Charlevoix county herald. (East Jordan, Mich.) 189?-1953, 1905-03-11

fleet upon proposal promising SO
much for you In the way of wealth and
position, as against an enemy who has
prescribed you, and branded you with
infamy? 1t is very important that we
lose no time in pushing the operations
already planned against lower Louisi-
ana. We must act at once; and as
soon as we obtain possession here, our
army will penetrate into the upper
country, to make junction with our
forces from Canada"
1T would appear" said LATTE, as
he threw the remnant of his cigar into
the fireplace and took another from
the box, that you count upon no pos
sible failure in your plans"
"Failure!" repeated Capt. Lockyer,
his face glowing with confidence. ''In-
deed, no. Our plan of campaign Is
perfected, and we are certain Of sue
cess. Regarding our chances, | will
| tell you that We expect excellent re-
suits from an lnsurrection of the
! slaves, to whom we shall offer freedom
as the reward for aiding Great Brit,
ain"
The cold indifference of Lafitte's
face turned to sudden sternness.
do you know anything of the negro
nature, and how it would show itself
under such circumstances" he de-
manded, adding, before they could an
| swer him, 81 do; and l warn you that
what you propose doing would be
equivalent to Enchanting the demons
of hell"
The Englishmen looked uncomfort-
able; but Lockyer muttered something
about "the fortunes of war" and Nc
! Williams said: But the cruelty of the
punishment it has been decided to in
flict upon New Orleans. The city is
| to be given over to fire and pillage."
This announcement made with
| something of a dramatic air, did not
seem to make the expected impression
upon LATTE; for he passed it by, and
said, somewhat impatiently, and with
unmistakable decision. II repeat that
| | cannot answer you before morning;
and such being the case, I must re-
quest that you remain here over
night"
The two officers had risen, and now
| stood before him, their faces showing
mingled CONSERVATION and anger.
Are we to understand, sir, that this
is your decision?" demanded Capt.
Lockyer eXcitedly.
You are, unless you see fit to give
up all further negotiations with me.
In case you accept what l suggest"
answered LATTE, you will send an or
| der for your crew to return to the brig,
and to come for you at noon to-mor-
row."
! The tone of quiet authority accom-
| panying the words appeared to leave
no alternative for the British officers,
who could only nod their assent, evil
| IDENTIFY deeming it more diplomatic to
check the anger showing in their
| faces.
LATTE smiled, and moved toward
| the door,
Now l must leave you; but ] will
place you in the care of Scipio, a
| faithful old servant, who will attend
to your comfort"
They bowed stiffly, and he went out,
closing the door after him; and the
officers heard him lock it, and remove
the key.
Scipio soon appeared with lighted
lamp. This he placed upon the table,
and, taking notice of those present,
proceeded to work, with the result
that, in few minutes, a CHEEKY fire
was blazing. And, as the Englishmen
drew their chairs to the hearth, the
old negro closed and barred the heavy
shutters, besides placing for the night
an iron bar across the already locked
door.
I'VE seem to be prisoners, rather
than guests" remarked Capt McWil.
liams, in a tone too guarded for his
words to reach the partially deaf ears
of Scipio, who was busy at the table.
at is a cheap price to pay, after all,
if it results in bringing him over to
u.s." said Lockyer, in the same low
tone. Those hands of his, and his
manner,-the whole cut of his jib, =
suggest the idea of his being quite able
to hand lady her fan with the grace
of courtier; but they also suggest to
me, at least, his ability to clutch an
enemy by the throat and hurl him over
a cliff, or make him walk the plank
(To be continued.)