New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-02-25
CHAPTER XVIII.
How Black Simon Claimed Forfeit
From the Hing of Sarh

made good progress, but on the sec
ond morning, after sighting Cape de la
Hague, there came a brisk land wind
which blew them out to sea. 1t grew
into a squall with rain and fog so that
they were two more days beating back
Next morning they found themselves
in a dangerous rock-studded sea with a
small island upon their starboard quar-
ter. 1t was girded with high granite
cliffs of a reddish hue, and slopes of
brlght-green grassland lay above them.
4 second smaller island lay beside it,
Dennis the shipman shook his head
as he looked That is Brechou, said he,
and the larger one is the Island of Sark.
If ever be cast away, | pray the saints
that | may not be upon yonder coast"
Knolles gazed across at it. You say
well, naster-shlpman," said he 1t does
appear to be a rocky and perilous spot. -
Nay, it is the rocky hearts of those
who dwell upon it that l had in my
mind, the old sailor answered. We
are well safe in three goodly vessels, but
had we been here in small craft
make no doubt that they would have
already had their boats out against us -
Who then are these people, and how
do they live upon so small and wind
swept an island2" asked the soldier
They do not live from the island,
fair sir, but from what they can gather
upon the sea around it. They are broken
folk from all countries, justice-hiers,
prison-breakers, reavers, escaped bonds
men, murderers and staff-strikers who
have made their way to this outland
place and hold it against all corners.
There is one here who could tell you of
them and OF their ways, for he was long
time prisoner amongst them" The sea
man pointed to Black Simon the dark man
from Norwich, who was leaning against the
side lost in moody thought and staring
with a brOoding eye at the distant shore.
How now, fellow" asked Knolles.
What is this | hear? Is it indeed
sooth that you have been captive upon
this island?"
1t is true, fair sir. For eight months
l have been servant to the man whom
they call their King. His name is La
Muette, and he comes from Jersey; MOI
is there under Gods sky a man whom
have more desire to see
Has he then mishandled you?"
Black Simon gave a WY smile and
pulled off his jerkin. His lean sinewy
back was walled and puckered with
white scars. He has left his sign OF
hand upon me-" said he. He swore
that he would break me to his will, and
thus he tried to do it. But most | de.
sire TO see him because he hath lost q
wager to me and l would fam be paid. y
This is a strange saying" said
Knolles What is this wager, and
why should he pay your"
1t IS but a small matter" Simon
answered; but | am poor man and
the payment would be welcome. Should
it have CHANGED that we stopped at thi.
island | should have craved your leave
that l 90 ashore and ask for that which
/ have fairly won"
Sir Robert Knolles laughed. This
business tickleth my fancy" said he
As to stopping at the island, this ship
man tells me that We must needs wait
? day and night, for that We have
strained our planks. But if you should
60 ashore, how viii you be sure that yot
will be free 10 depart, OF that you vii