The northern tribune. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1847-1855, 1847-11-13
comes salute number ttco f!


but the shot went wide, and was most proba-
bly, intended merely as warning to heave to.
Seth paced the deck in great agony of spirit,
muttering, as he went, words that sounded
very much like damnation," and the ike
The sound may have been equivocal to the ear
IF Jetnro. for he forebore to put in his usual
caution of "S,oear not at aU,'' as he was won't
TO do whenever Captain Seth used obnoxious
words.
The Grampus was now kept off two or three
points, and foretopmast- studdng- sail was
about being set; but, in the hurry of the
moment by some mshap the tack got nrove.
y couple of hands we're ordered aoft to rig in
the boom, and reeve the tack anew. In an
instant little Isaac, Who had heard the order,
put the end of the rope between his teeth, ran
up the ore-shrouds, crept out on the top of
the fore yard like monkey, and then out up
on the bare BOOM But before he had accom-
plshed his task, the Frenchmen brought their
long tom, charged with small shot, to bear
upon the yard, and let drive at Isaac think
ing, probably, that his labor might be the
means of enatling the Grampus to escape
The little fellow was not disconnected by this
terrible salute, although the balls whistled like
hail around him. He fearlessly and deliber-
ately went on with his work.
They are again charging the gun - shout
II,
creep in !-creep in Seize one of the hal
lizards, and let yourself down with a run !"
cay, ay,' cried Isaac. as he finished reeving
the tack. He then quickly gathered few
tathoms in his hand threw the coil down upon
the forecastle, and the sail was Immediately
hoisted. The long tom was again elevated,
and the gunner was in the act of applying the
match; but Isaac stopped not for the addition.
al peppering:
The cords ran swiftly through his glowing hands,
And quick as lightning on the deck he stands %
Hah my little younker my eyes, but
you are brave 'un-you'll b an admiral yet
dye see!" exclaimed English Bill, as he
joyfully Rugged the STRIPPING in his brawny
arms.
The prediction of Bill rang in the ears of
Isaac for many year afterwards. 1t was like
the prophetic sound of the bells to the hearing
of Wilmington:
"Tnrn again Wilmington
Lord Mayor of great London"
The hasty strides of Seth were again arrest
ed by another shot, which passed through the
sail over his head. He folded his arms-look-
ed up at the rent sail-and drew up his form,
as If some new purpose had taken possession
Of his despairing mind.
"By heaven - said he, al will not part
with SO fine ship and cargo, without dead
ly struggle ]!
"Swear not !" said Jethro lit will not
help us in our strait. We may better yield
quietly to the necessity. Put down thy helm,
Seth, and bring the ship to-
"Yield quietly, didst thou say and did
understand thee Alright, when thou bid me to
bring the ship TOT" The eyes Of Seth glared
wildly upon Jethro, and his nostrils distended
like those of an infatuated wild bull at bay.
Put down the helm, indeed Pray,
neighbor Jethro, who is the commander of the
Grampus-thou or ]" demanded Seth, in
high dudseon. But he evidently availed him.
self of the first pretext to let off his anger, for
he was waxing exceeding wroth.
Jethro answered calmly, Thou, surely, art
her captain-and yield all to thy discretion.
Save the shipif thou canst; but thou canSt not.
We have no means of defence, and if we had,
it would not be Unsuitable to oppose with
arms"
"Jethro! My resolution is taken Il will
save this ship, or sink in her. What yield
to that little gadfly-that gallinipper-that is
scarcely larger than our long boat -
Another shot, better directed than the other,
splintered piece from the mainmast, and
wounded one of the crew.
There, Jethro there are some of the
tender mercies of the French pirate, and an
earnest of what we may all expect, if taken !"
"Yield thee, Seth, yield thee The longer
thou dost delay, so much the more hazard to
the lives of the people,"
Thou hadst better go below, Jethro--I
must command here Yield indeed! the ship
shall sink first % muttered Seth, as Jethro
began to. descend,
-" Stand by there, men - shouted the cap
tain, in voice that made every sailor start,
Ii was evident to all that Seth had put off the
Quaker, and that prompt obedience was nee
essary.
"Get the lonsboat ready to be launched a,
moments warning-cl away the quarter
boats-and see all clear to lower them in an
instant. Mate, take in all the small sails