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I forgot I was standing masked, with a naked weapon in my hand I

dropped my mask, dropped my weapon, and turned quickly toward Helena

"Be silent!" I commanded her

She stood for one instant, her hands at her cheeks Then, "Ahoy!" rang

out her voice once more in sheer disobedience, and "You!" she said to

me, furious

"Yes, I," was my answer, and my own fury was now as cold as hers "Go

below," I ordered her "I am in command of this boat Quick!"

I had never spoken thus to her in all h half in doubt, she turned toward

the stair leading down to the ladies' cabin where Aunt Lucinda was

shrieking in terror

"Guard the door," I called to L'Olonnois as I turned away I heard it

slam shut and the click of the lock told me my prisoners were safe, so

I hastened forward

"Good Lord, Mr Harry!" cried my skipper, Peterson, when he saw me

"Come here, take this little devil--away--I'led in the dark with Jean Lafitte

"To the rescue, Black Bart!" called Jean Lafitte "Catch his other

arot this one, and if he h, you varh you pull a gun on me and try to poke outot?

Mr Harry--for Heaven's sake----"