Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1861-11-06

naught L amt brought the old bark safe to
hum, after a two years cruise, to be stopped
from going into port to see the old woman, not
for King George himself. Clear away the tar
paulins from that ere long barker amidships, Mr.
Grant; if he stops us he shan't play his tricks
for naught."
The ship carried two short six-pound cannon
AIDES on each side, and Captain Lyman, anticipa-
ting difficulties, as he neared the land had pro-
vided him with long nine, swivel gun at Mar
seilles, so that the Indian Chief carried no tri-
fling ornament /; and although i'll adapted to con
tend with regular armed vessel, she was likely
to prove an ug.y customer, especially as any de-
fensive action on her part would probably be un-
suspected, and consequently unprepared for.
The young South Carolinian had been examn-
ing the strange vessel through his own spyglass
but he lowered the telescope as he saw the mate
and crew apparently preparing for hostile NEE
ting; and when the long gun amidships was
cleared from the tarpaulin and loaded, and point
ed in the direction of the cruiser, the astonish-
ment depicted on his countenance found vent in
words.
Captain LYMAN" said he, s is not that yes
sci kings cruiser ?"
'''Pears somethin' like one, young gentleman"
said the captain
'Then surely you are not going to offer resis-
tance?
That depends upon circumstances, young
man. If be his majesty's officers is civil, I'll
be civil, as in duty bound. Ifso be as he's every
way kantankerous itll be 'tother way.''
You'll be guilty of treason.''
WALL, some folks may call it treason. and
guess the owners want to see the cargo of the
Indian Chief. 1 amt going to be kept out to sea
for King George himself, and 1 amt going to
be took for nOthin', if swing for it."
81 protest against your conduct. Captain Ly-
man. protest in the presence of the officers
and crew. /, at least, am no traitor to my
king"
50 You can protest much as you have a mind
to, Mr.. Bartlett. 1t don't make no odds. Pm
captain of this here ole barky, and when want
the advice of passenger I'll AK it-'
1t was very evident that it was the purpose
of the cruiser to intercept the merchant ship;
but whether or not with hostile intent was still
uncertain. Captain L;man made no further at
temp to avoid the rencountre, but kept steadily
on his course; and though tie guns Of the Indian
Chief were all loaded, and a slow match lighted
in the cooks gallery, the crew of the merchant
man continued at their ordinary duties-the
watch on deck being chiefly employed in the rig
gng, while the watch below were either sleeping
or engaged IN the usual occupations of a sailors
leisure hours-mending their old garments, or
playing cards and checquers in tie forecastle.
The cruiser was still nearly mile distant when
the captain of the ship stepped forward TO he
forecastle, and thus addressed the idlers.
"Now, my men, you've been on two years
v'yge, and 1 dessay most of yes glad to get near
to hum to see your dear sweethearts, and to spend
your hard earned mouey, like fools, as sailors al
ways do I suppose you know how the govern
ment folks in the old country have been picking
a fuss with us colonists because don't choose
to pay every sixpenny tax they think proper to
impose upon us. They've got into a way OF
dealing with us as if we inferior sorter
feller creatures and Christians. Ye heard that at
Marseilles and how our folk has been driven at
last, arter putting up with good deal, to take
ND arms in our defence. Americans for Ameri-
XIV that's the watchword, my hearties. They've
put an embargo on our ports, and they have ia
ken to seize our ships and compel our men to
serve aboard their own men-o'war. Now, lads,
there's vessel in sight, bearing down upon us.
She'll be within hail in half an hour at most,
and l suspeck she's kings cruiser, bound to
warn us ofr-p'haps to seize US as prize, and to
compel US to serve his majesty. Now L calculate
we've got arms and enough to beat her off,
if we take 'em by surprise, and the question is,
will We stand by me, the old barky. that has
brought us safely here, the owners cargo, and
the colonies of North America, or will ye go
Gown on your knees afore the sarvants of King
George, give up the ship and cargo, and your
hard>earned money, and be content to sarve the
king for year or two longer, and fight your ma
tive land, and the homes Of them ye love best on
earth If so be We be cravens, say the word;
but if ye be good men and true stick to the ship,
ard I'll promise ye, in the name of the owners,
that if the cruisers Gums to the tussle, and we
beat her off, and get safe into port, We shall have
your wages doubled, and jolly good spree on
! Shore But mind ye, lads, don't want to de-
ceive ye If the luck goes agin us we shall swing
for it. So now make your choice between King
George and tyranny and slavery, or the Indian
Chief the colonies, and independence"
"Bravol bravo!'' shouted the men, with one
voice. Well stand by ye, Captain Lyman, and
by the good old ship, and our native land until
death I"
"Nuff said, my lads" answered the old skip
per. Z" Now be ready, but don't make any fuss
till give the word. Maybe all will go off quiet
and peaceable after ALL"
The watch still remained in the forecastle,
ready. however, to make their appearance on
deck at moments warning, while the cook kept
| the match burning, and the men in the rigging
stood prepared to spring to their stations at the