Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1862-12-05


with bone in her mouth. My brave
husband walked the deck in sore trouble.
He had made the best possible prepara-
ton for defence, the crew were ready to
obey his orders, but the case was hope
less.
"As the light increased, watched the
brig closely through the glass, trying to
ascertain the character of the pursucr.-
\ flag of stars and stripes went up to her
masthead, and the smoke of a cannon
curled up from her deck. 1t was the first
signal. The commander of the brig was
in the field of my glass, and my worst
fears were dispelled.
s." Look ~ said | to my husband, giving
him the glass; "that man is not pirate. J"
Il could not be mistaken. He was a
fine looking man Of thirty-five or forty,
in an undress naval uniform. His bear
ing was manly, and his face, when l got
look at it, was clear and open. My
captain took the glass, and gave an anx-
ious look.
al believe you are right, my darling"
said hc That man is no pirate. Then
it is war, and we shall sooon be his prs-
oners 1t is hard case. but there is no
help for it,
Do not be cast down, my brave hus-
band" said | "father has more ships,
and he can deduct this one from my por-
ton
Just then another shot from the long
gun came alongside, and showed that we
were within point blank range. The or
der was given to take in sail, and we
waited for the brig to come up. AS she
came on, dashing calamity through the
waves, my captain took his trumpet and
hailed her The hail was courteously re-
sponded to. 1t was Yankee priyateer
demanding our surrender.
"Oh. for tier of guns, and half a
chance at him ~ exclaimed my captain !;
but the disparity Of force was too over
wheming. In answer to the question, he
gave the name of our good ship and his
own.
Then |, who was watching the deck
of the enemy still through the glass, tho
We were now SO near, saw strange move
ment The captain Of the brig suddenly
put up his glass, which he turned on my
husband. Then he appeared to give some
order to his lieutenant who was preparing
to board US and soon spransinto the boat
himself, and came on board Of Us.
Z" He was received with not very
cheerful politcness, but his manner, as he
stepped upon our deck, jastiicl the opln-
ion had formed of him. lie raised his
hat to me with graceful bow; aud 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 in America, and alSo
+ OF other events which were news to us at
/ that time.
"Wcre we prisoners Was this our
captor, quietly conycrsing with US, and
eourteously drinking to our prosperity
/ He looked at me attentivcly, when my
eyes were turned away, and | thought |
saw a strange smile on his face.
My husband opened a locker. and
taking out tho ships papers laid them on
the table with a heavy heart; but he
would not show it, and said with an air OF
assumed chcertulness;
1t is the fortune Of war Ny ship is
your prize, captain, and since must sur
render her, l am glad it Is to a gentleman.
Where do you propose to send Us -
The stranger novel into the light,
brushed back the curs of his dark hair,
and turning to my husband, said:
Is it possible, Captain Walter, that
you do not know me? Have you forgot
ten man whose life you saved, and who
owes you SO much p
{" My husband looked earnestly at him
a momcnt, then grasped his hand and
said:
Hardy! Frank Hardy is it really
youY
"'Y es 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 syour wife! congratu'
late you'll congratulate you both with
all my heart. Madam, he took me off a
wreck, where every man but me had per
ished. Thank God! can show that
am not upgratefu | shall appoint you
prize-master, and you shall take youl
ship, please God into her own harbor.'
- But can you do this safely, Frank -?
asked my captain
- Safely" his lips curlcl. 4 would
like to see the danger | would not con-
front for you, old fellow. If | were nayaI
officer, it would be different matter, but
priyatoer has some discretion. My
pretty brig is my own. The war is an
ugly business, but you know me of old
we are "enemies i'll war,in peace friends,
all but you, old fellow-l am your friend
always, as you know
"' Aud how will your crew stand the
loss of their share Of prize-money asked
my captain,
." They are pretty likely to stand what
require them to, said the Yankee, proud
ly. But | can make it all right for them.
Here give me the papers Who is the
owner ?
"My father" said |.
"' All right, Madam, said he, bowing
.. wish to make you small present"
"If you wish TO do me favor" said
[, ''make your present to my husband"
"Ho smiled, as he looked from one tc
the other, and seemed to understand the
state Of the case in an instant.