The Boy Captain of the Black Swallow — page 21: what you’re looking at

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

THE MEETING. “ Now, you see, mother,” he concluded, “ that | one; “but as this place is something exposed, J have really an object before me worthy of any man to undertake. It will not only be doing service to my country, but it will enrich me.” “Go, Arthur. It is a noble cause, Go, and you shall have all my aid in hurrying the pre- parvations, You say the kindness of this noble girl whom you love has furnished you with money, With it I will purchase such pyro- visions for you as you will need, and have them aii prepared, I will go to work, too, and help you to mend the sails, and do all I can to get vou ready to go down the river in advance of the schooner. * Arthur, what do you want with those three pistols and the cutlass ’” she asked, as she saw him unroll a package containing them, “They are some that I borrowed of Tim Bell, who you know has been wounded in the war and is nowathome, We shall need arms to capture the schooner, mother,” ‘Yes, yes; I did not think of that.” That night was spent by Arthur and his mother, assisted by Jerry, who, awakened by the entranee of the former, came down from the loft where he slept to join him in his supper, in getting the sails ready, splicing ropes, and making other preparations for the expedition. At length, with the dawn, his young friends arrived, and the preparations for getting the siuack fit for sea began in earnest. Arthur had not forgotten his appointment wiih Thurrel on the South Ledge. ‘Chis spot was about halfway between the town and the cove, on the verge of a path of evergreen woods, TFor this meeting he had obtained the weapons from Tim Bell. As soon as he had got his friends fairly engaged upon the smack, be left the cove and took his way by a rocky path towards the ledge. He reached it after a brisk walk, and, looking round, waited for his antagonist. Ue had now less desire to meet him in single combat since he had learned that he was in command of the schooner, desiring rather to have a more complete victory over him upon the deck of his vessel at sea. But he had challenged him to meet him at the present hour and place, and he therefore had come for the purpose. He stood upon the rock from which there was a view of the town, of Thurrel’s schooner, and the river below, with the cove. He was wrapped in a pea-jacket, to conceal his weapons rather than to protect himself against the cool air of the autumnal morning. After waiting about five minutes he beleld Thurrel appear suddenly from under the hill- side and approach him. “So, Mr. Fish-catcher,” said Thurrel, in- golenily, you have kept your word.” “Yes. Ihave never yet broken it.” “Very well. You are here to fight about the pretty maiden of the inn, I suppose ?” “tam here to punish your arrogance, Mr. Thurrel,” “Very good. I see you have weapons. I choose to fight with pistols,” he said, drawing a 19 let us walk under the verge of the ledge, a little out of sight,” Arthuy made no reply, but followed him, Thurrel Jed him on until he came within ten paces of the spot where Bissey and Ben Fly were secreted. He then stopped and faced him. Arthurstood directly over the projecting verge of the ledge, under which, only four feet below him, and concealed by some overhanging bushes, the two men were waiting to spring upon nim, “Now, Master Denwood,” said Thurrel, "if you will ask my pardon for what injury you haye done me, perhaps | will let you off. Iam “a dead shot.” * You shall ask mine first,” answered Arthur, “Tam here to punish your insolence. I do not wish to take your life, but I shall maim you for the rest of your days.” “Now, my pretty fellow, do you suppose I am here with the intention of fighting with you upon a level? No, no; I have you in my power withou$ shooting you down. Ho, Bissey !” Thurrel’s eall was scarcely out of his lips ere Bissey and Fly sprang upon the rock under which they had been crouching. ‘The former made a grasp at Arthur's pistol, when Fly seized him and held him back by both arms, erying : ‘Treachery, Master Arthur, Iwill hold him while you give Thurrel his dues. You knocked me down once, but you brought me to hfe again, and I don’t forget it. These chaps thought I was theiy accomplice. But I came to save you. Don’t struggle so, Bissey. My grip is like a shark’s.” * You infamous scoundrel!” eried Thurrel, on hearing this. And in the frenzy of the moment, he sprang at him and fired his pistol at his head. A movement of Ben’s saved his brains, the ball flying past his ear into the trees. Avthur, who had been wholly unsuspicious of treachery, did not lose his presence of mind when he saw Bissey rise over the verge of the ledge ; but before he could act for himself, Ben Fly had him in his arms, The whole scene passed in an instant, * Would you add murder to treachery, sir ?” he cried, advancing upon Thurrel. - The latter saw at once his danger, for he had deprived himself of means of defence. He cast the smoking pistol into Arthur’s face to prevent his firing, sprang. over the cliff, and fied like a deer for his hfe. Arthur felt no disposition to pursue him, He was glad, indeed, that he had eseaped, for he knew that within twenty-four hours he would have him in his power and cover him with confasien. He now turned to Ben, who still held Bistey from behind, firmly pinioning his arms. * Let him go after his employer, Ben,” said Arthur. ‘ Hadn't we best give him thirty-nine with a hazel-rod, Master Arthur ?” “ No; we shall have our revenge by-and-by, I daresay, Let him go.” MiGIoo co SS (©)