous
duSky friend comes with guide. |
think you know what he will guide US to.
Therefore make ready. Leave the weaving
for week or two. The weavers will have
holiday and the webs will not rot The
commandante also will leave a guard to
keep all safe. So be ready to go on board
the San Esteban at any time upon a sum-
MONS
There was nothing for us but to obey and
L nodded my promise of obedience, while
VIII sulkily combed the back of his hand
with teasle.
We will not fail you" / answered
mo, shall see to it that you do not!' he
answered, smiling.
And that was the one word Of threatening
he