Chicago eagle. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1889-19??, 1900-01-13
CHAPTER X11.-(Continued.)

"Otherwise the Sea king! continued
Sutherland, looking sternly into the eye
Of his companion.
"Othcrwise the Sea King" repeated
the stranger, convinced that deception for
the future was useless.
"And Captain Manly?"
"1s In South America" returned the
stranger. But In what part Of It I know
not; he left us at Rio de Janeiro."
Sutherland heaved a sigh--a sigh Of dis
appointed revenge.
"And now. sir. since I have been ex-
plicit with you. have n right to expect
that you will deal In the same manner
with me. How knew you this ship?"
ut would benefit you nothing to know
how ! obtained the information" said
Sutherland. "You must he convinced that
! am better acquainted with her than
you perhaps might wish me to be-"
"Sir. you mistake" replied the stran-
ger. ut Is to me a matter of no impOr-
lance whether you are or you are not
ignorant Of the internal arrangements Of
this ship. I believe I have a right to
make what dispositions I think proper
and suitable on board here"
'True. sir. true!' rcjo.ned Sutherland.
"And upon that principle you have substi-
tuted the banner Of old Spain for the Hug
OF your own country"
The countenancc Of the stranger red
dened at this remark. and for moment
he was ut a loss to reply. But recover
ing his se!f.posscssion. he sai that his
country had ut lcast no cause to complain
Of the change.
'"That may or may not be-" returned
Sutherland. "But as there Is a mystery
hanging about the character Of the ship
feel It my duty to investigate It. Where
have YOU been since the proclamation Of
peace?"
AS question your right to make that
demand" said the stranger. II do not
consider myself bound to give you def.
mite reply. I may have been trading In
Europe; ! may have been shaving on the
coast Of Africa; may have been snug.
Cling upon the coast Of China"
"Or you may have been plundering In
the Caribbean" interrupted Sutherland.
"Take care, sirv' exclaimed the stran-
ser, with a deep frown upon his brow;
stake care, sir; you are on board Of my
chip now! Be discreet In your language,
Or you may never quit her; you are my
guest, too, sir. I would have you also
Escollect what Is due to the forbcarancc
Of host"
II never suffer my private relations to
interfere with the discharge Of my duty"
said Sutherland; "and, rs regards your
threat. you must, when you uttered Il,
have forgotten that you were under the
guns Of IN American ship Of war;"
The strangers LIP curled with smile
OF Significance ut this remark, but he
made no immediate reply.
II am here" continued Sutherland. ITO
protect the commercial interests Of the
United States. II. then. you are disposed
TO clear up the character Of this ship,
am now ut leisure to examine your pa.
pers. During the war this vessel was en-.
gagged In the privatccr service; but. since
Its termination. ! suspect the duties she
has performed have been Of very differ
ent nature. may wrong you In this sus.
picion, but II Il In your power. II am In
error, to correct me-"
"Many thanks, sir, many thanks; but.
a. regards your suspicious, you are ut
perfect liberty to enjoy any opinion you
may form Of this ship; for, be assured, I
alter It,"
Enough, sir" said Sutherland, rising
from his seat; "were We ut sea, would
capture you upon my own responsibility
but as It Is will be obliged to denounce
you to the Governor"
stop one moment" said the stranger,
with smile, half sarcastic and half
mlrthful, "you are so very kind that
will not permit you to take even that
trouble. Read that, SIR"
Sutherland took the parchment, and
read with establishment, q protection
signed by the Governor Of Havana.
I'm other words" said Sutherland
folding and returning It, "a commission
TO commit robbery and murder when.
ever and wherever an opportunity may
present"