The Cadiz Democratic sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1854-1864, 1855-04-18

wives: the grog and the toast; home and
friends recalled; the plsdgesgtO to the absent
wife, or dearly loved girl. the old song sung
upon the occasion, the chorus Of which all
hands joined in, ill space rang again "a
"Butthe standing toast which pleased the most,
Was the wind that blows, the ship that goes,
And the lass that wsuld wed saiior.'
The promontory squeak of the fiddle
banished sentiment. and lively strains Of
some hornpipe, pu,music into our very heels
as we shuffled, broke down. and changed
in onr fore and alters When the ships
bell proclaimed eight o'clock, the fiddler
came up with his screws, the dancer laid
aside his pumps aud every man returned to
his place and duty without word. e
Our happy routine like all earthly en-
joyments, was at times interrupted. One
Saturday. while repelling boarders. mere
lad, son Of the Captain. in a melee. tel
overheard. We we're going some six knots
AS quick as thought, another boy. the pei
of the forecastle, threw himself into the
seato save him. aN
The father did not forget he was master
Of the ship, and with the coolness ofa hero
he hove her to. and pursued the usual steps.
His example inspired others. and both lads
were soon safe again. ana the pet of7the
forecas:le had his ears boxed by the skip.
per, whose son's life he had saved, for cur
sing the luck because he had wet his to-
bacco. Cuffed as the pet was, it was evil
dent that his bravery was appreciated, and
this step raised him in the estimation Of all
There was less of noise, more Of grog, and
as much enjoyment that evening as on any
previous.
Months have passed-the pets popu-
larity still continued, and from being rated
a boy, he was now classed ordinary sea.
man More, he was appointed captain Of
gun, the crew of which rejoiced in the
sobriquet Of the awkward squad Where
is there an Instance of the rise Of any one,
unattended by the creation Of enemies!--
Our pet found one in the cook, who was
the awkwarlest Of the awkward, and reprot
from the young gunnerto him was doubly
harsh.
We were now upon our return home
The fair weather face Of the Captain had
become stern and ferbidding: the m m Hates
Eof the officers were Issued in tones harsh
AMI petulent; while the crew, catching The
contagion, obeyed because they had to-
/ A Saturday nisht'had passed without tht
customary jolity, and the former aspect Of
Things had sadly changed
/ Prior 70 this all hands had been summon.
ed upon the quarter deck. and in briel
terms told that theft had been committed.
The supercargo's slate room had been en-.
tered. and the pockets Of pair Of panta.
looms rifled Of small sum in gold. Tte
steward and his premises had been searched
and nothing discovered to confirm suspi.
cions. AS the steerage communicated with
1 the cabin, and as all indiscfiminetely had
free ingress and egres tc the former place,
all we're lible to suspicion, and each must
consent to the searchiug Of his clothing. =
/ All were indignant at the suspicion, and
eagerly demanded the search. The pet
was at the helm when the hit was over.
/ bauled without affording d clue to the theft
orrobber, the faces Of officers AMI men
frightened Imagine the feelings Of all,
when. in the chest of the favorite, wrapped
4 in a coIored rag. was found the lost gold.
Ifever men seemed prone to doubt their
sense, here was aninstance Nothing short
Of proof like this could have raised sus.
tpicion even as to the honesty of him, who
now, in the minds of all, stood convicted
! Poor lad unconscious of deed he was
lin csrtain neaslre found guilty Of, as he
lpursued his task his mind was freer from
! care Than any of his spompanions. He was
Iordered to relinguish the helm to the hand
Iof anothers and arsaigned upon the quarter
Edeck, in presence Of all on board, accused Of
theft: and the light hearted and happy Of the
moment previous, was now ordered to solis.
ltary confinement ia the sail loom abaft, and
ijndged guilty To await punishment. Hc
protested his innocence with sobs and tears,
/ but there was nothing he could advance To
Erefute the testimony against him. Tho
i flushed cheek and confused manner arising
from shame. were imputed to guilt; and
the only kind word addressed him by biz
Judges, was the promise Ola mitigation 3
punishmentif If lie would confess his gailt.
/ responce Of Innocence was unbelisyedi
land, considered as one hardened Ia sin, hs
/ he was hurried below ili a8 w 8,
Heavy At heart were The worthy foremas
hands. but there WIS one still heavier; thu
Epallid cheek and settled frown Of the mas
tier, together with his hurried walk, told b
1.-The inner man. s es Il
| Tive or three days had elapsed, and still
sEthe crew had been spared Witnessing III.
i degrading punishment they fell il would DO
the lot Of the lad To- receive and hope.
!. 4. IA. ;. Il - n. I q Al Va L ~.