The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-06-28

rover not for gain but through fierce hatred of the British.
 A long time elapsed, during which | the two vessels lay quietly near each | other. Then the rover appeared on | the deck of the cruiser. escorted by the stout old captain.
 He boarded his own vessel and went into his cabin at once. Within few seconds Wilder received a summons from him.
 | '.Afr. Wilder" said the rover, there tain Signali of wonder vessel the Dart, has been sent into this attitude in quest of certain vessels called the Red Ro- yer. He accepted me without question as the noble captain of the Antelope. I and ingeniously gave me to know that ] he was an agent in the employ of the l enemy, who Is to communicate with | him when opportunity serves. That agent is his first lieutenant, Henry Ark. alias--Wilder."
 Wilder arose and aaid steadily: Tt Is true. I have done my duty, knowing my risk. I incurred those risks to drive a scourge from the seas. I shall not shrink from the penalty"
 '"Mr Wilder" said the river. there is a law in this community of ours into which you have stolen treacher- ously that would consign you to the yardarm were I to open the door and give you to my crew." He paused for moment Then he continued: But my resolution was taken on the in- stant of my discovery. No apprehen. change 1t. Go. sir. Rejoin your ship. You are free"
 No revllings could have touched Will der.4 This generous conduct cut him to the heart.
 Captain Heidegger," said he sadly. "as soon as am on my ship must be- tray your true character" DO your duty"
 Nay more" repiId wilder. T may die here. If you wish; but if go to wonder cruiser must become your en-
 "Wilder," cried the rover. grasping his hand with fierce energy, i've should have become acquainted earlier. But regret Is idle. My life Is what have made 1t. Go! Should my people sus> pect the truth, you are lost" Wilder did not move. When came, I did not come alone. My two men must leave with me, or I shall stay. Neither shall desert my two charges" Captain Heidegger frowned. Then he gave a signal and ordered the two sailors into a boat. He handed the la. dies to the side. treating Mrs. Wyllys, in especial. with studied politeness. She
 
 a wondering, searching expression, such as had passed over her face many tnes since she had beheld him first when he picked them up after the wreck. Silently he waved his hand and turned away.
 Lieutenant Ark lost no time in in- forming his captain of the daring tm- posture of which he had been a vic- tim. Honest old Bignall, touched by the pirates generosity to his lieuten- ant. whom he had brought up from childhood, sent a message offering terms to the rover. who had made no attempt to escape. but lay near by. The ofrer was rejected. and the British cruiser prepared for action.
 The rover was already sending down all his lower masts. but the cruiser kept all standing and bore down upon him. A long belt Of painted canvas, that had artfully' covered the rover's guns. was furled suddenly and dis closed a broad. blood-red strip that hristled with great guns. At the same moment a blood-red flag without de- vice fiuttered darkly and fiercely to the end of the gan.
 A broadside famed from the red belt and crashed into the cruiser, scatter ing men, riven decks and splintered tlmbers. The English were staggered for only an instant Then fierce fire came from their side.
 The people in the batteries continu- ed their murderous work. The eye could lend the mariners no assistance in judging Of the squall. Hulls. spars and sails were enveloped in the curling wreaths and even the men were to be seen only at instants laborlng at tn cir guns
 Suddenly the rover's guns ceased fr- ing. dazzling flash shot downward through the smoke. A crash came from the sky.
 aLiveIy, mem" cried Bignall hoarse- ly. not waiting to transmit his orders. Roll up the cloth! In with 1t all. Cut with your knives if you must!'
 Down for your livesi Down" shout ed Wilder in another moment. A score of forms descended swiftly through the dense gloom of the storm. The next moment the upper spars, wounded by guntire, began to crash before the wind. and came down in ruin one by one. till nothing stood except the low CT mast&