Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-09-27

walked fesriessly. TO all appearances. !
out OF the berth and into the cabin. |
the men giving back respectfully
enough to leave me gangway.
Now. what IS it that you propose.
Master Bo's'n:' l began. sitting down
at the cabin table. while the rest
ranged themselves about il. some
standing. some sitting on the transoms
at the sides. as Pimball came lumber
ing into the cabin.
I've know" began Pimbar insolent-
II, without further preiiminaries. that
this ships cruisin' for treasure. We
know all Wen git out of the cruise is
what We signed for an nothin' else
We've made a good guess that the
treasure is hereabouts. and we mean
to have more than our wages We're
goin' to have our share Of whatever's
found that we're after
so you SHALL | said. 81 am with
you in that ! want something more
than my wages too"
What's this woman anyway"
broke out another. why should she
get it all? She's a mere girl
You have said right, mate; who
and why indeedT' answered smooth
ly, marking him down for my ven
geance when my turn came. Now,
what are your plans?"
I'VE want that there map or chart
that you have been seen readin' in
your cabin" said Pimball
1t was in a little bag around my
neck. | reached down. pulled out the
bag. took the torn parchment from it
and threw it on the table. There was
not the least use in my pretending ig
norance or in refusing to give it up.
They could kill me and take it any
way.
There" said coolly. you have il"
Pimball picked it mp.
81 can make but little out of it, he
said. and doubted # he could read.
You can at least see the latitude
and longitude Oh it in the upper cor
ners. can't your / asked. hardly sup
! pressing my contempt for the man.
1 Aye, that's plain enough" he an
swered obviously.
And you see that little wavy line
that runs up from the lagoon over the
/ top OF what looks like a wall to an
( opening in the Side?' l continued. de-
I tern1ining suddenly to infame their
minds with the treasure so that they
would give less heed to other things
more important 70 me.
Yes, can make that out too
You see that little cross there"
! Pimball turned around and faced the
others crowding about him in great
and growing excitement
"Here-Eghts here.' he growled.
The. men nearest him showed for
ward with their lanterns Illuminating
the torn sheepskin.
AYE. can make that ont too.
What does 1t meant" he asked. after a
long stare.
1T means. If there is any truth about
It. that the treasure is fherea bouts"
What treasure is it,
The plumber of Spanish galleon by
a pirate ship"
And how came it TO be there on
( that islandf''
1T was buried in that cave there a
hundred and fifty years ago By one
Philip Wnberforce. an English bucca-
neer."
And how came this girl by news
of it?'
How much Of the story they under.
stood | could not tell. Probably but
little. yet the idea of tie treasure was
real enough undoubtedly.
And you think there is treasure
thercT' asked PimbaIl
Now. OF late had changed my mind
why. | know not. but ! had. yet il
would not do TO tell them that
II am sure OF IT," cried. gold. sill
yer. jewels. God knows what. Every
thing to make US rich forever
And what do you reckon the value
Of ii all to be:''
"Oh. several millions Of pounds"
answered lightly as if the treasure VIZ.
so great that million more or less
was Of no moment.
''Hurrah." cried out ore old seaman
and the cabin on the instant was filled
with wild cries. bestial. brutal shouts
As the sound partially died away
heard the door back Of me open Now
| had purposeiy so placed myself Il.
to he between the crowd and the door
The door was opened but little way
was conscious that she was awake
and at least was listening.
You are the only navigator among
US. Mister Hampton" began Pimba:,
after the men got measurably quie
again. and II you are with MS. y1t
Will take the ship there to that island
Well git the treasure aboard. sal
away and sink her Oh the South Amer
lea coast and then every man for him
self with ell he can carry"
Am l 10 be captnin?" I asked
''There'll be no captain. Every ma,
for himself. say, but me and III
bO's'n's mate. Ghbby, will take tn
watches in turn. You'll navigate th
: chip and whatever is necessary for GU
safety well do at your order. Is /
] unGerstood:"
Yes" said l. under one condition.
I'VE make no conditions" said PIN
ball darby. we are masters OF tn
ship. remember. and this is our las
; word"
1T is not mine" said composedly