Page 54 (1/2)

"All this h as we have planned Once the maiden is in

our power, and the ship our oill head down-stream for the open

sea Are you with me, my bold mates?"

"Lead on, Black Bart!" I heard L'Olonnois hiss; and I saw Jean Lafitte

tighten his belt

"All ready, then," said I "I'll go forward andstair Follow me quickly Leave Partial in

the boat Gently now"

Swiftly but silently, ept in under the lee of the Belle Helène

The landing ladder had not been drawn up after Davidson's departure,

so that the boarding party had easy work ahead

I sprang upon the deck,all the decks I turned Above the rail behindblade of a Malay kris was in his

teeth In one hand he held a pistol, using the other as he climbed He

scraped out of his belt as he came aboard I know not how many pistols

which fell into the water, but still, God wot! had abundant re

Nor did L'Olonnois, close behind him, his Samurai sword between his

teeth, present a spectacle less awesoht meet with no resistance, else I could only fear the

direst consequences!