, 1859-11-04
The Last Bullet.


proceeded under command Of Commodore Preble,
having on board among other officers, Charles
Stewart, then an acting lieutenant, and the man
the old Commodore looked to for assistance in
fighting the Algerines.
It was the watch Of young Stewart, and he was
pacing to and fro on the deck, about half an hour
after sunset when he saw small boat, containing
a single person, coming of from the Old Port, as
the western part OF the town is 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 filed with men, whose presence was
announced by continual firing at him Of whom
they were in such determined pursuit holding on
their way until they were under the very guns Of
the ship.
"N0w, by my soulw cried Stewart, NAV be
shot II do not teach these fellows lesson. Stand
by, Mr. RogerO," he added, addressing favorite
gunner to throw little grape into that fellow"
An instant later wreath Of smoke curled up
from the shore side Of the vessel and US the report
went booming over the water, the iron messenger
sped on its way, crashing into the pursuing boat,
severely wounding 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.
He was an elderly man, with q 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. As soon as he
was sufficiently recovered from his oyer-exerton to
breathe, he went on to tell his story, to which
Stewart listened with much excitement.
The new conner was an American citizen named
James Collins native Of New York, who, with
his wife and daughter, had been taken from an
American vessel at the same time as its commander
md NWHON
His wife had since died, and he and bis daughter
had been enduring since his capture all the horrors
Of hopeless and aggravated captivity. But the
worst part Of the poor mans story, and that which
moved Lieut.. Stewart the most. was the announce.
ment that his daughter a gentle and beautiful girl,
was on the very eve Of being forced into detest-
able union with the very wretch who had bought
her and her father as slaves
my agony at these circumstances eliminated
not two hours ago." finished the father, when
struck the prosecutor insensibIe to my feet and fed.
By dnt Of exertion managed to reach the water
side and embark before my pursuers could prevent
it. But, though have succeeded in reaching this
place Of safety nv Door Alice is still in the power
Of her tormentor, exposed to his vengeance, and
am almost crazy at thinking that she mayeven now
be subjected to a fate worse than death! If could
only guide q boats crew, under your ortlers"-
@One moment" interrupted Stewart. "Stay
where you are until / have seen Commodore
Preble"
One moment the young lieutenant was engaged
with his commander in the cabin, and then he came
forth with q stern smile Of satisfaction on his iea-
lures. Ten minutes more had not elapsed ere a
cutter with twelve chosen men pushed OF in the
darkness, with the lieutenant and the stranger in
the stern, and rapidly struck out for the shore.
sour owner" said Mr.. Collins. "resides 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, 20 up the streets to the house,
and carry off INV child. and ali without losing a
man I"
The boat landed. after twenty minutes Of rapid
progress at a small wharf near the Galeta, in Inc
western part Of the town. The arrival was Ger
tainly witnessed, but not great deal Of attention
was bestowed upon Il by the stupid Alggrines
Leaving part of his men in the cutler. with orders
for them to lay down under the wharf Lieut. Stewart
and the remainder of his force followed the foot
steps of Mr.. Collins, who led the way rapidly up
the intervening streets.
On arriving at his late prison, an old. dingy-
looking structure extremely sDaeious. having an
the looscness Of the Moorish STYLE the party dis
covered that silence and darkness were the principa
features Of the scene. Not a sound was heard nor
a word uttered. The whole building seemed de-
serted. The agony Of the father was extreme.
40, nv child nv cbild" he cried. no longer
able 10 control the terrible emotions which had been
surQing in his soul during the last hour, asball
never sec thee mOreY"
A Moorish slave came around from the rear Of
the building, and assured his fellow-captive that
the girl had been carried off by the master, and
that no one was home save himself But even as
the living rascal uttered the concluding words wild
shrieL was heard In the chamber and the next mo-
ment a Young and beautiful girl Of seventeen sum
mers appeared ut one of the front windows, looking
like a spectre in her garments Of spotless white.
my child-my Alice n exclaimed Mr.. Collins.
"Saye me, fatbcrv was the response; and while
L - = = -.- - - -. r.. g.. A.