Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1833-11-28
THE ADVENTUROUS BOY.

THE ADVENTUROUS BOY.
While the fleet hy at anchor, one of
the most heart thrilling scenes occurred
on board the Commodore's vessel, that
my eyes ever Witnessed. In addition to
the usual appendages Of u ship of war,
there was large and mischievoas mon
key on board, named Jacko, retained for
The amusement and diversion Of the ships
company. 1t was my watch on deck ;
and having retired 10 the side Of the ves-
sci, was mnsmg on the beautiful aP-
pearancc Of the fleet, when boud and
merry laugh burst upon my ear.
On turaing to ascertain the cause OF
such an unusual sound on a irigate's
deck, | perceived the Commodorc's lit
Tie son, whom the crew nicknamed "lit =
tie Bob Stay" standing half way up the
main hatch ladder, clapping his hands,
and looking alsft at some object that in
spired him with deal of glee. A sim
gle glance explained the occasion OF
the merriment. AS Bob was coming up
from the gun deck, Jacko, the monkey,
perceiving him on the ladder, and drop.
ping suddenly from the rigging, leaPed
upon his shoulder, seized his cap, and
running up the main-top-sail sheet, seat
ed himself on the man-yJ,d.
Here he sat picking the tassel of his
prize to pieces, occasionally scratching
his sides, and chattering as if in exulta-
:ion for the success of his mischief
Bob being sprightly, active fellow, did
not like to lose his cap without an effort
30 regain it. Perhaps he was the more
strongly incited to make chase after Jac-
ko, from observing me smile at his plight,
and hearing the loud laugh Of Cato, u
black man, who seemed insxpressibly
delighted at the occurrence.
ella, you rascal, Jacko," SAID the
/ black man, "hab you no respec' for de
young officer, den to steal his cap' We
bring you to de gang-way, you black
Niger, and glib you dozen on de bare
back for tief." The monkey looked
down from his perch, as if he understood
the threat Of the negro, and chattered IA
sort Of defiance in answer. "Hu, ha,
nassa Bob, he say you mus ketch him,
fore you hog him; and It's no easy mat.
ter for midshipman in boots to ketch a
monkey barefoot"
The cheeks OF little Bob looked red i,
as he cast glance Of offended pride at
Cato; and springing across the deck, in
moment he was half way up the rig
glng. The monkey quietly watched his
motions, and when nearly up, suddenly
put the cap on his own head, and ascend
cd to the top cross-trees, and quietly
seating himself, resumed his work Of
picking the tasscl.
In this manner, the mischievous ami
NAL succeeded in enticing Bob as high
as the royal-mast head, when suddenly
springing on the rigging, he again de-
scended to the lore-top, and running OUT
on the fore-yard, hung the cap on the
end Of the studding- sail boom, where,
taking his seat, he raised loud and ex-
ulting chauering. by this time, Bob
was completely exhausted, !, and not liking
to return to the deck to be laughed at,
he sat down on the cross-trees.
The spectators presuming that the boy
would not follow the monkey and de-
scend to the deck, paid no further a.ten-
tion to them. l also had turned away,
and had been engaged some minutes,
when | was suddenly startled by cry
from Cato, exclaiming that M ASA Bob
was OH the main-truck" A cold shud-
der ran through my veins, as the word
reached my ears; cast my eyes up.
was too true.
The adventurous boy, after having
rested a little, had climbed the sky-sail
pole, and at the moment of my looking
up, was actually standing on that circu-
lar piece Of wood, or the very summit of
the loi,iest mast; at a height so great tha at
my brain turned dizzy as | looked up al
him. There was nothing above or
around him, but empty spnce; & beneath
him nothing but small unstable wheel.
Dreadful temerity. IL he had attempt
ed to stoop, what could he take hold of
to steady his motion His feet covered
up all the small and fearful platform on
which he stood; and beneath that long
smooth pole that seemed to bend beneath
his weight, was all that upheld him from
destruction. In endeavoring to get down
he would inevitably lose his balance i,
and be precipitated TO the deck, crush
ed and shapeess mass.
In this terrible exigency what was to
be done? To hail him and inform him of
L.. Il