The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-28


 would have hesitated to attract her atten- ton. But four broader sheets of canvas , appeared on her and she headed for the castaways Wilder let his sails fill and drove to meet her.
 1 few minutes afterward they were with all canvass spread, while the two wo- men were led below by the commander, who was dressed in full British naval uni 1 form.
 For seven days the ship drove steadily 1 southward. Gertrude, who at first had supposed that the vessel was a Kings cruiser, had come gradually to suspect its 1 character; for though the discipline aboard was perfect and though the offl- cers wore the Kings naval uniform, there was a sinister atmosphere about both captain and crew. At last, when land ap- peared in sight, and she learned that they ] were among the islands of the Antilles sile no longer doubted that they had fallen into evil hands, though no word of disre- 1 spect had been uttered and no sign mads 1 to threaten harm.
 l When at last there came the hail of Sail hop from the masthead, it was ev- ident that every pulse aboard was quick 1 cred. Then men, disappointed at the loss of the rich Bristol prize, repeated the cry ] in cheerful echoes. The captain sent the men to their stations and stood watching with expectant eyes, while the distant sail 1 became more and more distinct, until ir | detached itself from the horizon in a tall pyramid of canvas.
 | By the time the strangers hull had risen out of the sea it was plain enough ] fair strength. The Red Rover was clothed in canvas now in vast volumes and began moving off slowly. Let us try him with an ensign" said l the Rover. Let us show him the fat | Dutchmans colors.''
 In minute the flag of the United Prov i inces was waving at the pirates peak. ! No answer came from the onrushing British ship, which had shown no colors of any kind.
 "The stranger sees that we have no | Dutch hull. Perhaps he knows us,' said one of the mates.
 1 Even her friends don't know her. said the Rover, smiling. Paint is too freely used on her and she changes her countenance too often. Try him with the Portuguese flag
 1 The new colors were set. Still the stranger pursued his way in sulen si- 1 lence, eating closer and closer into the l wind.
 1 Give him the tablecloth," ordered the captain of the Red Rover. See if the white colors of France won't taunt him.
 Hardly had the glossy colors unfurled before a gun of defiance was loosed aboard the pursuer The British ensign i f1oated out. Soon the roll of drum came ] to their ears, announcing that the men had been sent to quarters. The Red Rover responded with the same signal l q should like to fight him. said the Rover to Wilder, "but there is little else 1 but empty honor to be gained by it. I l think that I shall content myself with i having some sport with wonder bull-head- , ed Briton.
 He gave a quick order. The sails came in until they hung in festoons against her
 
 the ensign of England was set at the peak Turning on his course. the pirate ran straight toward the warship, setting i signals as he advanced. Presently the cruiser began to secure his lofty sails slowly as if in disappointment and an- 1 swerng signals began to whimple on his masts.
 l A hoarse hail demanded her name and 1 character while she was still gliding l along The Rover put the trumpet to his l lips and gave in reply the name of a Kings ship that was known to be of about his size and armament. She is a new ship said he to Wilder, '.and the chances are that these fellows will not have seen her. I shall go aboard as her commander, the favored son of a lord who has been appointed recently, as the last dispatches showed"