The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1872-02-27

On the day that they came TO this decis-
ion, Mr.. Edward Percival and captain In
graham stood on the deck together
Captain" said Edward, "can you tell
me why so many vessels arc lost in the
Bay of Bengal? The navigation is not dan
gerous, and yet we continually see this an
nouncement in the marine news of news
papers,"
al wish could answer the question, Mr..
Percival," replied the captain; cit is one
of the greatest mysteries of modern times
the number of vessels that are lost In
this bay is enormous, and strange to say
that there is not the slightest trace ever
found Of the missing ships. They enter
the Bay and then they are heard of no
more"
at is strange indeed" said Edward, in
musing tone; "one would suppose that
if they were shipwrecked by storms or
squalls, some portion of the wrecks would
be discovered, but l understand you to say
that nothing of this kind is ever foundp"
"Nothing. They disappear as complete
ly as if they sunk to the bottom of the
sea-"
The conversation was carried on some
little time longer, but the only conclusion
that could be arrived at was, that it was
mystery, the solution of which had not yet
been discovered. Little did Edward Perci-
val imagine, at the time he held this inter-
view, that he it was who was destined to
discover the key to the enigma.
This conversation states a positive fact.
Many vessel has been known to have en-
tered the bay, which has never made her
appearance at the port for which she clear
ed. assurances for such vessels have been
duly paid, and relatives have mourned
those who formed the crews, as "lost at
sea-" and the fate of both vessel and crew
remained mystery, previous to4a867
In day or two the Speedwell sighted
the Nicobar Islands, group which lie
southeast of the Andaman Isles, between
the Andamans and Sumatra The same
day the vessel put into Nangkawii, har-
Dor in the island of Trinkut, one of the
Nicobar group. .....
Canoes filled with natives Immediately
surrounded the Speedwell, and the captain
made known what he required. Measures
were at once taken to get a supply of water;
in the meantime brisk trade was institu-
ted between the natives and crew. They
brought cocoa-nuts, poultry and vegetables,
tO OH ~, 4,l,o
and spirits, and they conducted themselves
with the utmost propriety.
Edward Percival was keen sportsman,
and had brought with him from home sew
eral rifles and plenty of ammunition, in
tending to do some shooting in the jungles
of India. AS tie Speedwell would be de-
layed some three or four days, he told the
captain that he would like to land in the
island for day or two's shooting. The
captain tried to persuade him against such
proceeding, stating that they knew
nothing whatever of these natives, and
doubted whether it would be safe. The
inhabitants of these islands belong to the
Maylay race, and it is well known that such
people are for the most part treacherous.
Edward, however, pointed to the exem-
plary manner in which the natives who had
visited the ship were conducting them
selves, and reiterated his intention. The
captain yielded, and three of the crew were
ordered to accompany him, which they
did with the greatest alacrity, it being a
pleasing change from the monotony of life
on board ship.
Edwards intention was communicated
to Acheeup, the chief of the island, through
one of the natives who could speak English,
and he returned on board with a cordial
invitation from Acheeup to visit the shore,
promising him some splendid sport.
A boat was launched, and young Perci-
val and his companions proceeded to the
village, which was pleasantly situated, ex-
tending along the shores of the bay, the
houses large, and built on piles, with cocoa
nuts and palm-trees, and thick jungle in
the rear. On the beach was large num-
Der of war canoes.
On landing, Edward was taken first to
the house Of the chief, Acheeup. The
young American, on seeing this person, be-
gan to repent of his course on coming
ashore, for more hideous or savage-look-
ing man he had never seen. IIc was
rough, rude specimen of brute, with ele-
phantiasis on both legs and feet. He re-
ceived Edward, however, politely, and
there was nothing in his manner that indi-
Gated treachery.
Acheeup deputed two Of tho natives 20
INd...n...I 4