Delaware gazette. (Wilmington, Del.) 1837-1883, 1839-03-26
EXTRACT FROM
Captain Kyd, or the Wizard of
the Sea.
Published BY Harpers, NJ York, 1889.

the Sea.
Published by Hdrpers, ~. York, 1899.
Seven bells had struck, aud it was near mid
night, when, after taking long and scrutini.
sing survey of the horizon, he crossed the deck
towards the earl, and said, with impatient dis.
appointment,
t'we are safe enough, my lord. There will
be no one to trouble us to night"
. | am glad il is SO, Kenard. You may have
been mistaken inIhis character
mo. But he probably has discover ed what
We are, and has thought better of it. fla! did
not this main-top galant-flap thenp he asked,
looking aloit.
'The wind isluling, believe" said the earl.
1T is, by heaven exclaimed the seaman.-
what Roadway do we make Hesve the log
'She logs full four, but makes not above three
and a halt knots way repeated the officer of
the deck.
we have strong current setting 10 the south
and east in our favor by the dip Of this ripple,
which will make il four again. Ten minutes ago
we were running eight. There is chance Of
exchanging compliments with our neighbor,
my lord; yet have done my best to keep out ol
his way
But il we have no wind, he must be in tn
same situation
HE will have il first, and bring il along with
him. There Hps wind bag hanging over the sun
that will soon be piping merry note. There
flaps the fore topsal against the mast The
wind is leaving us. She does not now move
two knots thu ough the water he added, glanc-
ing over her side. We shall have il d. ad calm
in ten minutes. Take in the lower stun'sails,
Howell, and stand by TO hand all the light can
vass! we shall have it soon! Preparation is
half the victory, my lord, he added turning to
the earl with formal bow.
What mean these preparatonsr enqnired
the earl; FOR profess TO be better landsman
than seaman
'And it requires no unsked head to saith
ship, pf. statc,-rny lord, of which, hear, you
are an able officer said the captain, in compli.
mentar, manner. This southwest wind, Lich
has held US 50 fair. is dying away, 10 make room
for a tight blow hereway FROM the northwest,
which, Ay9> been watching suspciously.
There heayess-a cloud now tuwurds the zenith I;
VOW IAN scarcely discer2its outline for the haze,
+ my lord; but You Wills ID no stars in chat di.
reclion, and the horizon1ooks thick and black
THE wind has quite gone,' said the earl,
raising his palm TO catch the air.
at is now time to make ready to welcome its
successor. Tarn up all hands, Howell. Take
in every stitch OF light SAIL
In few moments the yatch was stripped 10
her two topsas, spanker and jib.
sPut a single reef in the topsails, Mr. Howell,
ordered tue captain, as he saw that the dafk
cloud rose rapidly in he northwest.
IL IS dones slrs leporteu Tue omcers Few
moments ailcrwnrd.
Very well Secure the guns with single
hastings only, and have the decks clea for ac-
ton was the next order.
Action, captain p.exclaimed the earl, who
had witnessed these preparations with interest
1t is best to be prepared If that dark cloud
rolling towards us should chance TO conceal
foe in its bosom. A dark cloud, as well as q
dark eye, sometimes hides dangers, my lord'
W.. ha dutn httf hcau
defend US from other dangers than the elements
threaten us with"
These several orders were executed; and he
watch lay rocking, with scarcely any progress,
siye motion, on the sluggish surges, which all at
once began to heave and swell, as if lifted by
some vast mysterious power beneath. She was
nearly Invested of her canvass, yet still beautiful
in her make dness, showing TO advantage the
graceful symmetry of her tapering spars. and the
exquisite shape and proportions of her hull
Like a bird seated on the water, she yielded 10
every the undulation Of heaving blltws with q
grace that seemed the instinct Of life.
The stiffness that now reigned was profound
and awful.
List, my lord, said the captain, after the
lapse OF a lew moments, during which all eyes
were turned to watch the storm cloud walking
the skies in its power, and i'nging its broad
shadow or the sea.
The earl bent his ear more acutely, and heard
deep moaning sound, like winds bowling in
caverns under sea. Gradually il grew louder,
aud al the same time the dark cloud cast itself
across the skies towards the zeni III, its edges
streaming in adYance, like hair blown out by the
wind. In few seconds the moon was darken-
ed, the stars became suddenly extinguished, and
an impenetrabIe gloom fell like pail over The
deep. Not a breatby etmoyed the air. But deep
er and more awful grew the moan Of the storm
as it sweptdown the sea. Louder and loader
Il came, and now was distinctly heard the roar
of the agiiuted waves, tossed by the shrieking
winds; and between the sky and sea, which
seemed to meet within reach of the hand, and
elared line of white foam, seeming TO their
imaginaiions the glittering and gnashing teeth
Of the mad tempest. The earl hid his head
within his cloak, and uttered prayer for the
safety Of the souls on board the captain stood
mona gun, with his eyes upon the coming storm,
professionally cool and collected.
1.-Two steady men goslo the aid of the helms
man. he said,in a calm low voice. 'She will bear
nothing Howell we must make an Eolian harp
Of her. So! stand by the topsail halysrds:'
IAN ready, SIR replied the lieutenant IN the
same subdned tone.
Let go alp
The topsals come down by the run, and il
amomeni's time were furled by the active sea
men.
Lie, 20 the lib and spanker,' he now shouted
IN an energetic tone.
The watch was now under bare poles, and lei
TO the mercy of the hurricane. The roar OF I'M
coming tempest was now deafenlng, and Tue
vessel began to pitch wildly, yet there was ne
sensible agitation Of the air.
Every man throw himself on his face TO 'h'
deckp cried the captain suddenly, in lone
tone. My lord, you will be safer below
Our decks will be swept clean as your hand.'
II will remain with you, kenard.'