Charlevoix county herald., 1917-10-12
CHAPTER vi.
The Patrol.

The man was taken 80 thoroughly
by surprise that he hardly struggled
after the explosion of his weapon,
doubtless feeling himself helpless I'm.
der my hand, and as doubtless believ.
ing would take summary vengeance
by pitching him overheard, or other
wise making way with him. for physi-
cally he was no match for me.
But l had nothing but feeling of
respect for the brave fellow, who had
done what he thought was service to
his county, and so, with harshness
was far from feeling, l wrenched the
empty pistol from him and allowed
him to get up, which he did, shaking
himself 10 see that no bones were
broken. / wished to have no words
with him. but that his spirit was not
Quenched was plain in the outspoken
way he cursed me as a traitor. and
himself as fool for having tried to
take me single handed.
did not curse him back, but being
afraid to send him into his own cabin
(where he might have some weapon),
huu uOI WlsnluS W W
talk. I ordered him forward of the
mast, and told him that II he came aft
of the standing rigging or put hand
to line without orders. would pitch
him into the bay.
think the fellow would have sec.
onded me In my efforts had confided
in him, but Ii was against both policy
and instructions, especially the form
err, as undoubtedly he would have
talked, and soon my mission might
have been known TO the British them.
selves. But what 10 do with the man
without either injuring or giving him
in a prisoner to the British. bothered
me not little as took the abandon.
ed tiller. brought the boat about, and
headed her south: nor was II until
had sailed for some time that ] saw
how plain was the solution. I would
land him on the Bergen side. where
he could make his way either to Lee
or to his home as best he might. and
with the little sloop could continue
down the bay and into the Dutch Kills
where, ! would be sworn. but little
time would elapse ere was In the
hands OF the British.
And this determined upon. headed
for the Bergen shore, though hardly
had the wind begun to drive me In the
new direction when out from the very
point at which I was aiming shot a
wha,e.boat manned by half q dozen
lusty rowers, and In It's stern-sheets
sat British officer and three marines.
the latter armed with muskets; and
the sloop was not then SO far from
shore but that I could count them
with my naked eye.
In spite OF all that the enemy was
my objective. my heart gave a Jump
when marked that the boat was max.
ing directly for me, though quickly
recognized the fact that my prisoner
would be IN excellent asset. az he
would damn me to the Subtraction OF
all hands. However. did not realize
the desperation OF the man. and no
sooner did he determine the stripe OF
those In the coming boat than he dis
obeyed my orders and came from for
word.
"will ye hand me over to yonder
dogs?" he demanded. his hands clos
ing and enclosing nervously as he
stood near the edge of the coaming OF
the cockpit. stood up. my
friend" said I. you had your fling
at me, and took your chances. II is
my innings. Get forward"
"lTl be damned II will. without
first making we pay the piper" he
shouted; and then. as UNEXPECTEDLY
as / had leaped upon him. he threw
himself upon me with bound. bear.
Ing me backward.