Maryland independent. [volume] (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1874-current, 1931-06-26
CHAPTER v
Mr.. John Samp, Constable
Finds Amos TodkiIl

Next day constable with an able
seaman set out in a shallop to find
Robert Heathers. The colony had
long wait for news of them. They
found the tavern ship at anchor in a
little harbor far up the coast. More
than a score of fishermen, including
the infamous Thomas Wannerton and
the pirate Dixie Bull, thronged its tap
room and decks in a wild spree. They
traded fish and furs for beer and bread
and meal and clothing and kill-devil,
a local name for strong water.
The constable was a fat clustering
Englishman of the name of John
Samp, with red hair and mutton-chop
whiskers and the paunch of an OK.
His large weathered face had the lusty
redness of raw beef. His belt was like
the middle hoop on a hogshead. He
had a thick bovine neck, bare to
his breast, and shrewd intelligence.
He was able to read and write.
Amos Todkill saw and recognized
him as he neared the ship when night
was falling. He ran to Robert, say
ing: go over the starboard side into
our canoe and pull off a bit and lie
to within hail till We hear my whistle"
The two were prepared for all
emergencies. Amos went to the land
ing stair and met Mr.. Samp putting
after his climb.
He took the hand Of the constable
and said:
John, my eyes are glad. What
news have your"
Samp answered: "News! Must
bring news to you? Well, then, there
are fewer fish in the sea than when l
set sail on it."
"Good luck is fond O. good COM
pany," said Todkill.
"Also my belly is full O. emptiness.
There's news for you"
''Come, let us drain cup or two"
They could scarcely hear each other
among the noisy. jolly seamen who
were singing and shouting and arguing
on the deck. Some were engaged in
feats of strength.
what side O. hell is this?" Samp
asked as they made their way to the
taproom. His face bore a look of
overwhelming gravity.
1.-THE north side! Not often as hot
as now They're lot o. roysterin'
good fellows. Be sociable and roly-
poly with em and We have no trouble.
They're in the midst O. a plenty that
they see none too frequent"
Samp looked around him. In a mo-
ment he said:
They're like cattle in a cornfield.
1t puts me in mild O. Morton's Merry
mount. AS the Lords my savior I
never had such thirst on me Our
beer give out yesterday and our water
today"
"It's a leaky keg that goes to sea-"
said Amos. Here's to fair winds''
They drained three cups and then
another. The last had baptism Of
strong water.
MY heart is in the little town."
said Amos. "Tell me what has hap
pened there"
The constable was growing dignified
and philosophical. His native cum
ming was now bit diluted His grav-
ity deepened as he answered:
II reckon you know as well as I
bout that woman trouble in the pine
thicket."
LAS Gods my witness-not quin-
tain"
You can lie like Satan and look
like lamb just dropped. The woman
swore it to viii Heydon. A coat
found in the briars had letter O. his
in its pocket. The hue and cry come
on him hiding in the wood. He is in
prison. It's likely he'll wear the rope
necktie. They have sent me here to
get Robert Heathers. The case is
stout ag'in young Heydon. Robert
has nothin' to fear. Why should he
break his neck runnin' away? If he's
got any sense in his mazzard he'll go
back with me- The court needs his
testimony"
tTo BE coNTINUED)