Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-01-12
THE WHITE BLACKBIRD
Copyright, 1872 by Little. Brown L Co..

By
HUDSON DOUGLAS.

hurried. He cleared his throat and spat
indifferently into the scuppers.
I've a little job ashore for you lads
tonight" he said, then. in tone audible
to all, "a job that'll fill our empty pock-
cts properly-if it's properly carried out.
We haven't been SO lucky of late that we
can afford to lay off just yet. What
money there is on board means no more
than a few dollars apiece, share and share
alike. 1 know where / can lay my hands
on a thousand, at least, for each of us.
If you think that's worth your while, get
away forward now to your supper; the
others are coming aft for their ammuni-
ton
He ceased abruptly, and for a moment
no one answered him or made any move.
He had succeeded In raising their Curl
Osity. and so gained some trifling respite.
at least, for himself. They were turning
over in their dense minds, however sus-
piciously, this new and plausible sugges-
ton of his.
1t was no news that there was very
little money on board, and-they were of
at the shadow if that looks larger to
them than the substance itself. They
heSitated-and they were lost. Capt. Dove
had descended among them. and. as if the
subject were closed, was pushing his way
through the gathering with a good-hu-
mored, masterful, Get forward. Get
away forward, now
And they gave way again before him,
apparently forgetful of their purpose
there quite willing, since they held the
power securely i'm their own hands, to
await the outcome of one more night. In
the morning, and rich as he promised,
or no worse off if his promise failed,
they could just as conveniently close their
account with him. AS the others came
crowding aft. those already possessed of
bandOliers began to file forward, ex-
changing rough jokes with their fellows.
Capt. Dove addressed parting remark
to them from the poop. we won't be
going ashore till midnight" said he, land
for the work we've to do there. I'm sick
enough as it is. Get that hatch cover on
again as soon as you can, and keep to
your own end of the ship till the time
comes. I'll send you forward a hogs
head of rum to help it along
LAY, ay. SIR voice answered him
cheerily from out of the gathering dark
ness, and Sallie saw that he almost smiled
to himself as he staggered toward the
companion hatch.
that she. at his shoulder. caught hold of
him and held him up till Slyne came to
her assistance. And they together got
him safely below.
Gimme brandy" he gasped. as he lay
Imply back in the chair on which they
had set him. His lips were white. His
overwOrkeds heart had almost failed him
under the strain he had put OH it.
The stimulant still served it's purpose,
however. He sat up again. revived.
But that was an uncommon close
call!' he commented, half to himself. Il
felt blind sure I'd have a bayonet through
my back before I could play my last card
And didn't believe I'd win out even with
that. But here / am. and He, turned
to the girl at his side.
Don't stand there idling. Sallie." he
ordered, ENORMOUSLY, when there's so
much to be done. Tell Ambrizette to
bring me q. bull's-eye lantern. Go up and
see if the decks are clear vet. Send Reu-
ben Yoxal1 down to me as soon as they
are. And then get ready for going
ashore. You'll have to wear something
that won't be seen-but take couple of
Arab cloaks in bundle with you as
we'll
AT that Jasper Slyne spoke, divided be-
tween doubt and anger.
What devilment have you in mind
now, Dove? he demanded. You surely
don't mean to You told me yourself
that there's nothing but dangerous desert
ashore here
Never you mind what / mean to do,
Mister Slyne." Capt Dove answered him,
brandy bottle again. when I want any
advice from you i'll let you know. And
if l ever ask you again to help me into
my clothes, you'll maybe be more oblig-
ing next time
dutch courage is cheap enough, Mister
Slyne,' said the old man. tauntingly. $50
I'm going ashore into the dangerous
desert-in few minutes, with SaIlie But
there's nothing you need be afraid Of for
you're going to stay safe on board"
Go be continued tomorrow