The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1850-12-04

lily brought us TO- The pirate came quiet
.ly along like a panther. which, sure Of its
prey was in no great hurry to seize it
The moment he came within speaking dis
tance he hailed and ordered me to launch
boa. and come oil board. We got the
quarter. boat and was about TO jump into
l,er.iio pay my respects in persol. 10 the
Williams. when Mr.. Larkin asked lenveto go.
IF they want the captain" !" said hes
.slet them send for him. Iii see if the
mate won't answer as we'll
lie had scarcely put his foot on the deck
Of the pirate. whenhe again appeared on
the rail, and descended 10 the boat, which
began 10 pull back. Almost at the same
instant launch was swung over the rail,
into which twenty savage-looking rascals.
armed to the teeth. sprang and pulled to-
wards us. Ten minutes afterwards they
were OIL board Of my vessel, and began
clearing away the main hatch.
The leader swarthy fellow, whose
square. compact ifamn indicated strength,
aud whose eyes. black and hazy, aud half
concealed by the lids. expressed cruelty
AID cunning approached the cabin hatch,
where | stood, and addressed me in toler-
able English.
"are you captain OF this vessell"
:.Yes." replied
whats your cargol"
..Flour."
"Whcre trom?"
s.Boston."
AVhere tol"
Cape de Verbs"
"Why they are all starving there" he
said, opening his eyes and looking full at
me
"Yps: and the fur in my ppssel ,cas
treeiy girsn By 60 d Christians to feed
those Mdro'ng people."
The rascal coliiinuedh his deliberate gaze
amoneni then turned towards his men aud
in rodgh commanding tone. spoke a few
words in Spanish. which could moi mike
out. The men looked up in astonisli,nent
and then withdrew to the side. where they
stood gazing cautiously towards their cap
tain, for such was my interrogator. lie
thrust his hand behind him and walked
quickly to and fro for five minutes; then
turning TO me. he said sharply
.Y,u americans are all ,heretics--,chy
shopM you send -four 10 feed statrimg
CathoHcsl"
"Because these sreonr tellowmen,, and
their SavIouris our Saviour | answered,
astonshed at the conduct OF the man.
III you lie 10 me-" he ctied with start
ling fierceness, iii you lie to. me, | Il nail
you down to your own deekl Is this car
60 the gift of your counlrymen to the
starvngl"
III prove il by my papers" answered.
81 don want to see your papers" he
replied; "swear by that Saviour. whose
name you have just pronounce,l." As he
spoke. he crossed himself devoully.
=. swear by the Holy Trinity" re-
piled. solemnly. ~
The pirate lifted his cap. and bent his
head d'v2utly when mt,.tionedthe Trim
ity. lie stood still. with his head bent
over. while one might moderately have
counted fifty. When he raised himself
up. il seemed 10 me there was less trrocty
III his countenance. His eyes were no
longer halt closed. but open aud clear in
their depths. looked steadily at him.
.'Caplain.'' said he courtcously. .ean
you supply me with Two or three casks Of
water!"
Isgave the order. and the water was
lowered into the boat. A word from him
sent his cut-ihroats over the side. buihs
fingered behind. and after a moments
hesitation. as though he half reprnted of
his resolution, and was almost ashamed
OF what he was doing. he approached inc
with his hand extended.
..God bless y,u." he exclaimed. as he
felt my grasp. ''and send y'n where the
starring are praying for bread"
The next moment he was gone. II is
very probable that the piratical rascal was
afterwards hung, as he no doubt deserved
to be-. But however terrible his fate. am
sure that from his heart, scared and cal
.lo,is with crime. and selI.desrcrated. there
burst forth little glimmer Of light. which
miiigated somewhat the desolation, and
relieved. thought could mol entirely dis
pei the gloom Of his dying hour. $50
K Rtt+tl - ti ". D..n..t, tfa