Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1859-05-27
The Pirate.

The following incident illustrates tn
power of the religion Of the Prince Q
/. Peace. The relation is given 10y the cap
tain OF the ship.
Twenty-seven years ago, the ship / com
manded was on a mission of mercy. Lader
with generous contributions of New Eng
land city. she was bound to the Cape d,
/ Verde with bread for the famine stricker
and the dying.
II was The fourteenth day out-in the
/ first gray of the morning-tlat the mate
aroused me with the startling intelligence
/ that suspicious vessel was in sight. Will
/ the first ray of light the yigilant officer de-
scribed her, and she was so near as TO be
made ont with glass. ! was ON deck in
an instant.
The first glance at the stranger almost
dispelled the fear that the mates alarm had
occasioned.
"Why. Mr.. Larkin," said, laughing as
spoke, there's nothing suspicious in that
lubbery looking craft. She is a Portuguese
brigantine-she can't SAIL
"She looks Ike that bnild." the mate re-
piled ''but look now at the men on her
deck"
One glance with the telescope was enough
TO satisfy me the mate was right
sIts no honest craft Mr. Larkin," said !;
''but she may not be pirate for all that
One need rot b. surprised to fall in with
SLAYER hereaboutS."
"Rut she's no slaver."
"Why do you think So"
"Pecause there are guns on her deck, in
stead cf water casks.
As if TO put an end to our speculations,
the suspicious vessel began to spread more
canvas, and as she gathered away with the
freshning breezn. they ran up their fore
mast a far. which. when il reached the
truck unshook its folds in the wind. On a
white field we saw the terrible insignia of
the freebooter-the deaths head and cross
bones, painted in diabolcal black.
We made al the sail we could, but es-
cape was impossible. A gun from the pi-
rate, ana ball whislling over us. speedily
brought us to- The pirate came quietly
along, ike panther, which is ready TO seize
Is prev, and in no great hurry to seize it,
The moment he came within speaking dis
ance, he hailel and order red me TO launch |
boat and come on board. We got out the |
lnarter boat, and was about to jump into
rer 10 pay my respects in person to the VIII !
ian, when Mr.. Larkin asked leave 10 go.
If they want the caniain," said he, "let |
hem send for him. I'll see if the mate /
wort answer as WELL"
He descended the boat, which began to |
,ull back. Almost at the same instant a /
aunrh wa swnng over the rail, into which /
wenty savage looking rascals. armed TO the I
eeth, sprang and pulled towards us. Ten (
minutes afterwards they were on board of I
nv vessel and began clearing away the
main hatch
The leader, a swarthy fellow whose
quare. compact frame. and whose ewes T
lack and hazy. and half concealed by the I
ids. expressed cruelty and cunning, APP
'roachrd the cabin-hatch where | stood,
nd addressed me in very fair English.
''Are YOU captain Of this vessel?'
YES" replied.
WHATS your cargo 7"
"Flour."
"Where from z"
"RoSton."
"Where to 2"
Cape de VERDI"
"Why they're all starving" said he, open
lg his eyes and looking full at me.
Yes, and the flour in my vessel was
RELY given by the good Christians to feed
he starving people.
The rascal continued his deliberats gaze
moment, then turned toward his men, who
y ihis time had broked into the main hatch
a rough commanding tone, spoke "a few
'ords in Spanish, which ! could not make
Ut The men looked up in astonishment,
nd then withdrew To the side, where they
ood gazing cautiously at their captain,
,r such was my interrogation. He thrust
is hand behind him. and walked too and !
% qniekly for five minutes; then he said,
harply, turning TO me
You Americans are all bereties-Why
lould you send -four TO feed Catholics 2
..B4canse they are our fellow men. and (
leir Savior Is our Savior" answered, as /,
,niSlesl Al the cond lct Of the min.
.If yon lie 10 me-" he cried will, fierce :
ess thar startled me-'.lfyou lie TO me, Ill I