The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1874-03-17
Selfet Storv.
THE PILOTS REVENGE.
A SEA SKETCH.


had been fitted out for the suppression
of smuggling, was lazilv creeping along
over the heavy, motioness swells, just
off the coast of Galway; and on her
deck was being enacted scene of more
than common interest The day before
she had captured a small boat laden
with contrahand articles, together with
an old man and hoy who had charge
OF. them; and the Captain of the brig.
VIII ose name was Dracut,, had ordered
that the old smuggler should be put in
irons To this indignity the old man
made stout resistance. and in the heat
Of the moment, he had 80 far forgotten
himself as to strike the Captain blow
which laid him upon the deck. Such
an insult to an English officer was past
endurance, and in punishment for his
otfense the smugler had been condemn
ed to die:
b A single whip was rove at the star
board foreyard arm, and all hands were
called to witness the execution The
rope was noosed and slipped over the
culprit's head. and the running end was
rove through a small snatch block on
the deck Until this moment not 8
word had escaped the lips of the boy
He tremhled as he beheld the prepara
lions; and, as the fatal moose was passed
and drawn tight, the color forsook hi:
cheeks, and he dropped upon his knees
before the incensed Captain.
"Mercv, sir-1iercy!
"For whom p asked the officer, Will,
a contemptuous sneer rested upon hi
lips.
a"For that old man whom you ar
about to kill"
.'He dies boy y ~ -
"Bat be is my father, sir"
"No matter if he we're my own fa
ther; that man who strikes an Englisl
officer while in the performance Of hi
duty, must die"
"But he was manacled-he was in
suited. sir" urged the boy.
''Insulled!' repeated the Captain :
ssWho insulted him p
sYnu did, SIR replied the boy Will
his face was flushed with indignation.
"Get up, sir, aud be careful that yo,
do not get the same treatment, said tn
, Captain in savage tone.
! The old man heard this appeal of hi
son, and as the last words droppe
I, from the lips of his captor, he raise
his head, and while look of the III
most defiance passed over his features
he excla!m d /: ASK no favors, Rober
Old John Kintock can die as we'll no,
as any time; let them do their worst +!
Then turning to Captain Darcutt, h
D changed his tone for one of deep SAP
plication "Do what you please wit
me, sir do not harm my boy, for he ha
done no wrong. / am ready for you
Sentence, and the sooner you finish
!. the better"
: LAY hold Of the whip" shouted tn
> Captain Lay hold, every man of yol
and stand by to run the villain up"
In obedience to this order the me
ranged themselves along the deck, an
: each one laid hold of the rope. RI
bert Kintock looked first at his fathe
and then he ran his eyes along the lin
; of men who were to be his execution
: ers But not one sympathizing or pity
; ing look could he trace. Their face
. were all hard and cold, and they all az
It peareG anxious to consummate the
u murderons work.
"What"' exclaimed the boy, while
y tear started from his trembling lid, 81
; there not one even who can pity 7"
"Up with him - shouted the Captain
e Robert buried his face in bis hand
u and the next moment his father W;
t swinging at the yard arm He hear
the passing rope and the creaking blocl
:, u and he knew that lie was fatherless
!, Half an hour afl ward the boy kne
by the side of ghastly corpse and
y simple prayer escaped his lips The
another low murmuiing sound came u
from his bos IN; but none Of those wi
J. stood around knew its import. 1t W:
a pledge of deep revenge.
IL just as the old mans body slid fro
e the gang board into the water, a viv
+ flash of tightening streamed throus
'e the heavens, and in another instant II
dread artillery of nature sent forth
u roar so long and loud that the men &C
ually placed their hands to their ears
shu, "ut its deafening power. Robe
Klntock started at the sound, and VIII
had caused dread in anotbels bosor
sent thrill of satisfaction to his ow
e. "Oh, revenge! revenge" he mutter,
it to himself, rs he cast his eyes over &
in foam crested waves, which had alreat
Id risen beneath the powers Of the sudd
- storm
It. The darkness had come as quickly
Il, did the storm; and all that could
it distinguished from the deck of the br
IN save The breaking seas, was the fearf
ne craggy shore, as fash after fash
III tightening illuminsted the heavens.
ds Light, hot shouted a man forwar
m and the next all eyes we're directed tC
if. bright light which had suddenly flash
up among tue distant rocks.