The Washington times., 1904-06-26
CHAPTER xII-Continued.


At the earliest dawn the black sloop
lying beside Courtncy's warehouse was
under way. 1t advanced rapidly toward
the lines of stately three-deck vessels
that were now lying within easy dis
lance Of the port.
On the deck stood the Gray Fox, gaz-
ing toward the vessels which were be-
coming every moment more distinct.
Outwardly he was as impassive as
ever Inwardly he was as excited as a
schoolboy over the triumph he had pre-
pared for himself.
Even The unspealSing blue eyes
sparkled as he looked toward the beau
tiful ships-the instruments Of his re-
venge-and he strobe the deck with a
hrmer tread than he had displayed for
many a day.
As soon as the sloop had come within
hailing distance a stentorian voice from
the nearest ship babe the vessel lie to
and name its business. With his hands
as a speaking trumpet Courtney re-
piled:
Il have a message for the admiral
After moments delay and con-
sultation with an officer who had now
appeared on deck. the sailor replied.
directing him 10 haul TO and come along
side in a row boat.
These orders were ut once complied
with. and within very few moments
Courtney had mounted TO the deck of
her majestys ship Thunderer. and was
grasping the hand Of Lieutenant Cal
thorpe
After preliminary question or two
That ofncer LED MIN TO the admiraTs
cabin
Sir Admiral Rookie was seated at his
breakfast Of bacon and black coffee. He
looked mp as the two men entered, but
did not rise.
sit down" nc said civilly. waving
Courtney toward Il chair Pardon me
for continuing my breakfast, but time
presses. ard I understand that there f.
work FOR us TO do today"
Courtney bowed. but remained silent.
I'VE have come hither. Mr.. er-er-
Court7cy" continued the admiral brisk
ly. expressly on your representation
that the garrison IS in a greatly weak
eaeG condition. I understand from Lieu
tenant Calthorpe that it is your opinion
we can take the place without diff
Guilty"
Courtney nodded gravely.
That Is the truth he said.
And now" went on the admiral.
'since YOU seem to be well informed
about the situation perhaps you can aG-
wise us as to the best mode Of attack. a."
Il would not attack sail Courtney.
The admiral paused IN establishment,
his coffee cup raised half way to his
itps.
But. my dear SIR" he expostulated,
you brought US here for that very pur-
pose"
II advised you to come here to take
the fortress" said Courtney easily. THE
task proves even more simple than I
represented TO your Officer" He laid the
three great keys upon the table.
The admiral put down his coffee cup
and gazed in Amusement at the keys be-
fore him
what in the world are those?' he
asked.
They are the keys Of the fortress Of
Gibraltar" he said. which I convey TO
you as the representative OF her majes-
~ the Queen Of England. You have only
70 march your men on shore and take
possession. The Spanish have with
drawn"
The admiral still looked incredulous,
and II WAS only after Courtney had ex-
planned 70 him. with some reservations,
the manner IN which he had become
possessed Of the keys that Rookie seem
ed TO understand the situation.
But. man." he broke in, you have
done what any British commander
would give ten years Of his life TO have
accomplished How can you be reward
sd?'
Courtney paused for a moment before
the admiral.
Il am an Englishman." he said slow
Is. II have always looked upon myself
as such. though II Is long since ! set
foot on British soil. What / have done
] have done for love OF England-and
for hatred Of Spain.
There is one favor I would ask" he
went on. Il am an old man. I have a
daughter. It is my wish to return to
England. 10 die there. but there IS a
decision OF an English court, a sentence
that never was served. which prevents
my return. II that can be arranged [
should prefer that my part IN this affair
remain a secret"
The admiral looked at him in aston
ishment Was this man a simpleton OF
was he clever beyond the ordinary
Courtney's inscrutable face told him
nothing but Rookie did not fail TO see
the advantage Of this arrangement for
kim&eif.
1T shall be done" ne said quickly.
II promise you that"
There is one other thing" went on
Courtney now in a mood 10 carry out
the whimsical plan he had suggested 10
the governor. The honor OF the Span
ish governor who has vacated this fort
demands that "a show OF resistance be
made. Some Of my men are IN the fort
ress now. BY a signal which ] will give
II your eXceilfncy consents. they can be
instructed 10 fire volleys from their can
uon-intO the air. At the same time
you can attack them-alsc iu the air
until sufficient powder has been burnt
70 save the SDaniard honor"
Courtney said this In the most matter
of fact fashion, and the admiral. after