The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1909-05-27

the cabins. None of the yachts Off
GERS are on board"
| could see his thin lips drawn
back in a sinister grin. which re-
yealed his yellow teeth
The Lord helpeth those who help
themselves" he returned. piously. up
rolling his eyes. The race is not al
ways to the swift, nor the battle to
the strong"
Il also discovered" ! went on. an
gered by such abOminable cant. that
This vessel we have captured is not
the Chilean Esmeralda at all but the
yacht Sea Queen. owned by Lord Oar
lington, and flying the English flag"
The hell you say"
Moreover, | have not the slightest
doubt that you knew It from the first
Now | demand some explanation. Mr..
futile. What does this mean"
He stood leaning back against the
rail facing me, the disagreeable grin
gone from his lips. his half-closed
eyes glinting uneasily
We'll, what of it?"
Only that We have committed an
act Of piracy. Every naval vessel of
the civilized world will be used to hunt
us down. We shall not be safe on any
sea, nor able to land in any port of
the globe. II we resist we shall be
blown out of the water: if captured,
our crime means death. You have de
liberately deCoyed me into this affair
for some secret purpose of your own;
you have involved me in your crime,
and now | insist upon some knowledge
of your plan. and an explanation re-
garding my future authority on board 3"
ON, you are the captain" sneering.
ly. What more can you want"
Then, If | am, we will head direct
ly back to Valparaiso"
"Oh, | rather guess not" and Tut.
ties eyes became instantly hard and
ugly. Nevertheless you're captain all
right, just so long as you keep the
nose of the old girl pointed the way
We want her to go"
That is It. is it,"
Yes, that's exactly the ticket"
| turned partially aside glancins to-,
ward the wheelman. The fellow was
leaning forward over the spokes, evi.
deGtly deeply interested in our contro
versy and endeavoring to hear all we
had to say futile followed the dircc.
ton OF my eyes. but with apparent in.
difference.
Oh, they all understand about It,"
he remarked. carelessly. And now |
guess maybe it's about time we gave
you the main points TO chew on. Ifyoull
step down into the charthouse. Mr..
stephens, I'll fetch some things
want TO show YOU. an be along myself
In jtffy. Then I'll spin yarn that Il
cause you to come with us Willin
enough or else you're a dam fool"
There was nothing else to do and |
followed him down the bridge stems
to the main deck. The Charthouse
had It's single door opening aft and
was small, plainly built structure
painted a dingy gray, with two narrow
windows on either side. and lust
enough space within to contain a
deal table. locker, and three rude
benches. | sat down upon one OF
these, hiled and lighted my pipe and
waited in silence, gazing idly at the
chart pinned fat on the table. It was
a map of these waters lying off the
chilean coast, and a vessels course
had been pricked upon it from Juan
fernandez to Valparaiso. This did
not particularly interest me, and my
thought drifted naturally to the WON,
an impatiently awaiting my return in
the cabin. What distressing situs.
ton for one of Lady Darlington's birth
and refinement, And yet with what
dignity of manner had she met the
unexpected 1t was plain to be seen
that hers was heart of courage. not
easily broken under adversely.
And how could | hope to serve herr
What would this crew of hell-hounds
these merciless sea-wolves, permit me
to do? Trans-ship them upon some
passing vessel? Put into some iso
lated island port? This was scarcely
likely. for either act would involve
the danger of an exposure they would
be little inclined to assume. I com.
pretended already that it would be
according to their decision. and not
mine. had been plainly informed
now little my control extended over
their desires. And whittier were we
bound? Into what strange seas? Into
what species of wild adventure? The
utter tmpossibility of keeping those
two concealed below for any length OF
time was clearly evident. Ship life was
far too restricted. Both futile and
De Nova would naturally exDeet 10
lodge aft, and 1t was a privilege they
could not easily be denied Yet what
would they say, how would they act
when they finally discovered these two
unwilling passengers aboard? What
was my duty in all the circumstances
IL was all deep, unsolvable mystery
yet out of its mist constantly foated
the appealing face OF that woman
awaiting me below. I could not desert
her could not consider anything
except how | might best serve her in.
terests. best protect her from the con.
tamination of this hell afoat,
Three shadows suddenly darkened
the doorway. and futile, accompanied
by De Nova and the big seaman named
Bill Anderson. entered. The second
OffipAr nndda6 IN nan IL, oanfot