The mountain Democrat., 1863-10-03

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their rigging N 40 make hnt little bead.
way, and were now rising asd hfliDg on
the swelIs Of the sea, within few yaSds
Of each other. --l@'a .
Several Of the heavy shots from the
lugger had penetrated the York's side at
the water line, and large number of the
crew Of the latter vessel we're pipsd = the
pumps as the craft was fast making large
quantities Of water At this moment the
eye of the smuggler captain rested upon
the person Of one of his own foremast
men on board bis enemy-the truth fash
ed in moment across his mind; tho
treacheFy Was. accounted for, and there
stood the traitor. In an instant the Crap
pei irons were ordered to be thrown, and
the boarders piped to duty; . few hasty
words from the commander Of the Dolphin
sufficed to inform his followers that the
traitor was on board the York, and headed
by their brave and daring captain, the
lugger's mean leaped upon the cruisers
! deck Secure the tFaitOP and back with
you oil, cried the captain, pointing with
one hand TO the trembling william who bad
betrayed them, while with the other he
kept score Of men at bay with his fash
ing sword.
After securing their treacherous com.
rade, the DOlphin's crew retreated swiftly
to their own vessel, amid the establishment
of the crew Of the York, who had been
taken completely by surprise, the deed
being accomplished in far less time than
is required to relate it's particulars. Re.
gaining bis own deck the captain of the
lugger now backed his topsails, while
those that remained to the York continued
full thus the two vessels parted. The
Dolphin, as she fell astern of her antago.
mist, gave her one raking shot which did
fearful havoc upon her deck. 1he ..
tain Of the cruiser was forced to make IN
speed for the shore, when the York was
run aground in q sinking condition. Thus
ended the fight between the lugger and
the man-Of war. showing what cool cour-
age and skill can accomplish against su-
perior force.
The Dolphin sailed for the cove on the
eastern side Of the island, sorely shattered
in hull and rigging by the severe contest
with the kings cruiser.
The lugger is again anchored in the
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ness punishment. The traitor who had
betrayed the ship had confessed his guilt
and the price Of his treachery is found
upon his person. The crew were at their
stations, ell save six seamen, chosen by
lot, who stood apart from their compafl-
ions, with downcast eyes and trembling
forms, for they were the agents through
whom fellow creature was to be launch.
ed, in cold blood, into eternity. Those
hearts Of oak that few hours since stood
fearlcsSly at their guns, dealing death and
destruction around, and with blood flow.
ing like water at their feet, now tTembledi
A strange quiet reigned throughout the
ship; even the wounded seamen below
had suppressed their groans, and the tick
Of the captains watch could be heard at
any part Of the quarter deck. The mis-
cradle man who was now to suffer stood
upon gun, his arms confined behind him
and rope around his neck-the cord was
rove through block at the extfeme end
Of the yard.arm, and reaching down again
to the deck, the opposite extremity was
placed in the hands Of the six chosen by
lot. Contemplating this arrangement for
| SuC N0PIdtu
why, men, next to mutiny ! know Of
no blacker or more accursed sin than
.=:scbsTy. That man has ha.-1yed u.s.
may Heaven forgive him as do at this
moment. He was seduced from bis duty
in an evil hour, while under the effects of
liquOr-he is now penitent, and you see
how bravely he will die. You have had
related to you the peculiarities of his case,
which, ] think. has many extenuatiDg
points. You are his jurors; shall be die 7
Shall we send your old messmate into
eternity? Speak, my men,
No! no II the captain forgives him
that's enough said the generous hearted
crew.
BLOW me- said the old seaman who has
before spoken in this story, IF don't
think . man who could betray such Q
commander and such q ship, must find
punishment enough in overhauling the log
of his own conscience, without our send
ing him to Goundings.'
The feelings Of the criminal, for be iaa
criminal who betrays those who have
cOn6ded in him, may be better imagined
than described. He left the gun chang
ed and better man. He was forgiven his
sin.
Well knowing that the boldness of this
last adventure with cruiser Of the Roval
Navy, would draw down certain destruc.
tiOn upon them, the captain and crew of
the lugger ran her into French port,
where she was sold, and the proceeds
equally divided among the officers and
the crew, who were thenceforward dis
banded.
Let US follow, for q moment, gentle
reader, the life of this captain of the Dol.
phin, this Smuggler Of the Isle Of Man.
Still actuated by love Of adventure
and fondness ior the sea, he proceeded to
London, where he was soon entrusted
with large merchant vessel, in the West
India trade, as captain, in which capacity
he led lucrative and adventurous life for
several years. subsequent to which, he
visited and settled in America. On the
breaking out Of the war With the mother
country, his ardent love Of the principles
for Ehich our fathers contended, led him
to offer his services in behalf Of the cause
OF liberty. He was appointed captain of
a noble vessel, the first Of the American
Navy, and his was the hand that raised
her flag first upon the blue waters. With
this vessel and others with which he was
subsequently, entrusted, be gained some
of the most brilliant naval Victories eySr
won. Through his whole service there
was one faithful follower, who never iefV
him, and whose protecting arm twice
saved his life in the memorable battle DO.
tween the Bon Homme Richard and the
Serapis, The former Of which be c0tnnand.
ed. Reader, that follower was tue 'pat-
dOned criminal Of the Dolnhin ltrSatslV