Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1924-11-16
CHAPTER XIX.
The Meeting.

AS the door slammed after the de-
parting admiral, Lord Julian turned
to Arabella and actually smiled he
felt that he was doing better, ana
gathered from It an almost childish
Observation-Disclosures in all the cir
cumstances. DECIDEDLY T think l had
the last word there" he said. with a
toss of his golden ringlets
Miss Bishop. seated at the cabin
table, looked at him steadily. without
returning his smile. Does 1t mater.
then. so much. having the last woro'
am thinking OF those poor fello"s
on the Royal Mary. Many OF them
have had their last word, indeed. And
for what? A fine ship sunk, score
of lives lost, thrice that number now
in jeopardy, and all for What?
You are overweight. ma am.
"Overwrought" She uttered sim
gle sharp note Of laughter. as
sure YOU I am calm. I am asking you
a question, Lord Julian. Why has
this Spaniard done all this? To what
purpose?'
shrugged angrily. "Blood-lust' ne
explained shortly.
"Rlood-lust?" she asked. She was
amazed Does such a thing exist,
'Fiendish." his lordship agreed.
"Devil's work"
II don't understand. At Bridge
town three years ago there was
Spanish raid. and things were Done
that should have been imposslble 10
men: horrible. revolving things, which
strain belief which seem, when L
think of them now, like the illusions
of some evil dream. Are men just
beasts?"
Menu said Lord Julian, staring.
Say Spaniards, and I'll agree He
was an Englishman speaking or
hereditary foes. And yet there was
a measure of truth in mhat he said.
q measure of truth in what he said
world Faith. almost it justifies such
men as Blood of what they do"
She shivered, as If cold, and setting
her elbows on the table, she took her
chin in her hands and sat staring be-
fore here.
Observing her. his lordship noticed
how drawn and white her face had
grown There was reason enough
for that-and for worse. Not any
other woman Of his acquaintance
would have preserved her self-con-
troll in such an ordeal; and of fear. at
least, at no time had Miss Bishop
shown any sign. 1t is impossible
that he did not find her admirable.
Spanish steward entered bearing
a silver chocolate service and box
of Peruvian candies, which he placed
on the table before the lady.
with the admirars homage he
said, then bowed and withdrew.
Miss Bishop took no heed Of him
or his offering. but continued to stare
before her, lost in thought. Lord Ju-
liam took a turn in the long, low
cabin, which was lighted by q sky
;rh OH
dows astern. 1t was luxuriously ap-
pointed there were rich Eastern
rugs on the floor. well filled book
cases stood against the bulkheads,
and there was a carved walnut side
board laden with silverware. On
long, low chest standing under the
middle stern port lay. a guitar, that
was gay with ribbons. Lord Julian
picked it up, twanged the strings
once, as If moved by nervous irrita-
ton, and put it down.
He turned again to face Miss
Bishop.
II came out here" he said. "to put
down piracy. But-blister me! I be-
gil, &c think that the French are right
in desiring piracy to continue as
curb upon these Spanish scoundrels."
He was to be strongly confirmed in
that opinion before many hours were
past Meanwhile their treatment at the
hands of Don Miguel was considerate
and courteous. 1t confirmed the opin-
ion, contemptuously expressed to
his lordship by Miss Bishop. that
since they were to be held to
ransom they need not fear any vio-
lence or hurt. A cabin was placed
at the disposal of the lady and her
terrified woman. and another at Lord
,iAn's. They were given the free
dom of the ship. and hidden to dine
i IL Ltr
further intentions regarding them
mentioned, nor yet his immediate
destination.
The Milagrosa, with her consort
the Hidalga rolling after her. steered
south by westerly course, then
veered to the southeast round Cape
Tiburon. and thereafter. standing
well out to sea, with the land no
more than a cloudy outline to lar
board, she headed directly east, and
so ran straight into the arms Of
Captain Blood. who was making for
the Windward Passage. as we know.
That happened early on the follow
ing morning. After having syste-
matically hunted his enemy In vain
for a year. Don Miguel CHANGED upon
him in this unexpected and entirely
fortuitous fashion. But that is the
ironic way of fortune. 1t was also
the way of fortune that Don Miguel
should thus come upon the Arabella
at a time when. separated from the
rest of tho fleet, she was alone and
at a disadvantage. 1t looked to Don
Miguel as II the luck which so long
had been IN Blood's side had at last
veered in bis own favor.
Miss Bishop, newly risen. had come
out to take the air on the quarter
deck with his lordship in attendance
as you would expect of SO gallant q
gentleman-when she beheld the big
red ship that had once been the Cinco
Llagas out of Cadiz. The vessel was
bearing down upon them, her noun
tains of snowy canvas bellyinG for
ward. the long pennon with tho cross
of st. George fluttering from her
main truck in the morning breeze.
the gilded portfolios in her red hull,
and the gilded beak-head ahash II
the morning sun.