The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-08-14
CHAPTER XXI.
Cropf;n,,od


Impossible, Ben! I don't even
want your men to see me, so that the
cock -and-bull story you may tell them
later will have an air Of probability
about It."
"Eh! What's in the wind now?'
bursts out the other, looking in Joe's
fcce.
"Come over here under this over
hanging wall, and I'll tell you quite a
yarn that may awaken your interest,
even if it doesn't harrow up your
blsod. At any rate, I am in hopes
that it will arouse your chivalry."
Hello! Three to one there's petit
coats in 1t. Wouldn't talk about chiv-
airy otherwise. Well, here's Ben Haz-
en-. rough sea-dog that he is, always
willing to remember his MOTHERHOOD
bless her-and do favor in her name
when there's woman in trouble, not
to speak of Daisy"
Mynheer Joe gives him a look that
must thrill his heart, 1t is so full OF
thanks. Then, knowing the value CT
time, and desirous that the sailor shall
learn all the particulars before max
ing his decision, Joe starts in.
He is a fine story-teller, though some
one else might do better just here.
since so many Of his own achievements
enter into the affair, and he fails TO
even do them simple justice.
The captain gets an inkling of this
fact, and makes ample allowances.
Although he does not know all that
Mynheer Joe has been doing Of late
years, Bombay has been ringing with
his praise as the avenger Of Brave Cor
don; and, besides, Captain Ben has no:
forgotten that his friend was ever
modest even in their old school-days.
Several times he stops Joe to ask
questions, for it is plainly evident that
he wants to know all that is going on.
At last the story is done. Captain
Ben holds his head with both hands.
and seems to be studying the ground
between his feet. Joe does not disturb
him, but, calmly lights cigar. He
knows his man, and does not fear for
the final result.
All at once the sailor puts out
horny hand.
"Shake, Joe, old boy" he says quiet
1y.
"Wcll?" accepting the palm.
"You can count upon me-"
"That means"
"The baron will have the chance Of
his life to study the geography Of that
quaint Chilian city of Valparaiso ere
many months elapse."
II thought knew you, Ben," said
the elated Joe, on hearing the bluff
captains words, expressing agreement
with his plans. "Now, as to the pay
for this risky job"
1.-THE what" bellows the excitable
skipper.
II mean just what I say. I'm q
man Of wealth, and you have your way
to make in the world. I must arrange
a decent price for this business. What
would be fair? A thousand dollars"
"Three times too much" grumbles
Ben.
"Well, shall put something in your
hand before you sail, and don't you
open it on your life, old man. have
not forgotten the demure little girl
you were sweet on as boy, and who
you tell me ic now your wife. When
you get home to Philadelphia about
next Christmas, place this in her hand
and tell Daisy it comes from her old
schoolmate, Joe Miner"
"Ill do that with pleasure, Joe, only
don't make the present too costly.
Daisy and have often talked Of you.
This is my last long voyage. If I live
through it I am promised a captains
berth on one Of the new Clyde coast
ing steamers running out Of New
York"
"How many children have you,
Ben"
'"Two-Marguerite and joe"
what! You named your boy"
AFTER the only chap who could out
wrestle, outthrow, outrun me at school
the same boy who dragged me ou;
of the Delaware when went in
through the ice-one Joe Miner, who
actually wants to pay me now for do
ing him a small favor"
Small favor be hanged! This man
is secret emissary Of the car"
"All right"
"You may get into a war with Rus
sia."
well, can lick 'em," with q grin.
Joking aside, Ben, this is serious
business. and you must neglect no op-
portunity to shield yourself, for trou.
BILE is almost sure to come of It,"
"Oh, I'm willing enough to appear
an innocent tool Of yours or an up-
known party shipping this crazy Rus
sian out to Valparaiso. I've no desire
to embroil my beloved country In a
war with the czar. Why, they might
capture Philadelphia, and, think Of it,
my little home is on the outskirts"
"Well, let's talk now about the plan
to be pursued: You must have q docu-
ment, written by some fictitious per-
son, asking whether you would be will
ing to take as a passenger to Valpa-
raiso a gentleman who, at times, is c
little out of his head and may have to
be treated as a prisoner; that if suit.
able terms can be arranged, he will be
brought aboard at certain hour"
That's straight enough. Meanwhile,
I'll enter several notes on the log about