The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1911-02-03

home Q short time ago ana Was d.
.rected to your once. AZ stranger
on the island I did not know that you
had an ONCE or would have come
here FIRST
"Ah!"
The king drew his right foot back
half q pace and bowed 80 low that
Nathaniel saw only the crown OF his
hat When he raised his head the
aggressive stare had gone out Of his
eyes and q welcoming smile lighted
up his face as he advanced with ex-
tended hand.
Il am glaa to see you. Captain
Plum"
His voice was deep and rich, filled
with that wonderful vibratory power
which seems to strike and attune the
hidden chords Of ones soul. The mans
appearance had not prepossessed Ma
thaniel. but at the sound of his voice
he recognized that which had made
him the prophet of men. AS the warm
hand of the king clasped his own
Captain Plum knew that he was In the
presence Of a master of human desti-
MES. man whose ponderous red
visaged body was simply the crude
instrument through which spoke the
marvellous spirit that hat. enslaved
thousands to him, that had enthralled
state legislature and that had hyp-
Noticed federal jury into giving him
back his freedom when evidence
smothered him in crime. He felt him
self sinking in the presence of this
man and struggled fiercely to regain
himself. He withdrew his hand and
Strengthened himself like soldier.
Il have come to you with a griev-
ance. Mr.. Strang," he began. "A
grievance which feel sure you will
do your best to right. Perhaps you
are aware that some little time ago
about two weeks back-your people
boarded my ship in force and robbed
me of several thousand dollars worth
of merchandise"
Strang had drawn step back.
Aware of it," he exclaimed in a
voice that shook the room. Aware
of it," The red of his face turned
purple and he clenched his free hand
in sudden passion. Aware of it," He
repeated the words, this time 80 gent
ly that Nathaniel could scarcely hear
them, and tapped his heavy stick upon
the floor.
NO, Captain Plum, was not aware
of it. If had been" He shrugged his
thick shoulders. The movement, and
a sudden CLEAN of his teeth through
his beard. were expressive enough for
Nathaniel to understand.
Then the king smiled.
Are you sure-are you quite sure,
Captain Plum, that it was my people
who attacked your ship? If so, of
course you must have some proof?"
I'VE were very near to Beaver is-
land and many miles from the main
land" said Nathaniel. 1T could only
have been your people"
"Ah!"
Strang led the way to a table at the
farther end Of the room and motioned
Nathaniel to seat opposite him.
I'VE are a much prosecuted people,
Captain Plum, very much prosecuted
indeed" His wonderful voice trem-
bled with subdued pathos. I'VE
have answered for many sins that
have never been ours, Captain Plum,
and among them are robbery, piracy
and even murder. The people along
the coasts are deadly enemies to us
who would be their friends; they
commit crimes in our name and we do
not retaliate. It was not my people
who waylaid your vessel. They were
fishermen, probably, who came from
the Michigan shore and awaited their
opportunity of Beaver island. But
shall investigate this; believe me, I
shall investigate this fully, Captain
Plum!"
Nathaniel felt something like a
great choking fist shoot up into his
throat. It was not sensation of fear
but Of humiliation-the humiliation of
defeat. the knowledge Of his own
weakness in the hands of this man
who had so quickly and so surely
blocked his claim. His quick brain
saw the futility of argument. He
possessed no absolute proof and he
had thought that he needed none.
Strang saw the fash of doubt in his
face, the hesitancy in his answer; he
OWNED the working of the others
brain and in his soft voice, purring
with friendship. he followed up his
triumph
Il sympathize with you," he spoke
gently. land my sympathy and word
shall help you. We do not welcome
strangers among US. for strangers
have usually proved themselves our
enemies and have done us wrong. But
to you l give the freedom of our
kingdom. Search where you will, at
what hours you will. and when you
have found single proof that your
stolen property is among my people
when you have seen face that you
recognize as one Of the robbers. re-
turn to me and shall make restitu-
ton and punish the evil-doers.'
So intensely he spoke. so filed with
reason and truth were his words. that