The Washington herald., 1919-08-25

one DY nedulHS uEl cOuNAlr van N''o
way we had come. During this time
killed by the first officer in a drunken
passion. his body cast overheard and
I pressed into his berth
It was night, with a swell Of thick
white fog. the men listening for
breakers, when the brig ran over
boat; and sent all but one man to the
bottom. That one, with a leap and a
clutch which showed his rare agility
and strength. boarded US by way OF
the briggs bowsrit.
He entered the cabin, or round
house, looking cool as you please,
and called for something to eat and
the drink to wash It down He was a
weU-set. rather small man with a
dark face and dancing bright eyes
Under his great coat were two silver
mounted pistols, a dirk and a great
sword He made his name known,
Alan Stewart Breck, and without fear
announced himself as on a mission
for Prince Charlie. From a money
belt about him he offered the captain
sixty guineas to be set ashore on
Linnhe Loeb.
The captain shook hands on the
bargain. but at once went on deck to
plot with his first officer as to how
best to come at the money belt. had
no love for the captain. and also It
was sCUrvy hospitality to a man we
had all but drowned: so I warned the
stranger OF the plot Surprised he was
but not put out, asking me would
stand with him Jacobite though he
was. 7 said 7 would.
Two doors and a skyIight furnished
entrance to the round-house. Alan
placed me where 7 could see IN shoot
through at whoever might come at
one closed door or through the sky
light The other door he left open.
standing before it with dirk and
sword They came with a rush OF
feet and many loud cries toward
Alan. I heard a shout from him and
a cry as of someone hurt. Then
came five men with a spare yard for
a battering ram to drive my door in.
For the first time in my life fired a
pistol: and hit one of them. which
drove them back. By then Alan's
sword was running blood: and the
first mate. he who had murdered the
cabin boy. lay dying on the floor. An
other lay beside him
They came next to my side, some
to the barred door and one dropping
through the skylight to the floor,
where. after first closing my eyes.
shot him. He dropped with a horrible
Croan. Another ones legs danE!ed
through the skylight. and him shot
too. he dropping dead atop OF his
companion. Alan was then dirking
one who clung to his legs, and put
ting the cutlass to another who was
\
held a cutlass over him and yet more
were crowding at him through the
door. He seemed lost; but he broke
clear and taking his distance. Glove
one. another, and then flashing his
sword like quicksilver. drove the 9TH
ers like sheep along the deck We
were masters of the brig. Alan en-
braced and kissed me, saying: "Da-
vid. love you like a brother. But .
man. am no the bonny fighter" and
setting down by the table. sword IN
hand. he burst into Gaelic song.
The very next night we struck
reef I was thrown into the sea,
thinking I would drown, but found a
spar and with 1t kicked myself along
till my feet found quiet water and
dry land. OF the ship or her company
could see nothing. Later I learned
that all but the wounded were safe.
The ship herself was a total loss to
Capt Hoseason, which did not
grieve to hear.
After days OF wandering and secret
inquiry. for ne was one with a price
on his head. found Alan. It was in
the same hour that I Witnessed the
killing OF Campbell Of Glenure, the
man who had been doing the Kings
will against the Jacobites. The shot
came in such fashion that I seemed
to be an accompIice. I had to flee
or be hanged. II was Alan who Sc
cured my immediate escape For two
months thereafter. with red-coats
guarding every road and glen. fol-
lowed Alan through the country OF
the Campbells.
It was wet and cold and slim food
for US both. with now and then a lit
tie something not much better in the
hut Of a Jacobite. Weary grew and
full Of pain. crawling the wet heather
and climbing the ragged crags and
hills. Posted bills promised great re-
wards for our capture-I saw them
everywhere-and many there were
who knew us for what we were: but
never one, poor and miserable though
betrayal. Such" cried Alan proud
ly. 'is the loyalty of the Highlander
We came safe at last to Queens
ferry and the home OF Mr. Rankiel-
lor. who proved a shrewd and kindly
friend and who at once set about re-
trieving my rights in the Shaw es-
tate. Your father" he explained
was a good man but weak He loved
your mother. To win your mother he
let your uncle steal the estates But
he will have them back soon
Alan aided US greatly in our plans
Half by quick wit, and half by sheer
boldness, he had my uncle admit his
plan to have me kidnapped and sold
into slavery in the Carolines, Mr..
Rankiellor and his clerk all the while
listening in the shadows. And so I |
came into my own.
And Alan. who made a man Of me? |
All he asked was to be put on the |
road OF his mission. AS to that, let
me say II I say no more, that he |