Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1919-06-04
CHAPTER v.
The Namur of Rotterdam.

ludlHeu On ueck, Cudlueu together anu
helpless, yet surrounded by armed
guards, while the few who had already
been purchased by passengers hum
bly, followed their new masters ashore
the moment the gangplank touched
the soil of Virginia. There were five
of US altogether thus favored. but 1
was the only one owing allegiance to
Roger Fairfax. The rude landing
wharf along which we lay was already
densely crowded. Altogether it was
bustling scene. full of change and
color, the air noisy with shouting
voices, the line of wharves filled with
a number of vessels. either newly ar
rived or preparing to depart. 1t was
with no small difficulty we succeeded
in forcing our way through this jos
Ting throng until we attained to an
open space ashore. l followed closely
behind the three composing our party.
Roger Fairfax and Sanchez, with the
laughing girl between them for pro-
lection Fairfax was evidently well
known to a number present, for he
was being greeted on all sides with
hearty handshakes and words of well
come.
We boarded the Fairfax sloop. The
baggage was transferred. / worked
with the Fairfax servants and 1t cut
my pride to the quick. Out in the bay
was sent to the wheel
Not another sail appeared across
that surface of waters, not even a fish
erman's boat, the only other vessel
visible along our course being a dim
outline close in against that far-away
headland toward which had been in
structed to steer. l stared at this OBJ
ject, at first believing it a wreck, but
finally distinguishing the bare masts
of medium-sized bark, evidently rid
ing at anchor only a few hundred
yards off shore.
The Spaniard presently pointed out
to Fairfax the position of the bark.
Surely strange place in which to
anchor. Lieutenant" said Fairfax.
"Bark rugged and very heavily spared.
Seems to be all right. What do you
make of the vessel?"
The SpanIard twisted his mustache
but exhibited little interest, although
his gaze was upon the craft.
Decidedly Dutch, should say" he
answered slowly. 1.-THE beggars seem
quite at home there. with all their
washing out. Not usual anchorage?"
mo, nor a particularly safe one.
Travers' place is beyond the bend.
Wen put up with him tonight. Oh
me, Sanchez, / believe I'll hail the
fellow and find out what he is doing
in there"
Sanchez nodded, carelessly striking
| flint and steel in an effort to relight
cheroot.
We came about slowly. The dis
lance to be covered was not great, and
in less than ten minutes we were
drawing in toward the high stern of
the anchored vessel.
No evidence of life appeared on
board. although everything looked
shipshape allow and aloft, and a rather
extensive wash tapped in the wind
forward. bespeaking a generous crew.
A moment later my eyes made out the
name painted across the stern-Na-
muir of Rotterdam.
| Fairfax leaned far out across the
rail as we swept in closer. but the
| Spaniard exhibited no particular in
terest in the proceedings. A hundred
feet distant l held the dancing sloop
to mere steerage-way, while Fairfax
hailed.
A red-faced man with a black beard
thrust his head up above the after
rail and answered, using English, yet
with faint accent which was not
Dutch.
"We ran down to see If you weres
in any trouble. This is q strange
place to anchor. What are you
DutchT"
The fellow waved his hands In
gesture indicating disgust.
Oats eet. We're ov Rotterdam
you see re name ov re sheep. But
We not sail frum thar dis time-no.
We cum here from re Barbados" he
explained brokenly, "wiz cane sugar
an hides. We wait here for our agent"
But why anchor in a place like
this? Why not go on up to the
wharves?"
wye not? For ziz-I no trust my
crew ashore. Gay Vest Indy niggers,
an vud run away ven re chance cum.
l know vat gay do"
In spite Of my efforts the two YES
sells were drifting rapidly apart. Dor
othy appeared at the door of the
cabin and stood there gazing in sur
| prise at the bark. while the moment
/ he caught sight Of her Sanchez went
hastily forward, removing his hat with
so peculiar a flourish as he approached
as to cause me to notice the gesture.
Fairfax waved his hand to me TO
/ resume our course. Shortly after he
crossed the deck to the wheel. There
he stood watching the bark for some
time.
@what do you make OF her. Car
/ 1yleT' he asked finally. 81 believe that
/ fellow lied"
$50 do !. sir" I answered promptly.
whatever else he may be, he's no
/ peaceful Dutch trader. That fellow