The Washington times., 1904-06-19
CHAPTER XII.
The Gray Fox Captures a Fortress.

The Gray Fox Captures a Fortress.
Anita's surmise was correct. It was
the approach of the English ships.
which by morning would lie IN the offlng
with their guns pointing toward the
fortress. that had sent Courtney alone
and unattended to seek the Spanish
governor.
In the days of waiting since the visit
OF Lieutenant Calthorpe. Andrew Court
aey had though out a new plan by which
TO feed his revenge. and it was this
plan that he set out TO put in operation
as soon as word was brought to him
that the fleet was sighted.
He continued up the deserted roadway
that led toward the pa;ace until the
walls that surrounded the governors
gardens rose before him, marked at
their corners by dimly burning lanterns
Half way along the wall facing to-
ward the town he paused and uttered
"Hallo," loud enough to be heard by
anyone within the distance ordinarily
! comprised in sentry beat
| Immediately a challenge sounded from
the darkness. and the figure OF one OF
the guards appeared. inquiring impa-
tiently what was wanted.
1T is necessary that should see the
governor at once" said Courtney per-
emptorily. Let me pass or escort me
TO the porter at the inner gate"
1T IS impossible replied the guard
| The gates are closed. and none can
! be admitted on any errand until morn
ing.
At the mans word Courtney moved
nearer. endeavoring to peer into his
face
You know me. sandahr." he said.
and you know that an errand which
brings me here at this hour will not ad-
NIT of delay"
He let his cloak fall aside little so
that the man might see his features.
At once the latter fell back respect
fully
Il did not know you, master" he
said. The word was the one by which
| those who had been in Courtney's en-
ploy invariably addressed him.
Without further parley the guard
conducted Courtney to the gate OF the
house Itself and reused the porter, who
was sleeping soundly. After a brief
whispered conversation. the latter babe
Courtney 10 follow him. and the trader
accompanied the servant into the re-
ception hall.
The porter went at once TO inform the
governor of his visitor. while Courtney
looked about the room in which he
found himself. Noticing the rich hang
ings on the wall. he muttered, with his
characteristic grim humor: Its a
residence not unworthy an English
commander"
In a few minutes the governor him
!. self entered He was scarcely in the
attire which he would have selected for
receiving visitors, having on a long.
loose dressing gown, with Turkish
> fez upon his head. But he knew that
ceremony was not necessary In deal
ing with this man.
Good evening. Senior Courtney. he
said. ''To what cause may 1 ascribe
the honor of this visit?"
/, His voice was pleasant, but he
watched the other narrowly as though
! 10 read his errand from his face. feat
, that other men had tried without sue
cess.
d Courtney was too intent upon the bust
! ness in hand TO waste time on polite
I greetings.
ii you are aware that the English feet
Is before GIBRALTAR he asked biuntly.
9 Pardon! But 1 am less well Informed
q than YOU" replied the governor pointed
lv. Il believe that the signal station
I did report at dusk the sighting OF some
vessels, but that they were English
? do not know"
See here" said Courtney. impatiently
You should know me better than to try
TO play on words when we have deal
= ings. Those are English ships. and your
exceIency knows 1t. You know. too
that by tomorrow their guns will be
. pointing straight at this old fort OF
> yours. You knox that you cannot hold
!, out against their fire for an hour
He paused for a moment. The gov
:, ernor remained silent looking at him
' but without resenting the imperiou:
tone which in another would have called
. for instant punishment.
10 81 have a proposition which win re
= lieve you from this difficulty" Court
ney went on. IF you resist this attacl
OF the English the fort and town will b
:. destroyed. You will be captured, vii
remain prisoner That would scarce
= ly suit your taste"
He glanced meaningly about the rich
" furnished apartment and at the stout
1 well fed form of the governor.
7 1T pleases me to prevent this blood
4 shed and destruction II can" the Wis
itor continued. 1T is worth nothing L
e me whether Spanish or English hol'
n this Rock. But your excenency ha
treated me well'' (there was undisguise'
: contempt in his Words. and I would re
d turn the favor"
II The governor had been thinking rap
idly.