Mrs. Grundy. (Tracy City, Tenn.) 1903-1930, 1904-06-09

Pre- Shyterlan ana more OF a man oil
the world his conversation might some
tines he more agreeable"
After a time Maj Bonnet proposed \
roN upon the harbor-he had brought
a large boat, with four oarsmen, ror
this purpose, Mr., Delaplaine objected
a little to this, fearing The presence of
so many pirate vessels, but Bonnet
lofSiy set aside such puerile objec-
ticss.
81 am the business representative Of
the great Blackboard" he said the
most powerful pirate in the world. You
are safer here than in any other port
on the American coast"
When they were out upon the wa
ter, moving against the gentle breeze,
Bonnet disclosed the Object of his en-
cursion. Il am going to take you, "
said he, ito visit some of the noted
pirate ships which are anchored in this
harbor, There are vessels here which
are quite famous, and commanded by
renowned Brethren of the Coast. |
think you will all be greatly interested
in these, and under my convoy you
need fear no danger
Dame Charter and Kate screamed in
their fright, and Mr. Delaplaine turned
pale. visit pirate ships!" he cried,
Rather l would have supposed that
you would Keep away from them as far
as you could For myself, would
have them a hundred miles distant II
it were possible"
Bonnet laughed loftily. 1T will be
visits Of ceremony that we shall pay,
and with all due ceremony shall we be
received. Pull out to that vessel" he
said to the oarsmen. Then, turning to
the others, he remarked: That sloop
is the Dripping Blade, commanded by
Capt, Sorby, whose name strikes terror
throughout the Spanish Main. Ay! and
in other parts of the ocean, can as
sure you, for he has sailed northward
nearly as far as | have, but he has not
yet rivaled me. | know him, having
zone business with him on shore. He
is a most portentous person, as you
will soon see"
oh. father!" cried Kate. don't take
us there; it will kill us just to look
uYon such dreadful pirates, pray
you turn the boat!"
oh! If Dickory were here" gasped
Dame Charter. "he would turn the boar
himself; he would never allow me to
be taken among those awful wretches. 70
Mr. Delaplaine said nothing, 1t was
100 late to expostulate, but he trem-
bled as he sat
Il cannot turn back, my dear" said
Bonnet, even If would. for the great
Sorby is now on deck, and looking at
us as we approach"
As the boat drew up by the side OF
the Dripping Blade the renowned Sor-
by looked down over the side. He was
a red-headed man; his long hair and
beard dyed yellow in some places By
the sun. He was grievous to look up
on, and like to create in the mind OF
an imaginative person the image of a
sun-burned devil on a holiday.
"Good-day to you! Good-day, Sir
Bonnet" cried the pirate captain
come on board, come on board, all OF
YOU wife, daughter father, If such
they be! Well let down ladder and
shall feast you finely"
Nay, nay. good Capt Sorby," re-
piled Bonnet, with courteous dignity
my family and have just stopped &c
pay you our respects. They have all
heard of your great prowess, for have
told them. They may never have a
chance again to look upon another OF
your fame
Heaven grant it" said Dame Char
ter in her heart If | get out of this
| stay upon dry land forever"
Every pirate face on board that i'll
conditioned sloop now glared over her
rail, their eyes fixed upon the goodly
company in the little boat, their horrid
hair and boards stained and matted
1t would have been hard to tell by
what,
"Oh, father, father!" painted Kate
please row away What If they Should
now Jump down upon us?"
"Good-day, good-day. my brave
Capt. Sorby," said Bonnet, I'VE must
cen row away; we have other craft to
visit, but would first do honor to you
and your bold crew"
Capt. Sorby lifted high his great be-
spattered hat, and every grinning de-
mon of the crew waved hat or Tag OF
pail or cutlass and set up discordanl
yell in honor of their departing visit.
ors.
ooh! go not to another, father,
pleaded Kate, her pale face in tears;
visit no more of them, pray you'll
"Ay, truly, keep away from them,
said Mr., Delaplaine. Il am no coward
but | vow to you that | shall die oil
fright If come close to another Of
those floating hells."
There are other ships whose cap.
LdluS hnuM, odlu bOHlltli duN
where you would have been well re-
ceived; but If your nerves are moi
Strong enough for the courtesies
have to offer, we will return to the Be-
linda"
When safe again on board their yes
sci, after the sudden termination Of
their projected tour of calls on pirates
Kate took her father aside and enteret
into earnest conversation with him
while Mr.. Delaplaine, much ruffled ir
his temper, although in general of I
most mild disposition, said aside Il
Dame Charter: lie is as mad as :
March hIre What other parent OF
this earth would convey his fair youGl
daughter into the society Of these vi
beasts, which In his eyes are valian
heroes? We must get him back wit.
us, Dame Charter, we must get hin
70 h., oonnat bn iD r.