The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-08-28

This is a prize. our first capture g explained to the boys. And since she has struck her colors let us mount our own at her foremast and ship our band to bigger and faster craft"
 The late owner. who bore the name l of Robinson. looked on much perplex- ed, and, I think, in some apprehension. for he must have thought us danger ous. whether sane or mad.
 who'll run her?'' he at length de manded of me- looking from me to my f two associates. Then forth and stood Jean Laf1tte and answered question T confess I had not yet myself asked: "Ho. I guess fellow who can run a gasoline pump in a creamery can han dle one of them things So think not. fellow, to escape us"
 treasured Robinson, who was ap- parently ready to make a run for 1t. And I explained to Laftte and L'Olon nois my plan.
 wen by no means discard our brig. the original Sea Rover" said I, ''and we'll tow her along as our tender. But we'll christen the prize the Sea Rover instead and hoist our flag over her and paint on her name at the first point of call we make. Now, let us hasten, for 2.Ooo miles of sea lie be fore us, and Robinson is also five miles from home"
 You're in hurry, Black Bart What makes you 7'' And even sL'Olonz nois turned searching gaze upon me.
 lstVelI, SI'll show you my true colors.'' said IL T am more careless of taking treasure than Of capturing certain maiden who fees before us wonder on q swift craft speedier than our own. Lay me alongside of her. this week. next month. this winter, and my share of the other booty shall be yours!,
 'tB1ack Bart,s' said Lafitte. "1 knew something was sort of bothering you So it's you for the fair ca ptive. huh7'. We sped on now steadily, day by de new wonders at the joy of life itself. things that had escaped me in my plod- ding business life.
 We came. I knew not after how many days forgotten in detail-after passing, each avoided as a pestilence, many cities prosperous in com merce alongside the river port of the city of St Louis, crowded with motley and misfit shipping of one sort or other, where our craft might moor without fear of exciting any suspicion. in spite of our ominous name. for l had the precaution to lower our flag of the skull and crossbones.
 T sought out the man most apt to know of any considerable vessels dock ing there and made inquiry for any power yacht, 1o5 feet long. white and black yentilators, white hull with blue line, flying the burgee Belle Helene or some such name. None could advise me for time, and looked in vain, as had in every dock in 600 miles. for the trim hull of my yacht At last one old mariner in rubber boots. himself skipper of q houseboat south bound for winters trapping admitted that he had seen such craft three days before.
 g ''Did she dock ?s I demanded.
 Sure she did. and lay overnight rennmber it well enough. for I saw her tie up. And that evening her owner went ashore and uptown, and with him his bride. I, ,reckon-handsomes girl in all the town. They must have been married. for he was looking like he owned her. That was. femme see. two days ago or maybe four They came aboard her Hext morning. all three-there was a old party along; girls mother likely-around n o'clock and in little while cast off and went on down. river. As fine boat as ever made the river run-stili as mouse she was. butquick as cat and around Ste. GeneyieFe. 1 reckon, before got back to my own scow after helping them off here No wonder her owner was proud He stood on the quarter deck like a lord. Why shouldn't he. owning boat and girl like that ?''
 He doesn't own either!' I retorted hotly.
 Why. how do you know he don't?" demanded my seagoing man.
 'sWho should know if not myself?''
 .'Sho! You talk like you owned herg''
 "I do own her."
 ..It looks Iikeit Which do you mean --her the yacht or her the girl?1
 .sBoth-no. That is, well at least I own the boat-''
 That may all be or it all mayn't,'' he replied. openly scofnng: lat least so fars the, boat goes. Anybody kin buy anything that has the price. But. as to the girl. you'd have to prove it if l was him And if he didn't look like he owned her or was going to I'll eat your own gas tank there and them two kids in it fer good measure
 .sAh. ha. Cal Davidson" said to my self through my set teeth. Little do Eou think thar you are discovered in your sins. and little do you know that the avenger is on your track. But have a care. for Black Bart and his band pursue you.,.
 Cal Davidson took on five drums of petrol at Cairo and like amount of champagne at Memphis and no man may tell what other supplies at this or ff1af nof1t along inc river He S.vf-