The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1874-06-13
Selett Storp.
TEST OF COURAGE.

TEST OF COURAGE.
There was not a more lofty craft than
" Saucy Kate" when she sailed out Of
Marseilles harbor, in the spring of so, and
no ship was ever blessed with pleasanter
company-about twenty-five in number,
who had taken the "Saucy Kate" for
New Orleans, Prominent among us was
British officer, who was on his way TO
America, French Able, a Kentucky far
mer, and lady from Louisiana, who was
returning home with her daughter.
This daughter was the star of the COM
pany. Her name was Ida Greyille, and
it was whispered that she was heiress to a
large fortune in slaves and plantations.
Yet this was not the charm that won hom-
age from all, and even from those who
might have refused to touch property
which lay in a plantation.
Her figure was slight but exceedingly
graceful Indeed, it seemed impossible
for her to be otherwise. Her complexion
was very fair, while her hair and eyes, in
contrast were intensely black her eyes
were large aud melting like those of many
southern ladies, and her hair was gathered
about her brow in glorious clustering curls.
When she first entered the cabin, she
seemed so splendid an exhibition of spot
less beauty, that every ono rose inyolunta-
rily from his seat, and by one common
impulse, stood up until she was seated. In
few days she showed herself as fascinat-
ing in her manner as she was beautiful in
person, to those who were favored with an
introduction, and the hearts of all on board
we're completely enslaved by this queen of
beauty.
The British officer who bore the title of
Majer Folsom, seemed particularly charm
ed with her, and having obtained an intro.
duction, constituted himself her especial
attendant.
The Saucy Kate" was magnificent
vessel of some eighteen hundred tons,
sharp as razor, aud fast as the wind it.
self And now it only remains to describe
the captain.
Captain Valmy was au extraordinary
man in personal appearance. lie was Of
rather small stature and his limbs were
slenderly, even delicately formed. His
hand was small aud white as woman's
and his features were as finely moulded.
His face was very handsome and his light
hair was thrown back and curled closely
behind his head. His eyes were blue but
full Of fire and capable of lighting up with
sudden fash which was startli ng to be.
hold. His voice was shrill and musical,
and we never heard it aroused, MS the mate
generally communicated his orders to the
sailors.
Now from the. first moment it was eyi-
dent that storm was brewing between
the Major and Captain Valmy. The Ma
jor assumed an air Of hauteur which was
absurd, and to him who was the subject of
it annoying. He was accustomed to a
cool and common way of speaking, which
was increased to much greater degree of
insolence when he addressed the captain.
Meanwhile the rest of us contentcd our
selves with watching and awaiting the Is
sue. Valmy certainly did not seem like u
man who would endure very much Of this
treatment.
For several days the Major went on
growing worse and worse every day. He
would interrupt the captain in his remarks
IN the rudest manner-he would turn his
back upon him in the most offensive way
and at last in peremptory manner.
The secret of the Majors hatred seem
ed to be the interest which Ida Greville
took in the captain. She seemed to take
more delight in talking with him than any
other. Early in the morning she would
be out on the deck listening to the Cap
tain, who, with never firing patience and
eloquent language would explain to her
the wonders Of the sea, and relate thous-
and wild stories Of events which had oc-
CURED among these waters.
Late at evening, too, he would show her
the stars by which, in critical times, the
navigator would guide their courses, and
still excite her never tagging attention.
Valmy's stories, and his unbounded store
Of knowledge Of every kind, was the adj
miration and wonder Of all the passengers.
This was only cqualled by the subordina-
ton and respect Of the crew, who treated
him with remarkable obedience. Yet this
only increased the hatred Of the Major.
Through the day he endeavored to issei-
nate the fair Ida, and then, while the Cap-
tain was at his duties about the ship, he
was without rival, Sometimes however,
word would pass between Ida and the
Captain, and that would enruge the Major