The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1907-06-09
CHAPTER XI,
THE MEETING ON THE SEA.

THE MEETING ON THE SEA.
For another minute or more the San
Antonio held on. then, divining the des-
perate purpose Of their foe, seeing that soon
her prov must crash into her frail side. she
shifted her helm and came around several
points, 80 that in the end the Margaret ran
not into her, but alongside Of her, grinding
against her planking and shearing away a
great length Of her bulwark.
For a few seconds they hung together
thus, and before the seas bore them apart
grapnels were thrown from the Margaret,
whereof one forward got hold and brought
them bow to bow. Thus the end of the
bowsprit OF the Margaret projected over
the high deck Of the San Antonio.
Now for it, said Peter. Follow me
ALL" And springing up he ran to the bow
spirit and began to swarm along 1t.
1t was a fearful task. One moment the
great seas lifted him high into the air, and
the next down he came again till the mas
sive spar crashed on the deck OF the San
Antonio with such a shock hat he nearly
few from it like a stone from a sling; yet
he hung on and, biding his chance. seized a
broken stay rope that dangled from the
end Of the bowsprit like a lash from q whip,
and began 10 slice doWn IL.
The gale caught him and blew him to
and fro; the vessel, pitching wildly. jerked
him into the air; the deck Of the San Antonio
rose up and receded like q thing alive.
1t was near-not q dozen feet beneath him
and loosing his hold he fell upon the
forward tower without being hurt. then,
gaining his feet, ran to the broken mast,
and 6inging his left arm about II with the
other drew his sword.
Next instant-how, he never knew
Castell was at his side. and after him cAme
two more men, but one Of these rolled
from the deck into the sea and was lost.
As he vanished the chain Of the graphing
iron parted, and the Margaret swung away
from them, leaving those three alone in
the power Of their foes, nor, do what she
would. could she make fast again.
AS yet, however. there were no Spaniards
TO be seen, for the reason that lone had
dared to stand upon thish high tower whereof
the bulwarks were all gone. while the bow
sprit Of the Margaret crashed Town upon
it like q giants club and. as she rolled,
swept il with its point.
So there they stood, clinging TO the mast
and waiting for the end, for now their
friends were a hundred yards away and
they knew that their oase was desperate.
A shower Of arrows came. loosed from
other parts OF the ship, and one Of these
struck the man with them through the
throat, 90 that he fell TO the deck. ~clasping
at it, and presently rolled into the sea
also,
Another pierced Castell through his
right forearm, causing his sword to drop
and slide away from him. Peter seized
the arrow, snapped it in two, and drew il
out; but Castell's right arm wal now help
less, and with his left he could do no more
thar cling to the broken mast.
I'VE have done our best, son. he said,
sand failed. Margaret will learn that we
would have saved her il we could. but we
shall not meet her here
Peter ground his teeth and looked about
him desperately. for he had no words TO
say. What should he do? Leave Castell
and rush for the waist OF the ship and so
perish, or stay and die therei Nay. he
would not be butchered like a bird on a
bough. he would fall fighting.
Farewell he called through the gale.
God rest our souls''
Then, waiting till the Ghip steadied her
self, he ran aft, and reaching the ladder
that led to her tower staggered down IL
to the waist OF the weasel, ana at It's foot
halted, holding to the rail.
The scene before him was strange enough,
for there ranged around the bulwsrks were
the Spanish men, who watched him curl
ously. while a few PAGES away. resting
against the mast, stood D'AEuilar, who
lifted his hand. in which there was no
weapon, and addressed him.
sSehor Bronze he shouted, do not
move another step or you are q dead man!
| Listen TO me first and then do what you
will. Am l safe from your sword while !
speak,
Peter nodded his head in assent, and
| D'Aguilar drew nearer, for ever in that
more sheltered place it was hard 10 hear
because OF the bowling OF the tempest.
Senior. he said TO Peter, you are a very
brave man and have done q deed such az
| none Of us has seen before; therefore
wish to spare you II l may. Also. I have
worked you bitter wrong. driven TO 1t by
| the might OF love and jealousy. for which
reason also / wiah to spare you.
ITO Get upon you now would be but muir
der. and whatever else I do / will not
murder. First. let me case your mind.
Your lady and mine Ii aboard here; but
fear not, she has come and will come 20 no
harm from me. or from any man while ]
live.
III for no other reason | do not desire
20 afiront one who, | hope, will be my wife
by her own free will and whom ! have
brought 10 Spain that she might not make
this impossible by becoming yours. Sehor,
believe me, I would no more forcs q wom-