The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1854-06-21

otter an Englishman. These poor fellows
looked round at their mes es|mates, and seeing
how undecided all were, they suddenly turn.
ed aud sprang into the ii igging--.unning aloft
for safety.
The caPtain'e eyes glared like wild
beasts, and seizing his gun, he shouted
"Lay down this moment, both fye, or I'll
shoot YEP .,.... ........ ......
They saw the threatening movement, and
heard the command; but this only caused
them to run up tho rigging higher and high.
er.' TwIco more the captain hailed them
and then he raised his piece, and, quick as
lightning, levelied and fired burst of ex-
ecration from us all followed, for the ball
had struck the Englishman, and broken his
leg. He fell like ounded bird into the
main-top, and screamed in agony
"Oh, God! what have you done, Captain
L--F exclaimed the horror stricken
mate. "You have committed nurder!"
mo, have not" answered the captain.
81 ordered the fellow down. and If he won't
obey, it's nutiny, and the law will justify
me in killing him, or killing you either--so
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 mad
man in irons" no only shook his head, and
buried his face in his hands.
Meanwhile the American, fine young
fellow, known by the Soubriqmct 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 hoarse-
ly ordered him on deck, threatening to shoot
him if he refused.
"Come down, man. for heavens sake :" re-
pcated the mate.
ale will fog me II do, sir"
ayes, I'll fog you, sure enough" yelled
the captain. ....
Then will die before como down."
Without another word, the cnptaiu com.
menced taking deliberate aim, and half a
dozen voices shouted TO the man whose life
was in this fearful jeopardy
slump overheard, Bill, or you are dead
man +! Jump for life"
In m instant the sailor ran along the foot
rope, and clung to ropal yard.arm to lee.
ward. The alternative was indeed horrible.
If he descended he would be nogged--if he
remained he would be shot--if he leaped
overheard from that dreadful height he ran
the risk of being dashed to pieces if he fell
sideways on the water, or Of being snapped
up by a shark or drowned, let him fall which
way he would. The captain shifted his aim,
and his finger was on the trigger.
"Jump, Bill, jumpT" screamed his mess
mates, and his resolution was taken. He
would leap for life!
Lowering himself from the yard. arm with
his hands. he pointed his feet downward
and Glove the mic with the velocity of can
nan-ball. A second or two, and he had dis
appeared in the curling green sea.
The pent mp excitement of the crew found
vent at this moment. One pcrty rushed on
the captain, and disarmed and bound him
while the rest put the helm down and threw
sails aback, to stop the motion of the ship,
and sprang to the falls OF the quarter. BOAT
to lower away to pick up the American
should he rise to the surfacc.
A breathless pause Of very neatly minute
ensued, and then we beheld the head Of the
sailor emerge at the distance Of hundred
yards; and being capiti water dog, he
struck out boldl for The ship, and amid q
loud hurra was picked up. His "leap f I
life had been successful.
The other fellow who was shot aloft was
lowered on deck in sling He was moie
injured by the fall than in his leg, and died
the same night in eStreme agony.
The mate now consented to take command
Of the ship, aud Captain L. was close.
ly confined till We came to port. BY that
time he was raring mad, and he died within
three days after being conveyed TO hospi.
tai ashore.