The Sun from New York, New York • Page 35

THE SUN, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1913. TALES OF A BLOCKADE How the Confederacy Gained an Involuntary Patriot HE Banshee, the finest and flee cut of the many blockade -inner trading between Liverpool nnd Wilmington, lay at anchor the Itlver Mersey, fha had mm- ted a successful voyage under the nmand of Capt, Rlondin and wob ut to start upon another. ler decks, clean as those of yacht, no Indication of her being the car- of a cargo of great value to the lfederncy, but below decks It was 'erent. Huge oblong cases had efully hoisted aboard and stowed they were marked; achincry of war" would have leon the truth, for they were rifled destined for use by the Houth-lers. other cases there were, smaller 1 more nearly square, a Is- labelled mchlncry," containing the gun mounts the ammunition, and further aft II smaller cases, containing small arms ammunition for use In the Confeder- Army.

Nor were the means of re-Irlng physical damage forgotten. The '-or part of the hold was tilled with null packages of surgical instruments id medical supplies. Taken all In all. the cargo wae a one, and Messrs. Croft A Dun-n, brokers, the owners of the Banshee, 1 good reason to congratulate them- ives upon the selection by the Ponderate agents of a ship to carry this rgo, and still more reason to con- atulate Capt.

Blondln, whose skill and mg had made this selection possible, ('apt. Blondln, small nnd slim of figure id Immaculate as to dress, was simple id unaffected, as of old. Success had it turned his head nnd his happiest I loments were spent in the seclusion of cabin and upon the high seas. He had just finished an Interview with Mr. Crofi when Dalton.

his first mute. below to say that a Mr. Rutherford desired to see him. "I suppose that 1 must see him. Pal-ton," he said with a sigh, "but I wish that all this calling would come to an end; 1 am heartily sick of It." Big nnd coarse, a red faced giant with rma.ll gray eyes thut twinkled geniully yet never looked one squarely in the face ami a would-be jo Villi nnd familiar manner, soiled as to linen and unkempt to person such a man was Mr.

Rutherford, the very antithesis of CapL Blondin In all tilings. As Capt. Blondln looked at htm for i moment. before speaking, a feeling of illsgUSt almost overcame him. He was i man of strong likes und dislikes, and iliere was that about Mr.

Rutherford which was calculated to arouse the latter feeling Within him. It was hard, owever. to overcome his natural habits of courtesy and almost involuntarily be Inquired what he could do for his visitor. "Much or little. Captain." replied Rutherford as he took seat, unbidden, und placed his elbows upon the table and rested hie face in bis hands.

mm l.l.. MMala ill ll lull" ii. I llUtherford. My errand here is to put loney into your pocket. If you're willing to have It put there.

How would you like to turn over a cool hundred thousand dollars, For few moments the two men s.it gazing at each other in silence. Capt Blondill'a face Rushed, then paled, as he looked steadily at his visitor: Rutherford's shifty eyes wavered be- tween Capt. Rlondin's face and the objects in the cabin, but not the slightest movement or expression upon the former escaped him. "What is expected from me in return for this sum?" inquired Capt. Illondin at lust, his voice quite calm and even "Nothing much.

Captain, Nothing that is hard to do. Are we alone? lie cast a suspicious glance around the cabin. "We are alone. Go on, sir." "Well, then. Captain, It's this.

I'm a representative of the United States Government. We want to put a stop to this blockade running. 1 know just what you have below hutches. It's a cargo that we can't afford to have get away, and we are willing to pay you well for it. A hundred thousand dollars la not to lie picked up every day, even in a trade that pays as well as the contraband.

What do you say to the proposition?" Capt. Rlondin's reply was prompt and decisive. "You scoundrel!" he snld hotly. "You hound! Do you think that your paltry dollars will buy me?" Rutherford's assurance was of proof: he did not move from his seat. "Hear me out, Captain, before you ilecide finally," he said coolly.

"Re-memlier, I don't ask you to do much, and you stand to make a fortune out of It, a fortune without risk. All I ask of you is thut you will take the Ran-shee to a certain port that I will name, anchor her in the harbor und leave her with your crew. And for this, merely this," his voice sank to a whisper, "for this you'll receive the sum of just one hundred thousand in good British gold." Aa he spoke Rutherford keenly watched Capt. Blondin's face. He read there first, loathing, then indecision, then what he took to be a sudden gleam of cupidity.

And as he noticed this pool to collect it. As to the stipuln-lust, despite himself, he heaved a sigh of Ron, regarding the port of destination, relief. Then Capt. Rlondin sat down at I I enjoy the full confidence of my em- the cabin table opposite him, lost In I deep meditation. "One hundred thousand in gold," he said after a time, rather to himself than to Rutherford.

"One hundred thousand tn gold a fortune." "A fortune." repeated Rutherford. "It means much to a young man who has a long life before him In which to enjoy it it means position, friends, power. I wish that I were in your place, Captain, and that you stood In mine." "Stop," said t'apt. Blondin. "Stop.

Do not disturb me. I must think. Will you have wine or a cigar? You will find both upon the sideboard." Rutherford rose, helped himself generously to the wine and selected a fat. black cigar end lit it. Then be returned to his chair, where he leaned back quite at his ease regarding Capt.

Rlondin. The latter had risen from his chair and waa pacing up and down the cabin At last he approached the table. Rutherford felt Instinctively that the crucial moment had come; here he must win his fight or lose it. He braced himself In his chair, his hps partly open, his tongue ready to voice his arguments. "Mr.

Rutherford." said the Captain. "I will accept your offer upon the following conditions: You are to bring this money on board the ahip and make the trip with me; and I am not to know oi my port 01 destination tin- til nsk for- It. The Ranahee sails tonight at 10 o'clock. I mention this so that you may know just how much time you have In which to get the money on board." As he spoke the look of exultation upon Rutherford's face gradually vanished. He reflected for a moment before he replied.

"You name terms which I fear my superiors will never accept, Capt. Blon- iln," he said disappointedly. "I do not know absolutely that they will refuse l'erhaps If you would have an Interview with them the affair might I ar ranged." "if you think that It will do any-good I shall lie pleased to see them here, sir. But remember, Mr. Rutherford, the conditions which I name cannot lie changed." Rutherford bowed and roae from his chair.

"I will go for them." he said "I will hour." have them within He was as good as his word. One Of the two men who returned with him was Re Fevre, chief of the I 'tilted States Secret service bureau ut Liverpool; the other, Montague, his most trusted subordinate. Capt. Rlondin knew Iwth of them, by sight. He received them with quiet courtesy which became him well.

There was silence for a moment after the party hud seated themselves. Re Fevre, a small dark man, with an impassive face, was the first to break It. "To comply with your conditions would be a deed befitting the inmate of a madhouse, Capt. Rlondin." he said. "I have my reasons, sir.

With regard to the money, I have pressing and immediate need of it nnd it will not answer my purpose to return to River- ployers nnd do not wish to violate it by entering Into a definite agreement to deliver the Ransliee at any port, until such time as 1 may feel free to act upon my own account." "Rather a nice distinction. Capt. Rlondin." remarked Re Fevre with nn ill concealed sneer. "Perhaps, sir; but I am privileged to make it. if I so desire.

There Is always the chance that circumstances may arise to prevent my carrying out my part of the agreement. For Instance, I may be entrusted with messages of Importance, th. delivery of which would be more binding upon me than nny ag-eement which I might make with you." "In which case we would be out Just $100,000," remarked Re Fevre dryly. "Not at all, sir. If I fall to deliver the Banshee nnd her cargo at the port designated by your agent your money will be returned to you at Rlverpool.

I do not wish to take money that I do not eirn." The faces of his listeners plainly showed astonishment, mingled with admiration. When Re Fevre again spoke his manner and tone had sensibly altered. "You seem Inclined to deal fairly by us, Capt. Rlondin." "I am, sir. If I take the money at all It must be in accordance with the letter of our agreement." "If you will allow lis the use of your cabin for a conference you may have our answer at once.

Before deciding finally I wish to consult with my associates." "It Is entirely nt your service, sir. There arc none here to disturb your councils." He threw open the doom of the staterooms opening into the cabin as he spoke, showing that they were vacant. "A single tap upon that gong at your elbow will call one who will summon me when you again desire my presence." A long nnd earnest consult itlon followed his departure from the cabin. Experience hud taught the three secret service men wariness. There was a division of opinion among them, Montague stoutly holding out for refusal despite nil the arguments that Re Fevre and Rutherford could bring to bear upon him.

It w.is Dearly an hour after the captain had left them that the hoy who did the duty of the cabin approached him ns he stood Idly upon tin-quarterdeck and informed him that they desired to see him. He quietly descended the cabin stairs and stood le-fore them awaiting their decision. ''I have decided to accept your terms, Cupt. Rlondin," said Re Fevre. "I will see that the money is sent on board after nightfall.

Jt will be sent off to the ship in a lighter about o'clock In charge of Mr. Rutherford, whom I have selected to accompany you." At a few minutes before 9 that evening a large lighter In tow of a puffing tug drew up alongside of the Banshee. A bulky figure, heavUy shrouded in a gnatcoat, clambered clumsily up tho ship's side nnd presented Itself before Capt. Blondln. It was Rutherford.

"I am here with the plunder, Captain," said Rutherford. "A hundred thouasn I in good Fngllsh sovereigns. Where will you huve them stowed?" "In the cabin for the present. The tackle Is ready to hoist them One by one the heavy boxes were lifted from the deck of the lighter to that of the Hanehee, where stout seamen bore them aft to the cabin. Then Capt.

Rlon-din led the way Into the cabin. "We must huve help here If we are to finish within the hour," said Capt. Blondln aa they broke open the third box. "I will call my sister Marie to aid us." As Capt. Blondln returned to the cabin a few minutes later leading his sister Rutherford permitted an exclamation or surprise to escape him.

The delicate beauty of her face and figure was enhanced by the band of gold which rested upon her glossy black tialr like a coronet and the richness of the gown she wore, which was of purple silk with a broad girdle of gold. Coarse and uncouth as he was, Rutherford had an eye for beauty. His manner, ordinarily bold and assured, was hesitating and confused before the gase of her eyes. Ha felt Inexpressibly relieved when the ceremony of Introduction was over. Briefly Capt Blondln explained to RUNNER Marie what he wished her to do.

She nssented and the count went rapidly on. Finally it was finished and the last of the boxes renalled and stowed away In a small compartment under the cabin floor. "How much money Is there?" asked Marie curiously us the trap was put into place and the lock sprung. "One hundred thousand dollars," replied Capt. Blondln "One hundred thousand dollars.

And It Is all for the Confederacy?" "It is all for the Confederacy," with a glance nt Rutherford. "I am glad," ahe said softly. Confederacy needs all that it can get. to carry on the war. Hut I shall be happier when we have conquered the North nnd the strife is over.

Good night, brother. Good night, Mr. Rutherford." She left the cabin. Roth men Itnod That evening a lighter was towed up alongside the Banshee. "I'm here with the plunder, captain," said Rutherford.

"A hundred thousand in Fnglish sovereigns." One by one the heavily laden boxes were hoisted on board the Banshee and stored in the cabin. in silence for some little time after uer departure. Then Cupt. Rlondin turned to Rutherford. "She thinks thut the money is for the Confederacy.

She Is a truer patriot than her brother." "Women often get these mistaken ideas," growled Rutherford. "And they stick to 'em, too, against all rhyme and reasen." "And yet, Mr. Rutherford. I almost repent of my bargain. To blacken an unsullied name; to give up the laurels which I have so fairly and hardly won; to exchange the confidence and friendship of my old associates for disgust and scorn these nre not things to be lightly -set aside.

No. No. I ctn-not, I will not, do this. My good name ij worth more to me than the reward of my projected treachery. Take hack your gold, sir, und release me from my pledge." The earnestness with which he spokn alarmed Rutherford and caused him to fear for the ultimata succcu i bis project.

His training, howeve. stood him In good stead anj his countenance showed no trace of the dijnip eminent that he inwardly felt aa he replied: "I'll not insist, if you're so opposed to it, Captain. Rut, once you come to think things over you may see them in a different light. Suppose that you take ir.e and the money along with you. anv-way? If you decide not to cirry out your part of the bargain, why, wi have your promise to return both to L' er-pool.

I'm satisfied to trust both myself and too money In your hands." For some minutes Capt. niondln was silent. "I will do as you suggest," he said at last. "There in plenty of time to reach a final decision, nnd, as you say, 1 may change my mind." After Capt. Blondin had left the cabin Rutherford drank a glass of wine, lit another cigar and stretched himself comfortably in his chair.

"That was a narrow squeak," he muttered to himself. "As near to a backdown, without liclng one, as I ever snw." When Rutherford came upon deck the next morning lie found the mate, Dalton, in charge. It was an Ideal morning at sea; the breeze wua fresh and the waves danced brightly In the clear sunlight. The smoke of several steamers could lie seen nnd the upper sails of several ships, but at such a distance that the Banshee with her low i top hamper was prohal.lv Invisible to them. Dalton touched his cap respectfully in answer to Rutherford's salutation.

The latter alluded to the Banshee's sieed. "She's a fnat boat, sir," replied the mate. "Fast, but ticklish. We" hnve to Watch her. She's ao narrow nine times her beam in length that If she travelled light a good ship on the broadside from a big roller might make her turn turtle." A few minutes later Capt.

Blondin Joined them. Rutherford turned to him after he had relieved Dalton of the command of the ship. "Well, Captain," he inquired, "how do you feel upon the subject after night's sleep?" "Hardly like discussing It," replied the captain, smiling. "1 will let you know my decision when we have reached the point where It would be necessary to change the Ranshee's course, In case I should decide to go on with the matter." The only thing left for Rutherford to do wits to acquiesce. This he did with a very good grace.

After that interview he devoted most of his time to Marie Blondln. They spent hours together, either walking up and down the deck or talking together In the great cabin. He found her a most agreeable companion. As they grew better acquainted he gradually and unconsciously dropped the mask of self-restraint which he had Imposed upon himself at the be-glning of their acquaintance, and at times both his manner and Speech were coarse ad vulgar. But she did not appear to notice the change In him.

She waa a good listener and she encouraged him to talk of himself, and vain and bombastic aa he waa It proved to be a theme of great interest to htm. Engrossed in his flirtation with Marie Blondln, Rutherford scarcely noted tho 00 Lulrw swift pnssnge of the days, nnd it was with a feeling of surprise that he henrd Capt. Blondln say one afternoon: "To-day Is the eighth day out. Mr. Rutherford.

To-night at 8 o'clock I shall expect to hear from you the name of our port of destination. 1 hnve thought the mntter over, carefully, and nave decided to abide by my agreement with Mr. he Fevre." Rutherford wae much elated. "I ctn give It to you now," he began. Rut Capt.

Rlondin's small, gloved hnnd rose In protest. "Not now. Mr. Rutherford. I beg of you.

Remember our compact. Fight o'clock, to-night, is the the earliest that I care to hear It." At ft o'clock that evening Rutherford and Capt. Illondin sut In the cabin. I'pon the table before the captain lay his watch, at which from time to time he glanced. Rutherford was secretly amused at the captain's over-punctiliousness, ns he regarded it but he was careful not to permit his amusement to become apparent.

"It Is o'clock." snld the captain, at Inst. "I always aim to keep my np-polntments to the very minute. We will proceed to business, Mr. Rutherford. But first we must have witnesses to our transaction: what iviy you to my sister und the mate? Both must know anout this, sooner or later, und now is ns good a time as any to enlighten them." "They are both satisfactory to me," replied Rutherford.

Capt 'BlondM struck the gong which stood upon the table. A moment later the cabin boy appeared. "Tell my sister nnd the mate that I request their presence in the cabin," said the captain. He was standing beside the table when they entered and he still Hood regarding Ihem for some moments after they hail seated When at lni-t he spoke his Voice was low ami gentle "1 have summoned you here to uct ns wit nesscs bargaln between Mr. Kutnerroro ana myself, he said, "in consideration of lluo.iuin ..,,1,1 me by Mr.

Rutherford's superiors I am to take tin- Banshee into a port which Mr. Rutherford will name, disembark my crew and leave the ship in the hands of the port authorities.1' He paused for a minute to permit the full Significance of his words to enter thg minds of his auditors. Pultons countenance expressed surprise and incredulity Marie's horror and dismay. She was the tlrst to speak. "This a she cried.

"You are trilling with us." "It is no Jest. I never was more in earnest In my life." "In a moment of weakness you have listened to this vile she cast upon Rutherford look of withering contempt, which made that worthy wince, "it is not too late to alter your decision. You are upon the high seas and you are muster of your ship, Change It, I beg of you." "it is too late," snld Capt. Rlondin coldly. "I have decided." "The Rlondins are not traitors.

Charles nc at least seems to be, my sister. Argument Is useless. You but waste time in pursuing it." Marie glanced wildly about her. "Then 1 renounce you," she cried. "I renounce you as one not worthy of the honored name you bear.

The lowest and most degraded slave upon our plantation would be more faithful to the name than you have been. Nay. more "You forget yourself, Marie. Re silent. I pray you.

Dalton would speak and I would hear what he has to say before going on with the transaction." "Since even the honor of the Blondln name cannot keep you from this deed of trenchery, captain," observed the old I sailor bluntly, "there Is little that I can say to move you. But the men I "I Will provide amply for them out of the reward which 1 receive for my treachery, an you see fit to Btvle it." hope that every man who taken nny of It may be forever accursed, sir. But they'll not touch it. Captain, they'll not tOUCfl It -It's blood money." You have nothing further to gay?" "Nothing, sir." "Then we may as well go on with the transaction." He seated himself at the cabin table and opened drawer before him, fumbling for a moment among the papers whlch It contained. He straightened up, closing the drawer with his left hand; his right hand suddenly rose und shot forward over Mia table.

It bore a heuvy service revolver, which was trulned full upon Ruther- fOffl fac e. "You ure to name the port, Mr. Ruth-erford," he said blandly. "I would suggest Wilmington, North Carolina." Rutherford stared at him dazedly, his usually ruddy face (he color of uahos and great heads of perspiration standing upon his brow. Marie uttered a cry of Joy as she saw and understood the artifice which had I practised.

Dalton swore, vigorously und delightedly, and whipped out a revolver, with which Me also covered Rutherford. "I would suggest Wilmington," repeated Capt. Blondin sharply. "Come, we have but little time to wuste, Mr. Rutherford.

I uwult an expression of your opinion." Rutherford was no coward. His first surprise was over. He realized that Capt Blondin had seen the only weak point in the agreement between them nnd had taken advantage of It. Kven with Staring him in the face he was 1 and Collected enough to reflect that If he did not name the port of destination Capt. Blondln would feel in honor bound to return the row ird, himself as well, to Liverpool, He therefore resolved upon refusal of the 'aptain'a demand.

"1 bave nothing to say." he growled defiantly. "You are running this Show," "And you. ns one of the performera In It, will do exactly ns 1 wish you to do or" Capt. Blondln gestured significantly with the revolver, then took out his Watch, i give you one minute in which decide. Mr.

Rutherford. I If you decided to name Wilmington your I chances of a long life are good; if un-j Another wave of the revolver emphasized the unspoken threat i "The minute is beginning," I The lids passed swiftly. Capt, Hionuin called. "Five-ten-twenty-thirty-forty-fifty. At "fifty" the revolver rose In his hand until it bore directly upon Rutherford.

The tabialn ye- gleamed with a deadly menace that made the quaae, nts nerves gave way i to strain "Wilmington, North bn in rather than snake. lie Then hi bowed iii head upon the table, utterly weak and spent. Faintly and os though the Words were uttered f.n away he heard Capt. Blondin's politely expressed thanks for his com plluncc with his "request." It took him mo minutes to recover some measure his customer? self-control. When at las, he straightened up and looked about htm he found that Dalton and Mark Blondln had left the cabin and I thai Capt.

Illondin was sitting opposite him, regal ding him steadily. The revolver, that potent source of terror, had anlfhed. You are feeling better. Mr. Rutherford?" Inquired Capt.

Blondin coldly. Rutherford muttered his assent. "Vert 1 I "Ish to have a talk with you. "So yon though! lhal yon could iniy i me? That I had my price? Well, you have bnughl me, end at my price. Whal think your bargain?" Ruthi rford groaned "I ihall devote I onr little contribution to the cause of the 'onfedi racy, Mr.

itherford, You mny console yourself with the thought Hint the in iney will he well used and tb'il 1 live at hast posed as a na. nt. "As ock. ilthough an Involuntary one. for yourself, we will run the di otT Wilmington In the early of the comlnu mornlnv ittmm we are in porl I will arrange to have von sent back to I aboard the lirsi runner which leaves for that port, unless Indeed, you prefer to make the return journey with me, I can assure you lhai were i known about you i which might be told you would find the Ininte of Wilmington exceedingly un- healthy.

And now. Mr, Rutherford, one clot ins word advice, The next time von sc to bribe a man In the running trad- I trust that you will exercise a litti. more discrimination in select Ing our man." Subway Elevator Ways AT the 168th street station on the Broadway division of the subway the platforms are so far below the street level that elevators arc Used to carry the people up and down. Over eighty persons can bo crowded into a car and negro operators run the These Versatile, elevators. operators are resourceful and For instance, in the morning.

when the downtown rush is at Its Height and crowds are descending the short flight of stairs that lead from the street level to the ticket oltli e. the levator operators in their cars have speclul way of Informing persona who are in line before the ticket window thai lie i lev aim- is about to descend and they must hurry if they Wish to catch it. Spurning the usual procedure of shouting ing down!" the operators grasp the folding metal gates and bang them against the sale of the elevator, producing it noise Willi winch regular, patrons of that station are familiar. You get visual proof that many people understand this metal warning when you See a score Of them quicken their steps and make haste toward the waiting car. The car is held until crowded to capacity and then down It goes.

But this is nm ti. limit of the operator's resourcefulness. On the way down you receive another demonstration of It. As tin- iar nenrs the bottom a dull roar. Indicative of a moving train approaching the station, Is audible.

Many of the passengers in the elevator become restless, for all of them are In a hurry to get downtown As the platforms are not visible from the elevator they have no means of knowing If the train Is going north or south. But the trained ears of the elevator operators to the aid of the passengers. The elevator men. from practice, can distinguish the direction of the train. And they are not averse to Imparting the Information to the passengers, for when they fiing back the doom of the elevator they shout tn stentorian tones, "Southbound train!" or "Northbound train as the case may be, und thus the passengers (at the Information they need..