Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1919-08-13
CHAPTER XIX.
Laying the Trap.


more easily than l had anticipated
We caught Manuel sound asleep, and
LeVere had sinewy hands at his throat
before the fellow could grasp a
weapon. The narrowness of the state
room prevented my taking much part
In the affair, but the mulatto needed
no help, as he dragged the cursing
Spaniard from his bunk to the deck
and throttled him savagely. Indeed
he would have killed the fellow had
/ not interfered and twisted his hands
loose, leaving Estevan barely con-
scious. A blanket ripped into strips
served 10 bind him securely enough
for the present, but thought it best
TO lock the door, and keep the Key IN
my own pocket. LeVere would have
knitted him even as he lay there help
less. but for my threat and insistence.
Once back in the cabin my eyes dis
tingulshed the frightened face of the
steward peering forth at us from out
the dark of the passage leading for
ward.
Come here, Gunsaules," l said
sternly. "Step lively. lad; there's moth
ing for you to fear. Senior Estada has
been killed during the night, and we
have just captured his murderer" |
explained. There is reason TO believe
this act was part of a conspiracy TO
seize the ship in connection with those
fellows amidships. Does that passage
lead to their quarters"
at did once, senior, but now there is
closed door of oak studded with
iron, not only locked, but barred ON
this side. There are but two keys
one for the captain and the other for
him who commands the buccaneers"
l stood there a moment, considering
this information. The only way the
mutineers could reach the cabin then
would be from the deck, descending
through the companion. So long as
they remained unaware of the capture
of Manuel there was little danger of
their taking such action.
every well, steward" l said. you
go on about your work as though moth
Ing had happened. If any word of this
affair gets TO the crew, or to those fell
lows forward, I'll hold you RESPONSE
BILE. You are not to leave this cabin
without my permission, nor speak to
anyone. LeVere."
The mulatto faced me respectfully
enough, and l had feeling he would
obey orders, largely because he dare
not rebel.
They will be wondering why you
are not on deck. 1t will be better for
you to take charge of the watch at
once, and keep the men busy. Relieve
Watkins at the wheel and send the
man down to me. He can choose the
fellows who will stick better than you
could and then can circulate among
them without arousing suspicion"
Watkins soon shufled down the
steps. He whipped off his cap and
stood waiting.
I put my hand on his shoulder.
"Tom," | said soberly 1--WE are in the
same boat, and understand each other.
The chance has come for both of US, If
we play the cards right. Listen while
tell you the situation, and what
plan doing"
l told it briefly, wasting no words,
yet relating every fact. He listened
eagerly, but without interruption I'M
ill the end.
"What do you make of it?" / asked.
"About what you do. sir. l knew
there was something of the kind going
on--some of the men forward are in
on it. You've got the ring-leader."
Manuel, you mean. Who did he
count on for help in the forecastle?'
"Cochose. and a handful of others,
niggers and Spaniards, mostly. They
meant to pull the affair off either TO-
day or tonight. Your plan gives US
fair chance, sir. A dozen good men on
deck might do the business"
"But are there dozen aboard to
be trusted?"
"Well, yes sir. l rather think there
are I'd say that in both watches
there's maybe fourteen to be relied
on"
"In my watch there's Jones, Har-
wood and Simms. either English or
Welsh. They're all right. Then there's
a niger named Sam; Schmitt,
Dutchman, with his partner, whose
name / don't know, and two Trenches,
Ravel and Pierre. That makes eight,
nine counting myself. Then in the
starboard watch I'd pick out Jim Car
ter and Joe Cole. two Swedes, Carl
son and ole Hallin, and another Mig
ger. Then there are a couple of Firms
who ought to be with US, but / can't
talk their lingo. That would give us
sixteen out of thirty, and it's quite
likely some of the others would take
hand with US, If they thought IL was
safe. haven't any use though. sir.
for Francois LeYere. There amt
worse scamp aboard"
81 know that" / admitted, "but he
had to be used"
"And what is my part now?"
''This is my watch below, aid it will
be best for me to keep off the deck
until all is prepared. You sound these
men and get them together; wake up
the ones in the starboard watch you
feel sure are all right, and have them
slip quietly on deck. Then we1l get
these arms in the rack here. and be
ready for business-the rest will be
done in a hurry. I'll wait here for
your report"
At the very best Watkins could
scarcely perform the task assigned
him in less than an hour. The success