The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-11-02


pirate ship which would do so. So Grad
dock lay back again with a groan anl
continued to work at the manacle wnici
still held his right wrist
But suddenly there came the shufflins
of steps outside, and he had hardly tim
to wrap the loose links round his free
hand when the door was unbolted ant
two pirates came in
Got your hammer, carpenter" iasket
one, whom Cradaock recognized as tho
big quartermaster. Knock Off his Ter
shackles, then. Better leave the brace
lets-hes safer with them on
With hammer and chisel the carpenter
| loosened the irons.
What are you going to do with me?'
asked Craddock.
Come on deck and you'll see.'
The sailor seized him by the arm ant
dragged him roughly to the foot of thu
companion. Above him was a square o
blue sky cut across by the mizzen ga1
with the colors flying at the peak. Blu
| it was the sight of those colors whicl
struck the breath from Stephen Grad
docks lips. For there were two of them
and tho British ensign was flying above
| the jolly Rogcr-the honest flag abov'
! that of the rogue.
For an instant Craddoek stopped il
amazement, but brutal push from the
pirates behind drove him M the compan
| ion ladder. As he stepped out upon decl
his eyes turned up to the main, and there
| again. were the British 'colors nyin5
above the red pennant, and all tn
| abrouds and rigging were gGrlandcd witt
| steamers.
Had the ship been taken, then? But tina:
was impossible, for there were the pi,
rates clustering in swarms along the pOr
bulwarls, and waving their hats joyously
in the air. Most prominent of all was IN
renegade mate, standing on the foc'slC
| head and gesticulating wildly. Craddocl
! looked over the side to see what they
were cheering at, and then in Hasl
saw how critical was the moment
On the port bow and about mile of
lay the white houses and forts of Port
Royal. with flags breaking out every
where over thoir roofs. Right ahead wa
the opening of the palisades leading to
the town Of Kingston. Not more than
quarter OF Il mile off was small sloor
| working out against the very Slight wind
The British ensign was at her peak, anf
| her rigging was all decorated. On he
| deck could be seen a dense crowd OF PEG
! PIE cheering and waving their hats. ant
| tho CLEAN of scarlet told that there Werf
! officers of the garrison among them.
In an instant with the quick perception
of a man of action. Craddocll saw through
| il ALL Sharkcy. With that diabolical cum
ming and 8udacity which were among hi
| main characteristics was Stimulating tn
part which Craddock would himself hay
! PLAYED had he come back victorious. /
! was in his honor that the Salutcs wer"
! firing and the flags flying. Il was T.
welcome him that this ship with the Gov,
! cruor the commandant. and the chicf@
| Of the island were approaching. In an
! other ten minutes they would all be un
! der the guns of the Happy Delivery. an
| Sharkey would have won the creates
/ stake that ever pirate played for yet.
Bring him forward" cried tho pirate
captain. as Craddock appeared between
| the carpenter and the quartermaster
(! keep the rorts closed. but clear awaE
| the port guns, and stand by fer a broad
/ side Another two cable lengths anC
We have them"
They are edgng away" said the boat
swain. Il think they smell Us.
"That's soon set right" said SEarkey
turning his filmy eyes upon Craddock
Stand there. you-right there, whero
| they can recognize you, with your hand
on the guy, and wave your hat 10 them
Quick, or YOUR brains will be over your
coat Put an inch of your knife into
him. Ned. Now. will YOU wave your
hato Try him again, then. Hey. shoot
him, stop HIM"
But it was too late. Relying upon Tho
manacles. the quartermaster had taken
his hands for moment off Craddock's
arm. In that instant he had flung off
the carpenter. ard amid a spatter OF
pistol bullets. had sprung over the bull
warks ard was swimming for his life.
He had been hit and hit again but il
takes many pistols to kill resolute and
powerful man who has his mind set upon
doing something before he dies. He was
a strong swimmer, and, in spite of Tho
rcd trail which he left in the water be-
hind him. he was rapidly increasing his
distance from the pirate,
Give me a muskct!" cried Sharkcy.
with a savage oath.
he was a famous shot. and his iron
ncrvcs never failed him in an emergency.
The dark head appearing on the crest OF
q roller and then swoOping down on the
other side was already hallway to the
sIoop. Sharkey dwclt long upon his
aim before he fired. With the crack Of
the gun the swimmer reared himself UP
in the water, waved his hands in a yes
ture of warning, and reared cut il
voice which rang over the bay Then,
as the sloop swung round her hcadsails,
and the pirate fired an impotent broad
side stephen Craddock, smiling grimly
in his death agony, sank slowly down
to that golden couch which glimmered
far beneath him,