The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-06-30
CHAPTER XVI.
SAIL Hni

those involved, and the celebrity with
which instructive dlstrust always sezes
and acts upon suspicious circumstances,
made 1t impossible to avert for any long
duration clash and crisis OF some sort.
Yet Waltons strategy, born OF utter
desperation, proved eff1cacious through
tho succeeding day and until tho after
noon Of that following. BY transferring
Redlaw to his stateroom, by having Lady
somers seen in company with him by
tho cook during the latter's duties below,
and by Walton's representations above
board, 1t was very generally accepted
that the pirates seclusion was entirely
voluntary. But against this, oven with the
implied infatuation, an opposition sooner
or later would surely arise.
Still securely bound, guarded by ono be-
lieved to be faithful, with his early In
difference turned TO importent wrath, Red
law lay glazing from his berth at the
face OF the man watching beside him.
This was Lieut.. Robert Vail. late of
her Majestys cruiser War Hawk, and
now bound by the oath Of traitor and
coward to loyal service aboard the pi-
rate Vulture. But there was little of 10y
atty in the look with which he now met
Redlaw's glare and the vengeful auster-
ity Of his bloodless features, and the ner-
vous Impotence with which he toyed
with the knife ut his belt, were not Sig
niflcant Of fidelity to tho vow the pirate
had imposed. Alternating with Ben
Logan, while Walton vigorously perform
ed his own duties, one of tho two had
constantly been on guard at Redlaw's
side. as yet unsupported by the crew.
That through some power over this
man Vail the pirate had cherished n
secret hopo Of deIverance, the failure of
which was fast turning him reckless oven
of life, would have been apparent had
there been others to have heard their
subdued but bitter Intercourse at Just that
time.
well. what dye say? Will you DO 1t,
or not?" Redlaw demanded as one whose
questions had been many times vainly re-
peated.
Vail answered him with bitter declsive-s
ness.
II say what I've said from tho first
can't trust YOU. and won't! 1--we no.
thing to insure me that you'll not be as
false in this as In the other!'
you have my word! It's all can
give your
And already have proved It's worth.
lessness. say no! I'll not do IT,
Redlaw vented a series OF bitter I'm
precautions.
YOU'RE cursed foolr' no hoarsely
argued, wrigglng heigher in lis narrow
berth. "Dye think this situation can last?
1t must have an ending--and by Cd, I'll
end you with 1t, I'm insure you OF that
much! VIII you do 1t, or not2'
"No, I'll not!"
It's your only hope OF besting this devil
Walton, along2wlth nil the rest. Even
ifSyou all were to escape NEW hich as
God hears me, I'll prevent Mt the cost of
my, life, you'd have no further chance
against the love your sweetheart now
bears him! She'd give herself to hin,
body and soul for the mere asking Dye
know that?"
AYE, know itv'
With the curt responses made with In
tense and bitter virulence. there rose to
Walls white countenance a minglng Of
jealousy and hatred that betrayed, far
beyond words. his murderous sentiments
against the man mentioned. Too plainly
his recent observations Of Emily had de-
tected the girls loving passion: too Keen
~ he realized In how far Walton had
risen in the way Of his own cherished
aspirations and too we'll he knew that
by his removal only could he hope to re-
claim a hear. and hand long felt to
would have been easy under some crcum-.
stances, those Of the present were des-,
perate beyond the daring of one himself,
a coward and traitor.
AYE. I know it!' he repeated, with
eyes as evil as the pirates own. but
her passion for this common seaman--''
"Fnugh. you fool It's enough for her
that he's not common man, II COM
mon. seaman I tell you he owns her.
or may, II he will! In my offer alone you
are given way to best him, to sink him
out Of your course forever. Turn traitor
Saggetts hint of the situation here
and on my word I'll set you and the,
women safe ashore In Melbourne. What
dye say? Will you do it?"
The offer was great temptation, but
the hazard greater still.
can't!" said Vail, declsively. mo, will
not chance It,"
You know the alternative?
II know what you threaten"
"D'ye think I'll not make good the
threat?" demanded Redlaw. with brutal
asperty. "By heaven, you shall sec!
delay only to serve my own ends. This
thing can't last much longer. II 1t does.
If I'm not free by Tomorrow, SO help
me God III expose you! I'll bring you to
my terms, or ruin your hopes. my hearty,
make sure of that! What dye say? VIII
ypu W ~ -
With murder itself In his pale blue eyes,
the miscreant seated near the berth bent
nearer loosing his knife from Its sheath.
mo. I'll not do It'll he replied, slowly,
Kissing out the words through his set
teeth. Sand say this. also, Redlaw.
If am in your power in way, SO now.
at least are you in mine also o. II II ]
threa tened, ] would kill you here and
row! Nor will I go far from you from
this out! If hear from your lips ono
word of betrayal I'll not wait for Wal
TOMS further orders! I will cut your in
fernal throat with the, first word that
tends to expose mo and my"
But there, while the face of either de-
picted passions scarce to be contained,
he abruptly checked himself, starting
hurriedly up and darling to the open
door. The fall of feet on the companion
stairs had alarmed him. and Walton,
more than ever pale and stern, fairly
met him In the cabin floor.
'What's wrong?' Vail gasped quick
ly. "Anything new?"
81 don't know" said Walton, anxiously,
81 got the signal from Ben that he wishes
TO see me, He should have been here by