The Washington times., 1904-06-26
CHAPTER XIII.
A Dinner and a Conquest.

On account of his assistance IN de-
livering the fortress into their hands,
Courtney became at once a person Of
popularity and Importance among the
British officers He was consulted on
every important matter, was invited on
board the ships and often received calls
from the younger officers. particularly
Lieutenant Calthorpe. who evinced a
great fondness for the old man and
came often TO the warehouse in the
hope of seeing the girl whose romantic
story had so interested him on the Oc-
ca sion Of his first visit.
But Anita was never in evidence on
these occaEfons.
Strangely enough, Courtney did not
attempt to escape the attentions be-
slowed upon him. but appeared rather
to welcome them. Now that he had
satisfied his cherished revenge the old
man seemed completely altered
He was no longer the grim, repellant
figure that had been familiar for so
many years as the Gray Fox. 1t was as
if he had mellowed and softened under
companlonship with men OF his own
race.
He talked freely. Occasionally ho
cracked jokes with the younger men.
but he was fondest Of ali OF sitting on
the quarter deck with Capt. Dick Pow
elton. chatting of the departed days
when they had served together. and re-
hearsing all the events that had taken
place in their lives since then.
The business which had been Court
ney's one engrossing occupation no
longer seemed TO interest him. The
shop in the town was disposed Of TO
the sleek Moor at a figure which aston
ished him for its cheapness and made
him think his employer had taken leave
Of his senses.
The warehouse was gradually cleared
of It's goods The sloop was used only
in carrying its master 20 and fro on his
visits 70 the vessels OF the English fleet.
Courtney was going out Of business.
He was well aware that the peculiar
trade which he had carried on could not
flourish under English rule. Moreover,
he was satisfied. He had taken enough.
He was the richest man in Gibraltar,
and though the desire which had be-
come a habit. OF getting and keeping
gold. had not left him. he was anxious
to live out his life among the people Of
his own race. He had been brought up
Christian, and although his conduct
had at times displayed serious lapses.
he was anxious 20 die like a white
man." as he expressed IL.
All these things brought about
change IN the man that was absolutely
puzzling TO Anita. He no longer hur-
ried away at the close of their evening
meal but would linger at the table talk
ing TO her now and then. telling her a
little OF his plans for going TO England,
a little OF the old days Of his sea-gOing
life. and some of the news OF what was
going on about the Rock.
The climax of this change came when
Courtney suggested that he should in
vite some Of the English officers 10 din
ner. He preached the subject with a
hesitation quite different from his usual
manner. Apparently he expected fl TO
be received with surprise.
Indeed. 81 was a startling innovation
for Andrew Courtney TO invite anyone
10 dine Not within the girls recollec-
tiOn had any stranger passed the thresh-
Old Of the house IN which her lonely
youth had been spent.
But although her surprise was great,
the girl did not betray II by the least
sign. She merely adopted all her faith
eT's suggestions without enthusiasm and
without dissent.
Courtney was astonIshed by her cool
reception Of what 10 him was remark
able undertaking. but he had long since
acknowledged TO himself that II was be-
yond his power 70 understand this
woman. In truth. a man much better
versed in dealing with the sex than
was the shrewd old scotchman might
have found Anita puZziing at times.
once he had adopted the plan OF Civ
/ ing dinner, Courtney became more
ar F~rs.
The cooks received manifold directions
to prepare the most elaborate dishes
that were within their knowledge The
cellars were ransacked for rare wines.
and the ebOn servants who had hithcr-
70 guarded the great warehouse were
decked out in wonderful new Moorish
costumes TO serve the tables.
The pleasure which Courtney derived