Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1919-04-05
Observation-Disclosures lllllIlIl
CopynsSt Sy 4 q. hsCisrs q q.
CHAPTER v.
The Nsmur q Rotterdam.

vored nv n strong wind, drew rapidly
In toward the point Of landing. The
great majority Of tho prisoners re-
manned on deck, chained together and
helpless, yet surrounded by armed
guards. while the few who had already
been purchased by passengers hum
bly, followed their new masters ashore
the moment the gangplnnk touched
the soil Of Virginia. There were Ave
Of IA altogether thus favored, but l
was the only one owing allegiance to
Roger fairfax. The rude landing
wharf along which we lay was already
densely crowded. Altogether It was
a busting scene. full Of change and
color. the air noisy with shouting
voices. the line Of wharves filled with
a number Of vessels, either newly ar
rived or preparing to depart. II was
with no small difficulty we succeeded
in forcing our way through this JOS
Ting throng until we attained to an
open space ashore. followed closely
behinu the three composing our party,
Roger Fairfax and Sanchez, with the
laughing giri between them for pro.
lection. Fairfax was evidently well
known to a number present. for ne
was being greeted on all sides witt
hearty handshakes and words Of wei.
come.
We boarded the Fairfax sloop. The
baggage WAS transferred. worked
with the Fairfax servants and II cut
my pride 20 the quick. out In the bay
was sent to the wheel.
Not another sail appeared across
that surface Of waters, not even fish,
erman's boat, the only other vessel
visible along our course being dim
outline close in against that fnr-away
headland toward which had been In.
structed to steer. | stared at this OBJ
ject. at first believing 1t a wreck. but
finally distinguishing the bare mans
of medium sized bark, evidently rid
ing at anchor only lew hundred
yards off shore.
The Spaniard presently pointed ont
to Fairfax the position of the bark.
"Surely strange place In which to
anchor, Lieutenant" said Fairfax
Bark rugged and very heavily SPARED.
Seems to be. all right. What do you
make Of the vessel?"
The Spaniard twisted his mustache
but exhibited little interest. although
mis- gaze was upon the craft.
Decidedly Dutch. / should say" he
answered slowly. THE beggars seem
quite at home there. with all their
washing out. Not usual anchorageT
mo. nor a particularly safe one.
Travers' place is beyond the bend.
Well put up with him tonight. Dbl
me, Sanchez. I believe I'll hail the
fellow and find out what he Is doing
In there" .t
Sanchez nodded, carelessy striking
flint and steel in an effort to relight
cheroot.
We came about slowly. The dis
lance to be covered was not great, and
In less than ten minutes we were
drawing in toward the high stern of
the anchored vessel.
No evidence Of life appeared on
board, although everything looked
shipshape allow ana aloft, and a rather
extensive wash tapped in the wind
forward. bespeaking generous crew.
A moment later my eyes made out the
name painted across the stern-Na-
muir of Rotterdam.
Fairfax leaned far out across the
rail as we swept In closer. but the
Spaniard exhibited no particular in.
terest in the proceedings. A hundred
feet distant held the dancing sl0op
to mere steerage-way, while Fairfax
hailed.
"A red.faced man with a black beard
thrust his head up above the after
rail and answered, using English. yet
with a faint accent which was not
Dutch.
1--WE ran down to see II You were
in any trouble. This is strange
place to anchor. What are you
Dutch?
The fellow waved his hands in .
gesture indicating disgust.
Oats Get. We're ov Rotterdam
you see re name ov 70 sheep. But
We not sail frum thar dis time-no.
We cum here from re Barbados" he
explained brokeniy, ..wiz cane sugar
an hides. We wait here for our agent"
"But why anchor in a place like
this7- Why not 60 on up to the
wharvesT"
wye not? For ziz-I no trust my
crew ashore. Fay Vest Indy niggers,
an vud run away ven re chancescum.
I know vat zay do
In spite Of my efforts the two YES
sells were drifting rapidly apart. Dor
othy appeared at the door Of the
cabin and STOOD there gazing in sur
prise at the bark. while the moment
he caught sight Of her Sanchez went
hastily forward. removing his hat with
so peculiar flourish as he approached
as to cause me to notice the gesture.
Fairfax waved his hand to me to
resume our course. Shortly after he
crossed the deck to the wheel. There
he stood watching the bark for some
time.
What DO you make .of her, Car
lyleT5he asked finally. II believe that
fellow lied"
$50 do /, sir" answered promptly.
whatever else he may be, he's no
peaceful Dutch trader. That fellow
got his accent from south Europe. II
he was loaded with cane sugar and
hides for market he wouldn't be near