The Democratic press. (Eaton, Preble County, Ohio) 1860-1865, 1862-10-30
LoosI said | to my husband, giving him

- I|
tllf el1ss that man is not pirate
ttould not be mistaken He was fine
iep ng man Of thirty-hve or forty, in an un-
ds naval uniform, His bearing was man
5aa1 ben1 igOt alooh at il; iras.
clear and open, Ny husband took the glass
aud gave an anxious look
1 believe you're right said he, that man
is no pir tie. Then it is war, and we shall
soon be his prisoners. 1t IS hard case, but
there is no help for it.
DO not be cast down, my brave captain,
said |, father has more ships, and he can
deduct this one from my portion
Just then another shot from the long gun
came alongside, and showed that we were
in point blank range. The order was given
to take i'll sail, and we waited for the brig to
come up. As she came on, dashing proudly
through the waves, my husband took his
trumpet and hailed her The hail was tour-
tconSly responded to. 1t was Yankee pri-
2ateer demanding our surrender.
'Oh for q tier Of guns, and half chance
at him 7 exclaimed my husband; but the dis
parity of numbers was too overwhclming.-
In answer 10 the question, be gave the name
Of our good ship and his own.
Then l, who was watching the deck of the
euemy still through the glass, though we
were now so near, saw strange movement.
The captain of the brig suddenly put up his
glass, which he had turned on my husband
Then he appeared to give some order to his
lieutenant who was preparing to board us,
and soon sprang into the boat himself, and
came on board of us.
He was received with not very cheerful
politeness, but his manner, as he stepped
upon our deck, justified the opinion l had
formeaof him He raised his hat to me with
a graceful bow, and my husband invited him
to enter our cabin, which he did with every
courtesy. Wine and other refreshments were
brought out in plenty, and the stranger told
US of the outbreak of the war with America,
and also Of other events which were news to
US at that time.
Were we prisoners Was this our captor,
quietly conversing with u.s. and courteously
drinking to our prosperity? He looked at me
attentivcly, when my eyes were turned away,
and l. thought | saw strange smile upon
his face
Ny husband opened a locker, and taking
out the ships papers, laid them on the Ia
BILE with heavy heart; but he would not
show it, and said with en- air of assumed
cheerfulness
1t is the fortune of war. Ny ship is your
prize, captain, and since I must surrender
her, am glad it is to a gentleman. Where
do you propose to send usT
The stranger moved into the light, brush
ed back the curls of his dark hair and turn
ing to my husband, said;
is it possible, Captain Walter, that you
do not know me2 Have you forgotten a man
whose life you saved, and who owes you so
much :?
Ny husband looked earnestly at him a
moment, then grasrcd his hand and said:
Hardy! Frank Hardy is it really you?
'Yes, old fellow, said he, it is really me,
with better memory than you have, who
saved my life at the risk of your own And
this is your wife, l congratulate you'll
congratulate you both with all my heart
Madam, he took me off a wreck, where every
man but me had perished. Thank God l
can show you that I am not ungrateful.
shall appoint you prize-master, and you
shall take your ship, please God into her
own harbor
But can you do this safely Frank ? ask
ed my captain.
'Safelyl His lip curled, 4 would like to
see the danger 1 would not confront for you,
old fellow III were naval officer, it would
be a different matter, but a privateer has
some discretion My pretty brig is my own.
The war is an ugly business, but you know
/ me of old-we are enemies in war, in peace
friends all but you, old fellow--I am your
friend always, as you know. .r IS 20 r
And how will your crew stand the loss Of
their share of prize money! asked my cap
tain. .f. .... I
They are pretty likely to stand what I re-
quire them to, said Hardy, proudly But
can make it all right for them, Prizes are
not very scarce articles, Here, give me the
papers Whois your owner2'
NY father said I,