Butte record. (Bidwell, Butte County, Cal.) 1853-1858, 1855-06-23

and with two superbly mounted pistols
stuck is his belt. The sword | had not
seen before, and of course | judged that
it must be his own. 1t was broad and
heavy, of the most exquisite polish, and
mounted in hilt of gold and precious
stones. | was for moment chained TO
the scene. The youth looked most
strangely His face was yet pale and
calm, but its expression was changed
The fire Of bis eyes was deep and IN
tense, and the usual sedate, melancholy
expression had given place to sort of
exultant, smiling satisfaction. did not
speak to him | saw that he stood over
the place whsle his mother had found re-
fuge-
BY this time the quiac was nearly a
long side. l waited until the moment
for pistol shooting came, and then | gave
he order to fire. There was long wild
veil from the beat, and on the next mo-
ment she struck our side, and the pirates
began TO Gambler up our rigging. Our
shot had not done much execution for
nearly all who sat in the quiac leaped for
the ship. We beat them back as We
could, but they began to gain upon US,
and at length my men gave way. l ur-
ged them all | could, but the bloody pi
rates came on in such wild fury that to
stay them seemed impossible.
Savage i'll to work at 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 was about seventy of the enemy,
and we had thirty light left For few
moments there was mutual suspension
of hostiites. The pirates had gained
the deck-all that were alive, and their
chieftain stepped out in front of them.
Hs was Spaniard, but spoke English
well.
DO you surrender your ship he ask
ed
OF course we surrender spoke Saw
age. seeing that | hsstated we may
receive quarter if we surrender quietly
Meier ? spoke calm, clear voice,
and on turning we beheld Walter Le-
grand 'Ncrer p he replied, while his
dark eyes flashed proudly. sire sre
Eagiismcn 2
| saw that these words produced a
wonderful effect upon my crew, and 50
they did upon the other passengers, and |
must confess that they went to my heart
with nerving power. Only Capt. sa-
wage, seemed to dislike them Upon
him they seemed to CRATE harshly.
At this moment Mrs. Legrand came
upon deck. She had heard her sons
voice, and perhaps she thought he was
in danger
Santa Maria that is my pr.ze,' e1-
claim ID one who seemed 10 be second in
command among the pirates, as soon as
lie saw the beautiful woman.
'No, no, by San Pawle, she's mne ,
cried the chieftsin, and as he spoke he
started towards the spot where the moth
er stood. His lieutenant followed him,
and so did several others.
Stand back ? said Walter
'Out, boy-or die y
Thus spoke the pirate leader, but he
spoke no more, for the young man s
sword swept the air ike Lightning, and
the villains head was swept in twain
Another stroke, and the lieutenant shar
ed the same fate.
Now, men of England, show the blood
of your proud na'iOnl'
Every man heard these words, for they
were ike bugle notes-clear, ringing,
and distinct.
remember how Legrand looked at
that moment. He had just forced Lis
mother below when he spoke, and then
he turned upon the crew: his head was
up. his teeth set, and his finely chiseled
nostrils extended, and his eyes literally
emitted sparks of fire. He dashed like
!. a lightning shaft among the foe, and we
all followed him. Ever and anon could
distinguish his form amid the smoke-for
there were many pistols fred-and l
could see the fash of his bright blade
where it was not covered with blood. |
fought with my might, and SO did all my
men. Savage fought, too, but he did
not seek places Of danger, rather seeming
to keep his back against the bulwarks.
H Ever and anon the fash Of Walters
sword would catch nv eye and T f,,-,ol