Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1913-12-19
amusement to become apparent.

last. II always aim to keep my ap-
pointments to the very minute. We
will proceed to business, Mr.. Ruther-
ford. But first we must have witnesses
to our transaction; what say you to
my sister and the mate? Both must
know about this sooner or later, and
now Is as good a time as any to en-
tighten them"
"They are both satisfactory to me,
replied Rutherford.
Captain Blondin struck the gong
which stood upon the table. A moment
later the cabin boy appeared.
Tell my sister and the mate that
request their presence in the cabin,
said the captain.
He was standing beside the table
when they entered and he still stood
regarding them for some moments af-
ter they had seated themselves. When
at last he spoke his voice was low and
gentle.
Il have summoned you here to act
as witnesses to bargain between Mr.
Rutherford and myself" he said. I'm
consideration Of 100000 in gold paid
me by Mr.. Rutherford's superiors l am
to take the Banchee into port which
Mr. Rutherford will name, disembark
my crew and leave the ship in the
hands of the port authorities"
He paused for a minute to permit
the full significance Of his words to
enter the minds of his auditors. Dal-
toms countenance expressed surprise
and incredulity, Maries horror and
dismay. She was the first to speak.
This is a jest" she cried. You are
trifing with u.s."
1T is no Jest. never was more in
earnest in my life"
in a moment Of weakness you have
listened to this vile creature" she cast
upon Rutherford look Of withering
contempt which made that worthy
vince. 1T is not too late to alter your
decision. You are upon the high seas
and you are master Of your ship
Change 1t l beg Of YOU"
1T Is too late" said Captain Blon-
din coldly. Il have decided"
1.-The Blondins are not traitors
Charles"
"One at least seems to be, my Sis
ter. Argument Is useless. You but
waste time in pursuing It,"
Marie glanced wildly about her.
"Then l renounce you," she cried
II renounce you as one not worthy OF
the honored name you bear. The low
est and most degraded slave upon ouI
plantation would be more faithful to
the name than you have been. Nay
more"
You forget yourself, Marie. Be ST.
lent, 1 pray you. Dalton would speak
and l would hear what he has to say
before going on with the transaction
Since even the honor of the Blon-
din name cannot keep you from this
deed Of treachery, captain" observed
the old sailor bluntly, there is little
that 1 can say to move you. But the
m en-"
Il will provide amply for them Out
OF the reward which l receive for my
treachery, as you see fit to style it."
81 hope that every man who takes
any Of it may be forever accursed, sir
But they'll not touch it, captain, theyl
not touch tits blood money"
You have nothing further to say?'
Nothing, SIR
"Then we may as well go on will
| the transaction" He seated himself
| at the cabin table and opened a draw
er before him, fumbling for a moment
among the papers which it contained
He Strengthened up, closing the draw
er with his left hand; his right hane
suddenly rose and shot forward ovel
| the table. 1t bore a heavy service re-
volver, which was trained full upor
Rutherford's face.
you are to name the port, Mr.
Rutherford" he said blandly. ".
would suggest Wilmington, Nortf
| Carolina"
Rutherford stared at him dazedly
his usually ruddy face the color o.
| ashes and great beads Of perspiratior
| standing upon his brow. Marie utter
ed cry of joy as she saw and under
stood the artifice which had beer
practiced. Dalton swore vigorously
and delightedly, and whipped out
revolver, with which he also covered
Rutherford.
Il would suggest Wilmington" re-
peated Captain Blondin sharply
Come, we have but little time t
waste, Mr. Rutherford. l await an ex'
preston of your opinion"
| Rutherford was no coward. His frs
surprise was over. He realized tina
Captain Blondin had seen the only
weak point in the agreement betweeI
them and had taken advantage Of 1t
Even with death staring him in the
| face he was cool and collected enough
| to reflect that If he did not name tht
port of designation Captain Blondir
would feel in honor bound to return
the reward, and himself as well, t.
Liverpool. He therefore resolved upor
a refusal of the captains demand.
| Il have nothing to say" he growl'
ed defiantly." You are running thi!
show"
"And you, as one Of the perform
ers in it, will do exactly as I wish
you to do or''-Captain Blondin ges
tured significantly with the revolver
then took out his watch. II give yor
one minute in which to decide, Mr.
Rutherford. If you decide to name
Wilmington your chances of a Ions
life are good; If unfavorable'-An.
other wave Of the revolver emphasized
the unspoken threat. 1.-The minute
is beginning"
The seconds passed swiftly. Captain
Blondin called, "Five-ten-twenty'
thirty-f forty fifty" At fifty the re.
volver rose in his hand until it bore
directly upon Rutherford. The cap
tain's eyes cleaned with a deadly