Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-04-04
CHAPTER XVIII


 TSsAgsM1A Revenge was pulled lIlAAz back to that vessel Bonnet did not go in it; it was Black beard who sat in the stern and held the tiller, while one of his own men sat by him.
 When Blackboard stepped on deck he announced, much to the delight of the crew and the consternation or Paul Bittern, that the Revenge now belonged to him. and that all the crew who were fit to be kept on board such a fine vessel would be retained, and that he himself. for the present at least would take command of the ship would haul down that brand new bit of woman's work at the mast head and fly in its place his own black, ragged Jolly Roger, dreaded wherever seen upon the sea. At. this a shout went up from the crew; the heart of every scoundrel among them swelled with joy at the idea of sail ing, fighting and pillaging under the bloody Blackboard.
 But the sailing-master stood aghast. He had known very we'll what was l going to- happen; he had talked 1t all over in the town with Blackboard; he had drunk in fiery brandy to the sue cess of the scheme, and he had be- l lieved without doubt that he was to command the Revenge when Bonnet should be disposed. And now where was he? Where did he stand?
 Trembling little. he approached l Blackboard And as for me-" he l asked lam I to command your old vessel?"
 "You!" roared Blackboard making as If he would jump upon him; you! I You may fall to and bend your back I with the others in the forecastle. or ' you can jump overheard if you like. 1 My quartermaster, Richards, now commands my old vessel. Presently 1 I shall go over and settle things on l that bark. but first shall step down I into the cabin and see what rare good l things Sir Nightcap, the sugar plant I CT, has prepared for me" l With this he went below, followed by the man he had brought with him.
 It was Dickory, half dazed by what l he had heard. who now stepped up to Paul Bittern. The latter, his coun- tenance blacker than 1t had ever been l before, first scowled at him, but In moment the ferocity left his glance.
 ''Oho!" he said, here's 8 pretty l pickle for me and you. as well as for I Bonnet and the Scotchman!" I Do you suppose" exclaimed Dick ory, that what he says is truef That I lie has stolen this ship from Capt Bonnet, and that he has taken 1t for 1 his own?"
 "Suppose!" sneered the other, "I know 1t. He has stolen from me as l well as from Bonnet. I should have commanded this ship. and had made all my plans to do it when I got here"
 'sThen you are as great a rascal" said Dickory, 'tas that vile pirate down below"
 Just as great, said Blttern. "the only difference being that he has won everything while have lost every thing"
 What are we to do?" asked Dick ory. T cannot stay here. and I am sure you will not want to- Now, while he is below, can we not slip overheard do it.
 Black Paul grinned grimly "But where should we swim to?" he said. "On the coast of Honduras there is no safety for a man who fees from Blackboard. But keep your tongue close; he is coming"
 The moment Blackboard put his foot upon the deck he began to roar I out his general orders.
 l q go over to the bark. he said, land shall put my mate here in Charge of her. After that I so to my own vessel, and when I have settled mat ters there will return to this fine ship, where I shall strut the quarter deck and live like prince at sea. Now look ye, youngster. what is your name?"
 | Charter" replied Dickory, grimly
 Well. then, Charter" the pirate continued, "I shall leave you in charge of this vessel until come back, which will be before dark
 Mel" exclaimed Dickory. In amaze ment.
 "Yes, you" said the pirate 'I am sure you don't know anything about ship any more than your master did, V but he got on very we'll. and so may