Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1900-05-09
CHAPTER XVI.-CoNT1NUED.

A lighted lantern hung from carline, the
remains of meal were spread on the table,
and there, half reclining in Il bunk and with
his head in a bandage, was Capt. Scammell,
haggard from fever and somewhat the
worse from liquor, while on the transom
end by his side sat my whilom mate, John
Lounsbury, of Rye, late risen from the dead.
Here then, were my two arch-enemies;
probably the only living souls whose anlmos-
ity toward me was both of a personal and
political nature, saving perhaps that OF
Clinton himself. Possibly my gorge would
have risen sooner against Scammell than at
the man by his side, though the latter was
none the less villain, and it seemed as
though fate, having given me friends when
in need, had guided me thlther to test my
mettle to extremity.
Giving no thoughts to those in the boat,
settled myself to hear the opening dialogue
of the two for it Immediately transplred
that Lounsbury had but just arrived.
My God! | thought you would never
come!" were the first words by Scammell.
"What news do you bring?'
None to warrant grin, was the an
swer. Il can give We no end o advice,
though, an tits to get from this an have it
out wi Clinton while there's yet a chance y
Damn your advice! What's your news
in favor an on the Sprite. He lays the
fault o. palming off that devil Thorndyke to
We. He says We called Thorndyke by my
name in the tavern yard, and that he is in
nocent of all fraud
Curse the stunted coward! And is not
Thorndyke caught? or-or-the grl or her
brother!"
Nay, but peg worse. Thorndyke has
Drained Lowney, whom ye must know, and
then escaped God knows how, being mixed
up with Quaker at Stryker's tavern on the
road. Stryker was arrested, but afterward
let CO. for he was not thought to have had a
finger in the pie. AS for the boy an girl,
naught has been seen o them-not smell
--and there We have all l know. They say
the girl is in the woods to the north, but
she may ha' gone to Heaven by this"
What? what?" said Scammell, starting
an, but sinking back with curse as he
Jlaced his hand on his bandaged head. I'm
The woods! Known TO be there and not
taken. Are We all cursed babies on the
trail? Fore God, you are right! j was a
fool TO fly at a shadow! I'll back to Gin
:on and plead fever to explain my absence.
IN back with you this night. The first tale
told is the best Is it not known whose
name she mentioned to Cinton?"
Nay, man, she gave no name that | can
find. Clinton but suspicioned We. Go to
Thin, an yer not fool, while bide here
the while. What made We pick this spot TO
hide in?'' he continued, carelessly passing
his hand over the smooth woodwork OF the
bulkhead.
Because twas right beneath their noses,
and the guard was in my pay. In faith
Lounsbury," he went on, with something
like relief in the easing away of his body and
the long breath he took while he laid his
hand on the brace of pistols sticking in his
ilelt. there was another reason, one with
money"
"Ah! what?' interrupted the other, sud
ioenly withdrawing his wandering hand and
bending eagerly forward.
"Ay, the reward, you know; I'm nigh
done up for cash. That and revenge, for
mind you, thought that Thorndyke might
take it into his head to come aboard his OWE
ship, thinking, like me, it was the least
likely place to be searched. His paper gave
me the idea. hoped to lie by here until
the trouble blew over, or roll in the glory
lof taking the hound If he came. He is equa
Ito attempting a surprise, but i was ready
for him. The guard is none too bright; hao
YOU not better step up and take looE
Sbout? And with this he patted the
xi1aminp pistol stocks and looked toward
the companion way.
There will be no guard to meet him thi!
might" answered Lounsbury with laugh
which also betokened relief. II let him gC
It'll sunrise. and his musket lies fog-soakeC
on the deck. the ass, Ye have the vapors
We be safe enough. The fog lies like fleece
but-but-"
1.But what, you fool?" was the irritable
rejoinder.
II meant twas a new thought, that o
the chance O. his coming. Neer mind. &c
sc ashore with the guard when be gets back