The Blue Clipper — page 78: what you’re looking at

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

80 : THE BLUE CLIPPER. Soon the figure crawled into an opening among the’ rocks, concealed by shrabbery. On he went until he arrived at a large rocky hall, nearly of the same dimensions as tke other smugg!er retreat, and which was lighted by a lamp stuck ina rocky niche. A piece of blackened canvas; hung over the opening lending to it, hid this light. As the cloaked figure entered, about a hundred men sitting and reclining on rough mats, in this retreat, sprung up, drawing pistols, and cutlasses, with which they were armed. On recognizing the new-comer, however, which they seemed to do ut once, they resumed their seats, while one’ among them), Captain Malo, advanced. To and fro the two walked, engaged in earnest conversa- tion. “ Nothing Would be easier” said Captain Malo, as they finally came to a halt near the piece of tarred canvas; behind’ which Tom Bend was, by this time, stationed, “ and as true as I am a living man, as soon as the deed is done, you shall get the money—half the sum I have been years in obtwining.” “Ay, but tiink of the risk,” saii the other, lowering his voice—" it would be next to impossible for me to set the fri- gate on fire without detection. To tell the truth, I would not like to do it, either, not even for the sum you propose. I have hitherto winked at your proceedings, and endeavored thus to keep you along, but I can not go’ so far asto set an American frigate on fire.” “ Be it so,” answered the other, ancrily— “ from tlris mo- ment I would dissolve all connections with you, only—” “ You know I could tell tales'!"" interrupted the other, latigh- “ Do-you threaten’?” inquired Malo, frowning and laying a hand ‘onthe pistol in‘ his belt. “ Nay, I have no intention of betraying you, sitee you could ‘retaliate om-me. We have sworn to help each other, and let us continue as hitherto. Only do not ask me to go ‘so far as to-fire the frigate.” For full an hour longer the twain conversed; then Wilkins As he passed through the outer opening of the cave, a man CONMMGEDOOKS.EOhA) = ant o—-* en _— —_. ae Re - * - - ———