The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-06-28

Kings cruiser. had come gradually to suspect its character: for though the discipline aboard was perfect and though the officers wore the Kings na- val uniform there was sinister at mosphere about both captain and crew. At last when land appeared in sight, and she learned that they were among the islands of the Antilles, sine no Ion. ger doubted that they had fallen into evil hands, though no word of disre- spect had been uttered and no sign made to threaten harm.
 When ct last there came the hall of Sal hor' from the masthead. 1t was evident that every pulse aboard was quiekened. The men. disappointed at the loss of the rich Bristol prize, re- peated the cry In cheerful echoes. The captain sent the men to their stations and stood watching with expectant eyes while the distant saf1 became more and more distinct until 1t detach cd itself from the horizon in a tall pyramid of canvas.
 By the time the strangers hull had risen out of the sea 1t was plain enough that she was British cruiser, and one of fair strength. The Red Rover waA clothed in canvas now in vast volun es and began moving off slowly.
 Let us try him with an ensign" said the Rover. Let us show him the tACb Qutcnnan-9 Col0rs.
 In minute the flag of the United Provinces was waving at the pirates peak. No answer came from the on- rushing 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.
 Even her friends don't know her." said the rover, smiling. Paint is too RrMafrg aNaA AAN pA .ta L countenance too often. Try him with the. Portuguese flag"
 The new colors were set. Still the stranger pursued his way In sulien si- fence. eating closer and closer Into the wind.
 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 un- furled before gun of defiance was loosed aboard the pursuer, The Brit ish ensign ioated out. Soon the roll of drum came to their ears, announc- ing that the men had been sent to quarters. The Red Rover responded with the same signal. f
 T should like to fight him." said the rover to Wilder "but there is,littie else than empty honor to be gained by 1t. I think that l shall content myself with having some sport with wonder bull headed Briton."
 He gave a quick order. The sails came in tin they hung in festoons against her masts, The French flag came down and the ensign of England was set at the peak. Turning on his course, the pirate ran straight toward the warship setting signals as he ad- vanced. Presently the cruiser began to secure his lofty sails slowly as if In disappointment, and answering signals began to wimple on his masts.
 A hoarse hail demanded her name and character while she was still glid- ing along. The rover put the trumpet to his lips and gave in reply the name of a Kings ship that was known to be of about his size and armament. ss
 She is a new ship" said he to Will der, and the chances are that these fellows will not have seen her. I shall go aboard as her commander, the ia = vored son of a lord who has been ap- pointed recently as the last dispatches showed" 4.et
 Wilder had been noticeably disturbed since the cruiser had come close enough to distinguish her. Now he tried to re- monstrate, but his reckless commander was bent on the enterprise. He disap- peared in his cabin, to emerge in the ceremonial uniform of a royal captain.
 ne QGhCGHu0a AuNO 9OGls 1uEn- ing to Wilder with look of high and generous confidence. he said:
 T leave you captain of my people and master of my fate. am certain that both trusts are reposed in worthy hands"
 Without waiting for reply. as if scorning the vain ceremony of Idle as- surances. he ordered the crew to glve way, and in a few minutes was mount Ing the side of his enemy amid the honors due to hIs assumed rank.
 Wilder stood on deck watching the cruiser with a strained face. sorely troubled. Short as his acquaintance with the pirate had been. he had found in him generous and even noble traits that had inspired him with respect If not frendship. He had found this Cap- tain Heldegger. as he chose to call him. self, no vulgar sea robber, but a man capable of kind deeds on occasion as he was capable of lawless ones. That he was without the knowledge of the thing called fear Wilder knew. He had also said enough of his previous career to inform Wilder that he had turned