Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1912-11-28


in the distance was sail, mere speck
on the horizon.
Mr.. Alden lifted the glass.
"She's not showing any" he announced
after moments inspection, 'and she's
bearing down on us. She's suspicious
looking to my mind, SIR"
"Just what think, the captain replied.
"I'm afraid it's Diego Mendez and his
cut-throats. heard rumor OF his being
in this section at Matanzas. We can't
out sail him, for his schooner is regular
duck. But we'll make show OF getting
away"
Ina moment all was hustle on the Zephyr.
With crowded canvas the brig began to
fly over the water. In an incredibly short
time the decks were cleared and musketS,
pistols and cutlasses glittered in the SUM-
light.
Robert shared in the general excite
ment. He had heard many true and
grisly tale OF pirates, and had always
imagined that if he ever encountered any
OF these fierce sea robbers he should be
overcome by terror. He was surprised
to find that his courage rose with the oc-
caSion.
81 am only boy and can't do much, !"
he said to himself, "but must stand by
uncle 10 the best OF my ability"
Meanwhile the distant speck develop
ed into a rakish looking craft with every
sail set. That she was pursuing the
Zephyr there could be no doubt. She
was swift saier and the distance between
the two vessels rapidly lessened.
Suddenly she ran flag up to her mast
head, large black flag, showing white
skull and crossbones set on the inky
ground.
"There'S no doubt about it-ifs Men
dez," the captain exclaimed. Nov, my
hearties. show you're Rhode Island men,
every one of you"
"Aye, aye, sir" the crew responded.
"We'll do our best for the old Zephyr" !"
But the Zephyr could not possibly eS-
cape her pursuer. In what seemed to
Robert an incredibly short space of time
the pirate craft drew so near that the viii
famous looking men swarming her decks
could be distinctly seen. A ball from one
OF the grim guns that looked from her
portfolios flew over the water, striking
and splintering the main mast of the brig.
Captain Burton beckoned oben to
his side.
"ln case anything happens TO ME" he
said, speaking rapidly and in low tones,
"the gold can be found behind secret
panel in the cabin, the fourth panel to the
right of the door. Mendez won't take
the brig. He is after the money which
spies in MatanZaS somehow found out |
have. tell you because they won't be
likely TO question you. No one else
knows Don't forget-tbe fourth panel
10 Tie IlSHt Oi lne uOOT.
81 won't forget and won't tell if am
questioned" Robert answered.
The pirate vessel came presently along
side the Zephyr, and dozen black
bearded men swarmed over the briggs
side. The Zephyr's crew attempted
resistance, but were soon overpowered.
Captain Burton fell, wounded and un-
conscious, and Mr.. Alden narrowly es-
capped death from cutlasS stroke.
When the captain fell Robert sprang to
his side with the cry, "Oh, Uncle |!
Uncle" He, however, quickly found
himself pinioned by one of the pirate
crew.
Mendez, with picked company of
assistants, then searched the vessel fore
and aft but, TO their chag-in, no sign of
gold could be discovered.
The unconscious captain could not be
questioned and threats failed TO wiring
any information from officers and men.
Pistols were held TO their heads in vain,
and at last Mendez became convinced
that they spoke truthfully when they de-
MED all knowledge of the whereabouts Of
the money.
The fellow who was standing guard
over Robert now addressed his comman-
der.
"This boy is the captains nephew"
he said in Spanish. "Perhaps he can
tell you something, Senor."
"Do you know where the gold is 2"
Mendez asked in broken English.
"Do captains make confidants OF cabin
boys ?" reioined Robert, boldly, speaking
in Spanish.
"You evade my question, bcy," cried
the pirate captain, angrily. 81 believe
you are deceiving me. Tell me where
to find the money, or I'll hang you from
the yard arm."
Gwen if did know ! would not tell"
retorted Robert. His heart seemed a
block of ice yet he spoke slowly and
firmly. He was amazed at his own
courage. but he ielt that. come what
might, he must be true 10 his uncle's
trust.
Mendez was in a fearful rage.
you defy me, do you ?'' he shouted.
"Up with him for an impudent Young
puppy, men,"
A rope was quickly brought, moose
made and thrust over the boys head.
"You have one more chance ;" the pirate
roared. "TelI me where ihe gold IS and
you are free"