Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1860-02-03


a large room Of the Chamber of Com
merce. Three men, with their counsel,
were seated at table overhauling pa
pers, and whispering to each other as he
entered. He was rugged in blue jacket
and trousers, ike a common sailor. They
looked at him then whispered together,
then looked again. and appeared some
what confused. 1t must be Cook said
one of them, or his ghost l shall see.
He rose, and advanced with extended
hand, and bowling to William, said
Captain Cook, | believer
William Cook, seaman, sir.
You know him, then? inquired the
spokesman of the underwriters.
20, yes, sir he commanded one Of
our vessels that is, a vessel wt charter
ed, but was unfortunate. We did not
know he was a sailor before the mast, in
our ship.
Neither did / know the ship belonged
to YOU replied William, or l should not
have sought employment in her signed
articles at the shipping office, without
knowing the names of the owners
is a lucky job for US, said the
spokesman, that you went in her. BY
the way, are you the young man
who took of the crew Of a ship, and be-
cause you did so, the fellows for whom
you sailed, combined and feeced you of
everything, even to your chronometer?
Is that chronometer story true? Old
Capt. Foster told me the story, but it
was so internally wicked, ! could hardly
credit it.
i have forgiven these men, William
replied, calmly, may God also forgive
them
What !! exclaimed the spokesman,
are these the same persons who have
leagued to defraud US ?
Allow me to explain said the fell
low who took the chronometer Capt
Cook does not complain; that affair is
settled
Yes, settled rejoined the spokes-
man You and your confederates ought
to feel ashamed to look the noble heart
ed sailor in the face. But let me tell
you, our affair as not settled, nor would
it be, if my counsel prevailed, until every
ore Of you were in State Prison. This
time you have been fairly caught in
your own trap
The fellow resumed his seat, and the
business OF the meeting commenced
William presented a mass of evidence so
Overwhelmingly against them, that even
their own counsel was confounded. 1t
was finally agreed that the affair should
be referred to three men. These, after
a prolonged investigation, awarded Viii
liam fifty per cent. upon the vessel and
cargo, which were found to be worth
sixty-fve thousand dollars, and to forfeit
I the premiums paid on insurance. AS
they had given bonds to abide by the
decision, they were compelled to submit.
The fellow who took the chronometer
said to his partners
1 will not cry beaten yet. I'll see
Cook, and try the pious dodge upon him
once more. I think we can get clear OF
the crushing award by making him pre-
sent of the chronometer He seemed to
part with it reluctantly. as it had been
given 10 him for his humanity.
He called upon William, and spun a
long yarn about religion, and how sorry
he and his partners had been at the aE
fair Of the brig; and if he would consent
I to sign a paper which he procured, they
would return the chrouometer, and USE
their influence to procure him the com.
mand of another vessel William exa
mined the paper. which was quit claim
in consideration of receiving the chrome
meter, and then returned il to him, say
ing
The business Is settled. 1 have agrees
i to reduce the award to twenty-five thou
sand dollars, and the referees have place,
that sum on deposit TO my account Her,
/ is the certificate. And he handed il f
him.
You give me this, then? he cried
J eagerly clutching It.
Oh no, sir, only showed it to you
he continued dryly, that you might b.
satisfied the business was all arranged
But you did give it to me-, and ! hav
it, aud you shan'l GET il back again.
: IS mine, you gave il to me. you gave
, to me! Ali ala an !!
? You are very much agitated, sal
William sis down and be composed
while say a few words to you.