Part 28 (1/2)
”Well, sixteen years ago to-night--steady, cap'n!” for the h from the effect of a mortal blow
”Avast! Who and what are you?” The captain's voice was deep and
”The pilot of Port Creek I have no other naet it”
”What was your father?”
”A mariner”
”His name?”
”Wait!” and the pilot luffed till the sails shook A peculiar vibration passed throughout the lugger's tiround! You have failed!” cried the captain, and drew a pistol froain the pilot spoke in cold, disdainful tones One ht have counted a hundred It was terrible suspense The captain's finger was toying with the trigger of his pistol The pilot stood i upon his lips ”Ease off the main-sheet!”
cried he, as he turned his ear to ard There caer wave rolled up under the lugger's stern, she lifted, and ilided forward--free!
”You lost your reckoning, ment The tide has made somewhat less than I anticipated”
”What is our position?”
”We scraped on the Sandstone Ledge,” grimly ”'Twas a close shave--for me!”
”And did you doubt----”
”No But put up your pistol and I'll get on with my story--unless you'd rather not listen”
”No, no! Go on!”
The pilot stood steady at the helm, his eyes fixed on the binnacle, each n for his ready hands to obey Anon a concise order to shi+ft a sail fell from his lips, for in spite of his interrupted conversation with the captain his every action showed a trained alertness
Again he took up the thread of his story--
”'Twas my father's death made me--what I aler”
”Ah!”
”A run had been planned----”
”I----”