Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1904-08-11
CHAPTER XXII.
Continued

impossible, Ben. l don't even
want your men to see me, so that the
cock-andbull story you may tell them
later will have an air of probab ability
about it."
"Eh! What's in the wind now|
bursts out the other, looking In Joe's
face.
Come over here under this over
hanging wall and I'll tell you quite a
yarn that may awaken your interest,
even If 1t doesn't harrow up your
blood. At any rate. am in hopes
that it will arouse your chivalry"
Hello! Three to one there's petit
coats in It, Wouldn't talk about chlv.
airy otherwise. Well, here's Ben Haz
en-, rough sea-dog that he Is. always
willing to remember his MOTHERHOOD
bless her-and do favor in her name
when there's woman In trouble, no,
to speak of Daisy"
Mynheer Joe gives him a look that
must thrill his heart. 1t is so full OF
thanks. Then. knowing the value c:
time, and desirous tina the sailor shall
learn all the particulars before max
ing his decision. Joe starts in.
He is fine storyteller. though some
one else might do better just here
since so many Of his own achievements
enter into the affair, and he fails u
even do them simple justice.
The captain gets an inkling Of this
fact. and makes ample allowances.
Although he does not know all that
Mynheer Joe has been doing of late
years. Bombay has been ringing with
bis praise rs the avenger Of Brave Cor
don; and besides. Captain Ben has not
forgotten that his friend was ever
modest even in their old school-days.
Several times he stops Joe to ask
questions. for 1t Is plainly evident that
he wants to know all that is going on.
at last the story Is done. Captair
Ben holds his head with both hands.
and seems to be studying the ground
between his feet. Joe does not disturb
him. but calmly lights cigar. Ho
knows his man, and does not fear for
the final result.
All at once the sailor puts out
horny hand.
"Shake, Joe. old boy" he says quiet.
ly.
"Well?" accepting the palm.
"You can count upon me-"
"That means"
1.-THE baron will have the chance Of
his life to study the geography Of that
quaint Gillian city of Valparaiso ere
many months elapse.'
II thought l knew you, Ben" said
the elated Joe, on hearing the bluff
captains words, expressing agreement
with his plans. Now. as to the pay
for this risky job"
"The what?" bellows the excitable
skipper
II mean Just what say. I'm
man of wealth, and you have your way
to make In the world. l must arrange
q decent price for this business. What
would be fair? A thousand dollars"
"Three times too much" grumbles
Ben.
"Well, l shall put something In your
hand before you sail. and don't you
open 1t on your life, old man. have
not forgotten the demure little girl
you were sweet on as boy, and who
you tell me is now your wife. When
you get home to Philadelphia about
next Christmas, place this in her hand
and tell Daisy 1t comes from her old
schoolmate. Joe Miner"
"I'll do that with pleasure, Joe. only
don't make the present too costly.
Daisy and l have often talked of you.
Vhis is my last long voyage. If live
through it am promised a captains
berth on one Of the new Clyde coast.
ing steamers running out of New
York"
"How many children have you,
Benz"
"Two-Marguerte and joe"
"What! You lamed your boy"
after the only chap who could out.
wrestle, outthrow. outrun me at school
the same boy who dragged me out
of the Delaware when went In
through the ice-one Joe Miner. who
actually wants to pay me now for do
ing him small favor"
"Small favor be hangedl This man
Is a secret emissary of the czar."
"All right"
"You may get into a war with Rus.
sia."
"Well, can lick EN-" with a grin.
Joking aside, Ben, this is a serious
business. and you must neglect no op-
portunity to shield yourself, for trou'
BILE is almost sure to come of It,"
"Oh. I'm willing enough to appear
an innocent tool Of yours or an un-
known party shipping this crazy Rus
sian out ta Valparaiso. I've no desire
to embroil my beloved country in a
war with the car. Why, they might
capture Philadelphia, and, think Of 1t,
hy little home is on the outskirts"
"Well, let's talk now about the plan
to be pursued: You must have docu.
ment, written by some fictitious per-
Bon, asking whether you would be will
Ing to take as a passenger to Valpa-
raiso q gentleman who, ut times, Is o
little out Of his head and may have to
be treated as a prisoner; that IL suit
able terms can be arranged. he will be
brought aboard at a certain hour"