Page 171 (1/1)

"Oh, don't talk about that, Dah to eat, no matter what it is, weto my father and to your Dickory"

That afternoon Captain Ichabod found Kate by herself on deck, and he made bold to sit down by her; and before he knehat he was about, he was telling her his whole story She listened carefully to what he said

He touched but lightly upon his wickednesses, although they were plain enough to any listener of sense, and be him to misery one day or another

"When I have staked my vessel and have lost it," said he, "then there will be an end of me"

"But why don't you sell your vessel before you lose it," said Kate, "and becoht of that," said he "Bedad--excuse ether and can payyour pardon, Miss--I'll buy a farm"

Kate smiled, but it was easy to see that Captain Ichabod was in earnest

The next day Captain Ichabod came to Mr Delaplaine and took him to one side "I want to speak to you," he said, "about a bit of business"

"You may have noticed, sir, that we are soht before we sailed, hoping to make a bold stroke at the card-table and thereby fit out entleman and ladies, I lost every penny I had I did hope that our provisions would last us a few days longer, but I am disappointed, sir That cook of mine, who is a soft-hearted fellow, his neck always ready for the heel of a woman, has thrown overboard even the few stores we had left for you, the good Da told hiruht I would speak to you and explain that it would be necessary for us to overhaul a merchantman and replenish our food supply It can be done very quietly, sir, and I don't think that even the ladies need be disturbed"

Mr Delaplaine stared in amazement "Do you mean to say," he exclai piracy for our benefit?"

"Yes, sir," answered the captain, "that's what I suppose you would call it; but that's my business"