Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1919-11-11


and three barrels Of water, being du,v
got aboard. on the evening of July
II all was ready for the start: an eve.
ming which was naturally spent in a
parting conclave in John Saunders
snuggery.
"Why, one important thing you've
forgotten" said Charlie. "Machetes-
and spades and pickaxes. And I'd
take few sticks Of dynamite along
with you too. I can let you have the
lot. Wen get them aboard tonight"
Its pity YOU have to give II
away that it's treasure hunt" said
John, 'but then you can't keep the
crew from knowing. And they're a
queer lot on the subject of treasure,
have some of the funniest superstt-
lions. hope you won't have any
trouble with them"
Had any experience In handling
niggers?" asked Charlie.
Not the least"
THAT makes me wish were coming
with you. They are rum beggars. Aw.
full towards, and just like a pack OF
children. You know about sailing
anyhow. That's good thing. You
can captain your own boat, If need be-
That's all to the good. Particularly
IL you strike any dirty weather. But
let me give you one word of advice
Be kind. of course, with them-but
keep your distance all the same. And
be careful about losing your temper
You get more out of them by coax.
ing-hard as 1t is, at times. And, by
the way, how would you like to take
old Sailor with your"
"Sailor" was a great Labrador re-
triever, who at that moment turned up
his big head with a devoted sigh from
behind his masters chair.
Rather" l said. So Sailor" was
thereupon enrolled as q further addi-
ton to the crew.
"Old Tom" the cook, was first on
hand next morning. / took to him al
once. A simple, kindly old "darky" of
Uncle Toms Cabin" type, with faith.
fitness written all over him, and Ger.
tain sad wisdom In his old face.
you'll find Tom a great cook" said
Charlie, patting the old man on the
shoulder. MANY a trip we've taken
together after duck, haven't we, Tom?'
THAT'S right, sub. That's right,
said the old man, his eyes twinkling
with pleasure.
Then came the captain-Capt. Jabez
Williams-a younger man, with an In
telligent, self-respecting manner. some
what noncommittal, businesslike, evil
IDENTIFY not particularly anxious as to
whether he pleased or not, but looking
competent and civil enough.
Next came the engineer, a young
hulking bronze giant. a splendid phys
ical specimen, but rather heavy and
sullen and not over-intelligent to look
at. The deckhand proved to be a
shackly, rather silly, effeminate fellow
suggesting idiocy, but doubtless wiry
and good enough for the purpose.
While they were busy getting up the
anchor of the Maggie Darling l went
down into my cabin to arrange various
odds and ends, and presently came the
captain, touching his hat.
There's q party" he said, "outside
here wants to know If you'll take him
passenger to Spanish Wells"
"We're not taking passengers" l an
swered, "but l will look him over"
A man was standing up in q row.
boat, leaning against the ships side
you'd do me a great favor, SIR he
began to say in a soft, ingratiating
voice.
I looked at him with a start of rec
ignition. He was my pockmarked
friend, who had made such an unpleas'
ant impression on me at John Saun-
ders' Office He was rather more gen
tlemanly looking than he had seemed
at the first view, and l saw that
though he was a halfbreed the white
blood predominated.
~ don't want to intrude," he saic
''but 1 have urgent need of getting to
Spanish Wells, and there's no boat go
ing that way for week. I've just
missed the mail"
81 didn't think Of taking any passen-
gers" l said.
al know" he said. 81 know It's q
great favor | ask" He spoke with a
certain cultivation of manner. Z "But
am willing of course to pay anything
you think well for my food and my
passage"
l waived that suggestion aside and
stood irresolutely looking at him, with
no very hospitable expression in my
eyes, l dare say. But really my Ills
taste for him was an unreasoning pref
udice and Charlie Webster's phrase
came to my mind-"His face Is against
the poor devil"
1t certainly was.
Then at last l said, surely not over
graciously: Every well. Get aboard
You can help work the boat" and
! yrrI4A \ 20 GA