Page 53 (1/2)

"Whither away, Black Bart?" demanded L'Olonnois fiercely "Lead, and

we follow"

"You had better put on a mask, Black Bart," added Jean Lafitte, and

handed me a spare one of his ownthat part ofsomewhat

piratical of character, I hastily slipped it above my eyes, and pulled

down my hat brim "She will not know h we seemed desperate folk, fierce as any who ever lay in

keel boat off the foot of Natchez bluff, even in the bloodiest times

of Mike Fink the Keel-boat

Partial, without invitation, climbed into the skiff with us "Cast

off," I ordered "Oars!" Andmen--whom by this tiood seaman fashion A moment

later we lay almost under the rail of the Belle Helène No one

hailed us We see skiff

"Listen!" I whispered, "there is risk in e are going to do"

I looked at my blue-eyed pirate, L'Olonnois, who sat closer to me On

his face was simple and complete happiness At last, his adventure

had co it like a man

"What is it, Black Bart?" I heard Jean Lafitte whisper hoarsely