The Pirate Woman by A E Dingle Chapter 2 Page 5

knowledge to perceive in his damp face all the signs of imminent dissolution.

“Dolores, my traverse is run,” whispered Jabez. The effort all but stole his breath. He paused; then summoning all the tremendous will that had dominated his frame when surging with strength, he told what he had to say in short sentences, nursing the flickering spark to force his speech. “Never leave here, girl. Let no man go, either. The world has forgotten me and all of us; but memory is tenacious — it will revive at a hint; every throat that pulses with hot life here — yes, my daughter, even your fair throat — was measured years ago — a rope awaits every one. But here — ”

“Yes, father?” Dolores shivered in the pause; the silence chilled her.