The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1854-08-03


the other an Englishman. These poor
fellows looked round at their mesSmates,
and seeing how undecided all were, they
suddenly turned and spraDg into the rig.
ging--running aloft for safety.
The captains eyes glared like wild
beasts, and seizing his gun, he shouted
Lay down this moment, both Of ye, or
III shoot YEP
They saw the threatening movement
and heard the command; but this only
caused them to run up the rigging higher
and higher Twice more the captain
hailed them, and then he,'raised his piece,
and quick as lightning leveled and fired
A burst Of execration from US all fol-
lowed, for the ball had struck the En-
glishman and broken his leg. He fell
like wounded bird into the main.top,
and screamed in agony.
oh, God! what have you done, Cap.
tain II exclaimed the horror
stricken mate. you have committed
murderp
mo, | have not, answered the captain.
i ordered the fellow down, and il he
won't obey, it's mutiny, and the law will
justify me in killing him, or killing you
either-so mind what you say
The mate turned aside, and when one
of the oldest seamen whispered in his ear,
say the word, sir, and we will clap the
madman in irons, he only shook his
head, and buried his face in his hands.
Meanwhile the American, fine young
fellow known by the soubriquet Of Boston
Bill had ascended to the royal yard,
and was looking down on deck TO see
what course matters were taking. The
captain, not satisfied with disabling one
man. at this moment pointed his gun at
him, and hoarsely ordered him on deck,
threatening to shoot him If he refused.
Come down, man, for heavens sake!'
shouted the mate. g..e
He will fog me if do, SIR
Yes, III fog you, sure enough, yelled
the captain. ...... .u
Then will die before come DOWN.
Without another word, the captain
commenced taking a deliberate aim, and
MALTA dozen voices shouted to the man
whose life was in this fearful jeopardy.
Jump overheard, Bill. or you are a
dead man! Jump for lifel'
In an instant the sailor ran along the
footrope, and clung TO the royal yardarm
to leeward. The alternative was indeed
horrible. he descended, he would be
flogged--if he remained, he would be
sho!-if he leaped overheard from that
dreadful height, he ran the risk Of being
dashed 10 pieces if he fell sideways on
the water, or of being snapped by q
shark or drowned, let him fall which way
he would. The captain shifted his aim
and his finger was on the trigger.
Jump, Bill, jumPP screamed his mess.
mates, and his resolution was taken. He
would leap for lyel
Lowering himself from the yardarm
with his hands, he pointed feet down.
ward, and Glove the air with the veloSity
of cannon-ball. A second or two, and
he had disappeared inthe curling green
sea. E...
The pent-up excitement of the crew
found vent at this moment. One party
rushed on the Captain, and diSarmed and
bound him, while the rest put the helm
down and threw the sails aback, to stop
the motion Of the ship, and sprang TO the
falls of the quarter-boat, to lower away tc
pick up the American, should he arise tc
the surface.
A brealhless pause of very nearly
minute ensued. and then we beheld the
head of the sailor emerge at the distance
of hundred yards; and being a capita
water.dog, he struck out boldly for the
ship, and amid loud hurra was picket
up. His leap for life had been success
iul.
The other poor fellow who was sho
aloft was lowered on deck in sling Ht
was more injured by The fall than by tht
ball in the leg, and died the same night il
extreme agony.
The mate now consented 10 take com
mand of the ship, Captain L--wa'
closely confined till we came TO port. By
that time he was raving mad, and he dice
within three days after being conveyed tc
hospital ashore.--Sharps's London Mag
azine. ...s