The Mena weekly star., 1919-07-17

He WOuiu nave Killed the fellow had 1 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 I thought 1t best to lock the door, and keep the key ir my own pocket LeVere would have knifed him even as he lay there nelp- 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," l said sterniy. "Step lively, fad {; there's noth- ing for you to fear. Senor Estada has been killed during the night, and we have just captured his murderer" l 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 quartersf"
 Tt did once, senor, but now there is a 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"
 l stood there 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.
 ''yery well, steward" I said. You go on about your work as though noth- ing had happened. If any word of this affair gets to the crew, or to those fel- lows forward, I'll hold you responsi- ble. You are not to leave this cabin without my permission, nor speak to anyone. Leyere"
 The mulatto faced me respectfully enough, and had feeling he would obey orders, largely because he dare not rebel.
 "They will be wondering why you are not on deck It 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 sthe man down to me. He can choose the fellows who will stick better than you could, and then can circulate among them without arousing suspicion"
 Watkins soon shufiied down the steps. He whipped off his cap and stood waiting.
 l put my hand on his shoulder. ''Tom," I said soberly, i've are in the same boat and understand each other. The chance has come for both of us, if we play the cards right. Listen while l tell you the situation, and what I plan doing"
 l told 1t briefly, wasting no words, yet relating every fact. He listened eagerly, but without interruption un- til the end.
 What do you make of it?" l asked.
 About what you do. sir l 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 handful of others, niggers and Spanlards, mostly. They meant to pull the affair off either to- day or tonight. Your plan gives us fair chance, sir A dozen good men on deck might do the business"
 But are there 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."
 '1n my watch there's Jones, liar wood and Simms, either English or Welsh. They're all right. Then there's nigger named Sam; Schmitt, Dutchman, with his partner, whose name I don't know. and two Frenchies. 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 nig- ger. Then there are couple of Films who ought to be with us, but 1 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. I haven't any use though, sir, for Francois Leyere. There ain't worse scamp aboard"
 q know that" I admitted but he had to he used"
 And what is my part now?"
 "This Is my watch below, and it will be best for me to keep off the deck until all is prepared. You sound these men and get them together; wake up the ones in the starboaru watch you feel sure are all right, and have them slip quietly on deck. Then we'll get these arms in the rack here, and be ready for business-the rest will be done in hurry. I'll wait here for your report"
 At the very best Watkins could scarcely perform the task assigned him in less than an hour. The success or failure of our effort depended en- tirely upon taking these fellows by open fight our cause was hopeless, for that would mean fourteen or fifteen men unarmed, pitted against over a hundred thoroughly equipped and frofrad 6Uhfarc Only by oapfinfnp