The herald. (Smyrna, Del.) 1870-1871, 1871-06-10

ed the appetite, while the glorious old
wine of France and Italy seemed but TO
to awaken the enthusiasm that had been
temporarily suppressed during the earli-
or hours of the evening.
Among the assembled guests was Cap
tain Crane, of the ship Vixen. Beneath
a modest demeahor, he had concealed a
record that many an older heart had
sighed for in vain, and had received
such undoubted proof of his country's
gratitude, that, while his companions
could not but admire his courage and
rejoice at his success, still they could not
at times restrain feeling of envy that
would rise unbidden in their hearts.
Captain Crsne loved Lettie Fay. For
two years he had worn her image in bis
heart. He had first met her at her un-
cle's house in London; but never by
werd or gesture had he apprised her of
bis sentiments, but, like the pagan of
ole. he worshipped her in silence. When
the gsily-dressed officers at Hong Kong
tbronged around her, and lavished un-
stinted praise upon her, or solicited her
haud for the coming dance, 1t was no
ticed that Captain Crane almost stood
aloof, and seemed rather to court the
conversation of the weather-bronzed sea
captain. But it was remarked, too, that
Lottie Fay often furtlvely glanced
around her, as though she sought some
absent face or sighed for the cadence of
some well-known voice, and occasional
ly, as clouds will PASS between the sun,
sadness seemed momentarily to rest
upon her face; but 1t would soon pass
away, and then, if possible, she would
appear brighter ttan ever.
While this scene of revelry was in
progress in the commodious cabin, an
an entirely different aspect was present
ed on the deck of the vessel. Many of
the crew had long since retired to their
hunks to steal q few hours sleep, pre-
paratory to the exhausting and laborous
duties of the approaching morning; but
few still remained on deck, waiting to
the shore when the assemblage should
disperse.
Among the foreigners who had ascen-
ded to the deck of the vessel, and who
his small, piercing eyes, high check
benes, and extremely nervous tempera-
ment, he was fitting exponent of the
willy and cunning Mongolian.
Although he appeared stolidly indiffer
ent to the various objects that surround
ed him, yet he had already, without ex-
citing comment or observation, exam
ined the four carr0nades with which the
ship was armed, observed their calibre
and position, counted the crew when
they were mustered upon deck, noted
their physique and nationality, and eau
tiously entering the cabin, seemed APP
parently absorbed by the gyrations OF
the dancers and the dazzling scene that
was presented to his vision; and then,
'like the Arabs" silently stole away.
II Chang Lay had contented himself
with his observations upon the deck o.
tho vessel, and had avoided the cabin,
this story would never have been writ
ten; tor the fate of the good ship Marion
and her gallent crew would have been
enshrouded in veii of fmy, terry that no
human eye could penetrate, and another
| vessel would have been added to the al
ready voluminous list of the unknown
lost. But, like u man who is welded to
his cup, aud with whom free indul-
gencN but begets stronger appetite
Chang Lay, although he already possess
ed information enough to carry cut his
object, whatever it might be, was still
dissatisfied, and hence his visits to the
after-part of the ship.
His movements there were artistic,
bat one eve had followed his in their 81
lent wanderings; ons eye had watched
his as they rested on the musket rack
which surrounded the mizzen NEST, and
where, like the shining silver, was ar
rayed the armory of the ship; and that
eye was Capt. Cranes.
Cautiously stealing from the cabin, as
he thought. unobserved, Chang Lay,
with cst-like agility, climbed up under
the bulwarks, and descending into 8
boat close by in waiting, noiselessly an6
quickly disappeared in the darkness.-
In another moment, q second boat sho
out from the shadow of the ship, anc
cautiously followed in his wake. 1t wa.
the gig of Capt. Crane.
1t was now nearly morning. The las
leave taking had been made, the LAS
farewell had been uttered, and the las,
visitor had left the ships side, Lettis
Fay hurried to her rooms and throwing
herself upon her couch, burst into tears
'He's gone he's gone ~ she exclsim'
ed with the deepest em,tion; ''and with
out whispering one good-by! Oh
Richard Crane, If you could but see the
wound you have inflicted upon my
hearth it,t .-.
And above her half suppressed sighs
the bell of the ship struck eight. II
seemed like the death knellto her young
life's fondest hopes. 49 q
-
With the rising of the sun all was bus
tie and excitement on board the ship
The anchor was weighed, the sails were
set, and with light breeze and smooth
sea the Marion was headed for home.
For several days all passed pleasantly
and nothing could be desired except q
sharper wind, and its continued absence
seemed to somewhat effect the captain q
nerves. The sailors lolled about the
decks, or gathered together to listen to
some interesting yarn that one of their