Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-12-30

shelter. carrying my precious charge be-
fore me. 1 was puzzled beyond measure.
L was certain that the savages in these
parts of the South seas knew nothing
about firearms and l could not account
for it. The shower Of arrows and spears
that came through the opening and Tell
harmlessly on the sand could easily &C
count for, but not that shot. What could
it mean? 1 felt that 1 could hold my
own against savages without difficulty.
but IL there were European enemies there
the case was different.
That" said 1. solemnly. was mar
row escape"
DO these islanders have firearms?
she said, the same thought in her mind
Il never heard Of it. 1 cannot account
for it
81 can, though she said. Just be-
fore the discharge Of that gun l caught
sight of man in clothes such as you
wear. Could it be possible that 1t was
some one from the ship?''
l nodded my head.
1T is quite likely I answered.
At this moment conversation was in.
terrupted by a hail. l heard in that
lonely island my own name called.
Master Hampton" the cry came to us,
will you respect a flag of truce? If so.
show yourself at the opening and shall
do the same"
Don't go, cried my little mistress,
bearing eanr al an; they are utterly without
Il think it will be best for me to go. -
l said. Stand clear. SO that if any
treacherous movement be made l shall
have space to leap backward. and. mean
while. look to your weapons"
l examined my pistols. and, then. call
ing out that I would faithfully observe
the flag of truce, / stepped out into the
open. There, below me. on the edge of
the glade, convenient to tree behind
which he could leap, for the rascal trust
I
him, stood the wretch. Pimball. Back Of
him. beneath the trees. I distinguished
Glibby and number Of the crew nearly
all of them, I should judge, and back Of
these were massed the savages. Pimball
had white neckcloth tied to the muZZle
of his gun.
Good morning. Master Hampton" he
began.
To that salutation I made no reply.
did not deign to pass the time Of day
with such as he.
Say what you have to say and be
quick about it, said, faughtily. but he
looked past me and took off his hat with
a profound sweep.
he cried.
1 turned in a hurry and found that she
had stepped out by my side. The two of
US presented a fair mark for any weapon.
One might have escaped, but hardly two.
Get back" 1 cried, harshly.
Il stay where you are" she answered,
firmly. See, I. too. am armed Her
little hand lifted a heavy pistol.
II can talk with the two of YOU Just
as well as with ONE said Pimball.
Talk on and be brief" l returned.
seeing that there was no use arguing
with my little mistress.
You have found the treasure" he be-
gan; there is no use denying it. We have
It from our savage friends that the things
are there. In years gone by they sacri-
feed here and on the conc yonder; but
for generations the island has been taboo.
The white man has broken the ban and
we are here to take the treasure
Indeed said 1. sarcastically. whereat
he turned pale with anger, but still mas
tered himself
We offer you he continued. safety.
we cannot take you with us. but we will
leave you here on the island after we
have taken the treasure-and.' his ewes
turned from me to my companion, IF
you are willing to give up the woman,
VIII enroll you with our following and
we VII! all get away together on the
Rose of Devon"
What OF the ship" I asked
1t was a hard thing to control my tenn
per, but 1 wanted the information
CTO be continued tomorrow