Daily camera., 1901-08-24
CHAPTER VIII.

AT THE SIGN OF THE SPYGLASS.
When l had done breakfasting, the
squire gave me a note addressed to John
Silver, at the sign of the Spyglass, and
told me l should easily find the place
by following the line of the docks, and
keeping bright outlook for little
tavern with large brass telescope for
sign. l set oil. overjoyed at this OPP
portunity to see some more of the ships
and seamen, and picked my way among
n great crowd Of people and carts and
bales. for the dock was now at its busi-
est. until found the tavern in question.
II was bright enough little place OF
entertainment. The sign was newly
painted; the windows had neat red
curtains; the floor was cleanly sanded.
There was street on either side, and
an open door on both, which made the
large, low room pretty clear to see in,
in spite OF clouds Of tobacco smoke.
The customers were mostly seafar-
ing men: and they talked so loudly
that I hung at the door, almost afraid
to enter.
AS was waiting, man came out of
Of side room, and at q glance, / was
sure he must be Long John. His left
leg was cut off close by the hip, and un-
der the left shoulder he carried o
crutch, which he managed with won
derful dexterity. hopping about upon it
like bird. He was very tall and
-;,A 10, l,,y loy
plain and pale, but intelligent and smil-
ing. Indeed, he seemed in the most
cheerful spirits, whistling as he moved
about among the tables, with q merry
word or slap on the shoulder for the
most favored Of his guests.
Now, to tell you the truth, from the
very first mention Of Long John in
Squire Trelawney's letter, had taken
fear in my mind that he might prove
to be the very one-legged sailor whom
Benbow. But one look at the man be-
fore me was enough, ! had seen the
captain, and Black Dog and the blind
man Pew. and 1 thought knew what a
buccaneer was like-a very different
creature, according to me, from this
clean and pleasant-tempered landlord
Iplucked up courage at once, crossed
the threshold, and walked right up to
the man where he stood, propped on
his crutch, talking to a customer.
"Mr. Silver, sir?" asked, holding out
the note.
"Yes, my lad said he; "such is my
name, to be sure. And who may you
be?" And when he saw the squire's
letter, he seemed to me to give some
thing almost like start.
"Oh!" said he, quite aloud, and offer
ing his hand, II see. You are our new
cabin-boy; pleased am to see you."
And he took my hand In his large
firm grasp.
far side rose suddenly and made for the
door. It was close by him, and he was
out in the street in a moment. But his
hurry had attracted my notice, and ]
recognized him at glance. Itwas the
tallow-faced man, wanting two fingers,
who had come first to the Admiral Ben
bow.
"Oh." I cried, stop him! it's Black
pog!"
II don't care two coppers who he is"
cried Silver. But he hasn't paid his
score. Harry, run and catch him"
One of the others who was nearest the
door leaped up and started in pursuit.
IF he were Admiral Hawke he shall
pay his score" cried Silver; and then.
relinquishing my hand, "who did you
say he WASP" he asked. "Black what2'
"Dog, sir" said I. HAS Mr.. Trelaw-
ney not told you of the buccaneers? He
was one of them"
"So?" cried Silver. 'In my house!
Ben, run and help Harry. One Of those
swabs, was he? Was that you drinking
with him, Morgan? Step up here"
The man whom he called Morgan-an
old, gray-haired mahogany-faced sailor
came forward pretty sheepishly, roll
ing his quid.
"Now, Morgan" said Long John, very
sternly; "you never clapped your eyes
on that Black-Black Dog before, did
you, now?"
mot !, sir" said Morgan, with a
salute.
"You didn't know his name, did you7''
"No, sir"