The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1843-06-24

in the East India trade. On his first
passage IRON this country, as master, he en-
countered near the Cape Of Good Hope,
a most severe gale, which for some time
threatened the entire destruction of the
vessel. In the midst Of hurricane, he
discovered at some distance off, human
beings clinging for life to the shattered
fragments OF vessel. lie sought to res
cue them, but succeeded IN saving only
one of the number-the rest were suppos-
ed to have persisted, being never after
heard OF. The storm soon subsiding,
all were now interested TO learn
something of the history of the stran-
ger, thus SO unexpectedly introduced
before tGem.--His hair was long and
shaggy, his beard of years growth,
and his general air downcast and surly.
In seabbaard attached to a wide belt
around his waist, he carried a poinard,
which, added to his other peculiarities,
rendered his appearance altogether fright
ful. Indeed, in the minds both of The
Captain and the crew, the strongest sus-
picions were entertained that they had
been instrumental in saving The life Of a
pirate!-one, who, in all probability, had
the opportunity been offered, would read
lily have plundered their ship, and put
them all to death! But he was now in
their power; and with the view of learn
ing his real character and history, Capt.
Thornton entered into conversation with
him.
"Well FRIEND" said the Captain, address
sing him, "you are safe a. last! rather
narrow escape for you, this?"
"Aye, aye, captain; you and your brave
crew are entitled to my everlasting graft
tude for your successful efforts in my be-
half"
"From what port do you haila continu-
ed the captain.
"New Orleans, Sir. We were bound
to Spain; but, by some means got widely
off our course, or we might have steered
clear the dreadful gale which stove our
vessel in pieces"
"Aye-wide from your course, indeed,
responded the captain, with look, plain
ly indicating his doubts of so improbable
a story.-"What may we call your name
friend?''
"Perhaps you wouldn't credit me were
| to tell YOU" replied the stranger. "Nlay
| be so bold as to enquire where you are
from, and what's y our name2'
"CertainIy," responded the captain.
"We hail from port of -, in the State
of -. My name is James Thornton.
have been employed in the East India
business for the last five years. Now
SIR may we have the pleasure of knowing
your name and something of your lfe2"
On hearing the name Of the captain an
uoInced, the stranger was observed to
manifest great agitation. But, suppress
sing his feelings and composing himself
as much as possible, he replied: 81 would
freely inform you of my name and his.
tory, but for fear of exciting in your mind
reflections of the most unpleasant nature.
! could give the desired information, Only
by bringing to your recollection deads of
your own father, Of the darkest and most
horrible character!''
Doubling still, whether to make him
self knowE or plunge dagger to his own
heart-thus putting it beyond the power
Of all to search into his history,-hc fixed
his eyes iu,enlly on young Thornton
and renamed silent: astonished by what
he had heard, the latter hastily replied:
"My father know was murderer! lie
was tried for the crime, proved guilty,
and sentenced to be hung! But before
the day for his execution arrived. he died
to avoid the gallows!-These are the only
dark deeds Of which ever knew of his
being guilty. Painful, most painful re-
Elections. it is true; but staining his hands
with the blood of my mother, he was no
longer my father"
"James," exclaimed the stranger, with
ing in agony, al am the base ,Dretch
you described Ipas your father!"
"What! Robert Thornton Impossible!
the murderer OF my mother, it may be
but not my father! Speak was my ia
Their indeed innocent of that awful crime?
and was he to be executed in place of the
wretch who committed it2
"He alone was guilty of the crime,' re-
piled the stranger" and he it was who
should have suffered the penalty attached
toiL But the jailor was bribed, and the
murderer fled! Yes2 I am the wretcM
Here! take this dagger, and, thrust it to
my vitaIs, revenge the death Of your opn
mother!." Horrow-struck at the astounding
declaration, young Thornton, gazing at
the terrible figure before him, stood in 81
lent amazement. But the tale was soon
unravelled, showing not only the truth
of all the wrethed man had acknowledged,
but confrmig the suspicious previously
excited of his being pirate!
He declared that in fit Of rage, he
took the life of his wife: that by the aid
of money and few friends, he induced
the tailor to practice A detention, by which