The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-09-13

you to do. For the truth is that his wounds are not so grave as to have pre- vented his coming. It was his con- sideration of himself and the false po- sition in, which you wouE be placed if you had directed word from him of what has happened. .' Blood paused moment. What you hear from us is no more than mere rumor. Your excellency understands
 His excellency frowned thoushtfully. T understand in part" sand he.
 Captain Blood had moments un- easiness. hS
 And we have in the boat below two chests containing fifty thousand pieces of eight, which we are to deliver to your excellency."
 Mot another word, in, the name of Heaven !" cried the Admiral in alarm. My brother wishes me to assume charge of this money, to carry it to Spain for him? We'll, that is family matter between my brother and my self" He broke off. Hum! A glass of Malaga in my cabin, if you please, " he invited them, whilst the chests are being hauled aboard" And whilst sailors cnrried on board the two chests, the Admiral and Cap tain Blood exchanged toasts that damned eternally the besotted James who occupied the throne of England At the end Don Esteben timidly urged My father is in haste to reach San Domingo. He desired me to stay no longer than necessary to embrace you. If you will give us leave, then, sir, uncle."
 In the circumstances "sir uncle" did not insist.
 As they stepped into the waist of the Cinco Llagas, Hagthorpe odvanced to receive them. Blood observed the set, almost scared expression on his face.
 "Don Diego :" he was be- ginning. and then stopped, and looked curiously at Blood.
 Noting the pause and the look, Este ban bounded forward, his face livid.
 Have you broken faith, you CUTS l Has he come to harmT he cried--and the six Spaniards behind him grew clamorous with furious questionings.
 eve do not break faith,'' said Hagthorpe firmly, so firmly that he quieted them. And in this case there was not the need. Don Diego died in his bonds before ever you reached the Encarnacion."
 Peter Blood said nothing.
 "Died% screamed Esteban. You killed him, you mean. Of what did he die?"
 Hagthorpe looked at the boy. "If I am a judge" he said. "Don Diego died of fear"
 Don Esteban struck Hagthorpe across the face at that, and Hagthorpe would have struck back, but that Blood got between, whilst his followers seiged the lad.
 "He died before left the Cinco Llagas," said Blood. He was hang ing dead in his bonds when spoke to him before leaving"
 "If had known that" the lad said at last in thick voice, "you would be hanging from the yardarm of the Encarnacion at this moment. But you'll hang there yet"
 Captain Bood shrugged and turned on his heel. But he did not on that account disregard the words, nor did Hagthorpe, as they showed at a council held that night in the cabin.
 This council was met to determine what should be done with the Spanish prisoners, Considering that Curacao now lay beyond their reach. It had been decided that, going east of Hispanola, and> then sailing along it's northern coast, they should make for Tortuga, that haven of the, buccaneers. It was now a question of whether they should convey the Spaniards thither with them, or turn them off in boat to make the best of their way to the coast of His paniola, which was but ten miles off. This course urged by Blood was de- termined