The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1906-02-14
CHAPTER XIV.

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CHAPTER XIV.
3D me hundred yards or so beyond
& N The place Of the ambush the
H III road dropped sharply over the
9 last cliff to the narrow strand
which led to the west wall of La Quay
"a, distant half a mile away. They
had all been under the deep shadow of
the thick trees overhanging the way
until this instant, but in the faint light
cast by the moon just risen AlvaradO
could see that a great body Of people
were congregated before him on the
road Who they were and what they
were he could not surmise. He was
not long left in doubt, however, for
the same voice whose commanding
tones had caused his life to be spared
now called for lights. The demand was
obeyed with prompsness that bespoke
fear, indeed, or discipline Of the stern
est and soon the caphves found them,
selves IN a circle Of lurid light sent
forth BIZ a. number of blazing torches.
The illumination revealed to Alyarado
as Vllainous and terrible looking a
body Of men as he had ever seen. The
Grst glance convinced him tnat they
were not Spanish brigands or robbers.
He was too young to have had dealings
with the buccaneers Of the past gen
GRAFTON, but he realized that if any
such remained on this side Of the earth
Shey must be like these men who sur
rounded him. He wasted no time in
surmises, however, for after the first
swift comprehensive glance his eyes
sought Mercedes. She sat her horse
free and uninjured, apparently, for
which he thanked God She was lean
ing forward over her saddle and star
ing III bewilderment and surprise at
these and confusion before her.
Donna Mercedes cried Alyarado.
turning himself about in spite Of his
bonds ard the restraint his immediate
eaptors endeavored to put upon him,
1ares yon unhurt
SAFE answered the girl. "And
hou
yFen butsfor these bonds
(ssod be thanked. Who are these
men
ssI know not, but
sTr, interrupted Sonora Aga
.aida, recovering her voice at the sound
of the Spanish tongue. What does
This mean Save us!'
ssSenora, said that same sharp voice,
out this tine speaking in the Spanish
tongue, as tail man, hat in hand.
.ulrged his horse forward. "fear nothing;
son shall be protected. And you, seno-
rita Do & not have the honor Of ad-
dressing Donna Mercedes de Lara"
<zhat is nay name answered the
girl haughtily who are you? Why
nave ypu shot my people and seized me
prisoner
.sFpr love Of you, Mistress Mercedes.
JIst heayenl Who are you. say?'
cried fhe girl at this startling answer,
surnIng ii surprise and terror to look
sIpoa his countenarce.
There was something familiar in the
mans face that called up vague rec
election which she strove to master
who are you;' she cried again.
Sir Harry Morgan answered the
s,orseman, bowing low over the saddle,
"a free sailor. at your service, madam
AfyGodr'- cried Alvarado. who had
listened attentively ''The buccaneer?'
The sane.'' answered Morgan, turn
ing tahim.
aSir Harry Morgan. Were you not
s,ovenor of Jamaica last year," asked
Mercedes. insastonishment.
81 had that honor, lady
yVhy are you now in arms against
s,s?s'
"a new king, Mistress de Lara, sits
the English throne. He likes me not. /
and these gallant seamen are going to
establish kingdom in some sweet is
land in the south seas with our good
words. I would fam have woman to
Gear me company on the throne. Since
xsaw you in Jamaica last year have
designed you for the honor
ssaIonster.r screamed the girl, appall-
ed by the hideous leer which acconpa-
nied his words. Rather anything
.ssSi-, interrupted Alvarado, you are
IN Englishnan. Your past rank should
..7arrant yo:I a gentleman but for this
There is no war between England and
Spain. What is the meaning Of this
outrage? This lady is the daughter OF
ne Ficeroy Of Venezuela. am his
captain and the comandante Of yon-
Ger city Of La Guayra. You have way
hid Us. taken us at disadvantage.
zfy men are killed. For this assault
his eact,1cncy will exact bloody repa-
ration. Meanwhile give order that we
De inbound. and let US pass"
~Ho, no. laughed the buccaneer.
Think you l fear the yiceroy? Nay,
cot his majesty of Spain himself! ]
came here with set purpose to take
Ia Guayra and then Caracas and to
s,aar away with me this pretty lady.