Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1870-05-11
TOM CIR Alb;
Or, An Old Salt, Bfoat and Ashore.
Y GUS. COM STO OK.
ROGER sTARBUCK.)
CHAPTER |


Down from aIoft, like the faroff scream of bird in
the air, came the cry of sail or
ing forward from the main top gallant mast, his long
body sway1ng to and fro away up In the
The ship was the est. George English merchant
man. Capt Band bound from London to New York
or Western Islands.
TEo points abaft the weather BEAM about two miles
off; there in the edge of the fog!'
The skipper soon had MS glass to his eye.
'he is under full SAIL and bearing down upon US, !"
schooner, should think although the mist is so thick
there-away, that can't make out distinctly
'SWi you letme look through your glass ?' inquired
fronfed Richard Merton young man. an american,
Who with his sister, had taken passage for home in this
a handsomer fellow than Richard Merton could
scarcely be imagined He was fair and broad
conplexioni spirited, brown eyes; dark wayy hair
moustaehe and noble TelGnt features expressive Oh
TO describe his sister whonow stood by his sde were
more difficult task.
expression, with the rounded graces of supple mag
g Sa fO r sS Ie heart of an anch or
Watching her brother as he looked through the zap
| thing in a low voice to the Captain.
"Ay, ay, SIR answered the latter, L perceived IL
but didn't Ike do you see to speak OF 1t before the
The words were too low for Grace to hear but accus
| she at once OWNED that something was wrong.
Now her curiosity was aroused and she would give he
fact that the stranger had suspicious look and
| doubtless French privateer pirate!
| AS France and England were then at the crew
could expect quarter from their foes IT pirates
and pistols, aboard the St George beside couple
Founders while the Captain and crew were brave
men, and Richard Merton having had experience II
the American Navy, sailing master, could material
ly assist in defence of the ship.
good guns aboard, and could if he wished, get nea
enough to the English craft to sink her with few
Captain Band resolved to keep far enough off, if pos
AZ - go &c +a Erercbynon r froa5ooiar ErorIt
wish to get possession of his cargo
sighted the stranger, but who was now deck 'baC
bizness shipmates don't like the idee of hghtin
them Frenehers, as they did us good sarvice in th
ssNow. Iookee here, Tom Grab ~ exclaimed the Cap
tain who being amidshsps, had heard what he said
you're Yankee, know; but blast me if won't ru1
you through if you back down when the fighting be
Captain" answered Crab drawing up his long, ser
pentine body to It's frll height, you might run mt
through and through but wouldn't lift hand agaIns
| them chaps unless choosed ~
What is the trouble?
'gThis man says he won't fight" answered Band
'Fhe fact is Just here," answered Grab thrusting
eyes apart Ike pair Of eOmpasfses them hem chaps
agin the English nag, don't lift hand
| rhis to me, your Captain" roared Band
can ?n turning to Grab.
| 81 guess you are, too, amt ye!"
so am I; Tom Crab of Sag Harbor, at your sarvice
who sound the Stars and Stripes as he is tn
hasty puddin' and pumpkin pie question"
| shot from the stranger, now less than mile of
passed with Whzzing sound, the speakers head
| Up went the French flag at her gaffabove that
black one, hoisted the next moment, proclaimed tn
SsAil right cried Crab buekIing his belt round hi
waist, 'that determines me. I'm always ready to Ugh
| Merton went forward, and attended to the pontin
of the two nine Founders, which, being welfaimed
! floE ohTaaT
STEADY RowIed Band, now hoping to escape
| Meanwhile Grace Merton, in the cabin, whittier sh
had been conducted by her bTo{h ei was upon ne
terrific crash suddenly brought her to her feet
Just as large splinter flew past her mead ard sr1kln
| The mizzen mast had been struck and Just knoeke
to pieces; the wreck lay alongside dragging the vesse
Captain Band, Selling Ak, sprang to clear it, whe
another bail from the enemy carried his head on n
SAn unfortunate eircumstanceIn said Tom Grail
cooy, picking up the ak, he dashed aft, and PIT
| ceeded to clear the wreck
The Frenchman now was booming along as if intend
shfouds alive with fiercelooking fellows armed to tn
teeth and cheering after the usual manner of French
Before the wreck could be cleared, the French We
sci alongside luthng with her canvas rattn
when some sixty boarders sprung aboard.
A desperate combat now took place. as the Frencl
men rushed upon their foes shouting mo quarter -
The Englishmen's crew, thirty in number headed
Merton and the mate, fought like lions.
| The other party were led by young of singula
beauty, fancifuIly attirred and by another tall fe
low, almost dark Malay.
| Many fell on both sides. The Englishmen tough
with their usual logged resolution, their grim face
expressive of the utmost contempt for their demonstr
tive foes.
A supple fellow sprang like tiger upon the back
Merton, who calamity distinguishing himself an
was about driving dirk in the back of his neck Whe
Tom Crab with one slash of the huge cutass he ha
been welding, cut off the little Erenchman's head
! One after another, the merchantman's brave Gre
fell to the deck that at length remained but doze
who overpowed.
| Among these prisoners were Merton and Tom Graf
'Ihese rascals must all walk overb GARD ~ said tn
tall man. who had been of the leaders of the board
| ing party. -
"better die that way than tother."
| There answer
Whatever you do to us, you Will at least be mercfu
| to my sister, said Merton.
The younger leader of the outlaws looked at tn
| speaker lntently.
eve will not harm your sister" ne said voice
| peculiar melody
He moved into the cabin followed by his taller com
Before the other part of the goes down, 70
must all gUnB the pdnbI'
"a nd my sister?i said Merton "You will spare hel
and enable her to safely reach homeii
I'VE Will spare her," answered the younger of tn
pirates.
Then he drew the taller man aside, and held cor
Versation with him, during which ne spoke in PLEAD
| ing voice.
The other however soon broke away.
1.-The is dovn-IprepGre for 3eGthy"