Gilpin observer., 1903-09-17

The Earl bowed Piracy was On
stills this windy morning.
What ring are ye talking off" says
Crystal jealously
Pope pulled 1t out of his waistcoat
pocket, and said: Give it to his lord
shiI. when you have examined it."
"rhis is worth three hundred
guiheas," says Crystal, with greed in
his eyes, while his strong jaws chewed
like bulls. Pope said nothing, and
my. lord, receiving the ring from Crys-
tai, pocketed it.
who are your bankers, my lord?"
said Pope. after short silence.
The Earl, family smiling, answered.
"Child's."
81 will at once" continued Pope, in
his most affable manner, explain
Captain Crystals and my intentions
toward your lordship and your peo-
pie. Such Of your crew as will not
join us will be transferred to the first
vessel that will take them; but it is
our intention to keep you with us for
the present, and to part with you only
on condition that you give us a draft
for two thousand guineas for your
liberty"
You shall have my draft" cried
the poor old gentleman, suddenly los
ing his self-control; "but l implore
you for Gods sake, not to detain me
long in this miserable and terrifying
situation"
you shall be sent home" said Pope.
,,fo
eloquent Earl Fitzgibbon up to the
very hilt as man of the strlc.est
honor"
The old nobleman bowed his white
head with a gesture of dignity mingled
with Indignation and grief. This ex-
traordinary conversation then termi-
mated.
When Captain Pope went on deck
he found the breeze moderating, and.
after searching the sea with his eye
he ordered the boatsw.lin to make
sail.
Then, standing at the main rigging.
and looking at the people in the fore
part, Pope spied the skipper of the
schooner. The mans left eye was
black, his face showed signs of his
having been savagely knuckled, and
one arm was slung in piece of rope
round his neck. Pope roared out:
Send the captain and crew OF the
schooner aft"
They arrived presently, and made a
group close abaft the mainmast. After
cool and critical survey, during
which he nodded a cigar with both
hands. Pope sung out
You look a likely lot; do you
know our character"
The schooner's men made no an
swer. save that one broke into low
satiric grunt of laughter.
ours is a jolly rowing life" con-
tinued Pope, while at this moment the
Earl came out of the cabin and stood.
holding on by the companion, looking
and listening. You were late cap
tain of the schooner" he continued.
taking no notice of the injuries the
| man had received; will you join us
you shall hear the terms"
NO, by H." roared the skipper.
Pope looked in silence with a red
face at the livid-eyed master. turned
his head with a gesture of withering
contempt. and. catching sight of the
Earl, called out. He runs too fast to
make a pirate. my lord"
"He has wife and children" an
swered the Earl. swaying to his clutch
OF the companion.
There's a man that should join
u.s." said Pope. pointing with an iron
ical forefinger to the valet, who stood
among the little crowd. limp. yellow
and shuddering.
II am not used to fight, sir" cried
the poor wretch. Il am his lord
ships servant. and cannot desert
him."
Pope gave short laugh. which was
echoed among his men. and turning to
the Earl exclaimed. He'll not desert
you, my lord The contempt in his
tone was perhaps reflected in his lord
ships silence and gaze. But not a
man of the schooners crew would
join the pirates. and when this was
made clear, Pope swung on his heel
and walked aft to Lord Fitzgibbon.
ITO be continued)