Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-11-04
THE OLD MAN AND HE.PIRATE.


Early in the month of August, 1912, good
sized brig started from Boston, bound for New
Orleans On board there was an old man nam
ed Adam Writ, seeking an only son whom he
had learned was somewhere on the coast of
the Gulf of Mexico. Adam Writ was wealthy,
but for four years he had been alone to dwell
among its glitter. When the old man had ta-
ken a second wife to his home, his son Landon
stepped from his roof and sworc that so long
as his stcp-mother lived he would not cross its
threshold again. The second wife was now
dead, and feeling sad in his loneliness. the old
man resolved to seek his child.
The brig had good weather, and for several
days nothing had occurred to break the monot-
ony of the voyage; but at length one OF the
ookouts reported sail to the southwark and
eastward The wind was from the east: and
the brig had it slightly abaft the beam as her
course lay south.
Poulc brought his glass from the cabin, and
after gazing on the ranges for some ten min
utes, made her out to be a schooner standing
ont directly towards them.
s:W here do you think she is bound 2" asked
Adam Writ, as he heard the captains report
s.Couldn't say YETI replied the captain, a
gain leyeIiing his glass at the stranger, 81 can
tell you better after watching her spell.''
Fifteen minutes passed, and at the end OF
that time Captain Poole lowered his glass, and
while slight trcmor shook his frame he
said
ssThe schooner is falling off. !"
ssAnd what of that 20 asked the old man,
who had failed to take notice OF the captain
manner.
s.what of it2 why simply that fellow is
bound for this brig
ssWants to speak to us, l suppose" said
Writ.
ssVerv likely," returned the captain as he
went aloft; and again turning to the old man
he continued, ssyou need be under no needless
alarm, but in all probability that schooner is
pirate"
a pirate" said VI irt, while his face assum
cd Iivid hue s.then in Heavens name, wha
shall we do !''
ave shall have to make the best of it; 70
of two things We may rest assured-we cal
neither run away from him nor fight him
Look his deck is crowded with men,
The briggs crew had by this time become a
ware of the schooner, and as may be supposed
they felt anything but comfortable at the con
cIusion thus arrived at The brig was heavil
loaded and at best she was but an unpromis
ing sailer: while the schooner, with the win
full upon her quarter, came dashing along d
a furious rate. consultation was held upo
tho quarter-dcck. and it was at length agree
upon that the brig should be kept on he
course. and if ordered by the pirate to heav
to they would do so at once, and offer no re
sistance, which if offered at all, could only rel
der their situation worse.
In an hour and a half the pirate had com
an TO within mile, and fired gun to wint
ward. and in a few minutes afterwards the orl
was laying with her maintop-sail to the mas
The crew watched the schooner as she b.
gan to round to, and though they could not r.
press an instructive dread, yet they felt col
fident that no violence would be used, so lor
as they offered no resistance; nor in this we
they disappointed, for as the schooner rahss
along side and the pirates began to noch
board, no signs of murderous intent were ma
ifested. The pirate captain was the nrst
board the brig. He was young man IN u
prime of life, and next to follow him was
fair haired handsome youth, who seemed
hang upon his commanders steps, with
strange mixture of devotion and fear.
esDo you command this vessel ?" asked Il
pirate leader of Captain Poole.
"Yes, sir" replied Poole.
ssThen of course you will have no objecti
TO my overhauling your cargo, sir,'' said t