Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-08-13

the boat back under the counter again.
then with a strong thrust showed her
clear of the ship. The flooding tide
carried them slowly away. In a few
moments he cautiously got out his osrs
and by a very gentle pulling added d
little 20 the way of the boat.
The ear Of the watchful Coventry
had at once apprised him of their de.
parture. He could scarcely resist the
temptation TO enter tho Screen-to call
them back that be might SEQ her once
again. But he had duty to do. SO
soon as he was persuaded that they
had left the ship he called the sentry
from the opposite eide NJ the deck and
told him to mount euard again and on
TO account 70 disturb the prisoners.
Then he ran rapidly up to the quarter
deck and made his way aft 10 the ma
rine on guard there. The man was
looking out into the darkness at a dark
BLU on the water-a boat. Two fig
ures could be distinguished in it. one
Of them a oma Coventry saw them
at once, and as he looked they disap-
peared-the last sight of her. he
thought bitterly. The marine had lust
opened his mouth to give the alarm
when the clear voice of the officer rang
in his ear.
Sentry said Coventry. The man
~instinctively sprang to attention al
once and for the moment forgot the
boat.
Have you seen any signals from the
castle?"
NO, sir. But I seen A little boat of
there that looked suspicious like"
whereabouts did you see it!'
There, sir; right of there"
NO" said Coventry. straining his
eyes through the darkness. There ia
no boat there. You have been mistak.
en-, l think" he added lndiferently. his
gaze still fixed on the place where they
had drifted away and disappeared. Hs
knew what was coming, since they had
gone. He must pay for it. so he leaned
on the rail and waited A few moments
later q large barge full manned darted
out Of the darkness, coming toward tho
ship. Coventry knew what it was, OF
course.
Boat ahoy" shouted the watchful
sentry at the %gangwav.
Flag was the answer as the admit
raj dashed alongside. Almost before
the officer of the watch could reach the
gangway the old man clambered to the
deck.
Good evening, sir he said in rA-
Spouse to the formers salutation.
Captain Pearsont'
II have sent for him. my lord ra-
piled the officer. and the NEXT moment
the captain himself came busting ont
of the darkness to do honor to the old
admiral.
All, Captain Pearson, good even.
ing"
Good evening 10 your lordShip."
1.-THE prisoner | sent off-hc has been
duly executed. presume?'
Why. no. sir" said the captain,
alarmed at this confirmation of his sus-
picions. I'VE We're about ready to car
ry ont The senteuco-the command to
sway aloft had been given. in fact
when we received your repricye."
"My reprieve.' said the admiral in
great surprise. What mea you? l
sent no reprieve."
Sir, SIR cried the astonished cap
tain. 1T was brought here by your
ward, Lady Elizabeth Howard
"EliIabeth. Good Cod cried the old
man, starting violently. Her maid said
she was i'll. She must have Did you
inspect 1t carefully, sir?" he asked,
checking himself.
"Yes. my lord. Il seemed TO he all
right, but the whole proceeding was so
irregular and unlike you that | called
upon
Where IL the papor?" cried the ad
miral, intcrrupting impatiently.
81 have just sent to fetch il, sir
They waited in silence until a mid
shipman placed it in the hand of the
admiral. Pascoe held a light while
the old man seized it. scrutinized it
eagerly and handed it back to the cap
tain.
This" he said slowly, "fs a for
gerry. You should have d~isregarded it,
sir"
Twas passed upon by your son
and aid, Major Coventry, my lord"
replied the captain shortly.
How. Edward, Whepe is he?"
Here, MY lord" said the young
man, stepping forward, pale as death.
and saluting.
Did you examine this paper, sir?"
81 did, sir"
"You knew it was a forgery"
"Yes. sir"
"And yet you declared il to be cor
rect?"
81 did. sir"
"For what purpose?"
will you direct these others to re-
tire out of hearing, Captain Pearson?'