The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-06-15
-THE
SLAVE SQUADRON
A THRILLING TALE OF ADVENTURE
By HARRY COLLINGwOOD
CHAPTER IV.-Continued.

In less than a minute the whole or the
boat. with the crew and ourselves, were
completely bathed In tt. looked behind
me TO ascertain the cause OF this sudden
glorifcation. and. behold. there was the
moon sweeping magnificently into view
above the distant tree-tops, her full orb
magnified TO three or four Tins its usual
dimensions and painted n glorious ruddy
orange by the haze which began 10 rise
from the bosom OF the river. Under the
magic effect OF the moonlight the noble
river, with It's background OF trees and
bush rising dim and ghostly above the
wreathing mist and its swift flowing wa
ters shimmering In the golden radiance.
presented picture. the dream-like
beauty OF which words are wholly made
Quate TO describe. But 1 am willing TO
confess that my admiration lost a great
deal OF its ardor when Mr.. Austin inform
ed me that the mist which impaired so
subtle a cham to the scene was but the
forerunner OF the deadly miasmatic fog
which makes the Congo so fatal u river
10 Europeans; and / was by no means
sorry when we found ourselves three
quarters OF an hour later. once more in
safety alongside the Daphne. having sue
ceeded in making good our escape before
the pestilential fog overlook US. Our
prizes, the buck and the bananas, were
cordially welcomed on board the old
barkie; the bananas being carefully sus-
pended from the spanker-boom TO ripen
at their leisure whilst the buck was hand
ed over TO the butcher TO be operated up
on forthwith. 80 far at least as the fay
ing was concerned; and on the morrow
all hands, fore and aft, enjoyed the un-
wonted luxury OF venlson for dinner.
Mr.. Austin having duly reported to Cap
tain Vernon that the river was just then
free OF shipping, we hove up the anchor
that same evening, at the end OF the
second dogwatch, and stood OF from the
land all night under easy canvas.
THE "VDSTALE"
About three bells in the forenoon watch
next morning the lookout aloft reported
a sail on the larboard bow; and, on being
questioned in the usual manner he shout
ed down to US the further information
that the stranger was a brig working In
for tho land on the starboard tack under
top gallant sails, and that she mad ait
the look OF a man-o-war.
BY six bells we had closed each other
within mile: and a few minutes after
wards the stranger crossed our bows, and,
laying her main topsail to the mast. low
cred a boat Perceiving that her captain
wanted TO speak us, we OF course at once
hauled our wind. and, backing our main
topsail, hove To about a couple OF cables
lengths TO windward OF the brig.
She was as beautiful craft as sea-
mans eye had ever rested on; long and
low upon the water. with a superbly-
modelled hull, enormously lofty masts
with a saucy rake aft TO them, and very
taut heavy yards. She mounted seven
guns of a side, apparently OF the same
description and weight as our own-Iong
1S-pounders, and there was what looked
suspiciusly like a long 92-pounder on her
forecastle. She was flying French colors,
but she certainly looked at least as much
like an English as she did like French
ship.
The boat dashed alongside US In true
man-o' war style; our side was duly man
ned, and presently there entered through
the gangway a man dressed In the uni
form OF lieutenant I'm the French navy.
He was OF medium height, and rather
square built: his skin was tanned to a
deep mahogany color; his hair and bushy
beard were Jet black. as also were his
piercing, restless eyes: and though rather
"A handsome man, his features wore
fierce and repellant expression. which.
however, passed away as soon as he be-
gan 10 speak
Bon jour- msieu." he began, raising
his uniform cap and bowling 20 Mr. Aus.
tin. who met him at the gangway. What
ship dis Is. eh?''
This. sir. Is His Britannia Majestys
sloop Daphne. What brig Is that7'
THAT. salr. Is the Franch brigue OF
war vestale: and | am Jules lie Breton.
her first leeftant. az your serveece. Are
YOU le capitaine Of this vasseau?"
NO SIR I am the first lieutenant, and
my name II Austin" with a bow. Cap
tain Vernon II in his cabin DO you wish
20 see him?"
At that moment the skipper made his
appearance from below. and stepping for
ward. the French lieutenant was present
ed 10 him with all due formality by Mr..
Austin.
(To be continued tomorrow)