Connecticut western news., 1919-04-17
CHAPTER VII.
The Lieutenant Unmasked

The Lieutenant Unmasked.
 Where the craft could be bound for what secret purpose it was aflOatS who were aboard, were but so many unan- WeT0ble, questions arising in my mind. Where could 1t have come from, unless 1nuxn that strange Dutch bark? If II really came from the NamuT of Rot terstam had it been sent in answer to some signal by Sanchez? I coulG think sf nothing else. 1 determined to as- 1Rre myself as to the identity of these strangers. If they had actually landed k would require only a few moments fR ascertain the truth. The distance UrCyed somewhat greater than antici- gated, because of the deep curve in the 1hsare and I had nearly reached the 0DEsCiusion that the boat must have rUgFlled the point and gone on when GRassenly was brought to a halt by Ws6ce speaking in Spanish-one of HhrSe harsh croaking voices never to He reduced to a whisper.
 Mot the spot Manuel? Of course II Ess do you not suppose I know? This ks the place and now there is nothing tD do but wait. The senor-he will be AeFe presently
 N8y, unless you misread the signal" . somewhat more discreet but piping xOice replied doubtfully. "I saw noth- Ing of all you tell about, Estada." 4 The two men went on to discuss Rfans evidently communicated to Els txaa by Sanchez from England. was sAbOut to creep nearer, when a new
 ner moved past me scarcely yard Estant. along the narrow strip of
 1ssd- Directly opposite my covert he l1used. .~.....
 sEstada." He spoke the name eau
 nusay. "''
 5 ~Ay.& captain" and another figure
 nerged noiselessly from the gloom.
 we await you."
 aaght my signal. I was watched and a61iged to exercise care. How many f1ave you here?"
 -Four. senor, with Manuel Estevan"
 ~Quite sufficient. How is it here? Axe there suspicions?"
 None. senor. We have cruised out. ,n6ife most of the time. There is no
 arships in these waters. You said
 u were being watched on the sloop. Ere you known?"
 8s- "A dog of servant who came over with us-One of Monmouth's brood kke fellow watches me like hawk Me had some words aboard and there h hate between us.'
 May | ask your plans, senor?'
 ~9cs. am here to explain. This NksnSer Fairfax has returned from Mngtand with a large sum. 1t is in NDt6 and notes. 1t represents the pro- 0Deds of the tobacco crop of himself sEsu a number of his neighbOrs. With Sat doubt it will be upward ot fifty 1Aousand pounds. This still remains n his possession, but a part will be 1spersed tomorrow; so if we hope to M1m fhe whole we must do so now 1yeFything is ready, and there is not The slightest suspicion of danger-not &sen a guard set over the treasure"
 'TThen it is at the house?''' -fn an irOn-bound chest, in the room sAslgned to Fairfax for tke night. Gbnsy two servants sleep in the main As1Se. the cook and maio, both vesnen- Fairfax is vigorous ana will N~t up 8 fight if ne has any chance. Ne Exust he taken care of before ne 10es have any. Trayers is all old man. Sa ke knocked out with a blow. Ali we have to fear are those fellows on She sioop, and they will have to be at Banded to quietly without any alarm Keaching the house. I am going to 3eave that job to you-it's not your 1rst.' s5 14The old sea orders, captain?" N 'Ay, that will be quicker and surer" k1he voice hardened to sudden ferocity
 Bit. mark you, with one exception bm. Englishman is not to be killed, if ne' can be taken alive. would deal with him. q <1Then after that" Sanchez went on deliberately, as though murder was of
 nnasi account, 'you will follow me up Afe bluff. Who are the others with EE7" : . tfCari Anderson, Pedro Mendez and &6chose." ses sse-WeH' chosen: Mendez Is the least vEluable, and We will leave him with
 -nrisnner ct the boat. The big ne