Year: 1873

the storm.


The low, sandy coast of Africa, with here
and there a ragged, struggling palm rearing
its lofty head above the horizon, was finally
sighted, the news having somewhat strange
effect upon the sailors.


Clustering round the windlass, they appear.
ed to be holding hurried consultation, and
then, as if agreed upon their plan of action
they came aft in body.


Thurston, Mr.. Crowell, and the young lady
were the sole occupants of the atter-portlon
of the vessel, save the man at the wheel.


The quick, restless eye Of the captain was
the first to discover the strange movement Of
the men, and an ominous frown darkened his
fine features.


"There's breeze coming, Crowel!," he
said, in low tone, to the mate, "and that iron
box is at the bottom of it. Let's see what
they have to say. Well, men, l see you are
aft. What is the trouble? Is there anything
the matter with your grub?"


A seaman, bearing the cognomen of Manila
Joe, who acted as spokesman, stepped forward
to reply. He was burly, wicked-looking
rascal, feared by the men, and dislked by the
officers.


1T amt the grub we cares about, sir" he
commenced, in a shufiing, hesitatIng tone
"But we feels we have right to have an un'
derstanding about that box, and the ballast
inside. We've waited for some word to come
about salvage, but it's no use. So, you see,
we've come to inquire how much comes into
the forecastle. The boys found it; nary a
thing but the woman would have been saved
had it not been for them"


$50 you have finished, have you? III did
right l would treat you to dose of double
irons with bread and water. You, it appears,
are the sea-lawyer of this craft but let me
tell you, if you practice on board here you
will have me for both judge and jury. Re-
member me- Men, one word about that box,
and let it be the last. l shall return that box
with its contents to the owners in Havana,
and claim whatever is our DUE Admitting
that it contains gold, we would be classed as
pirates to keep it when the right owner is
known. You shall not be defrauded out of
one cent belonging to you. Now, goforward.


Grumbling and growing amongst them
selves, the crew sullenly obeyed the ommand.
1t was easy to perceive that Thurstons logic
did not suit the sailors, who had evidently
made up their mind for spree on the coast
off of the contents of the box, which in reality
was filled with gold. AS precaution Thurs
ton overhauled his firearms, an example that
Crowell followed, while the men were careful
ly watched.


Under easy sail the Shadow glided over the
bar, the white-capped rollers roaring and tum-
bling after each other in quick succession on
either side of the narrow channel. Proceed
ing up the river short distance, the schooner
dropped anchor before the first negro village,
barely visible through the thick growth Of
trees and mangrove bushes lining the banks.


The first night passed in the river was seized
by the crew as an opportunity to desert
When daylight dawned the Shadow could
only boast Of Thurston, Crowell, the steward,
and the lady passenger.


1t was an anxious and trying position. That
the men were bent upon violence, Thurston
was we'll assured and if once they gained the
upper hand, the lives of those on board would
surely fall q sacrifice to the passions of the
ignorant crew.


The negroes, wild and savage, would rejoice
at the prospect of p plunder, and readily join
under the leadership of Manila Joe in any
plan he might propose.


A long and serious consultation was held
in the cabin of the little Shadow upon the best
course to pursue. 1t was madness to remain
where they we're. They could not hore to de-
fend the schooner successfully against such a
force as Manila Joe would muster together.


Three men to manage the schooner at sea
was certainly short-handed but there was no
alternative Better by far brave the perils of
the Atlantic with their puny strength, than
risk the results of al attack.


1t was finally decided not to make an at
tempt to retreat during the day. Too much
haste in dropping down the river might en-
bolden the rascals to throw off all conceal
ment. Under cover of the night they might
hope to escape the danger that threatened
them


1t was an anxious, restless day for all.
Donna Luiz had been informed by Thurston
of the true state of affairs and although her
cheek paled at the information, she declared
her intention of assisting in the defence of the
schooner should an attack be made 81 can
fire revolver, Senior Thurston, with the best
of you"


"You will have an opportunity to try your
skill, fear," was the reply, as the captain re-
turned to his post of observation, when, glass
in hand, he watched on both sides Of the
river.


Quietly, under cover of the bulwarks, the
chain-cable was prepared for slipping. The
sails not having been furled, were ready for
instant use, and with hearts agitated BY alter
nate emotions of hope and fear, they beheld
the deep shades of night settling down upon
them.


A profound silence fell upon the scene.
Stream and shore were alike wrapped in re-
pose The noisy chatterings of monkeys, the
scream of paroquets and other birds were
hushed, and no sound came from the dark,
tangled forest save an occasional murmur of
the evening breeze among the branches. The
river rolled sluggishly along, now surging
past the thick mangroves with a low swash,
and then ripping against the schooner as she
swung with the tide.


AS the darkness increased, thick mist crept
down the river, rolling out of the forest in
dense clouds. Gradually, both shores became
indistinct finally fading entirely from view,
which was hailed with delight by the anxious
hands on the Shadow.


The decisive moment for action had come.
The steward stood by to cut the stopper, the
mate grasped the jib halliards, while Thurs
ton grasped the spokes of the wheel, with
Luiz by his side.


In low tone the order was given to slip, a
sullen plunge followed as the chain ran out
board, and as the jib crept slowly up the stay
the schooner's head swung down the stream.


The Shadow had scarcely gathered steerage-
way when the gleam Of dozen fires shone
with lurid glare through the white mists