The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-03-21

what my orders were. Then bid her join us." We stood in silence, as Gunsaules crossed the deck and inserted a key in the after stateroom door. Manuel was grinning in full enjoyment, but the expression oD the face of Estada was that of grim cruelty. l felt my hands grip like iron on my chair back and my teeth clinch in restraint. God, but would have liked to grip the fel- low where he stood-au the bottled up hatred in my soul struggling for action. Yet that would only mean the death Of all hope, and ! turned my eyes away from him and stared with the others at the opening door. 70 Out into the full light of the cabin the woman came and halted barely a step In advance Cf the steward. her head uplifted proudly, her eyes on us. Never before had I realized her beau ty. her personality, as did then. Ter posture was not that of defiance nor of surrender; she stood as woman defending her right to respect, sus- tained by a wonderful courage. caught her glance. but there was no recognition in it; not by the flicker of an eyelid did she betray surprise, and yet in some mysterious manner a flash of intelligence passed between us. It was all instantaneous, for her . gaze seemed to concentrate on Estada as though she knew him as leader. : ''You sent for me? For whatY" she : asked, her Spanish clear and well chosen.
 gro join us at meal" he answered unmoved. 'It is better than to remain alone"
 "Betteri You must have a strange opinion of me to believe I would sit with murderers and thieves"
 ''Harsh words. senorita," and Estada Erinned grimly. "Yet I expected them. There are many trades in the world by which men are robbed. We only work at the one we like best; nor will I discuss that with you. However, senorita, can say that we have taken no lives in this last affair"
 ''No lives! !" in sudden, incredulous surprise. "You mean my uncle lives P
 eff you refer to Fairfax-the one in whose room the chest was hidden, can only reply truthfully that he lives. One of my men struck him down, but it was not death blow. If that be the reason of your disdain there is no cause This chair is held for you"
 "But why was I brought away q prisoner? To be a plaything? A sport for your pleasure?"
 ''That was but the orders of our chief; we await his recovery to learn his purpose
 "sanchezI Was he you chief2 A pirate?"
 "A buccaneer; we prey on the ene- mics of Spain. It was at Captain San- chez orders we waited the arrival of your vessel from England. He loved you; he would no doubt have dealt with you honorably; I have reason to believe that to be his purpose now. Nothing will change his purpose. He is that kind, and he has the power. He determined that if you would not come to him by choice you should be made to by force. You are here now by his orders and will remain until you consent to his purpose-al that remains for you to decide is whether you choose to be prisoner or guest aboard"
 And if he should dieT'
 Estada shrugged his shoulders in differently.
 "Who knows?"
 Her lips frightened as though to holG back cry while one hand pressed tf the open door steadied her. There was a look in the searching eyes I die not like to see. It was moment be fore she could control her voice.
 "T have heard them call you Estada Of what rank in this company arc you?"
 q am Pedro Estada, formerly tht first officer, now, by occasion of Cap tain Sanchez wound in full command Tkese are two of my officers-Senol Gates, one of your own countrymen and Manuel Estevan. And now ina I have ns-yered your questions. Yi1a