Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1868-01-10
CAAPTER ".
FRESH AND UNSALTED.

FRESH AND uNsALTED.
Rocking on the water, in the calm sun
shine Of an October day, the Elizabeth and
her c"mpanio. vessels were far out at sea,
aud Captain Stafford stood on deck. The
last gay outline OF the moors was gone
when he reused himself from his long gaze.
and in an alert commanding tone, unlike
those that had been heard IN the hall OF
llnderciff, called out. How now! what's
that barrel cumbering up the dcck'
'Pilchards, sir, answered the boatswaiu's
gruif voice.
'lieaye them below, then I'll have the
decks clear.
They be a flesh lot. sir. scarce well salt
ed, aud it would be well to have them ham
dy for use: nor do | see where to have
them in the hold. 80 choke full it :s al
ready. SIR
I'll see to that; numbered decks I'll
never have. Here, you kingc"mbe ami
Lee. come down and see to the slowing the
hold.
This was an agreeable hearing for the
contents of the piclard barrel, fresh and
scarce salted Indeed. being no other than
Mark Lynch. coilcd up closely there. by
special continuance OF the bOatswsin, whom
he had gained over by his liberality dur
lug his many visits TO the Elizabeth while
she was ref;ting, and who likewise thOught
il his duty never to miss II promising re-
craft. The boatswain hal promised to
prevent his voyage from being prematurely
ended bv his being placed on his head
mad arranged his breathing holes and
engaged to release him as soon as the
Lizard should he passed; but Captain
Statford's care Of his decks were both un
welcome and alarming. and the crumpled
aud half sthed Mark watched in dislnay
for the next sounds. only trusting the ar
rangeinents in the hold would prove
lengthy. Presently he felt as well as
heard seaman seat himselfupon his cask
'AAoat at last said very gruff voice;
L thought we should have tarried longer.
Ours is no captain to tarry for sweet
heart
Twas sweet ,eart beyond what falls to
the lot of most us poor mariners! A
wench with many fair acres tackled to her
skirt
Did We see her, Nick!'
.Ah. marry, did not |, when they've all
walked down to see the captain eff in his
boat A sprightly little lass was she, and
fair enough to make man lOath to part
with her! Isaw her the day before yester-
day. when we took him round to say fare
we'll, walking up anl down the beach, weep
ing as though heart would break. That
may have been lucky clout i the head Of
captain
'Would the old squire give him his
daughter"
flush. man. it is not his daughter. She's
a friendly spoken wench. Oft brought us
down neal bread and cider. hut not 10
compare with this one. She's the ward
promised. t was said. to the heir. and
with pretty heritage to bring him; bu,
trust our western court bred sailors for
cutting gu. your clumsy country landlub-
bOrs.'
Here the sailors discourse was cut short
by an unearthly shout beneath him. caus.
ing him to give leap Of horror that sent
himself and the barrel rolling on deck. the
la ter continuing to emit rOars which be.
coming somewhat artculate. caused the
sailors to believe that the powers of evil
were therein, and the boldest of them vas
summoning up courage to heave it over
hoard when the bOatswain rushed to the
rescue. aud the captain. summoned from
his arrangements in the hold by the up-
roar, bearing on all sides loud accusations
of the bewitched barrel, commanded it to
he STAYED in.
A touch with chisel and mallet disclosed
fiery, nay, purple visage, mouth and nos
trils gasping between rage and su.fncation.
form so wedged in cramped that extrica-
ion was impossible without considerable
aid from the sailors.
Mark Lynch exclaimed Stafford. 4
yrieve to see you"
You may have cause to grieve,' cried
Marx. staggering in vain endeavor to
straighten himself into dignity. We'll
may you rue the abuse Of hospitality
Draw and defend YOURSELF
He would have rushed at Stafford's 3
throat. hut his numbrd limbs failed him,
and he was only saved from falling by be-
ing caught by the boatswain.
This is raving,' said Stafford, caused
by the heat Of his prison. Take him to
my cabin and we will try to restore him
ADDER cried Mark, now am ! with
in thy coils, What thou would's palm of
on them q tale of ny frenzy!'--and he
laughed in manner st to enhance the be-
lief.
Without answering, Stafford led the way
to bis cabin, and caused the two men to lay
Mark on his hammock, standing on either
side to rcpress the least struggle by theii
iron grasp However, Mark had begun tC
return to his senses. and spoke more calm.
" though his voice was tremulous will
passion. "A few words with you. SIR
Leave us, Kingcombe and Andrews.
said Stafford.