Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-08-07

doubled the southeast corner Of the
island, round which, four days ago, we
had towed the "Hispaniola."
As we passed. the two-pointed hill, we
could see the black mouth of Ben Gums
cave, and figure standing by It. lean
ing on musket. twas the squire; and
we waved a handkerchief and gave him
three cheers, in which the voice of Sill
er Joined as heartily as any.
Three miles further, just inside the
mouth of North inlet, what should we
meet but the "Hispaniola," cruising by
herself. The last flood had lifted her;
and had there been much wind, or a
strong tide current, as in the southern
anchorage, we should never have found
her more, or found her stranded beyond
help. AS it was, there was little amiss,
beyond the wreck of the mainsail. An
other anchor was got ready, and
dropped IN a fathom antha half of water.
We all pulled round again to Rum cove,
the nearest point for Ben Gums treas
ure house; and then Gray, single-hand-
cd, returned with the gig TO the Ills
PAMELA" where he was to pass the night
on guard.
A gentle slope ran up from the beach
to the entrance OF the cave. AT the top
the squire met us. To me he was cor
dial, saying nothing Of my escapade.
either in the way of blame or praise. At
6ilver's polite salute he somewhat
flushed.
"John Silver" he said. you're a
J;e-;o oil 1afr Il
strous impostor, sir. am told l amInot
to prosecute you. Well. then, will not.
But the dead men, sir, hang about your
neck like millstones." *
Thank you kindly, sir" replied
Long John, again saluting.
How dare you to thank mel" cried
the squire. 1T is gross dereiction of
my duty. Stand back!"
And thereupon we all entered the
cave. 1t was large. airy place, with q
little spring and pool of clear water
overhung with ferns. The floor was
sand. Before big fire lay Capt. Smol-
let; and in a far corner, only duskily
Gickered over by the blaze. beheld
great heaps of coin and quadrilaterals
built of bars of gold. That was F7ints
treasure that we had come so far to
seek. and that had cost already the lives
of II men from the "Hispaniola." How
many it had cost In the amassing, what
blood and sorrow, what good ships scut-
tied on the deep, what Grave men walk,
ing the plank blindfold, what shot OF
cannon, what shame and lies and cruel
ty, perhaps no man alive could tell
Yet there were still three upon tina,
, island-Silver, and old Morgan. and
Ben Gunn-who had each taken his
share in these crimes. as each had hoped
, n vain to share in the reward.
. Come in. jim" said the captain
You're a good boy in your line. Jim;
but I don't think you and nell 60 &c
sea again. You're too much of the
born favorite for me. Is that you. Johr
, 6ilver? What brings you here, man.
Come back to do my dooty, sir" re
, turned Silver.
, "Ah!" said the captain; and that wa.
all he said
What supper had of it that night
. with all my friends around me; ano
? what a meal it was, with Ben Gum.
, sailed goat, and some delicacies and ;
, bottle of old wine from the "Hispa
niola." Never, am sure. were peopl
b. gayer or happier. And there was Silver
b, sitting back almost out Of the freight
but eating heartily, prompt to sprin
! forward when anything was wanted
even joining quietly in our laughter
= the same bland, polite, obsequious SET
S man of the voyage out.