The daily Alaskan., 1919-06-03
"And vet to my mind" she insisted

And yet to my mind," she insisted earnestly, "that choice is most dan gerous. am girl, but If I command ed here, do you know what I would do? l would sail this vessel straigh: to the Chesapeake and surrender 1t to the authorities. The men have nothing to fear with me aboard and ready to testi- fy in their behalf. The governor will accept my word without a question. These men are not pirates, but honest seamen compelled to serve in order to save their lives; they mutlnied and captured the bark, but were later over come, and compelled to take the boats. The same plea can be made for you, Geoffry, only you were there in an ef- fort to save me. It is a service which ought to win you freedom. If the gov ernor fail me, will bear my story to the feet of the king. I am a Fairfax and we have friends in England, strong, powerful friends" #GG
 "I am convinced" I admitted, after a pause, "that this course Is the wiser one, but fear the opposition of the men. They will never go willingly"
 There IS an argument which will overcome their. fear. mean cupidity. Each sailor aboard has an interest in the salvage of this vessel under the English law. Also there must be gold aboard-perhaps treasure also. Let the crew dream that dream and you will need no whip to drive them into an English port" ...-
 Full pardon. and possibly wealth with it," I laughed. "A beautiful scheme, Dorothy, yet 1t might work. Still, If know sallormen, they would doubt the truth, if 1t came direct from me, for am not really one of them"
 But Watkins is Explain 1t all to him; tell him who am, the influence can wield in the colony, and then let him whisper the news to the others. VIII you not do this-for my sake",
 "Yes," l answered; 'I believe you have found the right course. If you will promise to lie down and sleep l will talk with Watkins now. I may catch some catnaps before morning, but most of the time shall be proving about deck. Good night, dear girl" ,
 She extended her arms, and drew me down until our lips met.
 "You are actually afraid of me still," she said. "Why should you be?'
 Somehow, Dorothy, you have al- ways seemed so far away from me l have never been able to forget. But now the touch of your lips has"
 Broken down the last barrier|
 "Yes, forever"
 Are you sure2 Would you not feel still less doubt If you kissed me again?" -...
 I held her closely, gazing down into the dimly revealed outline of her face, and this time felt myself the master.
 I left her there and groped my own way forward. I found Watkins awake. He listened graVely to what I had to say, with little comment, and was evi- dently weighing Every argument in his mind.
 i've bin in Virginia and Maryland, SIr," he said at last seriously, and if the young woman Is a Fairfax, she'll likely have influence enough ter do just whut she says. I'll talk it over with the lads. If they wus only sure thar wus treasure aboard l guess most of lem would face hell ter git their hands on a share of 1t"
 "Then why not search and see"
 He shook his head obstinately.
 "Not me, sir ], don't prowl around in no cholera ship, loaded with dead men-not If I never git rich"
 .'Then l will," and I got to my feet in sudden determination. "You keep the deck while I go below. Light the lantern and bring 1t here. If there Is any specie hidden aboard this hook CT 1t will be either in the cabin or lazaret. And, whether there is or not, my, man, the Santa Marie turns north tomorrow If 1 have to fight every sea wolf on board single-handed:"
 t, Nntinued m T'hQrSdayO