Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1904-10-25
The Sea SCourge
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CHAPTER SHORTCOMINGS.

CHAPTER AA.-(COntinued.
1t was late on the following morning
when the stranger guest arose He found
that he had slept long and soundly; but
that was no wonder, for he had been
very much fatigued when he went to bed.
But he did not feel so much refreshed
as one might have expected from such
deep sleep; he felt sort of lassitude-
dull, leaden feeling. Yet many people
feel so after a very hard sleep induced
by excessive exercise. When James Fox
reached the hall he found that breakfast
was not ready, for Laroon himself was
not yet up.
The morning was bright and beautiful,
and the atmosphere, purified by the late
storm, now dwelt upon the scene loaded
with the grateful incense Of a thousand
sweet shrubs and flowers. The guest
saw the garden from one Of the back
windows Of the hall, and he resolved to
walk out there and snuff up the fresh
air, feeling sure that it would start up
his blood and quicken his senses. So
to the garden he went, and he was not
disappointed in the effects. He had walk
ed some dozen times up and down the
main path when he heard light footsteps
near him, and on turning he saw the
same bright-eyed girl whom he had seen
so attentive to Mary, aud whom he had
heard her call Otehewa The girl came
close to him. and then having cast
quick gla ace about her. she said, in low
whisper.
You are going to Lopez Garonne's to-
dayy'
Il had thought of it, returned Fox,
with some surprise.
"Go-go. Go this forenoon" said
Otehewa, ''for Mari Laroon seeks your
life. He entered your room last night,
and laid your bosom bare. He gazed
upon it, and then all his doubts were re-
moved"
But locked every door"
There were some doors you could not
lock. You were put in that chamber on
purpose for the use of it's secret doors,
and the woman who gave you drink last
night put a sleeping potion in it."
All, then Laroon knows me-and we'll
he might if he saw that mark, for he
put it there himself. But how do you
know he means to take my lifeY'
The girl smiled faintly, and then re-
lated all the conversa ton she had heard
between the captain and Warda, only
leaving out what related to herself.
And now" continued the girl, you
see you must go to the other estate, and
you must take the guide. too, for if you
do not -ey will contrive some other
means .or your death, of which you may
have no warning; and hence you would
be likely to fall without the power of
defending yourself"
The man understood it ALL and after
few moments thought, he said:
i shall certainly do as you advise, but
tell me why you have takel such an in
terest in my behalf. You never saw me
before"
Paul and Mary have been my friends,
sir and al this moment l would lay
down my rpo0r l:is for them"
But what have l to do with them?"
asked the stranger, somewhat moved,
and eying the young girl sharply.
You do not need instruction on that
point from me, sir. l am not blindr'
James Fox knew very well that his
secret had been penetrated by the dark
skinned girl. He watched her calm coun-
tenance for few moments, and then he
asked:
Does Mary or Paul know what you
know Of me?'
mo, sir. You can see that they both
feel drawn toward you. but wonder and
curiosity take precedence of all other
ideas with Them" she replied. "Hark.
They are calling to breakfast Go you
in and l will follow afterward. Do not
speak to me again. Do not even look
at me. Look to your pistols in secret,
and mind that Warda rides not behind
you on the way. You will know the
ravine when you come to it, and there
your guide will do the deed if you let
him"
Thus speaking, the girl glided away:
and Fox, as soon as he was sure his
face was calm, returned to the house.
He found the mornings meal prepared
and his host was up to receive him.
Never was Mari Laroon more kind ara
cordial in his manner. He embraced his
guest cordially and expatiated upon the
beauty of the morning
Paul and Mary were also there, end
the young man still manifested the same
anxious curiosity that had marked his
manner on the previous evening. He
gazed into the strangers face and he
wondered if Laroon had told him the
truth when he said this could only be a
man who had once lived near him. But
he had no opportunity to question the
stranger. for Laroon did not once leave
him after breakfast.
The pirate captain meant that no con-
versatiion should be held that he did not
hear, and for the present he succeeded.
Mr.. Fox manifested a desire several
times TO speak a few words in private
with the youth and maiden. but he did
not find an opportunity. Once he had n
single moment whilst he stood by the
side of Mary, and he whispered:
Can you trust that young, beautiful
girl. OtehewaT'
with my very life and soul." quickly
responded Mary.
This was ALL for the next moment
Laroon was by them. 1t was 10 O'Clock
when the guest said he must be on his
way to the next estate. Mari urged him
to stop but Fox said he must go.
You will want guide" said the buc-
cancer. frankly. you win surely miss
your way alone"
Would YOU as lief spare me a guide
as not?"
Certainly" uttered Laroon. with
strange sparkle in the eye which his
quest did not fail TO notice.
Then l shall not only accept your
offer. but your man shall be amply re-
warded," replied Fox, as he prepared to
go.
CHAPTER XXI.
1t was nearly IL o'clock when the