The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1906-02-28
voice. Il trust you have been

tier arts Of persuasion. ana, tEouSt
face still bore the welts made by
riding whip tie night before. he 81
to forget it and play the gentleman.
She answered his question calmly with
out exhibiting resentment or annoy
ance
1--WE have been comfortably lodged
and provided with food and drink in
sufTiciency, senor.'
"And what more would you have,
Donna NIercedes:'
Liberty, sir..''
'.That shall be yours. Saving only
my will when you are married to me,
YOU shall be as free as air-a free sail
or and his free wife, lady. But will
you not sit down."
In compliance with his request, she
seated herself on a chair which hap
pened to be near where she stood. She
noted With relief that the table was
between them.
.Nay, not there" said the captain
instantly. Here, madam; here at my
side''
.Not yet, Senior Captain. 1t were not
fit that a prisoner should occupy 50
high a seat of honor. Wait until
Until you are Lady Morgan:" he
cried, his face flaming.
She buried her face in her hands at
his suggestion, for she feared her hor-
ror in the thought would show too
plainly there, and then, because she
dare not lose sight Of him, she con-
strained herself to look at him once
more. Fer cheeks were burning with
shame, her eyes flashing with indigna-
ton, though she forced her lips into the
semblance of a smile.
sThat surprises you, does it," con-
tinued the man, with boasting conde-
scension. ''You did not think I design
ed so to honor you after last night,
madam? Scuttle me, these"-pointing
to his face-"are fierce love taps, but l
like you none the less for your spirit,
madam. Fore God, it runs with your
beauty. You are silent" he continued,
staring at her with red eyed, drunken
suspicion. "You do not answer"
.eMy lord" cried Mercedes, II know
not what to say"
.Say Harry Morgan, love you, and
I am yours
.There is another present, senor."
sWhere? Another? Who has dared
roared the buccaneer,- glaring about
him.
AThy servant, the negro"
..Oh," he laughed, ''he is nothing.
Black Dog we call him. He is my
slave, my shadow, my protection. BE
is always by"
An idea had swiftly flashed into the
young girls mind. If she could get rid
Of the slave she could deal more easily
with the master. She was tall, strong,
and Morgan, it appeared, was not in
full possession Of his faculties or his
strength from the liquor he had i'm
bibed.
..Still,' she urged, 81 do not like to
be wooed in the presence Of another,
even though he be slave. Ills not
Spanish maiden's way, sir
..Your will now, lady," said the buc-
cancer, with a hideous attempt at gal
lantry, ''is, my law. Afterward-'twill
be another matter. Out, Carib, but be
within call Now, madam, we are
alone. Speak you the English tong'le?"
The conversation had been carried on
IL Spanish heretofore.
= Indifferently, senor.'
"Well. I'll teach it you. The lesson
may as we'll begin now. Say after me,
Harry permit that, though I am
belted knight of England, made so by
his merry majesty King Charles, God
rest him. Drink to the repose Of the
king.w he cried, showing cup across.
the table toward her. !,
Resisting a powerful temptation to
throw it at him and divining that the
stimulant might be of assistance to her
in the trying crisis in which she found
herself, the girl lifted the cup to her
lips, bowed to him and swallowed
portion OF the contents.
. sGive it back to me.' he shouted.
.eYou have tasted it: drain it. Now
the lesson. Say after me, Harry Nor
GAM
Harry Morgan" gasped the girl.
"I love thee"
With a swift inward prayer she ut
tered the lying words.
"You have learned we'll and art an
apt pupil indeed" he cried. "Dye know
there are few women who can resist
me when l try to be agreeable? Harry
Morgan's way" he laughed again
:.There be some that ! have Won and
many have forced. None like you. 50
Hsay Harry Morgan, love you u
> q