Beadle's Dime Novels No. 94: The Mad Skipper — page 24: what you’re looking at

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

hooks. ‘Thus employed, they did not notice a sail-boat con.” taining four men, two of whom were pulling with might and main toward the ship, and the others shouting and gesticulat- | ing vehemently to attract the attention of those on board. | Lilian, who had perceived the little vessel the moment she | glanced over the rail, now pointed it out to her father, remark- — ing that she believed two of its occupants were vigilantes. ‘ The doctor pulled a small spy-glass from his pocket, and | after a hasty survey declared she was right. | “T hope none of the officers will see “them, ” he whispered, “for it’s easy enough to guess who they are after. Do you — understand me ?” | “Oh yes,” answered Lilian, slightly blushing. “I rememe | ber you told me this morning that those two deserters had concealed themselves in the ship.” “T hope they are in a good hiding-place, ” said the doctor. “The mate will probably see the boat in a minute, and wait for it, and the poor fellows will certainly be ferreted out if they are not careful.” “That would be too bad, said Lilian, earnestly. “I hope the officers won’t get sight of the boat.” She looked much disappointed, the next moment, in seeing the dusky mate spring to the waist rail and gaze at the ap- proaching boat. Nor could she suppress a ery of vexation when she heard him order his men to haul back the main- yard. “ What’s that for?” yelled the captain from the quarter- deck. “ Boat want to come aboard,” responded the islander—* boat with two vigilantes in him.” The captain looked surprised and impatient, and watched the boat with a lowering countenance until it glided along- side. “What do you want?” he roughly inquired, as the twa vigilantes sprung to the deck with rattling scabbards. “Come, I have no time to lose! ‘Speak quickly, and tell me your er- rand.” This the two men explained in broken English. “ Well,” replied the captain, “if you. suspect there are de- away in ou to seareh serters glowed way in my ship, you are welcome to se Com