The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1919-08-01
CHAPTER XIX.
Laying the Trap.


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
I not interfered and twisted his hands
loose. leaving Estevan barely con-
scious. A blanket ripped into strips
served to bind him securely enough
for the present, but thought 1t 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
tinguished the frightened face of the
steward peering forth at us from out
the dark Of the passage leading for
ward.
"Come here, Gunsaules," I 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 conspiracy to
seize the ship in connection with those
fellows amidships. Does that passage
lead to their quarters7"
"It 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"
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.
"very well, steward" 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 responsi-
BILE. You are not to leave this cabin
without my permission, nor speak to
anyone. LeVere."
The mulatto faced me respectfully
enough, and I had a feeling he would
obey orders. largely because he dare
not rebel.
'sThey 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 win stick better than you
could, and then can circulate among
them without arousing suspicion"
Watkins soon shuffied down the
steps. He whipped OF his cap and
stood waiting.
put my hand on his shoulder.
'sTom,n said soberly, 1--WE are in the
same boat, and understand each other.
The chance has come for both of JUS. If
we play the cards right. Listen while
tell you the situation. and what I
plan doing" '-''s ~
I told it briefly, wasting no words,
yet relating every fact. He listened
eagerly, but without interruption I'M
til the end. s9ss'' 4
''What do you make of it?' I asked.
"About what you do; sir. 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 a
fair chance, sir. A dozen good men on
deck might do the business"
"But are. there a dozen aboard to
be trusted?"
"Well, yes sir. rather think there
are. I'd say that in both watches
there's maybe fourteen to be relied
on"
an 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. a
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 a
hand with us. If they thought it was
safe. / haven't any use though, sir,
for Francois LeVere. There amt a
worse scamp aboard"
II know that" admitted. shut he
had to be used"
'sAnd what is my part now7"
'sThis is my watch below, and 1t will
be best for me to keep of the deck