The Republican. [volume] (Mountain Home, Idaho) 1903-1909, 1906-05-29
bsnc, hanging over Laros bunk.

in burst of gratitude TO Ehewsh fol-
having saved his life.
Both LATTE and Garonne knew
enough of the Indians tribe-lore to
understand that this was Ehewah's
mute announcement of ended friend
ship and loyalty.
He doubtless stole in here to per-
iorm what to him was religious rite,
and having hung Laro's gift where we
found it, went his way, intending to
attempt that which he has now ac'
complished," unused LATTE aloud.
Then as if struck by an after
thought, he went to Laro's bunk, and
throwing aside the rich draperies, dis
closed heavy wooden locker
It's lid was contrary to custom,
locked; and when LATTE opened it,
disarranged collection of papers and
canvas bags showed within.
1T is as supposed-not coin nor
jewel touched, but charts and papers
gone that are of more Importance
than all the valuables. The rascal
knows the way to the Barra de Hero;
and the charts he has taken will in
form Others showing them where to
find what now belongs to the Senorita
Lazalie."
Garonne, forgetful of his usual re-
straint when in Lafitte's presence, now
broke forth into a flood of curses,
which the latter checked at once.
The mate turned to the cabin door,
where he paused, and asked in voice
trembling with the anger he dared
not show, "Haye you any orders for
me, captain?"
None, save to let the men have
their supper at once, and see to it that
only half-allowance of grog is served.
The fog is coming in, and we will sail
as soon as may be-"
Like an army of shrouded ghosts,
the fog was again about the BLACK
Petrel," enclosing her in a world
where she was the sole tangible thing
But, as over a path familiar to blind
eyes, the hands that manned her
could shape an unerring course for
their secure haven.
Long before midnight she was feel
ing her way north, toward the mouth
of the treacherous channel that would
bring the crew to their island strong
hold, the Barra de Hero.
The early morning air was heavy
with odors of aromatic shrubs grow
ing beyond the beach, and the carol
, of Weakening birds was filing it with
music, when Lafitte came ashore, leav'
ing Garonne in charge of the brigan-
tine.
His course lay inland, at first over
waste fields, and then cultivated ones,
of sugar cane, coffee and tobacco.
Then came some banana and fig plan
tations, interspersed with groves OF
palms and cocoanut trees, until, after
a walk of twenty minutes, he reached
a clearing in which stood many small
huts. evidently dwellings; and apart
from these rose the walls of a stone
building. surrounded by a high wall,
with circular towers at the angles.
LATTE crossed the open space, and
stopping before stout oaken door in
the wall, called for admission. But
there was no response; and after a
longer silence than suited his humor,
he fell to striking upon the door, while
he called still louder.
This resulted in its soon being
opened cautiously, to show stalWart
giant, whose black face and naked
arms showed all the darker by con-
trast with the white cotton OF his raj
ment, draped in a barbaric fashion
that told of its not having known
thread and needle.
"My young captain!" he exclaimed
in Spanish, pleased surprise lighting
his grave face; and catching Lafittes
hand, he kissed it as the latter re-
piled. Greetings to you, Ezrah. Is II
all we'll here?"
Eyes, my young captain. All is well;
but it will be more than well, now
that you have returned"
LATTE waited until the Arab Cfor
such he was) had closed and barred
the gate; and then, in few words
he told him of what had taken place
adding that Laro's body would be
brought ashore later in the day, for
burial.
Ezrah listened with face showing
no emotion whatever, save perhaps
that of anger that the nation his mas
ter had taught him to hate should
have been the means of the former
death.
His young mistress, the Senor1ta
Lazalie, was Of course not yet awake;
and LATTE, after bidding the Arab to
leave her undisturbed, went to his
own apartments.
Lazalie was now sixteen; and, since
leaving a convent school in Seville
two years before, her entire time had
been passed upon the Barra de Hero
| pp1y living raIl.