The Washington times., 1904-06-19

What is II you wish?' he inquired.
You desire to preserve what you call
your honor" Courtney went on evenly
Il desire TO prevent the destruction OF
the town. That is worth something TO
me and 1t need not interfere with your
wishes"
He placed upon the table the bag Of
gold which he had carefully guarded
beneath his cloak
What do you ask?v persisted the gov
ernor.
The keys OF the fortress. replied
Courtney cycling him steadily.
"WhatE' exclaimed the governor,
starting up In apparent excitement.
would you have me commit treason7
1t shall not be"
He rose and paced I'D and down the
room Courtney remained silent. watch
ing him. He knew his man. knew that
he held all the cards. He was not
doubtful OF the result
4 am fool TO offer you so much for
what the English commander will take
without asking. he said at length,
making as though TO rise.
The governor motioned him back.
If surrender without a show az re-
sistance.' he objected. Il shall be ac-
cused Of treason"
How many guns have your" asked
Courtney.
"One hundred and two." answered
the governor promptly.
And how many rounds OF ammunI-
tion7"
-Four TO each gum" said the governor
slowly.
Quite right" rejoined the other.
You speak the truth. as I happen to
know But not one OF those guns can
fire a shot
This time the governor was really
amazed
What" he exclaimed. what is It you
say7"
The only powder in Gibraltar is In
my possession, went on Courtney
quickly. Some Of it was bought at a
large price from soldiers Of your garri-
son so recently as three days ago."
The governors face Redeemed at the
thought of being circumvented in this
manner He took aonther turn about
the room.
Il should have hanged you long ago."
he muttered angrily
You may do 30 now" said Courtney
calmly. III you fancy adjoining a COM
paniOn gibbet By tomorrow night"
The governor weakened He paced I'D
| anu AONA AAAr NOtAl d6dlu ne dk-
preached the table and lifted the bag OF
coins. computing its value.
Courtney's words fitted perfectly with
certain thoughts that had come to the
governor in the past few days
II was too late now to hope for the
Te-enfOrcements. He knows the Gray
Fox OF Gibraltar well enough 10 be
aware that he would not utter a boast
that could not be made good.
No doubt what the trader said in re-
gard to the powder was true. The SOL
diers had treacherously sold II, not
knowing the imminence OF the English
attack. To attempt TO defend the for
tress under such circumstances would
be sheer madness. The only sensible
course was to make the best terms
that offered
He paused again before Courtney. who
had remained sitting quietly and ap-
parently unconcerned-
And II 1 agree TO your Offer ha
asked. have you authority TO pledge
that 1 shall be permitted TO retire.
IF you give me the keys" said Court
ney. looking straight into the flushed
face of his companion and speaking with
an air Of convincing serenity. they
shall not be delivered 70 the English
commander until the ninth hour of the
morning. Meanwhile you have ample
time to retire from the fortress behind
the Notifications beyond the old mole.
You may take all your gold and other
possessions. a privilege which war
rant you would not be permitted II you
made terms with one OF Sir Admiral
Rockies officers
A sudden thought seemed to come to
Courtney as he spoke. and slow, sar-
donic smile parted his lips.
Aye" he said, with grim twinkle
in his steely eyes. II win do even bet
ter than this. II you fear that the
silence OF your guns Will be the undoing
/. OF your honor as a Spanish Officer, I'll
see TO IL that my men shall man your
, guns and carry on a sufficient bonn
bardment against the feet to entitle
, you TO a cross of honor"
The humor OF this suggestion pleased
, Courtney immensely. He laughed aloud.
II was years since he had done that
The governor looked at him with
} darkening brow. He did not understand
Courtney's humcr.
Il accept your termS-entire," he said.
: Without further words he approached
! cabinet at the end OK the room, IN
{ locked II. and took out three heay keys
which he deposited on the table before
Courtney, who had watched his move
ments with a smile that he strangled
: in his thin beard.
Then the governor turned q whit0
face toward his companion.
o You are a devil, not a man" he
said. Take the keys and 90. I shall
! retire from the fortress IN the morning -
CHAPTER XII.