The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-08-25

swords. special blades of the samura-
 armorers. forged long before Mutsu
 hitos grandfather was q boy-I had k paid d rare price for them in Japan INTo these he added three basket
 handled cutlasses. which l had ob- | ,tained in London. each almost old
 enough to have belonged to the crew of Drake himself. A short barreled
 ma gazine pistol for each of us was his
 concession to the present unromantic age As for Jimmy. he insisted on a I small bore rife as well as q shotgun.
 I've might see something he remark ed laconically.
 Thus equipped.7.1 persuaded my as- sociates to lay aside most of their | somewhat archaic artillery. Neither 1 had taken any thought of other sup plies Hiroshimi. however, now ap- l peared, bearing, in addition to my hand luggage. two hampers, a. roll of blankets and a silk tent in its canvas l wrapper.
 Honorable is embarked in those small going boat that is made tied to the bank P inquired Hiroshimi only nodded now, relying on his efficiency. | He approached my young pirates, and rather against their will removed from them some of their burden of weapons. singing about himself bundles, bas- kets. bags and cutlery. until he aI- most disappeared from view. He cast on me a reproachful gaze. however. 1 as he took from Laitte's hand the bar ed blade of the old samurai sword and noted the ancient inscription on blade and scabbard as he sheathed it rever- entIy.
 What does 1t Say, Hiro:" asked of him
 ..very old, talk. honorable.', answer ed Hiroshimi. Tt say. oh. honorable gentleman who carry me. I invite you to make high and noble adventur- fngs g
 Let me carry it. Hiro, said 1. and I tucked it under my own arm
 Good r' exclaimed L'Olonnois. <tThen you are going with ns? And did you write the letters that you promised us?''
 .sI always keep my word. =
 .sAnd it'll be all right back home about mother and the boat? I'll give you my $6-''
 There is no need. I told you if you would make me one of the crew of the Sea Rover and let me seek my fortune with you T would gladly pay all the reckoning of our journey"
 And how long will we be gone ?"
 'sTill after your school begins, I fear
 ..And how far are you going with {usY
 .ttspang to the Spanish: mainr I an swered.
 So then we set forth down my wood land path
 We were greeted by no hostile shot and found our vessel quite as we had left her. as ! could see at a glance when we neared the bank; but. none the less, somethind stirred in the bush es. A Erowi and sudden barking greeted HEoshini as he approached the boat in advance
 You, Tige. called out I4aftte. The dog a ogndne too beautiful and now just q bit forIorn, approached us. alter nately wagging tu friendship and re treating in alarm.
 Well. what dossyou think of that!'' said Jimmy. .sWe1eft him back at the lake-sent him home half dozen times. How'd he get here and how'd he know where we was ?''
 t.He couldn't n swum the lake, as- scented John .'and it was more'n ten miles around. and how could he smell where we went on the water? Come here. Tige. you blame foolI'
 Nay said l slle is no fool. this dog. but creature of great reason, else he never could have found you. r And I'll be bound he is as keen for ad- venture as any of us.''
 He is coming here last night two ow-wore after dinner.' said the omnis- cient HiroshimL Also he bite me on leg. He also is malefactor.e
 He has allotted 10 himself the duty Of caring for the property Of his mas terss Hiro.'' said. ..and henceeis not really malefactor. Besides. since he would not leave the boat and follow our trail be is by this time hungry. Feed him. HfFe.'
 But Hiroshirni wsls not eager to ap- preach the piratical canine again. so myself fshed something from ham, per and called the dog to me He ate gladly and most gratefully
 Now. it is a strange thing to say. but 1t is the truth. I, had never before in my life fed a dog. had won many knotty suits atfaw. had solved many hard problemsN dealing with human na- ture and had found human nature for the most part rarely glad or grateful, l but. I had never owned aor even fed a dog. strange new feeling came in my throat now Suddenly swallowed some invisible, intangible thing.
 John" said I, '.what breed of dog is this z Indeed, 1t was hard to tell off hand. although he had the keen head of a collie. s..T guess he's just one O them partial dogs answered .Ioiln-"mostly shep- herd. maybe: T 5NlHnno.s,
 cry well. Partial shall be his na me. And is he yours as'
 runs round on the faRm- He goes with Jimnll@ and me
 John, will you sell me Parta I?'' asked this suddenly. realizing fne* my voice might sound odd.
 yVhat'd you want him feF?' he re- piled He'd be nuisa nee.
 T think not. See how faithful he has