The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1851-05-28

the natural development Of the pirates
plans.
An involuntary motion, occasioncd by the
fretting of the handouts upon his wrists,
suddenly brought his hands in contact with
something hitherto buried under the straw
Of his coarse pallet. 1t was a Short heavy
knife; and the heart of the prisoner bound
ed anew, as, with his fetiered hsB1s, he
clutched it by its massive ht. He placed
it hastily in bis bosom, and felt, in its posses
sion. il not confidence, at least q hope, Of
Ultimate delverance.
But to wha; use could he apply this weap-
on ? His hands were still fettered, the
door was still barred behind him, and before
it were, doubtless, the guards which had
been there posted; and even were all these
obstacles removed, he was not in bis own
vessel, or within reach Of friends OIL Shore
whose assistance he might count upon.
Should he escape from his present close con-
! inement. he would be no less securely held.
The waste Of waters were still around, and,
since he must remain on board, what could
one single arm, whether weaponed, or wesp.
onless, avail against the pirate crew.
Such reflections we're continually obtrud-
ing themselves upon his Imagination; but,
inspirited anew BY the hope which had been
kindled by his fortunate discovery, he now
struggled desperately 10 free his hands from
the handouts and finally, after severely
decorating the flesh, he succeeded in with
drawing one, and thus secured the use Of
both.
lie had already observed the comparative
freshness Of the air in his little apartment,
and this circumstance convinced him that it
must have some connexion with the outside.
He therefore carefully groped bis way far
ther from the door by which he entered, un-
Ill bis advance was stopped, at the distance
of few steps, by solid wall, composed of
heavy timbers. But the height OF the pas
sage here appeared suddenly to increase, ,and.
glancing upward, Barton saw that it was
covered by heavy CRATE, evidently in the
desk above. Ii was beyonl his utmost reach,
but inserting his dagger in a crevice between
two timbers, he stepped upon it, and grasp
ing the grating with both his hands, exeri ed
all his strength to move ii from it's position.
But his utmost efforts proved unavaiing and
relinquishins the attempt, he was about 10
return.
The wind had changed from strong
breeze to steady gale, and its howlings,
while they prevented the movements Of Bar
ton from being overheard by any on deck,
had also prevented him from hearing their
, conversation, or learning how near they
might be TO the grating above. But a tenn
, porary lull occurred at this moment, and
, just as he was preparing to descend, be heard
8 the deep tones Of the captain and his mate
, in earnest consultation. lie paused and lis.
, tened
~ intended" said voice winch he rec.
ognzed as that of Bellamy, "io obtain from
I that Barton the requisite infor nation about
the different harbors, and then TO send his
Snow and him to the bottom
"Any why not now Z" returned the 9TH
: er. You might promise him safe dismiss
, al in return for it, and TO save the trouble o
: threats. 1t is easier to persuade than tc
force, though either is possible"
81 have many reasons, and good ones, fol
, acting with the utmost deliberation and eau
ton. observed the look he gave me wher
boarded his craft and should hesitate abou
taking his word about narrow passage. We
b, want some further assurance"
keep him on board, them" replied the
mate. "Make him our pilot, and warn him
a that OF the slightest sign Of treachery, YOU
r knife shall slit his throat"
!. Barton clenched more lightly his lacera
ted hand, as he heard the words Of the afro
>. cious villains and an observer might have
l., seen positively frigLtful expression fiji, O
yer his face. But soon again it was gone
d and he composed himself to listen.
h But consider" resumed the mate, " tha
. It is necessary TO make decision. and
!, speedy one. The gale has driven US far ou
, to sea, and in these waters cruisers are mor'
! plent, than merchantmen"
The conversation was continued in lowe
tone, and soon they removed TO a distance
!. from Barton's post Of observations. Th'
IS constrained posture which he had been main
), tanning became exceedingly wearisome ant
IS as he had little prospect of getting furthe
n knowledge of the design of his captors, HI
= hastened to descend, and resume his position
l. upon the pallet near the door. Here he cm
C ployed himself in constructing schemes o
l. escape; which he hoped yet to accomplish
= during the descent upon the Cape, which
y was clear that Bellamy contemplated. II
is also attempted to determine what course L
e pursue in giving the pirate the advantage G
bis experience and local knowledge. Shoul
|. he teach hin, the intricate channels, and rel
is upon his mercy and generosity to be after
s. wards rewarded with liberty? The CONVEX
F. satioh Barton had just overheard, left hir
d little 10 hope from such sources. Or shoul
z he avenge himself, though by his own 1eatt
T. and free the ocean from this dreadful free
't booier, by running his vessel on the sunke
Is rocks that girded The coast ?
d lie was startled from these hurried revC
y ries by the Withdrawing Of the bolts outside
T. and nc had barely time to conceal in his be
s. som the dagger he had found, ere the doc