Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-05-16

advise her that he expected the return of that young man with the troops or the viceroy at 10 o'clock that night. Hs bade her be of good cheer; that he did not think 1t likely that Morgan would think of calling upon her or of sending for her until morning. when 1t would be too late He promised that he would watch over her and do what he could to protect her: that he would never leave the fort except for few mo ments before 10 that night, when he went to admit Alvarado. What was better earnest of his purpose was that he furnished her with keen dagger, small enough to conceal in the bosom of her dress, and advised her if worst came to worst, and there was no other way, to use 1t. He impressed on her that on no account was she to allow Morgan to get the slightest inkling of his communication to her, for if the chief buccaneer found this out Horni- 9old's life would not be worth mo- ment's thought and Alvarado would be baked in his plans of rescue.
 Mercedes most thankfully received the weapon and promised to respect the confidence.
 As far as creature comforts were concerned, the two women fared well. Indeed, they were sumptuously. lavish ly, prodigally provided for. Sonora Agapida was still In state of com plete prostration. She lay helpless on . couch in the apartment, and minis tering to her distracted the poor girls mind, yet such a day as Mercedes de Lara passed she prayed she might never again experience. The town was filled with the shouts and cries of the buccaneers wandering to and fro, singing drunken choruses, now and again routing out hidden fugitives from places of fancied security and torturlng them with ready ingenuity whenever they were taken. The con fusion was increased and the noise di versified by the shrieks and groans oi these miserable wretches. Sometimes the voices that came through the high windows were those of women, and the sound of their screams made the heart of the brave girl sink like lead ir her breast.
 For the rest, she did not understand Hornigolds position. She did not know whether to believe him or not but oi one thing was she certain whereas she had been defenseless, now she had a weapon. and she could use 1t If nec essary. With that in hand she wal mistress at least of her own fate. As evening drew on. everything hay ing been attended to, Morgan began t tire of his isolation, and time hunt heavy on his hands. He was weary o the women whom he had hitherto con sorted with. The other officers, betweel whom and himself there was no sor of friendship, were busy with thei : own nefarious wickednesses in the diff ferent parts of the fort or town, ant ' he sat long time alone in the guard room drinking. Black Dog, as usual l pouring at his side. The liquor in famed his imagination, and he crave' companionship. Summoning Horni gold at last. he bade him bring Donni Mercedes before him. The old man at tempted to expostulate. but Morgan mood had changed. and he brooked n hesitation in obeying any order give by him. There was nothing for tn boatswain to do but to comply. I Once more Mercedes, therefofe. founl herself in the guardroom of the fort fl the presence of the man she loathe and feared above all others in creation She glanced at the clock, recent im portation from Spain, hanging upon tn wall. as she entered and saw that was half after g. Ten was the hou Hornigold had appointed to meet Alvs rado at the gate. She hoped that b would be early rather than late. and if she could withstand the bSccanee by percussion. seeming compliance Q by force for q short space. all would b well. for she never doubted that be lover would come for her. Even If b had to come single handed and alone { fight for her. she knew he would b there. Therefore, with every nerv strained almost to the breaking poir to ward off his advances and to dela any action he might contemplate. oh faced the buccaEeer.
 He was dressed with barbaric ma: nificence in the riches and plunder h had appropriated. and he had adorne his person with profusion of silvs and gold and stolen gems. He had bee seated nt the table while served by th maroon; but, as she entered, with unt sual complaisance be arose and bowe to her with something of the grace of gentleman.
 Madam be said. endeavoring make soft and agreeable bis hars voice. T trust you have been we treated since in my charge"
 He had been drinking heavily. sh saw. but as be spoke her fair sh would answer him accordingly. On h part be had determined to try the gel tier arts of persuasion. and. though h face still bore the veits made by hs riding whip the night before. be strov to forget t and play the gentleman she answered his question calmly witl out exhibiting resentment or anno. arce.
 we have been comfortably lodge and provided with food and drink !