Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-08-20

Behold Thy long lost Edwin hero
Restored 10 love and thee !"
TWAS at the conclusion Of ono Of those vo-
lent hurricanes, whose devastations are SO Sc
vercly felt ia the West Indian seas, and when
the ocean was strewed with shattered hulIs
and drifting spars, that a small brig was OBJ
served Off the island of Cuba, riding the smooth
waves. and strenuousy endeavoring to gain an
ofling. The waves had already spent their tu-
ry, and a gentle breeze scarcely ruiI!ed the
waters. Tho declining sun shot his obiquo
rays upon tho CLASSY bosom Of the deep; tho
nautilus vainly spread his little sail; and shoals
Of flying fish, at intervals, hummed through
the air as tho albicore chased them from their
native element. while the cormorant pounced
upon the little futterers and drove them back
into the jaws Of their pursuers.
The brig had not suffered much in the gallo,
and. while her crow wore omployed in various
parts of the rigging, splicing and sewing. their
commander "a .outh of twenty -one) leaned
pensively over the quarter rail, absorbed in
deep reflection. There was much in his ap
pearance which contrasted strongly with the
rough and barbarous demeanour Of his crew.
His person was tall, erect and genteel. In
telligence and refined sensibility beamed in his
glowing face, and his thick raven locks shaded
an open and polished forehead which seemed
to bespeak some degree of softness and ef!em-
macy, did not his sombre brows and eye of
ocfar pfap N ha incn oot
iblc marks Of manhood and fearless intrepidity
Although the condition of the vessel seemed 10
require the united efforts of the whole crew 10
restore hor to her pristine neatness, and
wcatherbeatcn, gaunt frame of mariner
sauntered carolessly about the deck, now and
then picking up rope-yarn, and occasionally
turning up TO the sun tho lining Of an old pea
jacket for which he seemed to exhibit much
fellow feeling. He was one of those aged vet
Grams, who, having been from their childhood
tossed upon tho briny wave, and through a
long life Of toll and hardship known no home
but the restless ocean, consider the mselves
privileged TO rest, in some degree, from their
labors, and while the burden Of the day falls
| upon the young and aspiring, content them
selves with yielding to their officers the fruit
of their experience. and scolding at the grocn-
horns for their lubberly management.
Suddenly turning TO this man. Barry"
said the Captain. Il" what is that which | SEQ
gliding through the water, near the ships side''
The old sailor looked up demurely, and turning
| huge quid Of tobacco in his mouth, very de-
| liberatcy marched to tho weather side to sat
isfy the youths curiosity.
"Why that" said he. struggling between
| the habitual respect which a seaman always
| pays to his captain, aud tho stoical independ-
enco, which he thought his years and nautical
experience warranted him in maintaining,
"that, sir, is only a bone shark. Humph!
wonder you didn't know what that is.'
" But is not that too large for a shark"
| "Well," was the brief reply Of Barry, who
felt rather offended at having his sagacity put
to the question.
"l do not dispute your word" replied the
l
shark"
"Why yes, to be suro il is," said the son oi
Neptune. glancing o, two Of his younger ship
ma,es who wcro serving an Old truss, and ap.
peared n littlo at loss as to tho manner Of
joining the two onds Of spun-yorn together
"But sharks are not usually 30 large" re-
Piled tho captain, "that fellow might compare
bulk with a whale"
81 think" said the old man, with knowing
shake of the head, "he is not thcro fer moth
ing"
GLOW so!''
"He is after Don't strain that spun yarr
60 hard, you lubbers-he IL after fresh meat
cir, think"
"You arc superstitiou', Barry; would no
care if thoy were as thick around US as Por
poises before gale"