The daily Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1855, 1855-06-16

and compilations = some of them white,
some red, some brown and some black.
arranged the men close to the bulwark
with what muskets We could muster, and
then turned to see if Legrand was upon
deck. He stood by the cabin companion
way with sword in hand, and with two
superbly mount ed pistols stuck in his belt.
The sword l had not seen before, and of
course judged that it must be his own. =
1t was broad and heavy, of the most exoui-
site polish, and mounted in a hilt of gold
and precious stones. l was for the moment
chained to the scene. The youth looked
most strangely His face was yet pale and
calm, but its expression was changed-won-
derfully changed. The fire of his eyes was
deep and intense, and the usual sedate, mel
ancholy expression had given place to sort
of exultant smiling satisfaction l did not
speak to him. saw that he stood over
the place where his mother had found ref
uge.
BY this time the quiac was nearly along
side. l waited until the time for pistol
shooting came, and then gave the order
to fire. There was a long wild yell from
the boat, and on the next moment she
struck our side, aud the pirates began to
Chamber up our rigging. Our shot had not
done much execution, for nearly all who had
sat in the quiac leaped for the ship We
beat them back as we'll as We could, but
they began to gain upon us, and at length
my men gave way. 1 urged them all 1
could, but the bloody pirates came on in
such wild fury that to stay them seemed i'm
possible.
Savage fell back to the poop, and his
companions followed him. The pirates
struck down three of my men, and the rest
fell back to the opposite side of the deck By
hasty count, made out that there were
about seventy of the enemy, and we had
thirty-eight left. For few moments there
was mutual suspension of hostilties The
pirates had all gained the deck-all that
were alive, and their chieftain stepped out
In front OF them. He was a Spaniard, but
spoke English well.
do you surrender your ship 2" he asked.
"Of course we surrender" spoke Savage,
seeing that hesitated. eve may receive
quarter if we surrender quietly."-
"Nsrer r' spoke calm, clear voice and
on turning we beheld Walter Legrand.-
" Necer !" he repeated, while his dark eye
flashed proudly, care we Englishmen ?"
saw these words produce wonderful
effect upon my crew, and so they did upon
the other passengers, and l must confess
that they went to my heart with nerving
power. Only Captain Savage seemed ia
dislike them Upon him they seemed to
CRATE harshly.
AT this moment Mrs. Legrand came up
on deck. She had heard her sons voice
and perhaps she thought he was in danger
Santa Maria !! that is my prize" ex
claimed one who seemed to be second in
command among the pirates, as soon as he
saw the beautiful woman.
u" No, no, by San Paulo, she's mine p
cried the chieftain, and as he spoke he star
ted towards the spot where the widowed
mother stood. His lieutenant followed him,
and so did several of the others.
"Stand back !" said Walter
"Out, boy-Or die p
Thus spoke the pirate leader, but he spoke
no more, for the young mans sword swept
the air like lightning, and the villains head
was cleft in twain. Another stroke and
the lieutenant shared the same fate.
Now, men of England, show the blood
of your proud nation y
Every man heard these words, for they
were like bugle notes-clear, and ringing
and distinct l remember how Legrand
looked at that moment He had just fore.
ed his mother below where he spoke, and
then he turned upon the crew. His head
was up, his teeth set, his finely chiseled nos
trils dstended, and his eyes literally emit.
ting sparks of fire. He dashed like light.
ming shaft among the foe, and we all fol.
lowed him. Ever and anon 1 could distin-
guiSh his form amid the smoke-for there
were many pistols fred-and | could see
the flash of his bright blade where it was
not covered with blood. fought with all
my might-and so did oil ny men. Savage
fought too, but he did not seeAaspluces of dan.
ger, rather seeming to keep his back against
the bulwarks.
Ever and anon the fash of Walters
sword would catch my eye, and failed not
to see man fall when it descended My
own men looked to him as their leading
spirit, and did not feel offended. / rather
felt proud of him. How could 1 help it
The very genius of Mars seemed to sit with.
in him. 1t was almost a miracle how he
swept away the foul villains from before
him. At length the deck began to grow
thin of standing men, and streams of blood
were flowing towards the scuppers. l
reached Legrands side, and l saw stout
men flee from before him. l saw his arm
move, and 1 saw another pirate fall
Then cry broke upon our ears. 1t was
a cry for quarter, for mercy. The fighting
ceased, and the living pirates were huddled