Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1870-03-24
Vol XVI Whole No. 79O No. 'l2.


held their breath in the excitement Of
the moment but soon, to our great re-
lief, We ran into comparative calm.
was then ordered 10 take charge
of the reitting and repairing OF the
spars and sails. We were several days
in getting every thing in trim; during
all this time the mate kept entirely
aloof, so that had no trouble from his
Interference. When all was right, the
captain called me to the cabin. Point
ing me to seat he said: Edwards,
we owe much, perhaps everything, to
your knowledge and skill, in getting
the brig out of that whirligig. You
have proved yourself a thorough sea-
man. Now, want you to let me into
a mystery, as it seems to me. You
were brought on board in state Of
beastly intoxication but you have
never, to my knowledge, tasted Of
drop of liquor since that time. You
have steadily refused your grog ration,
until it is no longer offered. All this
is inexplicable to me the more think
Of it. the more l am puzzled. Now,
pray tell me, how / am to account for
these seeming discrepancies in your
conduct
Easily accounted for" l replied.
l then gave him some insight into the
events of the few weeks preceding, in
the relation of which, he seemed to be
very much interested. But said he,
Il cannot comprehend why Jenkens
took such special antipathy to you
from the first.
II will relate to YOU the leading
events of my life, sometime" replied
that will, make all clear. Do you
want me farther!"
Yes; have few more questions
to ask. Do you know anything Of
theoretical navigation"
"A little of it," replied.
He put several questions, which he
supposed could be answered only by
skillful nayigators, all of which l readi-
ly solved.
Where did you learn all this?" he
inquired, seemingly somewhat surpris-
ed.
In very good school, sir" said I
II was first mate Of a ship, for several
years.
Now sir. it is my turn wherefore all
this catechising, may | ask
Mate of ship :" exclaimed the
astonished scaptain and you are here
before the mast But in answer to
your question 1T means just this,
Il am going to turn that vagabond
mate of mine before the mast where
he belongs, and give this place to you"
| demonstrated. expressed grave
doubts as to his authority to degrade
an officer, before the mast but he was
enexorable.
No use talking, Edwards" he said
desperate diseases require desperate
remedies. | must have a man on whom
| can depend. | cannot trust that
drunken ignoramus out of my sight.
If should rely on him | should never
get around Cape Horn. | have already
notified the crew of my determination,
and told them to look to you for Or
ders. Jenkcns mutters vengence so
keep your eye on him and if he don't
keep straight, just straighten him,
that's all: | will take the respons-
bility."
But | am spinning out a long story
you must be tired by this time.
''On the contrary replied Henry,
Il was never more interested. Please
90 on"
IL will cut short the remainder of
nv story; for | am reminded that you
have much to relate after am through.
| will pass over the many incidents Of
our passage around the cape, my fire.
wit ha ri
had him in irons twice. his secret in
fuence over the crew, and their final
mutiny. which occurred yesterday morn
ing.
Captain Bowline and were put up
on raft. some breau and keg of wa
ter thrown down to us: and we were
left alone on the wide. wide sea-
We saw the villain, who was at the
bottom of all the trouble, take the wheel,
and alter the briggs course to the south
ward and westward.
"A happy journey to Davy Jones' do
minions. Give my respects to the old
gentleman; he cried after US, in a
tauntng voice.
Then taking the hand of one of the
worst characters on board, he mocking-
ly introduced him to me rs his mate.
We watched the receding brig, SO
lately our home until she was hull
down. then turning towards each 9TH
cr, we read, each in the others counte-
nance, only hopeless, blank despair.
You know. or can imagine the rest
that terrible day and night on the
deep'-the sudden lighting up of hope
and joy, when we caught sight of your