The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-08-25
CURIOUS CASE.

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little storms SO frequent in the Mediter.
ranean-known to sailors by the name
Of white squalls-tlisturb the tranquil
serenity Of its deep blue waters; when
by day the warm and brilliant rays Of
the sun make tho crest OF every little
ripple glitter and sparkle, till tho sur
face Of the sea resembles q dewy mead
ow ut sunrise and when at night the
moon always rises clearlyand brilliantly
into deep blue expanse OF cloudless
sky, studded with myriads Of stars tliat
shine with softer and purer radiance
than they ever do when seen through
the foggy, misty atmosphere Of our be-
loved England.
II was ut such a time, and such a
night as this, somewhere between Boy
rout and Malta, that the noble frigate
Aster was cleaying her way through the
dark waters-so quietly and smoothly
that, but for the phosphorescent line
Of light TINT she left in her wake, and
the rippleJ Of brilliant foam which she
scornfully dashed, with murmur as Of
protest ut their lnwonted disturbance
from her shapoly bow, could M obser-
yer have been near her, lie might have
thought that lie gazed on some beaute-
ols vision Of ship, with all her belly
ing sails cleaning white in the moon.
light against a dark background OF sky,
instead OF n solid reality OF oak and
canvas, frcighted with living men.
Captain Richard Montague had left
his orders for the night, and had turned
in some hours before. The middle
watch had been mustered, and were
stretched about the decks, amongst the
ropes, and between the guns, seeking
such repose as the hard planks afforded
their weary linbs--lulled to sleep by
the almost imperceptible motion Of the
ship, and tile soft, cool breeze, which
was Just sufficient to till the swelling
sails. Lieutenant Jones, tho officer of
the watch, was pacing up and down on
the 1uarter.deck, keeping n watchful
eye on the sails and the helmsman, his
hands buried deep in the pockets Of his
loose, easy.ftting monkey-jacket, and
whistling softly, to himself, !" Home,
Sweet Home" For myself, Twas list
lessly swinging my legs on the capstan,
in a peaceful and contented frame OF
mind, drinking in the placid beauty Of
the star.spanglcd sky, and letting my
thoughts idly roam away to my far.otf
English home, in which direction they
were probably carried by the soft, low
whistling Of the lieutenant.
Atinkling noise was suddenly heard
from below, aud Mr.. Jones stopped in
his walk and his whistling to listen.
"The captain's bell sir, /" said ], jump
ing of tho capstan.
And SO il was, rs the sentry Informed
us in due time, with the additional in
formation that !, the midshipman, was
wanted in his cabin. So down l went.
wondering not little what he could
possibly want.
Now, Captain Richard Montague,
who was in command Of her Britannia
Majesty's ship Aster, was not o crotch.
ETY. or iidgety man; nor had he any Of
those bullying propensities that, alas !
too many Of our otherwise inestimable
captains notoriously eyince. He was q
kind, courteous, gentlemanly man, firm,
and straightforward; very different
from the old school OF clustering,
swearing, rough and ready old sea-dogs
that every reader Of Marryatts wonder
full stories is inclined to associate with
the idea Of ''nayy captain" He was
one WHO maintained strict discipline in
his ship, without the exercise OF any
undue severity. On shore lie was 10.
vial and af1ablo to all, o keen sports:
man, and an enthusiastic promoter of
athletic sports, shooting matches, dra-
matte performances, and games for the
amusement Of his men-inciting both
officers and men TO q wholesome rivalry
in such diversions, at all OF which he
was IN adept. He was manhabitually
cool and courageous in time Of trouble
and danger, and won honors and dis
tinctions for personal gallantry from q
grateful country.
But when / went into his cabin on
this particular night, he was not him
self. Something appeared to have
shaken the equilibriumo Of his habitually
steady intellect, and 1 knew that Il
must be IN ailair OF great Importance,
for his hand shook as he becRoned me
to come closer, and he was looking
pale and agitated in the extreme.
He was In his dressing-gown, sitting
by table on which light was burn
ing. and beside him was placed glass
ofstrong Observation-Disclosures.
He seemed about to communicate
something; but, after some hesitation,
appeared to change his mind, and ask
ed abruptlyif i'll went the rounds OF the
ship below regularly during my watch,
according to his orders.
Ireplied thatI did.
1That's right, he said, apparently q
little relieved. And then, after pause,
he asked me, with considerable earnest
ness Of tone aud manner, II had done
80 In that watch.
And. as he asked, he looked eagerly
into my eyes as II TO make sure that l
was not deceiying him.
answered that l had, most strictly
and conscientiously.
He then asked mo several other ques'
tions Of n similar nature, 70 all Of which
isnppose i returned satisfactory ans:
wers. for ho seemed much relieved, and
dismissed me with o short laugh, and 3
pleasant "Good.night, Thank you.
And before / shut his door | heard
him mutter, 0Psbaw follyl" and laugh
again.
To say that / was surprised by thii
extraordinary aud llnusal conduct q
the part OF Captain Montague wonlt
not express half what felt, There wa
muchin the agitated manner oi such