Happy Days: Tom Taylor, The Boy Who Worried Blanco — page 13: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

i -_ — - - sow 2. Be . , ; mrt. - ae . B termined to avoid any collision whatever : as long as he could do so with any degree \ of self-respect. St Cale The leader of the toughs stood there grad- wally working himself up for an aggressive f movement. = Said he: ~~ * You boys want to go mighty slow or i "© you'll find yourselves in the mud. # - *QOh, that’s all right,” said Hal. ‘‘ We're F ing along at our usual pace, not inter- / fering withany one else, and giving nobody else any just cause to interfere with us. » You are angry because you've lost your ’ hundred dollars on the game, You are not the only man that has lost anything, - but weare in no way responsible for it. ae _ Besides, betting is forbidden on the fair- - +e —_ oe -) _» grounds, anyway. I have no quarrel with “you or any one else. If you think the ; és - ‘pitcher sold out, he is the one to be called pe 4 to account and no one else,” and with that he turned away as if to leave the piazza _ with the other members of the Nine. _ - Hehad taken about three or four steps - when the burly young farmer Cartwright, ~ from Riverhead, came out from the bar- room and said: ") ‘*Hello, Myrick! Give me your hand, = my boy! I'm five hundred dollars in on ~ the game to-day.” : ' ‘Glad to hear it,” said Hal ; ‘‘ but here’s "aman whoisa hundred dollars out, and > wants to thrash the nine of us on account ts) pf it,” | ‘He does, eh?” said Cartwright, looking "around at the sports. ‘“‘He can’t do it — while I’m about.” &*- ~ “ + #£«>I can’t; eh?’ growled the sport, and the oe ~ > ie —. * . "% s "2 : SS — 2 — = ~~» —— .. kong . r $ by . + sg Se -~* next moment he made a vicious blow _ Straight at the face of the burly young __ farmer. 3 ee, ee ak | :> [TO BE CONTINUED. ] —_—————_———_——__ > oe =~ HAPPY DAVS IS _ UP-TO-DATE EVERYTHING IT DOES. ~ . Ne a i" . —— “5. th ——____—_ >@- 9§ => __——_—_———_ [This story conmenced in No. 195, ] ~ Sinbad the Second: ten. OR, _ + The Wondrous Adventures _ Of a New Monte Cristo. - Author of ** The Hero of the Maine,” *‘ The +. Lost School Ship,” “Afloat With Cap- tain Kidd,” *‘ Under the Black Flag,” **Out with a School Ship,” etc., ete. CHAPTER XVI. ' SINBAD’S LECTURE—STEVE MIGGS SUSTAINS | A GREAT SHOOK. ‘‘THkE first view I shall present,” said Sinbad, ‘is the ship itself, a bark, as you will see,” ‘The lantern disclosed a gallant ship in full sail, excellently painted, sailing out of the harbor into the open sea, The - audience, most of whom were boys, burst into applause. Jacques kept his eye on Stephen Miggs, who so far seemed to be paying little at- tention to the exhibition, The l'renchman saw that Sinbad was regarding Mr, Miggs very keenly, and that he looked somewhat disappointed at the latter’s apathy. Per- haps if Stephen Miges had read the name “Swiftsure,” which was printed in very small letters, he would not have shown such indifference, ‘*Now, boys,” said Sinbad, ‘“‘here’s a picture of the captain of the bark. A fine, manly-looking skipper, is he not? Stepheh Miggs sat bolt upright now. Jacques smiled, and Sinbad’s eyes gleamed. The picture of the captain shown by the stereoptican was the living image of Saul Dexter ! Of course Sinbad’s description was given in jest, for the man had villain written in every feature of his face, ‘‘The mate—here he is,” continued Sin- bad, acting as lecturer, ‘tis a worthy as- sistant to such a captain—a jolly jack tar.” ? This time Stephen Miggs turned white and passed his hand across his brow as if _he:- felt dy at He sat staring at the ‘portrait, which was a faithful one of Rich- - ard Quince, otherwise Don Ricardo Quin, | mate of the Swiftsure. _. *Haven’t you some comic views?” said - Stephen Miggs, speaking with an effort. _ “think the boys like them better, Mr. | Sinbad.” ae fh _ “No, no!” came voices from al! parts of _ ~theroom, ‘The ship—the ship!” _ * You see, Mr, Miggs, they don't agree hax ‘with you,” - _ ~*So Ll observe,” answered Steve Miggs, - Biting his lips, ‘Please the children, by _ @ii means.” “Now we'll proceed, Boys,” said Sinbad, very important member of a crew, as > du Pe, af 2 me esi ae | a2 : 3 * “Ss HAPF?rY: DATS © ] Tt ‘you'll know when you go to sea, is the steward of the stip. our .comfort de- oath on him. This is the steward of the ar pig Jacques was astounded at Sinbad’s au- dacity. There on the lantern was Stephen Miggs looking at his living representative, who sat with pallid face staring in wonder at the picture. ‘‘What does this mean?” he gasped in low tones, ‘‘ Myself as I looked ten years ago.” ‘*Monsieur, you don’t seem well,” ob- served Jacques. ‘‘ Yes—yes, I'm all right,” returned the other hoarsely. ‘*Perhaps,” said the Frenchman, “the icture recalls sad memories. It resem- les youso much. Is it possible it can be your brother, who has since died ?” Stephen Miggs sat stupefied, unable to make any re If he had looked up, the terrible expres- sion on Sinbad’s face would have ap- palled him. ‘‘It is the man,” muttered Sinbad, pas- sionately. ‘‘ Now to make sure.” ‘* A ship’s voyage,” said Sinbad, ‘‘is not always exciting, but this one had a very eventful time. There were five passengers on board. Look at them.” Instantly was displayed a picture show- ing a man, a woman, two boys andga girl. Stephen Miggs half rose from his seat as if he meant to leave the hall. ‘Dont go, Mr. Miggs, snid Jacques, detaining him, ‘* Recollect we are strang- ers here,’ Stephen Miggs sank helplessly into his seat as if he Pea no life in him, with his eyes fixed upon the picture which seemed to fascinate him. The view changed, and next the ship was seen laboring ina Peary ee with a small boat riding the waves by its side, In the boat were the five passengers, extending their arms, evidently in an appeal for mercy, to the crowd of people collected at the bulwarks. The scene was so graphic that loud shouts of approval came from the audi- ence. ‘* It needs a little explanation,” said Sin- bad. ‘*The boat is not putting off from a sinking ship. No, the bark is all right, but the captain, officers and crew are vil- lains. They have discovered that the male passenger had great riches with him, so they have robbed him, and turned him and his family adrift in an open boat in a rag- ing sea to perish,” A thrill of horror pervaded the room. ‘* What is that man with the cask doing, sir?” asked a small boy, one of the au- dience, — Sinbad’s face turned livid as the ques- tion was put to him, ‘* That is the steward,” he said, speaking very slowly, fixing his eyes on Stentien Miggs with a glance of the bitterest hate, ‘*Tbhe poor people in the boat are without water. The steward from whom they have begged it, refuses their request, and empties a water cask before their eyes. ‘There is water all round you, he says, ‘Drink it.’” The children sat spellbound. The thrill- ing manner in which Sinbad explained this ocean tragedy, made it appear that he was describing something that had actu- ally happened, and not merely the resuit of an artist's fancy. During the whole of the explanation Stephen Miggs had sat like a man in a dream, neither moving hor speaking, When Sinhad hissed out the reply of,the steward to the passengers, he was in- stantly aroused, He sprang to his feet and bounded to- wards the platform, until he was only a yard or two away from Sinbad, *“ Who are you?” he asked, with quiver- ing lips. ‘*‘Boy or demon; have you risen from the dead ?” ‘‘Tam Sinbad theSecond |!” * Stephen Miggs raised his fist as if he meant to rush on the mysterious boy, but he had been so overwrought by what he had gone through, that he could endure no more, and pressing his hana to his fore- head he fell in a heap on the floor. The room was in an uproar in a moment. The Ge children were frightened to death by what had happened, and all were making for the door, knowing well that the entertainment would not be resumed, Two or three men sprang towards Stephen Miggs to render him assistance. acques was already bending over him, and Sinbad had jumped hastily from the army eg and was whispering in his riend’s ear. ** Will he live, Jacques?” ‘** Yes, the fit will soon pass away,” ‘*Thank goodness, I shall not be cheated of my revenge,” “Sir,” said one of the villagers, ** Mr. Miggs should be taken home, I have al- ready sent for a doctor,” Sinbad gave Jacques a significant look which the Frenchman understood, ‘*T ama doctor,” said Jacques, quick] ee ‘‘ Your friend is safe in my hands,’ ‘‘There is a carriage at the door,” re- marked Sinbad, a few moments later, ‘I should think your patient might be taken away now.’ _ Cortalny, * You will the villagers. ‘*‘Of course, a doctor cannot desert a sick man. Myself and my friend will not lose sight of him, Pray, gentlemen, assist me in carrying him out.” The crowd at the entrance made way for the sick man, and the driver opened the door of the coach so that he might be placed inside. dace almost dropped his burden, for he had hada great surprise. The coach. man was Con Cregan. Sinbad and Jacques followed the sick man into the carriage. Con mounted the box, whipped up his horses, and away they started. ‘‘So you knew the carriage was there, Sinbad ?” ‘“Yes; all was prepared. If he had not fallen into a fit 1 should have seized him outside the hall.” ‘‘ We are, of course,” laughed Jacques, ‘taking him to his home.” ‘Certainly. You can hear the waves beating. We are not far away.” At this moment Con gave ashrill whis- tle, and instantly it was replied to. The coach stopped. ‘* Where are we?” ‘* At the beach. Ishe still unconscious, Jacques ?” sé es,” **So much the better.” Half a dozen men stood around the door now. Stephen Miggs was lifted out, taken by these men in their arms, carried down the beach to the water, and dropped into a boat which lay there, Sinbad and Jacques followed. So did Con Cregan, quite forgetting his horses, ‘To the yacht !” Saouted Sinbad, ‘‘ Faith, it’s for your lives, boys, ye must pull, It’s meself was in a British prison once, an’ beater it’s enough,” ‘‘ We shall be pursued and captured.” “Jacques! Jacques! What are you erg Is there any ship afloat can over- take the Avenger? Before the alarm can be raised and a ship sent in pursuit we shall be twenty or thirty miles away.” Ten minutes later the Avenger was rush- ing through the waves at a speed that de- fied pursuit, and Stephen Miggs, just com- ing to his senses, was staring around the cabin in which he had been placed, not yet sufficiently recovered to understand what had happened, ——_-_~_oe CHAPTER XVII. SINBAD INTERVIEWS THE PRISONER~— WHAT HAPPENED AT CAPE VERDE ISLANDS, No doubt the Avenger was pursued, This would be certain to happen in any country with a settled government, but the yacht had a good start, and kept away from the English coast, so she saw_noth- ing of any vessels sent after her. Before morning Sinbad was convinced that all danger was past, f ‘‘How is your prisoner, Neptune?” in- quired Sinbad of the black cook as he en- tered the cabin. ‘* T jes’ done gib him his breakfas’ massa,” ‘* Ah ! that’s tp Feed him well. Did he say anything?” ‘Golly, he rabing mad,” ‘‘Raving mad, is he? down soon.” ‘“* You black tief,’ he cry. Dat’s me, massa. ‘Take me to your skipper.’” ‘* Wants to see me, does he? Very well, bring him in at once.” Stephen Miggs had entirely recovered from the fainting fit into which he had fallen on the previous night, and met Sin- bad with an insolent look on his face. He was astonished by the amazing splendor he saw on all sides, but he was plainly de- termined not to show it, and exhibited cay pe stolidity. ‘‘ You wanted to see me, Stephen Miggs, You are here, say on.” ‘‘T demand that you put me ashore.” ‘“ Ashore! Why, we are one hundred miles from land.” “Then land me at the nearest port.” Sinbad smiled mockingly. ‘What! lose my friend Steve Miggs so soon after all the trouble I’ve had to take him on a voyage with me?” “Parbleu!” laughed Jacques, “it’s not to be thought of.” ; ‘‘ You will suffer for this,” cried the pris- oner, ** How ?” * You will be captured.” ‘“T think not. The Avenger can show a clean pair of heels to any vessel afloat.” ‘The English gabon bags will scour the seas till they find you.” ‘They will never find me,” ** Never is a long day.” ‘ Granted they do find me-—what then ?” Preece Miggs’ face underwent a change, The thoughts that flitted through his mind toned down the bravado he was showing. ‘*You have not answered my question, Stephen Miggs,” said Sinbad, ‘“ Very it is quite safe.” go with him?” said one of Well, he'll cool iS well; I'll answer it for you. Now we'll suppose the Britishers capture us, It’s not likely, but for the sake of argument we'll suppose it. My explanation will be a brief one. I shall say Stephen Miggs was the steward of the Swiftsure. le sent five people away from the ship in mid ocean in an open boat, That was murder— foul murder, cowardly murder. You will hang, Stephen Miggs, and nothing will Save you |” The captive clutched the table with a ghastly look on his face as he realized how utterly hopeless his situation was, ‘* But who are you?” asked the prisoner, , ‘*“Who gave you anyrights over me? have done no wrong. I know nothing of | what you have said about the Swiftsure and the people who you say were nmir- dered,’ **We shall see, chance,” ‘* You mean I shall be tried ?” ? To. ‘When and where?” ‘*Patience! You shall have a fair trial, monster that youare! Till then you are at liberty to go where you please on the ship. Sinbad took up a book which he had * been reading, as if to intimate that the in- You shall have every terview was over. Steve Miggs waited a moment, as if he intended tosaysomething. Then hesluni out of the cabin quite crestfallen, a great. contrast to the bold manner with which he had entered it, At the door he half turned round and darted a glance full of hate at Sinbad. ‘“All is not lost yet,” he muttered, ‘‘ Take care, Sinbad, or I shall kill you !” The prisoner had anything but a pleas- ant time aboard the yacht, for although no restrictions were placed upon him, and he was plentifully fed, yet he found himself shunned by everybody. He tried to get into conversation with various members of the crew, thinking he might gain some knowledge of the mys- terious boy in whose power he was, But his efforts were in vain, None of the sail- ors would talk with him. Jacques and Con Cregan watched him closely, fearing that he might make an at- tack upon Sinbad, but he seemed, as far as possible, to avoid getting near his cap- tor. So matters went on until the Cape Verde Islands, which are situated in the Atlan; tic Ocean, off the west coast of Africa, came into view, Vessels are in the habit of coaling there, and it became necessary for the F venues to take on a supply, for her coal bunkers were half emptied, Sinbad, as they were making for the per found himseif nearSteve Miggs. The atter, although looking anxious, had a somewhat satisfied expression on his face, ‘*Mr, Sinbad,” he said, “Well ?” ‘* We shall stay here a considerable time I imagine.” ‘Why ?”’ ‘‘ Because the British government will have cabled to the authorities to detain us, “And you think you may get away? Well, hope on, ifit gives you any pleas- ure, I have no misgivings,” True enough, before the ship had half loaded with coal, a boat came along, con- taining a man who, from the gold-laced uniform he wore, seemed to bein authority. He drew up alongside the ship, and coming on board, was conducted to the cabin. There a splendid banquet was laid out, and Sinbad very politely invited the officer to partake, It was clear that the magnificence that prevailed everywhere on the yacht, had made its effect felt. The official bowed low to the boy Sinbad, as if he was talking to an emperor, He did not reply for a moment to Sin- bad’s invitation, seeming somewhat con- fused, ‘‘T came here on a very different errand, sir,” he said, ‘‘ In fact, on a matter of busi- ness,” ‘‘Dinner first,” laughed Sinbad, gayly. ‘“ Afterwards as much business as you please,” It seemed impossible to refuse such a courteous invitation, so the official sat down without making any further pro- tests. He could scarcely eat for astonishment, The table was loaded with dishes and plates, most of them made of solid gold, and the wine, of which he was a judge, was the choicest he had ever tasted, ‘You are admiring that glass,” said Sinbad, as She noticed his guest holding it to the light. “Yes, I admit it, In what country do they make such beautiful glass ?” ‘It is mot glass,” answered Sinbad, ghey & “Tt isa crystal hollowed out, I have a large number of them. But come, I don’t wish to hurry you. We are alone now; let us dispose of the business on which you came to see me,” ‘* Really, I hardly know whattosay. I'm afraid I’ve made a mistake, I have re- cbool » nN a> ’ a bad “ HM . et ree . Py nk te : >t ” Ve 4 er ek » j a a "4 m ae ee AIR ee lr © ay aN \ Ps 7 = > G es : ' SiS. we BS y = * om ¥ re ee WF to es . <%