The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-06-20
THE NEWS DEMOCRATS DAILY STORY
To be published in daily instalments on this page
SLAVE SQUADRON
A THRILLING TALE OF ADVENTURE
BY HARRY COLLINGwOOD
CHAPTER NI-Continued.

At $50 the hands were turned up. the
main topsail filled. and under topsails, Jip
and spanker, and with leadsman IN the
fore chains on each side, the sloop pro-
ceeded boldly TO enter the river. under
the plotage Of the master, who stationed
himself for the purpose on the fore-top-
sail yard. This was most unusual, al
time. the river never having been. up to
that period. properly surveyed; so we
came TO the conclusion that there was
something TO the fore a trifie out or the
common: conclusion which was very
fully verified a little later on
IL was just low water as we came
abreast OF Shark Point-whfch we passed
at a distance OF about a mfle-but we
found plenty OF water everywherel and.
stretching across the rivers mouth. the
Daphne finally entered Banana Creek.
and anchored in six fathoms close 10 a
smart looking little bark OF unquestion-
able American nationality. The sails were
furled, the yards squared, ropes coiled
down, and decks cleared up; and then
the first cutter was piped away. Mr.. Smell
lie at the same time receiving summons
20 the skipper's cabin.
The conference between the captain and
the second lieutenant was but a short
one; and when the latter again appeared
on deck he beckoned me TO him and lin
structed me to don my dirk. as / was
Just as we were about TO go down over
the side Captain Vernon appeared on
deck. and, addressing the second '1uff."
said;
Whatever you do, Mr.. Smelhe keep my
caution In mind, and do not provoke the
man. Remember. that if he is an Ameri-
can--of which have very little doubt-we
cannot touch him, even II he has his hold
full of slaves: 40 be as civil TO him as you
can. please; and get all the information
you can out of him"
LAY, ay, sir: I'll do my best to stroke
hus fur the right way, never fear an
went
A couple OF minutes later we shot
alongside the bark. and Smellie and I
clambered up her de-ladder to the deck,
where we were received by a lanky. ca
daverous looking individual arrayed in n
by no means spotless suit Of white nan
kin topped by a very dilapidated broad
brimmed Panama straw hat.
'Mornin', gentlemen" observed this in
divdual. I'm response to our salutation:
powerful hot; amt it7"
Very" returned Smellie In HIS most
amicable manner. "but"-pointtng 10 the
awning spread fore and AFT, II see you
know how to make yourselves comfort
able. Your ship l observe, ie called the
Pensacola OF New orleans. have come
on board to go through the forTnality of
looking at your papers. You have no
objection, ! presume7'
Mary objection. stranger. Look at IN
and welcome" was the reply. IT guess
I'll have to trouble you to come below.
though"
With this he led the way down the COM
panion ladder. and we followed event.
ually bringing up on the comfortably
cushioned lockers of fine, spacious airy
cabin. very nicely fitted up.
Seating himself opposite us. the skipper
struck hand-bell which stood on the
cabin table. In response to which sum-
mons a black steward clad, like his mas
ter, In dingy white. made his appearance
from the neighboring pantry. Our host
thereupon formed hi.. fright hand into the
shape OF cup and raised IL to his mouth
at the same time exhibiting three fingers
OF his left hand: and the steward noddins
and grinning his comprehension OF the
mute order. withdrew. TO reappear next
moment with case-bottle OF rum, three
glasses and water monkey or porous
earthen Jar, full of what proved. on our
pouring II out. TO be a very doubtful look
ing liquid.
Help yourselves. gentlemen" said our
host, pushing the rum bottle and water
monkey toward us. 81 aint't got no wine
aboard 10 offer you. but the liquor is
real old Jamaica, and the water II gen
uine Mississippi: they make q FIRST grade
mixture. But perhaps you prefer TO take
you liquor straight; I always do"
And no forthwith practically illustrated
the process OF taking liquor straight" by
half-hlling his tumbler with neat rum,
which ne swallowed al a single gulp. He
then rose and retired TO his stateroom in
search Of his papers. leaving us 10 sip our
fre-wster grog meanwhile
(To be continued tomorrow)