The native American. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1840, 1840-04-25
[ No. ST..

not avert its entire destruction; and 10 his sor-
row he beheld his main mast with attendent
spars, go by the board. deep shade settled
upon his brow this unexpected calamity.
and the blank of doubt and uncertainty rev
! upon his features. The success of the Eng
lisfnlan's broadside had completely DESTROYED
his plan OF operation, and he stood upon the
quarterback OF his crippled ship in a painful
reflection to his future course This sus-
pense was but momentary; IL thought dawned
upon his mind-and applying the trumpet
to his mouth, he gave the order TO the impa-
tlent seamen not to fire. but be ready for more
sail. Leave your quarters men, said he,
"put your helm up, Bobstay-man the fore
tack and sheets-lay aloft topmen, and clear
the wreck. Stir yourselves, my liveies +
stand by to set both fore top-mast studdng
sails"
This sudden and unlocked for change in
the state of affairs surprised, but did not dis.
concert the crew, SO great was the confidence
they reposed in him. and they sprang for
ward to execute his orders with an alacritv
that was itself under such circumstances
proud eulogillm upon the bravery and iudg-
ment OF their commander The brig was
again put before the wind, more canvass was
spread along the boonls, and the Rover once
more rcsu ned the course she had steered du.
ring the morning. A wild land exultns
huzza came down from the Englishlnan, as
her antagonist filed away and made sail with
out firing gun; but the scorniul smile that
curled the lips of Buntine indicated too we'll
the deception Of appearances, and impaired a
stronger confidence in the breasts of his sea-
men. His character for bravery was too we'll
established to be doubted by them, and they
only stood impatient to hear tile next order
that S hould issue from his trumpet.
"Ihe dogs shall have less cause for merri-
ment before night-fall," muttered Buntlipe as
another shout came down from the English
man, who had also filled away. and was now
crowdng all sails in chase "Muster aft here,
my men, every one of you come down aloft,
and up from below; blossoms mate, send the
people aft"
"My lads" said Buntlne addressing his
hundred bold fellows, lit is fit that you should
be acquainted with the fact of my being the
bearer of message from the French .Admi-
raj of the West India station, to the Govern
mentof the United States. which, my men, is
of vital Importance to the interest of our coun-
try. do not tell you this to stimulate You TO
any greater exertion, but merely as recipro-
cation of that confidence which am proud to
believe you repose in mel know you will
stand by me till the last-I have tested it. In
the present disabled state Of the Rover, it will
be impossible for you to escape yonder squad
ron, now rapidly overhauling u.s. | have
plan to propose the successful execution of
which will crown us with glory and success.
Listen to it.
| The plan was then revealed, and when
Buntine had done speaking, three hearty
cheers evnced the readiness with which the
crew entered into it.
Men," resumed Buntline, the signal will
be LIBERTY land when | give forth,
let every one of you do as | have directed;
now my lads, don't forget the word L1BEk-
Typ
Groups of men were seen spikng the car
non fore and aft, so as to render themperfect-
lv useess-The muskets were all thrown
overheard and the powder, with the exceptic-
of what each man carried with him, total
destroyed this done the crew armed thel
selves, and mastering aft, awaited the furth
orders of their commander.
In the mean time the Englishman was ra,
idly advancing, with the intention of carryir
the American by boarding. He was not te
yards astern, and at every moment galnlngo
the Rover. Buntlne stood watching him n
a tiger does his prey, scarcely breathing
the intensity of his interest, and awatil
with painful suspense the moment when
might put his daring scheme in operatio
The whistle of the bo'son's mate was heard
board the Englishman, and dhe cry of "awt
there, boarders, away" told their opponen
how to expect them. Buntline cast qulc
and anxious glance upon his own seamel
! who stood grasping their cutiasses with al
emotion as intense as bis own. 1t was mo-
! ment of fearful excitement on either vessel,
during which nothing was heard but the rip
pie of the waters as it sped along. AT length
the dark shadowof the Briton's canvass fell
upon the deck of the Rover; another minute
and they were yardarm and yardarm. tSheer
to !" whispered Buntline to the man at the
WHEEL sheer to !" The bows of the priva-
tecr slightly deviated, and her antagonist We
within three yards of her. Clauk went II
grapnels on the Englishman, and both vessel
were broadside and broadside.