The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1919-08-08

last Offer"
whats the gamer" asked a sullen
voice in English, and bearded fellow,
burned black, pushed his way to the
front. II used ter be Scotch; now I
don't know what I am. One flag is
as good as another ter me-only
want to know what sorter game I'm
playin' in. Who are yer? An WIZARD
yer cum trump
II am an English seaman" 1 an
swered shortly, sand how I came
aboard makes no difference. Right
now ! am the only navigator on the
Namur. Estada is dead-knifed last
night by one of the buccaneers. Man
uel Esteyan had hand in the bust
ness, and he's safely locked in state
room aft. Captain Sanchez is wound
ed and helpless, and those cut-throats
amidships are ,battened down below
matches. LeVere and are the officers
left, and we control the deck" N
"Yer mean those fellers were aimin'
ter take the shIp?"
Exactly that; now where are you
lads? With Manuel and his bunch of
pirates? Or with us?"
"What er yer going ter do with us,
an this ship? That's the fu'st ques-
ton"
had not decided that even in my
own minG, but the answer came
promptly enough.
II am going to leave that to the crew.
AS soon as we have all secure, I'll
have every man on deck, and then
we'll talk it over. That's fair enough
isn't it," ss
ut looks fair. Come on, mates: I'm
fer the Englishman."
Only one followed him, however,
sheep-faced boy; the others remained
sullen and defiant. I had no further
time to waste in explanations. I
glanced up at Carriers face framed in
the scuttle hole.
"Carter, pass these men up and take
them forward with the others. Turn
them over to Watkins. Then come
back here, and report to me-"
They went up the ladder one by
one, and disappeared onto the deck
above. Carlson and / watched the
others until Carter stuck his head
once again through the opening.
"All safe, sir-they was like lambs"
every well; stand by to help. Now
you lads, lift this black and shove him
up to where they can get hold above"
They hoisted the unconscious form
up the ladder and forced it through
the hole onto the deck. At my stern
command they crawled forth into the
sunlight. There they picked up Co
chose and carried him aft.
went to the main hatch, and had
the cover slipped to one side, the
armed sailors gathering close about
the edge, as peered down. 1t was
scene of pandemonium, revealed in the
yellow fame Of slush lanterns, group
of white faces showing clearly, as the
prisoners below struggled forward,
gesticulating and shouting. Ignoring
their mad roaring, and the threat of
leveled guns, stared down at the in
furiated faces, until the clamor ceased
sufficiently to let my voice be heard.
''FWhat are you men trying to do,
brighten me? You might as well stop
that. This opening is lined with guns,
and if one of you fire shot we'll pour
lead into you. More than that; If you
attempt to climb out there is a brass
carronade trained on the hatch. So
listen! We are in control of the ship
and mean to keep it. The old officers
are either dead or prisoners. What we
do with you will depend on your ac-
tons, but we're ready to kill If neces-
sary. If you keep quiet down there,
and obey orders, you'll be fed, and
treated decently enough. Pass up your
arms"
There was no movement, only
glare Of hostile eyes, an indistinguish-
able growl Of voices.
'sKneel down, lads and cover those
fellows" ordered sternly drawing my
own pistol. 'Now you below there,
this is my last word. I'll count ten,
and you'll either pass up those weapons
or We'll pour our fire into you. Take
aim, boys. T
There was moment OF deathly 81
lence, except for my counting. One
man uttered curse, and the jameof
figures at the foot of the ladder en-
deavored to work back out of range,
yet, before had spoken the word
eight, guns were held aloft, and poked
up within reach, and at this sign of
surrender even the most desperate lost
heart and Joined the more cowardly.
1t was strange collection of weapons
stacked on the deck-guns, cutlasses,
knives and pistols of every descrip-
ton. Probably all had not been deliv-
cred, yet felt no further fear of the
few pieces remaining hidden.
that's all, is It? Very well-now
take care of this big niger we're send
ing down; no, he is not dead, only
stunned. Now stand aside while few
of your friends join you; they'll tell
you what's up. Make room there"