Page 88 (1/2)

"What ho! Black Bart," said he, after his third helping of bacon, "why

does our good ship lie here idle at her anchor?" Question direct, like

Jean hi direct answer

"Ask Captain Peterson," said I "He perhaps can tell where we can get

"

"Then 'twould seem we must lie here all winter, unless discovered by

some relief expedition"

"Why don't we start a relief expedition of our own?" demanded he

"And how?"

"Why, o out

an' explore this region roundabout Soit it, can't we?"

"Your idea is excellent, Jean Lafitte," said I "Within the hour you

shall set forth to see whether or not there is any settlement on this

bayou And that you may not need use violence when secrecy is our

wish, here is a fat purse for our stores And hasten, for of a truth,

Jean Lafitte, I a to see

the white seas roll once more"

It was determined, therefore, that we should fare onward--in case we

could fare at all--with our ship's company as it noas; for, of