The Island School — page 270: what you’re looking at

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

a a ta ae fi rH ci V4 [. fl ny be ti, « + a > is oe") on C Pee to ts talk to hen or Sad tay, any at the But they were not inclined to be themselves - silent on that account. : “ Another ship in the bay,” said Jim, in a casual "sort of way. “ Rather curious, wasn’t it ?” ‘The Don pricked up his ears, but askedno questions, _ Morse, after taking a deliberate bite out of his bread- and-butter, said: “Well, it was odd, Be sits as they did seem to know where they had ianded. Fine old man) that _ with the white beard. What question did he put to you 2” “‘ He asked me where the old schoolhouse — and ate ‘pointed out the way to go to the ruins of i i ie “Stay !” said the Don, with a flushed face. ‘ « Before you proceed, let me ask a question. Was the ship _ you mention an old-fashioned Spanish galleon ?” ; i, ie) HH A 4 ‘ m fi ’ « ee : e 4 ral r “Tt was old-fashioned,” replied Jim, after a short _ deliberation with himself, “but I do not know the build of a galleon.” “The gentleman you name—was he tall, with a slight stoop ?” | Jim nodded. “And the bay you spoke of P” “Silver Bay. A mile or more from where the at used to stand.” “ Did this gentleman make any further remark ?” “He said something about intelligence from the ‘Spanish Government, aia the landing of more troops on the island. He spoke of Minorca, too.” “Tt is Don Carlos Spartola, Governor of Minorca. - How long was this ago P” _ “Two hours.” “ And he is not here yet 2” “Well,” said Jim, “I suppose he has not been informed that the school has shifted ground, and finding nothing but ruins, he may be in a bit of a fix.” “T am lost—undone!” cried Don Algua. What will he say to me for not keeping a lookout? To arms, all you men in the courtyard. I must hasten to find the Don Carlos Spartola, and greet him with A rey © BS is “% After tea will do,” fitting martial honours. Stir yourselves, you fools /” He leaped up from his seat, seized his hat, and - having hastily formed his men into order marched _ away. | “~ Act the first,” said Jim, “has succeeded to per- iicction:” i ; He looked down the table to where Martin was sitting, and the blacksmith quietly slipped out and _ closed the castle gates. On returning he exchanged _ afew words with Jim ere he resumed his seat. said Jim. “Itis dark now, Sih he won't be able to see whether there is a ship or ot in the bay, if he Ba so far. ‘The probabilities of thak Saleh rum ae fais Wiel A 70 alanis vi gt thas ! out the Bate in nate ix an Lt a OR a ee ate 2 2 ER ee ee a ee ee a ee here was no fe Dy atic et DE nia ste eee Seal -comicbooks. UN ree ae Ae They laughed, and by this te here was Eee merriment at the expense of the departed Don and his men. Mr. Storeby, who with his companion undermaster had been “lying low” for some time, now assumed the authoritative, and demanded silence. bs “TI beg your pardon,” said Jim, “ what did you say 2” “I insist upon silence,” was the reply. “It isn’t necessary under the circumstances,” said — Jim, unmoved. | A very ugly look crossed the face of the under- master, but he said no more just then. With an effort he bottled his wrath, but he determined to get 2 alae even with Jim one day. As soon as the tea was finished Martin and the ; ii other trade teachers, excepting Chorker, went into fe 4 the laboratory with Morse, and presently returned, - each with a rifle in his hand. Nobody else had left the hall, and again the mind of Mr. Storeby was exercised to make inquiry. iG “Why are you armed 2” he demanded. “I though that foolery was done with ?” | “* Not quite,” replied Martin. . a hand upon the barrel of the weapon. loaded, aud may go off.” “‘Itis a preposterous proceeding,” said Mr. Storeby. ‘What do you say, Turner ?” .“ Nothing,” was the weary reply. as they like.” “I must, I suppose,” muttered Storeby. made another notch in his memory of se to avenge. Accompanied by Jim, in addition to Morse, the men went up to the room where Mr. Farrell was under — The door was not kept fast, and open- — surveillance. ing it, they entered. mt The two guards were seated on the bed playing ecards. Mr. Farrell gloomily paced the floor. “Stand, you two Spanish chaps,” “ Get their rifles, boys.” “Tet them do But he f a) MD 4 cried Martin. The Spaniards saw that they were in a fix, and by | their terror-fixed faces showed that they feared the worst. Jim and Morse had already secured their rifles, which were leaning against the wall, They now relieved them of their bayonets also, “Take them out, Martin,” said Jim, 3 A signal from the blacksmith sufficed to start the pair, and with shaky knees they left the room, followed by all the men, Jim and Morse remained behind. Mr, Farrell, who was still in his ragged clothes, had shown a desire to hide away under the bed, but he at recalled to himself by the ° voice of ai assuring — _~ “Mind,” warningly returned the blacksmith; “itis hee “ Put that thing down!” cried Mr. Storeby, layin See e aie Bie We Us