Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1911-01-07

Parsons. with scowl. went OH
about his duties. Bronson was disap.
pointed. He wished to pick quarrel
that he might take Drury's place. Go
Ing below. Ralph. who was TO be hit
friends hacker in the fight. had
final talk with his principal. and II
was arranged that he should awaken
| Jack In the morning.
At four bells Ralph went TO Jacks
bunk Jack was sleeping quietly.
Ralph stood looking nj him for few
moments. then stole away on tiptoe.
took m cutlass and went on deck.
whats the matter:" said Parsons
as Ralph approached. Has he backed
out:"
'.No; he's asleep. I've come in his
stead"
"Oh, ! don't want to fight boy.
must have the man who challenged
me"
you'll fight me before you fight
him. for I'm between you and him.
and you can't get AT him without GO
ing past me-"
| With that Bronson took up posi-
ton lie had learned in the British
army Parsons went ut him as he
would attack II Malay pirate. Ralph
stepped lightly aside Parsons turn
! ed and brought his cutlass down over
Ralphs head. Ralph received II on
| his own weapon. His arm was barred.
| his sleeve being rolled above the ell
bow. The arm was round. but there
was fair muscle on 1t. Parsons, an
cry at not being able to get nj his en-
envy. thought little of caution and ex-
posed his left side. and Ralph rammed
his weapon clean through 1t. Parsons
looked about him wildly for few mo-
ments. the blood spouting out of his
wound. then fell in n heap on the
deck. Then Ralph Bronson toppled
over too
| When prury- awoke and saw the
sun shining In through n portfolio he
could not understand the situation.
There was no one near him at the time
| of whom to ask questions So. spring
4 ing up. he got into his clothes and
went on deck. Everything was peace
full. The crew were going about their
duties. ms usual The only noticeable
eature was man on his knees swab-
ing Il place on the deck. Drury went
. to him and. seeing that the water
his bucket was red. became more
stifed than ever
What are you doingY" he asked the
'wabbing Parsons blood"
.'arsons blood
Yes; he was killed In fight this
rning at three bells"
Who fought him." asked Jack, fair
lghast.
Ralph Bronson"
Then" said Drury. I'm going to
i Bronson"
Ut Bronson knew what his friends
I emotions upon knowing that he
been trickcd would be and had
10 into hiding.
brury sought the boy, half minded
carry out his threat. but could not
d him Then Ralph's devotion be.
10 dawn unon him. and he sought
4 TO take his hand and gulp out his
nks. Stil not finding him. he wait.
Ill It was time for Ralph 10 go on
III. Ralph did not appear. Then
the first time 1t occurred to him
Bronson might have been killed
least MORALLY wounded. But n
Der OF the crew treasured him.
him that the boy had not re.
Il a scratch.
hen what's he hiding from mo
asked Drnry.
,unno. After the fight they TUX
10 the captains cabin. The cap
a gave i'm bunk by hlsself. That's
knows about H."
Jury fretted and fumed ~ -four
In the afternoon m American
appeared. coming right on the
let's course. When she drew near
gas spoken. and the Eaglet's caa,
vent aboard of her He returned
I bundle.
IL bells Drury received word tl.aI
lptain wished 10 soc him In hi
prurY hurried there and found
captain. but Ralph Bronson In
clothes
the end Of the story. In a
VS. the Eaglct stopped at New
yhere Drury and the woman
yer her name might be-weni
70 and were seen no more on the
lteer. Later n sum OF prize mon.
vas paid TO John Drury and emma
,nson Drury Ia equal shares.