Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-04-02

clA' lsaaa.-z-aS large boat, we'll filled, was seen approaching the Revenge from Blackboard's vessel. As soon as 1t had become known that this chief of all pirates of that day, this Edward Thatch of England, was really coming on board the Revenge. not one word was utteped among the crew on the subject of going ashore, although they had been long at sea. The shore could wait when Blackboard was coming. Even to look upon this doughty desper- ado would be an honor and joy to the brawny scoundrels who made up the crew of the Revenge. 1t might have been supposed that everything upon Capt. Bonnet's yes gel had been made ready for the ex- pected advent of Blackboard, but noth- ing seemed good enough, nothing seemed as effectively placed and ar ranged as it might have been; and with excavations and commands, Bon net hurried here and there. making everything. if possible, more ship shape than 1t had been before.
 ''Stay you two in the background, l" he aaid to Ben. GFeenway and Dickory; 'tyou are both 1andsmen, and you don't count in a ceremony such as this Is going to be. Station your men as told you, Bittern. and man the yards when 1t is time."
 Capt. Bonnet. in his brave. uniform and wearing cooked hat with a feather, his hand upon his sword-hilt, stood up tall and stately. When the boat was made fast and the great pi- rates head appeared above the rail. six cannon roared welcome and Bon net stepped forward. hand extended and hat uplifted.
 The instant Blackbeards feet touched the deck he drew from their holsters a pair of pistols and fired them in the air.
 Now then." he shouted, i've are even, salute for salute, for my pistols are more than equal to the cannon of any other man. How goes 1t with you, Sir Nightcap I nean?" And with that he clasped the hand reached out to him In bone-crushing grasp.
 His fingers aching and his brain as | t0nished, Bonnet could not c0mpre- hend what sort of man 1t was who stood before him.. With hair purposely dishevelled; with his hat more slouched than usual; with his beard 1 divided into tails, each tied with 8 different-colored ribbon; with half a dozen pistols strung across his breast; with other pistols and knife or two l stuck into shis belt; with his great sword by his side, and shis eyes gleam. | ing brighter than ever and a general expression, both in face and figure, of an aggressive impudence, Blackboard stood on his stout legs, clothed in rongh red stockings, and gazed abouk him. But the captain of the Revenge did not forget his manners. He well comed Blackboard with all courtesy and besought him to enter his poor cabin.
 Blackboard laughed. Poor cabin, say you? But I'll tell you this one thing, my valiant Captain Gap; you have not 8 poor vessel, not poor ves- sel swear that to you, my brave cap- tain, swear that!"
 Then, with no attention to Bonnet's invitation, Capt. Blackboard strolled about the deck, examining everything, cursing this and praising that, and fol- lowed by Capt Bonnet, Black Paul. and crowd of admiring pirates
 Ben Greenway bowed his head and groaned. "I doubt if Master Bonnet will ever go to the deil as feared he would, for now has the de'il come to him. Oh, Dickory, Dickory! this mas ter O mine was worthy mon an a good ane when I first came to him, l U1 At hot t/ 1,i. For, was in sad case, Dickory, very sad case; but now that he has Apollyon for l his teacher, he'll cease to know right eousness altogither."
 Dickery was angry and out of spirits. '.1e Is a vile poltroon, this master of ] yours" said he. "ccnsortin& with these bloody pirates and leaving his daugil- ter to pine away her days and nights within a little sail of him, while he struts about at the heel of dirty free- booter dressed like a monkey! He doesn't deserve the daughter he pos sesses. Oh, that I could find a ship that would take me back to Jamaica! And I would take you, too, Ben Green l way, for it is foul shame that a good man should spend his days in such vile company
 Ben shook his head "I'll stand by Master Bonnet" he said, until the day comes when I shall bid him fare- I we'll at the door O hell. I can go no farther than that, Dickory, no farther than that!"
 The supper in the cabin of tke Re- venge was better meal than the vo- racious Blackboard had partaken of for many year, if indeed he had ever sat down to such sumptuous repast. Be- fore bim was food and drink fit fer a I stout and hungry sea-faring man, and 1 there were wines and dainties which would have had ht place upon the table of gentleman.
 Blackboard was in high spirits and tossed off cup after cup and glass after