The Silver Casket Read Online Free PDF Page A

followed, Stanley found himself spending more time with his newfound friends. Bartley watched him shadow box and showed him tricks and techniques as they sparred playfully. The big man would hold out his hands as Stanley hooked and jabbed into his palms.
    â€œYou have a good pair of hands, Stanley.
Quick and precise. You may need them sooner than you think.”
    â€œI know,” said Stanley,“and I will be ready.” But he knew in his heart of hearts that no man on earth was strong enough to defeat the evil spirits of the dead, and he was plotting a way to keep the island safe from the deadly crew that moved toward them.
    Meanwhile, Daisy was making herself popular bringing fresh fish to the camp.
    â€œCourtesy of Mr. Grouse, from the lighthouse,” she would say, and she’d hand over a box of sea bream or mackerel. Then she’d hang around all day, playing with the dogs and the children, until Stanley had tired of his training with the mighty Bartley.

    Two more days had passed and Stanley knew that what was coming in their direction would
arrive sooner or later. He knew nothing of how far the pirates had traveled, how long they would take, or which way they would come. But still he knew for sure that eventually they would appear, and his anxiety grew and grew until it gave his stomach a twisting, knotted pain.
    The very next morning was bleak and black. It was almost as if the sun had not woken, and a misty fog circled the harbor all day. The whole mood of the island seemed to turn, almost as if it knew what was coming.

    Black clouds hung heavily over the sea, rolling and rumbling in a brisk wind.
    Then, as night was arriving, something poked through the tops of the misty clouds far in the distance. At first it looked like a flock of crows, flapping on the wind. But no. It moved too slowly and steadily.
    â€œFlags,” said Stanley. “They are black pirate flags.” And as he said it he knew he was right, and his heart sank into his belly. “There is only one thing to do, Daisy,” he said calmly.

    â€œAnd what is that?” said Daisy, staring into his face. “Aren’t you terrified?”
    â€œNo, Daisy, I am not. I am prepared. At nightfall, I will take the Ibis and be gone. You must cover for me. The ships are close and I must act soon.”
    â€œLet me come with you,” she begged.
    â€œNo way.”
    â€œWhat makes you think you can handle this more than me?” she said angrily, tucking a playful punch into his belly.
    â€œOoof. All right,” he answered. “If you want to be part of it you can. But it will be the hardest thing you ever did.”
    And that was that. In that instant it was decided.
    Within five minutes they were feeling their way through the blackness of the tunnel.
    When he reached the cupboard, Stanley
grabbed the pike hurriedly.
    â€œDear oh dear, whatever next,” began the pike. “I was just beginning to get comfortable.”
    Daisy climbed into the little wooden boat that had sat in wait for them as it bobbed up and down in the pool of the cave. Stanley handed her the pike and pushed them away from the rocks. When he was soaking wet up to his waist, he jumped in.
    â€œHold on tight to your slippery friend there, Daisy. We don’t want him to end up in the water!” warned Stanley.
    â€œI am sure you are fully aware that I am a freshwater creature,” muttered the pike. “I am far too sophisticated to dwell among the dregs of marine life.”

    â€œYou would get on well with my mother,” said Stanley. “It’s just a shame you will never make her acquaintance.” He began to row with all his might, pushing them out through the narrow opening onto the ocean surf. They were around the other side of the island now, away from the onslaught of piracy.
    A full moon was pouring light across the harbor, and the mischievous pair readied themselves in their trusty boat. But Stanley