The Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii) 1840-1841, 1841-02-13
Ell. T. G. II L d.
SCENE WITH A PIRATE.

81 In the month OF July, 1888, l was on
4 nv way from New York to the island of
RCuIracoa on board the American ship Pat
Brick Henry, commanded by Capt. Tuttle.
q We had had fine passage, and were
Blocking forward to the end of our voyage
8,ln about week. | was the only passen-
ger. and of course was thrown in great
\ measure on my own resources for amuse-
mcnt, the chief of which was testing the
powers of an admirable glass of London
&manufacturc upon every vessel that show
j ed itself above the horizon. Our captain
was kind and civil, but there appeared a
8mystcry about him that he did not like to
4 be pricd into, and our communication had
4 in consequence been reserved.
In about latitude twenty degrees, and
Longitude sixty degrees fifteen minutes,
we were running along with a fine fresh
abreezc abcam, and all our weather stud
ding-sails set. was sitting alone in the
,cabin, Illuminating upon the changes of
scene and society into which had been
4 forced so contrary to my inclinatiens, and
3 wondering whether the happiness of quiz
ct and domestic life was ever to fall to my
lot, when the captain came down and told
me that, as | was so fond of using my
glass, there was vessel Just appearing on
4 the horizon to windward, and that might
go and see what she was, for he could not
4 make her out at all. went on deck, and
amounted into the main-top, and began
my scrutiny. Well, what is she 2" ask
led the captain from the deck. GO | can
hardly make her out, but think she is a
SCHOONER" "Ay-what's her course p
Y" Southwest by south, | think; about the
eksame as ourselves" ] remained in the
3top for few minutes, and continued look
ling at the stranger. "She seems fondcr
sof the sea than am" | continued, fol
}shc might have her topsails and top-gal-
Slants, and studding-sails to boot, all set
instead of slipping along under her lower
4sails." The captain made no answer, but
Twas looking hard at her with his eye.
Anow perceived through my glass a white
8speck above her foresail, flap, tapping a.
gainst the mast. Well, she must have
4 heard me, for there goes her forc-topsail.'
q The captain now went to the companion
for his glass, and after looking attentively
at her for short time, " What's that =
4 he asked els that her square-sail she's
setting? | can't very well see from the
deck" looked again: eyes, It's hcl
square-sail; as I'm alive, she's changed
! her course, and is. bearing down upon us. >
4 By this time the captain had mounted the
rigging, and was standing beside me he
was cycling the distant vessel keenly. AT:
ter having apparently satisfied himself, he
asked me to 60 with him to the cabin, as
he wished to talk with me alone. W.
Z descended to the deck, and | followed
him to the cabin. He motioned me tC
take seat, and after carefully shutting
the door, /" rather expect" said he, "tha
fellows pirate" pirate - | asked il
alarm. Yes, say pirate, and I'll tel
I you why. In the first place, you see, he'e
no business to be sneaking along in tina
do-lttle sort of Il way, as when we frs
saw him; who ever, that had any homes
business to do, would allow such tin'
breeze to go by without showing more
canvass than a powder-mpnkey's oil