The Blue Clipper — page 49: what you’re looking at

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

= Jadder, a narrow passage leading to a small opening, ten feet 4 above the beach. This way, Malo had resolved never to . use except in case of an attack, when flight should be He kept the opening blocked up by a large ~ rock, so thickly overhung with brambles, vines and other 4 ‘shrubbery, that it could not be seen by any person on that ‘side. A dozen men, however, could dislodge the rock with one : eo 2” Ber, Wand,” said Nettie, in a low voice, “I have come to set you free.” “ Many thanks,” said Wand, joyfully. “I'm sure I shall be glad enough to get away from here.” “A plot has been hatched, by which you are to be made prisoner by naval men. Even now they are waiting for 4 nee to pounce upon this place and take you.” “ And what have naval men to do with smugglers?’ in- quired Wand, much surprised. “A certain person named Wilkins,” answered Nettie, “ is _ anxious to capture you. I have overheard his conversation with father, by which 1 have discovered that it was he who induced the captain to put you in confinement. Otherwise you would have been permitted, as was agree:!, when you joined the League, to leuve this place, three days later. Wilkins, who is 4 cun- . ning rascal, made a plan with father to keep you here, until he could see the officers of a certain cutier”—here Nettic’s eyes gleamed with a peculiar expression—“ and,-without of course letting them know his conncction with our ¢mugglers, lead them to this rendezvous, that they might make an attaék upon it, when, of course, you would be captured with the rest.”’ While she was speaking, Bend had watched her jntently, g shrewd expression lighting his ‘face, “ You will free me, too?” said he, : “ No,” replied Nettie, shrugging her shoulders, “] have no- thing todo with you, Besides, the boat in which lam to convey Mr, Wand would not hold three people.” * Humph muttered Bend. “I :could swim, as to that matter.” Tue girl looked impatient, ” CONNICDOOKS.COnn ‘i ,