Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1873-11-27

"Is that the moon rising, sir?" suddenly
exclaimed the mate, stopping short i'll his
walk
"The moon in that direction. What are
YOU thinking of, Mr. Crowell? That is al
most due north instead of east"
"What is it, then? DO you see that bright
spot growing more luminous every moment"
Faith, you are right! By heavens, can it
be? Steward, hand me my glass quick,
man."
Adjusting the glass, Thurston took long,
steady look at the strange light.
"What do you make out Of it, Captain
Thurston.
"a vessel on fire. I hope we may be in
time to take off the crew, but the weather be-
gins to look ugly there to windward."
Eyes, sir, we will have heavy squall, but
we may be in time"
The course of the Shadow was changed so
as to bring the burning vessel directly ahead.
All sail was made, and the breeze freshenlng,
the schooner darted through the water at
rapid rate. Under the direction of Mr.. Crow
ell, the long-boat, slowed over the main hatch,
was brought out, and put in preparation for
launching.
In the meanwhile the heavy black cloud on
the horizon was rapidly mounting to the ze-
NTH, it's dark, ragged edges twisting and twirl-
ing into vast, irregular columns. At intervals
vivid flashes of lightning would illumine the
dark spreading canopy, followed by the deep
rumble of thunder.
Close under the cloud, and along the line
ofthe horizon fine, almost indistinct, thread
Of white could be discerned. To the eye of
the experienced seaman it served as warning
to take in sail without delay. The squall
would soon be upon them.
Rapidly the schooner closed with the untor-
tunate vessel. AS they approached nearer,
the deck was closely scanned for some signs of
the crew, but not living thing could be dis
covered. The brig Gor such she proved to
be) had every appearance of being deserted,
the boats gone, and davit fails unrove. The
flames were rapidly mounting aloft, tapping
eagerly at the cotton sails. The thunder
roared ominously above, warning Thurston to
act promptly if he intended to board the
stranger.
LET four hands man the boat, Mr.. Crowell.
I'll Jump aboard for moment. There may
be something worth saving. You can heave
to shall not be gone long"
II should not advise you to, sir; that squall
is coming up rapidly, and there is more wind
than rain in it, fancy"
keep good lookout for me. III risk it,
and here goes"
A few rapid strokes and Thursfon was along
side the doomed vessel. The smoke was pour
ing out of the seams as he clambered over the
side, followed by two men, the others remain
ing in the boat.
The deck was strewed with clothing and
provisions, as though the crew had departed in
a panic, leaving nearly all behind them.
Through the cabin doors and skylight the
smoke was rolling out thick and dense, but
dropping upon all-fours Thurston boldly ad-
vanced, followed closely by his men. Once
in the cabin the smoke did not appear so thick,
and Thurston proceeded to search the various
state-rooms without losing moment. In one
his hand came in contact with something
warm and palpitating,.that sent the life blood
rushing back upon his heart, it was so unex-
pected 1t was the body of female, but still
alive Taking the insensible body in his arms
he shouted for the men to follow. Staggering
on toward the door, nearly sufocated for want
of air, he gained the deck, still bearing his
burden in his arms. His two men were close
in his rear, dragging after them small chest
bound with iron, which they declared con-
tanned gold. They had found it in the cap
tain's stateroom. But the rush of the ad-
vancing squall warned them that there was
not q moment to lose The Shadow was rang
ing up on the quarter of the burning wreck,
and watching favorable opportunity, Thurs
| ,c1,o off ba Iapk nj
vessel in safety.
The iron-bound chest was passed over the
rail, and scarcely had the boat been secured
when the squall burst upon them in all its
fury
The mate had charge of the deck, and
Thurston, unmindful of the crash and roar of
the elements around him, devoted his entire
attention to the lady whom he had rescued
from death. The air, cool and fresh, had ex-
erted beneficial effect upon her, bringing the
blood back slowly to her cheeks, while Thurs
ton, astonshed at her beauty, watched her
slightest motion.
She was young, not over eighteen years Of
age, with long, luxuriant black hair, dark
eyebrows, complexion peculiar to the Gu
ban Crcoles, and teeth white and perfect as
! Oriental pearls.
Slowly her consciousness returned, and as
her black, expressive eyes rested upon Thurs.
ton, that gentleman scarcel y knew how to act
Mastering his selfpossesson, he managed by
degrees, to relate the particulars pertaining to
her rescue, to which she listened with the
deepest attention.
"Iou see senorita," (Thurston could speak
Spanish like native) II am bound on tra-
ding trip to the coast of Africa, and | cannot
afford to lose all the profits of the trip. am
afraid you will be obliged to remain on board
until an opportunity occurs for me to land
you. The cabin, with my state-room, is at
your service, and trust you will be comfor-
table,"
In a voice low and tremulous, the young
girl thanked her gallant preserver for all that
he had done.
II was born on the island of Cuba. My
name is Luiz Leon. My father is large
planter. I was bound to Cadiz with the in
tcntiou of visiting my fathers relations. | do
not know how was left alone deserted, on
that ill-fated vessel was in my state-room
when the alarm Of fire was given. I was sur
rounded by smoke that rolled up around me,
efectualy sitting my cries as attempted to
leave the cabin half mad with fright. Prob
ably the crew forgot all about me. At all
events, was left to my fate, and but for you
would have shared the fate of the poor brig.
For the services you have rendered, Twill see
that they are properly represented to my faith
er whenever may be able to join him."
"Your separation will not be of long dura-
ton, senorita. | shall not be on the coast
over two weeks, and then, if no better chance