The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1855-06-07

happen. Now go forward and take car
ofthose men who lie there upon the deck
for they may have got hurt; and when
ever you want another bit Of exercise
just refuse to obey me. Only mark m
the next time there will be likely TO b.
burial service at the end ofitp
As the captain thus spoke he turnec
on his heel and went below, and from
that moment his power was suprme.--
There were some dark threats made, bu
knew they were only the words Of pas
sion and that they would never be put in
to execution. And again we knew tina
1.-THE captain had killed half the crew in
the nelqe, no law could have touched
hin. a.
The seaman who bad been severely
hurt soon got over their injuries. and af'
ter this there was no more open insubor-
dination. But the crew suffered much
They had no more peace--no more com.
fort, no more social joy. From the mo-
ment of that mutinous movement and its
summary punishment, Captain Burkton
haunted them, and did at length be.
lieve that some of them would yet take
his life. But at length a change came
over the whole scene, and in a manner
as strange as it was unexpected.
Among the crew was boy named
William Atherton. He was not more
than twelve years of age, and was as
bright and intelligent as one of such age
is often seen. He was handsome boy,
small and finely built, but yet firm and
strong. His hair was of a sunny, golden
hue, and his eyes deep, lustrous blue.
From the first, the captain had seemed to
treat that boy with kindness and regard,
and had taken him into the cabnto help
the steward. One day Bunkton sent
Atherton down into the cabin to get his
sextant. There was considerable sea on
at the time, and as the boy was coming
up the ladder he stumbled and threw the
sextant out of his hands, breaking one Of
the mirrors, and also the revolving index
which was ofivory.
why were you not more careful"
asked the captain, sternly.
L was as careful as l could be, re-
turned the boy.
Then you would not have dropped
the sextant. You were careless
Il was not sir, retorted the boy proud.
ly
Good spunk,' said one Of the men,
loud enough for the captain to hear, but
so hushed that he could not tell from
whence it came. His face changed col
or. and his lips trembled.
William he said, / shall punish you
most severely, for that
But twas an accident, SIR
Il don't mean for breaking the sextant
i mean for your insolence. Take off
your frock, sir
The boy hesitated, but at one look from
those burning eyes he pulled his frock up
from beneath the Wristbands of his trow-
sers, and then pulled it off That left his
body bare above the waist. The skin was
as delicate and white as girls, and he
trembled violently but he was too proud
to beg. The captain called two men to
hold him, and then he took bite Of the
ensign haulyards and placed himself rea-
dy to strike. The poor boy looked Inn
ploringly up, but he did not speak. As
the white back of the youth was turned
towards me, saw the scar of burn or
scald between the shoulder.b blades.
Captain Bunkton raised his arm, but
he did not strike. His eye rested upon
that scar, and his arm dropped powerless
by his side.
Boy said he, in husky tone, who
are you? What is your name"
William Atherton is my name.'
who gave you that name"
'Thc man who brought me up
'Then he was not your father?
mo sir
WHO was your father?'
Il don't know, SIR
'Where is he
Dead
who told you so 2
My mother
'And your mother, where is she 2
whispered the giant captain, hoarsely and
deeply, at the same time trembling at ev'
cry joint.
sShe is at her home, returned the boy.
'Wher is her home ?
at Auburn
'And what's her name y
The boy hesitated. lie gaSed first in
to the pale face of the captain, and then
upon the deck.
What isyour mothers name?'