Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1859-02-26
NJ | S c L L L A n Y.
THE LAST BULLET.
AN INCIDENT OF COMMODORE STEWARDS ALICE
RINE EXPERIENCE.

fN'+''f '+rNi 'fiNA'@-'Ni-s
The United States ship-of-war. Constellation.
was anchored in the harbor of Agers, whittier
she had proceeded under command of Commo-
dorc Prche, having on board among her other
officers, Charles Stewart, then an acting lieu
tenant, and the man the old Commodore looked
to for assistance in fighting the Algcrincs.
1t was the watch of young Stewart, and he
was pacing to and frc on the deck, about half
an hour after sunset, when he saw a small boat.
containing single person. coming off from the
Old Port, as the western part OF the town was
called, and heading directly for the ship.
This person was rowing with all his might,
and Stewart was not long in discovering the
cause Close behind the single boatman was
seen large sallee rover. filled with men. whose
presence was announced by a continual firing at
him of whom they were i'll such determined
pursuit-holding on their way until they were
under the very guns of the ship.
"Now, by my soul" cried Stewart; 'may
be shot if do not teach those fellows lesson.
Stand by Mr.. Rogers" he added. addressing
fayorite gunner, ito throw little grape into
that fellow"
An instant later, wreath of smoke curled
up from the shore side of the vessel. and as the
report went booming over the water, the iron
messenger sped on its way, crashing into the
pursuing boat, severely woundiug two or three
of her crew. She instantly turned to put back
at the same time that the fugitive reached his
destination and came up the side. into the
presence Of the officer of the deck
lie was an elderly man, with a stout frame
and brownish features but it did not require
but single glance from the lieutenant to see
that he was of English or American descent
rs soon as he was sufficiently recovered from
his over exertion to breathe. he went on to tell
his story. to which Stewart listened with much
excitement and interest
The new conner was an American citizen
named james Collins, Il native of New York
who, with hi, wife and daughter. had been TAX :
en- from an American vessel at the same time MS
its commander and crew. two wears before. by
an Algcrine pirate. His wife had since died
and he and his daughter had been enduring
since his capture all the horrors of a homeless
and aggravated captivity. But the worst mart
of the poor mans story, aud that which moved
lieut.. Stewart the most, was the announcement
that his daughter. a gentle and beautiful Girl
was on the very eve of being forced into n de-
testable union with the very wretch who had
bought her and her father as slaves"
''AIy agony at these circumstances culminat
ed not two hours ago." finished the father
'when | struck the prosecutor insensible to nv
feet, and fed. By dint of exertion. managed
to reach the water side. and embarked before
the pursuers could prevent it. But. though [
have succeeded in reaching this place of safety,
my poor Alice is still in the power of her tor
mentor, exposed to his vengeance, and am al
most crazy at thinking that she may even now
be subjected to a fate worse than death! If |
could only guide good boats crew. under YOUR
orders"
Zone moment" interrupted Stewart. "Stay
where you are till have seen Commodore Pre-
ble!"
One moment the Young lieutenant WINS en-
gagged with his commander in the cabin. ard
then he came forth with stern smile Of salts
faction on his features. Ten minutes more had
not passed ere cutter with twelve chosen men
pushed off in the darkness with the lieutenant
and the stranger in the stern. and rapidlv struck
out for the shore.
Our owner" said Mr.. Collins. "residcs in
the western part of the city. There is coast
guard established. but do not apprehend that
we shall have any especial trouble from that
source. | think we can land below. 90 I'M tbe
streets to the house. and carry off nv child. and
all without losing manw
The boat landed after twenty m;pntos If ro,,-
id progress. at a small wharf near the Galeta' IN
the western mart of tbe town ma orr;,oi ,,a 49,
certainly witnessed. but not n great deal Of nj.
tention was bestowed upon it bv the stupid Al
gerincs. Leaving part of his men in the cutter.
with orders for them to lie low under the wharf.
Lieut. Stewart and the remainder of his force
followed the footsteps of Mr.. Collins. who led
the way rapidly up The intervening streets.
On arriving at his late prison. an old and din
gy looking structure. extremely spacious. bov-
ing all the looseness of the Moorish STYLE. the
party discovered that silence and darkness were
the principal features of the scene. Not sound
was heard nor a word uttered The whole
building seemed deserted The agony of the
father was extreme.
"Oh. nv cbildl nv chldrr he cried no lonq-
er able to control the terrible emotions which
had been surging in his soul DURING tho Inst
hour; "shall never see thee moreY7
A Moorish slave came around from the roar
of the building, and assured his late fellow can
tive that the girl had been carried off by the
master, and that no one was at home save him
self. But even as the lying rascal uttered the
concluding words Wild Shrek resoundcd
throughout the chambers, and the next moment
young and beautiful girl of seventeen sum
mels appeared at one of the front widows, look