Chicago eagle., 1904-08-27
CHAPTER VII.

Paul had not 80 much to attend To rs
one 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 few days. The old
gunner was In a precariOus situation,
and the surgeon assured him that II 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
was reported directly ahead, and In an
hour more other land was made out upon
the larboard bow and beam. At 10
o'clock 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 OH shore. But ere Il 2
narrow inlet was opened, between
what proved to be the mainland and a
large island, aud beyond there appeared
a wide bay. The track through this In
let was u dubious one. for huge black
rocks lifted their heads above water Oh
every hnnd; but the brig was run thfe-
~ in. and was then within circular
lay some ten miles In diameter. ] u
the end was not yet. Toward the east.
ern side of this bay appeared to be .
sort Of cape extending out some distance
from the mainland but which proved,
Upon approaching 1t. to be an island
which stood ut the mouth Of smaller
bay. Around this island the brig made
her wa. md ere long she was anchored
at the mouth Of quite respectable river.
This was Silver Bay. and the river
here the same name. Its position was
Upon the coast Of Japan, and some nifty
or sixty miles distant from Nagas9ka.
1t was strange place In view Of Its
natural defcnses, and seemed made for
the use to which It was now put. Marl
l.aroon had received II Iron an old free
iooter who had used 1t for many years,
and probably the present chieftain told
the truth when he said that II had bet i
a pigatical retreat for nearly two cen.
turtles.
"Aow long shall we lay here eap.
tsin. asked Buffo Burlington. alter
everything had been put to rights.
perhaps a month. That last haul
from the corvette may give US longer
resting smell than l had before calculat.
Cd upon" Then turning to Paul, who
stood near him, he said: "Do you want
to 70 up with me this evening2"
The youth started, but II he felt any
strong emotion he quickly subdued I
for he soon replied. and without any
hesitation:
Il think II you go up this evening
had better wait until you come back
for ! do not think It safe to leave Ben
Marion alone. Either you or l should
be with him."
"What Is the need Of thatY"
HE In very low. now, aud his rec0v.
cry depends entirely upon his being suit
ed In every respect. II we can keep
him easy, say four days at the outside
ho will be over the crisis. So you go ur
tonight. and when you come back III
CO."
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 il
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 sundown. 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 tho heavens
were cloudless. He was alone upon the
quarter deck, the anchor watch being al
forward. A deep sigh escaped him as 4.
sat down, and he bowed his head upon
his hands.
"Alas" he murmured to himself, show
long must this last? Why should | thus
be cast upon the world In outlaws shoes
and be only candidate for the gallows
while my heart shudders at the black,
ness of its life, and my soul turns In
loathing from the things of evil that
surround me?"
At that moment the youth heard q
movement near him, and on looking uI
he saw the outlines of human fig
ure. He started to his feet, and as hs
did so'the intruder spoke:
II trust have not OffendedT'
Huntington" cried Paul, extending
his hand. mo, no. you need not feal
to offend me by your presence. for
have had 1t when my very life hung up
on It."
As the youth spoke he sat down upor
the carriage Of gun. leaving room fol
Buffo to sit by his side.
II suppose you saved my life ~ much
1or the captains sake as my owaT thu