The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-08-09

duty strictly. should show this, pointing
to the round robin, ito the captain; but | dom
want to make matters worse. Let us get Il
port, and then complain as you please. Bu
for your own sakes-and for my sake-don 7
mutiny.'
We all respected the mate, and his word'
made great impression. We consulted to-
gcther, and the prudence Of the majority
overcame the fierce impulse Of the boldel
spirits. It was however tacitly understood
that il matters grew much worse. We would
risk the dreadful penalty Of mutiny by seiz.
ing the captain, for We now considered he
was undoubtedly insane, although the mate
acted rightly enough in holding aloof a,
present, as the captain had not evinced him.
self incapable Of managing the shir.
Whether any whisper had leaked out in
the cabin, through the stewards or officers, ]
cannot tell, but the captain undoubtedly sus-
pected what had passed. At noon the next
day be came on deck, with double-barreled
gun in his hands and deliberately loaded II
with ball in our presence. When he had
done this. he called all hands aft, and in Ian
guage that sufficiently indicated, from its
wild incoherency. that he was undoubtedly
insane, he addressed the crew, winding up
with the words
You think to get the upper hand Of me,
do you? You will mutiny-you will take
the ship away from me? I'll make an exam
plc-Ill show you whom you have to deal
with Mr.. Jackson, let those two men be
seized up this minute, for Ill make spread
eagles of 'em sure as live.'
As he spoke, the captain pointed to two Of
the nearest men -one an American the other
an Englishman. These poor fellows looked
round at their messmatcs. and seeing how
undecided all were, they suddenly turned and
spranginto the rigging-running aloft for
safety.
The captains eyes glared Ikea wild beasts
and scizing his gun, he shouted
Lay down this moment, both Of ye, or III
shoot yc!'
They saw the threatening movement, and
heard the command; but this only caused
them run up the rigging higher and higher.
Twice more thecaptain hailed them, and then
he raised his piece, and quick us lightning,
leyelled and fired. A burst of execration
from us followed, for the ball had struck the
Englishman, and broken his leg. He fell
like wounded bird into the main.top, and
screamed in agony.
%, God what have you done, Captain
L-?' exclaimed the horror-stricken mate.
you have committed murder!'
NO have not answered tho captain.
Il ordered the fellow down, and il he won't
obey, it's mutiny, and the law will justify
ne in killing him, or killing you sither-so
mind what you say
The mate turned aside. and when one of
the Oldest seamen whispered in his ear-'say
the word sir, and We will clap the madman
in irons, he only shook his head, and buried
his face in his hands.
Meanwhile tho American a fine young fol-
low, known by the soubriquef Of Boston Bill,
had assembled to the royal yard, and was look
ing down on deck to sec what course matters
were taking. The captain not satisfied with
disabling one man, at this moment pointed
his gun at him, and hoarsely ordered him on
deck, threatening to shoot him il he refused.
Come down, man, Tor heavens sake, re-
peated the mate.
He will aog me If l do, sir
Yes III fog you, sure enough yelled the
captain.
Then will die before come down.
Without another word, tho captain com.
menced taking "a deliberate aim, and halt II
dozen voices shouted to the man whose life
was in this fearful jeopardy
Jump overheard, Bill, or you are dead
man. Jump for liie!'
In an instant the sailor ran along tho foot
rope, and clung to the royal yard arm to lee
ward. The alternative was indeed horrible.
The decendcd he would be Aoggcd-if he re-
maired he would be shot-if he leaped over
board from that dreadful height he ran the
risk Of being dashed to pieces II he fell side
ways on the water, or of being snapped up
by q shark or drowned, let him fall which
way he would. The captain shifted his aim
and his finger was on the trigger.
jump, Bill jump screamed his mess
mates, and his resolution was taken. lie
would leap for Es!
Lowering himself from the yard-arm with
his hand, he pointed his feet downward, and
Glove the air with the velocity ofa cannon.
ball. A second Of two, and he had disap-
pearcd in the curling green sea.
The pent up excitement OF the crow found
vent at this moment. One party rushed on
the captain, and disarlned and bound him,
while the rest put the helm down and threw
the sails aback, to stop the motion Of the
ship, and spraug to the falls Of the quarter
boa. to lower away to pick up the American,
should he rise to the surface.
A breathless pause Of nearly minute en-
eusued, and then VIC bcheld the bead Of the
sailor emerge at the distance ofa hundred
yards; and being a capital water-dog, hc
struck out boldly for the ship. an amid a
loud hurra was picked up. His 'leap for life
had been successful.
The other poor fellow who was shot aloit
was lowered on deck in q sling. He was