The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1908-06-13

that something would soon happen to
the 'old man" If Billy did not soon
skip out; and the "old man" showed
all the desire in the world to bring |
about SO desirable contamination.
Then the captain determined upon
new measures. He passed a hint to
Facey, and Facey passed 1t to the
mess, and the mess to the blue-jack-
cts, that they were making things too
comfortable for their prisoner. For
while Billy's easy life came to an
abrupt conclusion. His best friends
began to kick and cuff him without
mercy. He was represented by the
bo'sun's mate, and the cook threw
boiling water over his naked skin.
The boys heart almost broke at this,
and he went about detected and un-
happy for the first time since he had
come aboard. But no harsh usage. no
foul words, could drive him to desert.
1t was on the bridge, to Facey, when
the ship had just dropped anchor in
Port Mcclure, not 40 miles from Sun
flower bay.
"Mr. Facey," he said, "send Mr..
Burder ashore with an armed party;
tell him just to show himself bit
and come on again"
Eyes, sir" said Facey.
II am thinking they might take that
fellow Billy to translate for them" he
went on, shamefacedly.
The first lieutenant turned to go.
Hold on" said the captain, sud
denly lowering his voice and drawing
his subordinate close to him. Just
you pass it on to Burder that
wouldn't skin him alive-you know
| what l mean-if-well, suppose that
black fellow cut his lucky alto
| gether-"
Facey smiled.
"Of course" rasped out the cap
tain, II can't tolerate any dereliction
of duty; but If the young devil made
break for it"
"Ay, ay, sir" returned the first
lieutenant, and darted down the brass
steps three at a time. He called
Burder aside and gave his instruc
tons to that discreet youngster, who
was sharp to see the point without the
need for awkward explanations.
A couple of hours later Burder en-
barked again and headed for the ship
in tearing hurry. A chuckle ran
along the decks as not a. sign Of Billy
could be made out, and the nearing
boat soon put the last doubt at rest.
There was no black boy among the
| blue-jackets.
Burder skipped up the steps and
saluted the captain on the bridge.
Il have to report the escape of Billy,
sir" he said, with inimitable gravity
and assurance. Il scarcely know how
it came to happen, sir, but he man.
aged to bolt as he was walking be-
tween Miller and Cracroft."
This is a very serious matter" said
the captain, with ill-concealed cheer
fulness. IL don't know but what it is
my duty to reprimand you very Sc
verely for your carelessness. However,
II he's gone, he's gone, suppose.
hope you took measures to recapture
him."
Eyes. sir, returned Burder. Looked
for him high and low. SIR"
Poor Billy!" said the captain, with
smile that spoke volumes. We'll
say no more about 1t, Mr.. Burder; II
may be all for the best; but remem
Der. sir. it mustn't happen again
/ mo, SIR" said Burder.
How did you manage 1t, old man?'
was the eager question that met the
youngster as he took shelter In the
wardroom and ordered "a beer" All
his messmates were round him, save
Facey, who was officer of the decl
and could not do more than hang In
the doorway.
Il tell you 1t wasn't easy" said the
J boy. I'VE promenaded all round the
J place, and tried like fun to shake
! him on. 1 sent him errands and hit
, behind trees, and talked of how VIZ
were going to shoot him tomorrow
but 1t was all no blooming good!
was at my wits end at last, and hat
almost made up my mind to tie him t.
tree and run for 1t, when got I
bright idea. pretended had dropped
my canteen under banyan mile be
hind the town, kind of cemeter,
banyan, full of dead mems bones
rummy place, can tell you. AM
when we got down near the boat,
took the niger on one side and bad
him go and fetch it. And don't yo'
come back without it, Billy said
I'll be dismissed from the service II
can't account for that canteen!' The
he asked how long was going to stay
and l said week: and he went oil
like a lamb, while we squared ava,
for the ship. Didn't you see the jos
sers pull"
1t had been the merest pretense tina
had taken the warship into Port No