The Mena weekly star., 1919-05-08
CHAPTER VII.
rhe LIeutenant unmasked.

Where the craft could be bound for what secret purpose 1t was afioat who were aboard, were but so many unan- swerable questions arising in my mind. Where could it have come from, unless from that strange Dutch bark? If 1t really came from the Namur of Rot terdam had 1t been sent in answer to some signal by Sanchez2 I could think of nothing else. 1 determined to as. sure myself as to the identity of these strangers. If they had actually landed it would require only q few moments to ascertain the truth. The distance proved somewhat greater than antici. pated, because of the deep curve in the shore and l had nearly reached the conclusion that the boat must have rounded the point and gone on when suddenly was brought to halt by a voice speaking in Spanish--one of those harsh croaking voices never to be reduced to a whisper.
 Not the spot Manuel? Of course 1t is; do you not suppose know? This is the place and now there is nothing to do but wait. The senor-he will be here presently"
 "Ay, unless you misread the signal" somewhat more discreet but piping voice replied doubtfully. "I saw notlf- ing of all you tell about, Estada."
 The two men went on to discuss plans evidently communicated to Es- tada by Sanchez from England. 1 was about to creep nearer, when a new conner moved past me scarcely yard distant, along the narrow strip of sand. Directly opposite my covert he paused.
 "Estada." He spoke the name eau tiously.
 "Ay, captain" and another figure emerged noiselessly from the gloom. We await you"
 Good. I rathe. questioned if you caught my signal. l was watched and obliged to exercise care. How many have you hereY"
 -Four, senor, with Manuel Estevan."
 "Quite sufficient. How is 1t heres Are there suspicionsf"
 "None, senor. We have cruised out side most of the time. There is no warships in these waters. You said you were being watched on the sloop. Are you knownT"
 "A dog of servant who came over with us--one of Monmouth's brood. The fellow watches me like a hawk. We had some words aboard and there is hate between us"
 May l ask your plans, senorT'
 "Yes, l am here to explain. This planter. Fairfax has returned from England with large sum. It is in gold and notes. 1t represents the pro- ceeds If the tobacco crop of himself and a number of his neighbors. With out doubt it will be upward Of fifty thousand pounds. This still remains in his possession, but part will be dispersed tomorrow so if we hope to gain the whole We must do so now. Everything Is ready, and there is not the slightest suspicion of danger--not even guard set over the treasure"
 "rhen IL Is at the house"
 "In an iron-bound chest, in the room assigned to Fairfax for the night. Only two servants sleep in the main house, the cook and mai0, both women. Fairfax is vigorous and will put up a fight if he has any chance. He must be taken care of before ne does have any. Trayers is an old man, to be knocked out with a blow. All we have to fear are those fellows on the sIoop, and they will have to be at- tended to quietly without any alarm reaching the house. I am going to leave that job to you-its not your first"
 "The old sea orders, captainf"
 "Ay, that will De quicker and surer." The voice hardened to sudden ferocity. s'But mark you, with one exception the Englishman Is not to be killed, if he can be taken alive. I would deal with him."
 "rhen after that" Sanchez went on deliberately, as though murder was of small account, you will follow me up the bluff. Who are the others with your
 'CarI Anderson, Pedro Mendez and Cochose."
 "Wen chosen; Mendez is the least valuable, and we will leave him with the prisoner at the boat. The big ne- gro. Cochose, together with Manuel, can attend to Travers and the two ne- gresses-they sleep below. That will leave you and the Swede to get the chest. No firearms if they can be avoided. have been over the house