The Lamar register., 1910-12-07

"Yea, even SO. And 1t was she who
set my old legs a-running for you. my
boy. Come, let us novel"
The little councillor was his old self
again, chuckling and grima.ing and
rubbing his hands. and lis eyes
danced as he spoke of the girl.
Casey is not cautious man." he
gurgled with sudden upward leer.
Casey is fool"
Casey" almost shouted captain
Plum. What the devil do you meant"
"Ho, no, ho-haven't you guessed
the truth yet, Nat? While you and
were getting acquainted last night a
couple of fishermen from the main
land dropped alongside your sloop.
They had been robbed by the Mormon
pirates. They cursed Strang. They
swore vengeance. And your cautious
Casey cursed with 'em, and fed 'em,
and drank with 'em-and he would
have had them stay until morning
only they were anxious to hurry with
their report to Strang. Understand.
Nat? Eth? Do you understand"
What did Casey tell them?" gasped
Nathaniel.
Obadiah hunched his shoulders.
Enough to warrant a bullet through
your head, Nat. Cheerful. isn't 1t?
But we'll fool them, Nat, we'll fool
them! You shall board your ship and
hurry away with the package. and
then you shall make love to Strangs
wife-for she will go with you!"
He stopped to enjoy the amazement
that was written in every lineament
of the others face.
She will go with me. councillor!
And why?"
Obadiah had laughed softly as he
watched the change. Suddenly he
jerked himself erect.
"Sh-h-h!" he whispered. Keep
cool. Nat: Don't show any excite
ment or fear. Here comes the man
who is to kill you!"
eyes.
He is coming to speak with me and
to get a good look at you." he added
in excited haste. Appear friendly
Agree with what I say He is the
chief of sheriffs. the kings murderer
-Arbor Crochet"
He turned as II he had Just seen the
approaching figure. And he whispered
softly. "Winnsome's father!"
Arbor Croche! Nathaniel gave an
involuntary shudder as he turned with
Obadiah. Croche. chief OF sheriffs.
scourge of the mainland-the Attila
of the Mormon kingdom. whose very
name caused the women of the shores
to turn white and on whose head the
men had secretly set a price In gold!
Without knowing 1t his hand went un-
der his coat. Obadiah saw the move
ment and as he advanced to meet the
officer Of the king he jerked the arm
back fercely. Half a dozen PAGES
away the chief Of sherifis paused and
bowed low. But the councillor stood
erect. as he had stood before the king.
smiling and nodding his head.
"Ah. Croche." he greeted. good
morning."
Good morning. councillor"
Sheriff. would have you meet
Capt. Nathaniel Plum. master OF the
sloop Typhoon. Captain Plum this is
his majesty's officer. Arbor Crochet"
The two men advanced and shook
hands. Nathaniel stood half a head
above the sheriff. who. like his master.
the king. was short and of massive
build. though a much younger man.
He was dark. lowering hulk OF q
creature. with black eyes. black hair.
and hand-clasp that showed him pos
sessed Of great strength
you are stranger. Captain PLUMB"
The councillor replied quickly.
HE has never been at St James
before, sheriff. I have invited him to
stay over to see the whipping. BY the
way" he shot a suggestive look at
the officer. by the way, Croche.
want you to see him safely aboard his
sloop tonight His ship is at the
lower end of the island. and II you
will detail a couple OF men Just be-
fore dusk-an escort. you know"
Nathaniel felt a curious thrill creep
up his spine at the satisfaction which
betrayed itself in the officers black
face.
1T will give me great pleasure.
councillor" he interrupted. Il shall
escort you myself n you will allow
me, Captain Plumb"
Thank you" said Nathaniel.
Captain Plum is to remain with
me throughout the day" added Oba-
diah. Come at seven-to my place.
All, I see that people are assembling
near the jail"
I'VE have changed our plans some
what, coun~',nr" The officer turned
to Natha You will see the whip
ping wit, II an hour. Captain
Plum" He .urned away with another
bow to the councillor and hastened in
the direction OF Strang's office.
so that is the gentleman who
thinks he is going to put bullet
through me-" exclaimed Nathaniel
when the officer had gone beyond hear
ing. He laughed. and there was kind
of wild expectant joy in his voice.
Obadiah. can you not make arrange
ments for him to go with me alone?"
He will not go with you at all.
Nat" gloated the old man. "Ho. no.
we are playing at his own game
treachery. When he calls at my place
you will be aboard ship
But l should like to have a talk
with .him-alone, and in the woods.