The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1857-05-06

abundant were the drinking vessels of ever,
shape, size and material, from Bohemian glas
to honest English pewter, while beakers, flask
and decanters, filled with most choice wines
and rarest cordials were abundant. Even ir
the viands, which were substantial and plenty
there was an unwonted display of taste.''
"In few minutes after the conversation be
tween the captain and his cook, which related
as you may surmlse, to the preparation of the
repast he was about to offer to his crew, on the
conclusion of their cruise, the loud shrill notes
OF the boatswain's whistle were heard piping
to dinner. With less confusion than might be
expected, the crew went below and ranged
themselves in something like order around the
festive board. Not man, however, such is
the force of discipline among sailors, took his
seat or touched an article until the captain,
who bad previously placed himself at the head
of the table, gave the word to fall to.'''
''Then commenced scene shall not at
tempt to describe-the rude, wild, savage
jests, and blasphemy; the boasts of lawless
deeds, the bloody legends and fearful oaths.-
With the cold smile, that sometimes almost
chilled their rufdan blood, and his demon-lke
eyes, that now glared with lurid flash, and were
now glassed with cruel speculation, their cap
tain urged on the reyel. Yetere it reached its
height, he rose, and in clear, calm voice de-
manded attention. In an instant all was
hushed, and every eye was fixed upon him.
"Gent]emen Rovers, our cruise is up, and
we are about to part. There is not a wreck on
the ocean to tell our deeds, and their evidence
is locked in our own bosoms. No one doubts
it is safe there"
of all
"Yet," continued he, Il propose an oath. :"
agreed !" was the general response.
Rise p he exclaimed
Every man was to his feet in a moment
"Draw your knives!'
The weapons glittered in each hand
'The points to your hearts !"
Each one held the steel to his bosom, as if
about to drive it home.
"Repeat We swear, by wind and wave
by blood and steel, never to betray shipmate,
Or to reveal a deed, we have seen since this
voyage began; we will be strung up without
word, or shot down without a sign that can
injure him we will not even claim his acquain-
tance, though we be in extremity, unless he
throw out a signal and we will pursue to death
wherever he can be found and slay, on land
or water, the man who turns traitor. We
swear and we seal with our hearts blood -
"Strike," exclaimed the leader; and each
man drove the blade deep enough to puncture
his bosom, and kissing its blood stained point,
returned it to its sheath.
CHOW, gentlemen, our arrangements are all
made" said the captain, 'the treasure is divi-
in the morning; we shall be near land, if this
weather holds, every thing will go well. You
are marked down for the different boats, and
officers appointed to each, with instructions
how to steers and what to do. The brig we
will sink in thousand fathoms where resur-
rection won't find her. And now, my lads,
are you satisfied"
A unanimous shout of approval was the
reply: ~
Then, my mates, one bumper before we
part Here,'' said he, sis runlet of the old
rum that we took from the red-nosed bishop
who was so foolish as to trust himself and
treasures afoat, and here" drawing cover
from basket, care the golden goblets he said
We're dedicated to the Virgn-they have been
allotted to my share; but take one of them,
each of you, and keep it in remembrance of
your captain
His generosity was hailed with applause,
and two men arose at his signal, one distribu
ting the goblets and the other filling them with
strong, fragrant old Jamaica rum, the captain
helping himself from flask at his side
Every man rose to the captains toast:
Here's a rover's life ! Gold to him who
has the courage to win it and the soul TO spend
Here's to the sea that tells no tales
The breeze that fills the rover's sail -
Every bumper was quafed to the bottom,
and wild and long was the shout with which
his congenial sentiment was hailed.
Excusing himself by alleging the necessity
of watching the briggs course, the captain now
went on deck, and commencing them to that
free indulgence which he we'll knew required
no pressing.
''Well, Antonio, they have drank your
bumper
L saw it," said the Italian, his eyes glitter
ng like snakes.
No doubt, Signore capitano. Listen how
hey shout. In five minutes not a tongue will
sed."
"one-thrd, Antonio; but don't trouble
yourself man /; it will be enough. There is
more than you think"
'tAntonlo is satisfied, capltano MO-" said
he man.
The two proceeded to talk some time as to
The details of their anticipated escape, while
the jewellers in the cabin grew more quiet
There was rafting of plate, a cracking Of
few deep means, and heavy falls,
as of drunken men, and all below was still as
Heath
The Italian grew pale, and crossed himself
1ervously. A wild light Of demoniac triumph
cleaned for an instant in the captains eyes
and bitter smile passed over his countenance
While Antonio was still trembling he felt his
companions hand placed lightly and calmly on
lis shoulder.
''See yonder cloud, Antonio?" he asked
pointing to the horizon "We are nearer land
han you thought. That is the shore, and we
will reach it tonight. Go below and gather
he gold goblets; but let everything else alone
we have enough here.''
And he touched an IRON bound chest, placed
etween the binnacles.
The Italian complied, with evident reluc-
ance, and in few minutes returned with the
rticles, but pale and livid as ghost, his knees
miting each other.
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