Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1904-09-06
CHAPTER VII.

CHAPTER VII.
Paul had not so much 10 attend to as
enc might have imagined. There were
but few cuts, and even those were not
OF much moment. He had only six men
upon his list, and these he promised to
restore to duty in a few days. The old
gunner was in a precarious situation,
and the surgeon assured him that it was
Only by scrupulous care that he could
hope to recover.
On the morning of the third day from
the engagement with the corvette, land
wac reported directly ahead. and in an
hour more other land was made out upon
the larboard bow and beam. At 10
o'clock a number of small islands were
plainly distinguished. and before noon
the brig had run in among them. After
this, her course was laid more to the
southwark. and to one not used to the
place 1t appeared as though the vessel
was to be run on shore. But ere lo =
a narrow inlet was opened. between
what proved to be the mainland and
large island, and beyond there appeared
a wide bay. The track through this in
let was dubious one, for huge black
rocks lifted their heads above water on
every hand; but the brig was run safe
Il in. and was then within a circular
lay some ten miles in diameter. ] vt
the end was not yet. Toward the east
ern side of this bay appeared to be
sort os cape extending out some distance
from the mainland. hut which proved,
upon approaching 1t, to be an island
which stood at the mouth of a smaller
bay. Around this island the brig made
her way. and ere long she was anchored
at the mouth of quite respectable river.
This was Silver Bay. and the river
bore the same name. Its position was
upon the coast of Japan, and some hfty
or sixty miles distant from Nagasqka.
Ii was a strange place in view of its
natural defenses, and seemed made for
the use to which it was now put. Mari
Laroon had received it from an old free
toOter who had used it for many years,
and probably the present chieftain told
the truth when he said that it had beel
a piratical retreat for nearly two cen
turtles.
How long shall We lay here, cap
tan! asked Buffo burlington. alter
everything had been put to rights.
Perhaps a month. That last haul
from the corvette may give us a longer
resting smell than l had before calculat-
ed upon" Then turning to Paul, who
stood near him, he said: do you want
10 go up with me this EVENING"
The youth started, but il he felt any
strong emotion he quickly subdued /.
for he soon replied. and without any
hesitation:
Il think IL you go up tbs evening /
had better wait until you come back,
I IL fnI- 70 ~,
Marion alone. Either you or l should
be with him"
What is the need of thatT
"IIe is very low, now. and his reeov-
cry depends entirely upon his being suit
ed in every respect. IL We can keep
him easy. say four days at the outside,
he will be over the crisis. So you so up
tonight. and when you come back IN
60"
The captains first impulse was to
leave Ben Marion out Of the question,
but he dared not do such thing as that
in the presence of his crew. But he
went down to see the old man, and II
was his request that either Paul or the
captain should stick by him. So finally
Laroon agreed TO ''go up" alone. and
let Paul ''go up on the morrow. Ac-
cordingly, just at shutdown, the boat
was manned and the captain was pulled
away up the river.
1t was near midnight. and the old gun
ner had fallen asleep. Paul watched
him until he was sure he slept, and
then he went upon deck. The night
was calm and serene, and the heavens
were cloudless. He was alone upon the
quarter deck, the anchor watch being all
forward A deep sigh escaped him as lie
SAT down, and he bowed his head upon
his hands.
Alas" he murmureG 70 himself. chow
long must this last? Why should ] thus
be cast upon the world in outlaws shoes.
and be only a candidate for the gallows.
while my heart shudders at the black
ress of its life. and my soul turns in
loathing from the things Of evil that
surround me?'
At that moment the youth heard
Increment near him, and on looking up
he saw the outlines OF human hg-
ure. He started 10 his feet. and as be
did so the intruder spoke:
II trust l have not offended!'
burlington" cried Paul. extending
his hand. NO, no. you need not fear
TO offend me by your presence. for
have had ii when my very life hung up
on it."
AS the youth spoke he sat down upon
the carriage OF gun, leaving room for
Buffo to sit by his side.
Il suppose you saved my life as much
for the captains sake as my owng'' the
Young man said, after burlington had
seated himself.
why should have thought Of the
captainT'
Because you thought lin to be my
father. Did l not hear you speak Of
nv resemblance 10 himg"
Yes, for you both stood by the bin
nacle as j spoke. and You looked more
tlA,n ike Mari LSrOon than you did like
a pinnacle. l only discovered that you
both belonged 10 the same family OF ami
mate beings-that you were both OF
Adam. But let that pass When eau
cas:an parents give birth to an Ashantee
child then / might believe that some few
drops of Mari Laroon's blood flowed in
.-..-,r xaius huf not fill then And ret