The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1919-06-27
CHAPTER VII.
The Lieutenant Unmarked.

nc IiCQtcnAnl Ohma6kc0.
Where the craft could be bound for
what secret purpose it was afloat; who
were aboard, were but so many unan-
swerable questions arising In my mind.
Where could 1t have come from, unless
from that strange Dutch bark? If
1T really came from the Namur of Rot
terdam had 1t been sent in answer to
some signal by Sanchez? I could think
of nothing else. 1 determined to as
sure myself as to the identity of these
strangers. If they had actually landed
1t would require only a few moments
20 ascertain the truth. The distance
proved somewhat greater than antici-
nated, because of the deep curve in the
shore and l had nearly reached the
conclusion that the boat must have
rounded the point and gone on when
suddenly was brought to halt by q
voice speaking in Spanish-one of
those harsh croaking voices never to
be reduced to whisper
Not the spot Manuel? OF course
1T Is; do you not suppose l know? This
Is the place and now there Is nothing
70 do but wait. The senor-he will be
here presently"
"Ay, unless you misread the signal"
a somewhat more discreet but piping
goice replied doubtfully 81 saw moth
sng of all you tell about, Estada."
The two men went on to discuss
plans evidently communicated to Es-
eada by Sanchez from England. was
about to creep nearer, when. a new
conner moved past me scarcely a yard |
distant, along the narrow strip of |
sand. Directly opposite my covert he |
paused.
: 'Estada." He spoke the name eau
'dously.
cay, captain" and another figure
emerged noiselessly from the gloom.
I'VE await you"
"Good. rather questioned IL you
caught my signal. l was watched and
obliged to exercise care. How many
have you hereY
-Four, senior, with Manuel Estevan."
"Quite sufficient How is it here7
Are there suspicionsT
None, senior. We have cruised out
side most of the time. There Is no
warships in these waters. You said
you were being watched on the sloop.
Are you known"
"a dog of q servant who came over
with us-one Of Monmouth's brood.
The fellow watches me like a hawk.
we had some words aboard and there
Is hate between u.s."
May l ask your plans, senorw
~Yes, I am here to explain. This
Uianters Fairfax, has returned from
with large sum. 1t Is In
gold and notes. 1t represents the pro-
reeds of the tobacco crop Of himself
put doubt 1t will be upward Of fifty
bousand pounds. This still remains
n his possession, but a part will be
dispersed tomorrow; so II we hope to
gain the whole we must do so now.
Everything Is ready. and there is not
The slightest suspicion of danger-not
wen q guard set over the treasure"
Then 1t is at the houseY
In an iron-bound chest, In the room
assigned to Fairfax for the night.
Dniy two servants sleep in the main
house, the cook and q maid, both
women. Fairfax is vigorous and will !
put up fight If he has any chance.
He must be taken care Of before he
ioes have any. Travers is an old man,
10 be knocked out with blow All
- have TO fear are those fellows on
he sioop, and they will have to be at
ended to quietly without any alarm
'eaching the house. am going to I
eave that Job to you-it's not your
|rsf-~
the old ~ orders, captainT 4
~Ay, that viii Be- quicker ana sursf." q
~ vstee harl,enod to sudden fefoctty. =
~, marx ~. With one exception <
= Bnojl1hs6n = sot 70 - killsd, 4 !