Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-06-26
CHAPTER XII,
COUNCIL OF WAR.

There was great rush of feet across
the deck. l could hear people tumblng
up from the cabin and the fok's'le; and,
slipping in an instant outside my bar
rel. l dived behind the foresail, made
a double toward the stern, and came
out upon the open deck in time TO join
Hunter and DR., Livesey in the rush for
the weather bow.
There all hands were already con-
gregated. A belt Of fog had lifted al
most simultaneously with the APP
pearance of the moon. Away to the
southwest of us we saw two low hills,
about a couple of miles apart, and
rising behind one of them a third
and higher hill, whose peak was still
buried in the fog. All three seemed
sharp and conical in figure.
So much l saw almost in dream,
for | had not yet recovered from my
horrid fear of minute or two be-
fore. And then l heard the voice of
Cant. Smollett issuing orders. The
"Ilispaniola' was laid a couple of
points nearer the wind, and now sailed
course that would just clear the is
land on the cast.
and now, men, said the captain.
when all was sheeted home, has any
one of you ever seen that land ahead?"
II have, sir" said Silver. I've wa
tered there with trader I was cook
! IN"
"The anchorage is on the south, be-
hind an islet, fancy?" asked the cap
tain.
Yes, sir; Skeleton island they call
| IT, 1t were a main place for pirates
once, and a hand We had on board
| knowed all their names for it. The hill
to the nor'ard they calls the Foremost
| hill there are three hills in row run
ming south 'ard-fore, main and miz-
zen, sir. But the main--thats the big
'un, with the cloud on it-they usually
calls the Spy-glass, by reason OF look
out they kept when they was in the
anchorage cleaning; for it's there they
cleaned their ships, sir. asking your
pardon
Il have q chart here" says Capt.
Smollett. See il that's the place
Long Johns eyes burned in his head
as he took the chart; but, by the fresh
look of the paper. knew he was
doomed to disappointment. This was
not the map we found in Billy bones
chest, but an accurate copy, complete
in all things-names, and heights, and
soundings-with the single exception
of the red crosses and the written notes.
Sharp as must have been his annoy
ance. Silver had the strength of mind
to hide it.
Yes, SIR said he, this is the spot,
to be sure; and very prettily drawed
out. Who might have done that, /
wonder? The pirates were too igno-
rant, l reckon. Ay, here it is: Capt.
Kidd's anchorage'-just the name my
shipmate called it. There's a strong
current rams along the south, and then
away nor'ard up the west coast Right
you was, SIR" says he, "to haul your
wind and keep the weather of the
island. Leastways, il such was your
intention as to enter and careen, and
there amt no better place for that in
these waters"
Thank you, my man." says Capt.
Smollett. I'm ask you, later on, TO
give us help, You may 60"
was surprised at the GOODNESS with
which John avowed his knowledge of
the island; and own | was half fright
ened when | saw him drawing nearer
TO myself. He did not know, to be sure,
that l had overheard his council from
the apple barrel, and yet had by this
time, taken such horror of his cruelty,
duplicity and power, that could
scarce conceal shudder when he laid
his hand upon my arm.
"Ah," saws he, this here is sweet
spot, this island-a sweet spot for lad
TO get ashore on. You'll battle, and
you'll climb trees, and you'll hunt
goats, you will; and you'll get aloft
on them hills like goat yourself
Why. it maiea me young again.
was going to forget my timber leg,
was. It's a plea<ant thing TO be young
and have ten Ties, and you may lay
to that. When you want to go bit
of exploring, you just ask old John, and
he'll put up\a snack for you to take
along"
And clap7ine me in the friendhes'
way upon the shoulder, he hobbled OF
forward and went below.
Capt. Smollett. the squire and DR.