Adventure Magazine Cover, June 18, 1921 — page 52: what you’re looking at

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

42 halyard, and before the Pride of Bristol—as the other vessel was named—could begin to go about the flag of Spain was down and the English flag afloat on the breeze above the Cinco Llagas. That, and the extraordinary tale which by now Esteban was relating—confirmed in part by the blank contents of the package he carried—was enough to give the Pride of Bristol pause. ‘The Spaniards were or- dered aboard and temporarily detained, whilst an English crew in charge of the mate took possession of the long-boat and put off to visit the Cinco Llagas. Captain Blood received the mate of the Pride of Bristol with a tale in which there were perforce certain reservations. It proved not only fully satisfying, but it ex- cited the hilarity of the mate to such a de- gree that Blood was sorely tempted to kick him overboard. When at last he recovered from his tem- pestuous hilarity he announced that Cap- tain Blood should have back his Spanish prisoners, but advised that Don Diego Valdez be hanged out of hand for a treach- erous pirate. ‘Sure now, I disagree with you entirely,” he was answered. “He may be a pirate and Adventure a Spaniard and a traitor, but he’s a man of Roman spirit. And I’ve passed my word that if his men kept faith with me he should have his life.” HE TURNED to those about him @) and pointed to the gun, where Don * Diego still hung in his bonds. “Release him,’’ he commanded. “I keep faith, Don Diego. Your life is spared you. Do you hear?” 7 Something flickered in his face as he asked the question. He stepped close up to the Spaniard, and then he caught his breath. Don Diego Valdez was dead. He stood by in silence whilst his men lowered the limp form to the deck. Then the surgeon in him awoke, and he went down on one knee beside the body. No wound or slightest hurt was visible. It was as he supposed. Don Diego had been slain by the anticipation of death when the other vessel fired her broadside. Captain Blood rose, and as he turned again, there wasan odd wistfulness in his eyes. - “He was a man of a spirit greater than his poor body could contain,” he said. ‘‘His immortal soul was stouter than his poor mortal heart. Be that his epitaph!’ HOMEWARD BOUND by William Daniel 4 pee lights that gleam along the coast know well our passing lights; « The stars that glitter overhead, through countless sultry nights Have watched us trail the same white wake across the same dark sea. Sky, land and ocean lie the same, but newborn men are we. We’ve touched at every sun-scorched port along this blazing shore— Ceara, Para, Maranho’, and others half a score. We’ve left four shipmates sleeping ’neath the fever-misted ground, But their loss can’t damp our spirits for tonight we’re homeward bound! The hiss of foam beneath the bows, the engine’s throbbing swing, Have wearied us for months and yet tonight they seem to sing In harmony a wondrous song, ‘“The time of trial 1s past— Bahia’s lights drop back astern—we’re homeward bound at last!’’ The lookout on the foc’sle head, the BlacK=Gang down below, Are singing as the lights glide past and ever north we go. “Four points to port!” The big wheel spins, the heavy bows veer round And straighten out for open sea. Thank God! We’re homeward bound! COmiclboo oN ) CO