The Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1???-1928, 1904-07-16
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE NEW FIRST LIEUTENANT



the tiller, while one OF his own men
sat by him.
When Blackboard stepped on deck
he announced, much to the delight OF
the crew and the CONSERVATION OF
Paul Bittern, that the Revenge now
belonged to him. and that all the
crew who were fit to be kept on board
such a fine vessel would be retained.
and that he himself. for the present
AT least, would take command OF the
ship would haul down that brand.
new bit of woman's work at the mast
head ana fly in its place his own
black, ragged jolly Roger, dreaded
wherever seen upon the sea. AT this
shout went up from the crew; the
heart CT every scoundrel among them
swelIed with Joy at the idea OF sail
ing, fighting and pillaging under the
bloody Blackboard
But the sailing master stood aghast.
He had known very well what was
going to happen; he had talked 1t all
over in the town with Blackboard; he
had drunk in fiery brandy to the sue
cess of the scheme. and he had be-
lieyed without doubt that he was to
command the Revenge when Bonnet
should be disposed. And now where
was he? Where did he stand?
Trembling little. he approached
Blackboard And as for me-" he
asked; "am | to command your old
vcssel?"
"You!" roared Blackboard, making
as il he would Jump upon him. 'you
You may fall TO and bend your back
with the others in the forecastle. or
you can Jump overheard If you like.
MY quartermaster, Richards. now
commands my old vessel Presently
! shall go over and settle things on
that bark. but first | shall step down
into the cabin and see what rare good
things Sir Nightcap the sugar plant
er. has prepared for me"
With this he went below, followed
by the man he had brought with him
II was Dickory, half dazed by what
he had heard, who now stepped up to
Paul Bittern. The latter. his coun
tenance blacker than II had ever been
before, first scowle1 at him, but in
moment the ferocity left his glance.
"Oho!" he said. "here's pretty
pickle for me and you. as well as for
Bonnet and the Scotchman."
do you suppose" exclaimed Dick
DRY, that what he says is true? That
Chi
Bonnet, and that he has taken it fer
his own?'
"Supposel" sneered the other, Il
know IT, He has stolen from me as
we'll as from Bonnet. / should have
commanded this ship. and | had made !
all my plans to do it when | got here"
Then you are as great rascal"
said Dickory, as that vile pirate down |
below"
Just as great" said Bittern, "the
only difference being that he has won
everything while | have lost every. |
thing"
what are we TO do?" asked Dick.
DRY. Il cannot stay here. and | am |
sure you will not want TO. Now. while !
he is below, can We not slip overheard |
and swim ashore? | am sure | couli
do IL"
Black Paul grinned grimly. But
where should we swim to-" he said. /
ION the csast of Honduras there is
no safety for man who fees from
Blackboard But keep your tongue
close; he is coming"
The moment Blackboard put his
foot upon the deck he began to roar
out his general orders.
Il go over to the bark" he said,
land shall put my mate here in charge
OF her After that | go to my own
vessel. and when / have settled mat
terra there / VIII return to this fine
ship. where eh5ll strut the quarter
aeck ana lie las prince Of sea
Nov io5k yss yodHsster what is your
=aase"
Charter" replied Diekory grimiy
We'll. thea, Charter the pirate
continued. Il shall ieaTe yca il charge
Of this vessel until coEs back, which
viii be before dark."
Mel exclaimed DickcTy. II amaze
nenf
Yes. ycu." SAID the pirate IL an
sure yoa dent know anything about
a chip any more tran your master aid,
bvt be cot on TeTy yell ana 80 NAV
you. And now, reme.lDer. your BEAD
shall pay for It If everything is not
ire seze when | come back az ii u
now
Thereurca tbs nan Of piraticsl
business vas rowed 70 the bark quite
satisfied that he left behind him no
e1e wkc would have the power %
tampss with his interests. He knew
the crew. having boana most Of them
to hin ca the preceding night. and
be trusted every che Of them to obey
tbs nan he had set ever them and no
rlher. As DickoTy would have no or.
csrs 60 give. there would be no nesj
Ct obedience. sad Black Paul would
hare no chance &c Interfere with any
thing. il
When Bonnet lad been left By
Biaesbesrd-Eho. having said all Re
had 70 sag. hurried up the companion
way 70 AMEND 10 the rest Of his plans
the stately naval of1ceT who had 30