Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1834-07-24

ined Than described. and both partir,
simultaneously dropped their weapons
to learn the issue Of so strange an adj
venture.
Our COMMANDED. accompanied by n
few Of the officers, Immediately deseen-
ded. and the sight that met their as
tonished gaze vas truly terrifying: the
baceaneer was standing amongst iha
opened powder with a lighted lamp IN
his tightly cli,ched FIST, his face was
blackened. and Q stream Of blood gu.h-
ed down his cheek from q sabre cut an
forehead. with knit brows and resolu-
ten stamped in his eountenance, he
stood regarding those Who began TO
crowd the lighted room.
Stand back" shouted he. IF you
regard your own safety, stand back, for
by nv soul, he who first advances,
seals the doom Of all on board"
There was something 30 terribly res
olute m the tone and gestures Of the pi-
rate. that those around rseeded apace,
but still continued to gaze with blanch-
ell cheeks and trembling lips upon tho
daring form Of the determined bueca-
neer.
In the name ofheaven. what do you
intends" asked our commander, break
Ing the painful silence, and scarcely
believing the scene arrayed so palpa-
bly, before him.
''I.isten.-Years I have cruised in
these seas, but never have l assaulted n
vessei,but those Who wore that detesta-
BILE ensign Of tyranny that now floats
from your gaf; fortune has hitherto ia
voured me, and I have been a seourgc
to your hated Kingdom; to-day fate has
decreed Il otherwise, but though defea-
ted l still have the means Of purchas-
ing my freedom; aud now. Briton, 10
remains for you either to grant my re-
lease or to suffer the death ysur refu-
sal must certainly bring"
'-Our orders were especially to cap
ture YOU" returned the commander. e.
vasively, land you are now our priso-
ner."
Am u" said the MISUNDERSTANDING
with . signihCancy that could no, DO
mistaken upon the dead material that
lay opened before him.
-Will your own safety prove no bar
rier TO the execution of your hellIsh
scbeme!"
'-lwould ask you. sir Briton," resu-
med the Buccaneer."whether IL 10 moro
preferable TO be hanged amidst tho
SCOTS and gibes Of Implying vietors,
or 20 end ones existence by his own
hand, and purchase with his death tho
destruction of his victorious enemies?
Believe me. sir, there is great disere-
pancy between self destruction here,
and perishing ANONYMOUSLY at the ex-
,remity Of the yard arm"
Your life may yet DO saved said
the commander.
~Were the probability ever so natte-
ring l would not submit il to the ordeal,
bat il is useless to parley; will you suf-
fer me and my vessel with all my brave
crew that has survived this bloody con-
fict. to proceed on eur course Z"
On conditions that"
NO conditions will | accept" inter
rupted the BuecAneer. 1t IS 1 Who
have the power TO name and exact con-
ditions. not you. sir Briton; you rest in
my power-the lives of all on board arc
at my will--what is to prevent me
from firing the magazine, and revenge
myself by destroying my oaptors' I've
seen the day when my own life would
prove no greater obstacle to the acc ON
Piishment of my revenge, did such an
opportunity thus offer. than the small
particle Of sand against the inrosd Of the
olashins wave, but do you accede to my
purposei"
There Is no alternative" said the
commander. after a pause. Your des-
perstion has baiIled Us, even when We
eXulted ~ VIetory-yOu are free, sir"
And my crew and vesseIr"
lis as subject as ever to your COM
mand."
'-IIaSe | tho honor Of British officer
to tina, efTect:"
you have" said the commander.
"Enoush?'eXolaimed the Buccancer.
and ascending. he Gained his own ,es-
sci, and was soon los. in the distance OF
the vide expanded pillows.
Years bad flown by. and the memory
Of the Buecaneer had long ceased TO
occupy my mind. Our country had no.
bly, asserted her Independence at Lex
ingion and Bonksr's hills a splendid
naval victory bad been achieved in the
British Channel, by the renowned Paul
Jones. who Was then on the coast and
very hour expected in port.
The report Of a gun burst upon the
breeze, and lofty ship was seen 20 en-.
ter the haTbor. The citizens nocked
by thousands 10 the bssoh 10 welcome
the hero Who had 80 nObly displayed the
pr0wess q Ameriea on the very coast
Df Great Britain. a boat VAS pulling
frOm the frgate--aB officer vas seated
~ the stern--a lively murmur passed
through those that crowded the wharves
the boat stranded, and Paul Jones
lsaped on the shore; but uhat vas my
astonishment At behOldiug IN the eoun.