The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1874-09-08

cluded to make a new move, and this was
to tow her further off shore.
The windlass was in perfect order, so we
hove short on the cables, there being two
out, and getting hawser from the Endeav-
or, hoisted the anchors to the hawse-holes,
and were in motion in few moments.
AS soon as the natives perceived we were
underway they came out from the land in
canoes, with perfect storm of yells 1t
was hurrah boys, 1 assure you.
Slowly but surely we forged ahead, and
a mile from where we started we dropped
the anchors of the wreck, jumped into our
boat, pulled hurriedly to the Endeavor,
clambered on board, stuck out on the haw-
ser to the wreck to the batter end, let it
slip, and prepared to give the approaching
canoes, another warm reception. Two
broadsides suficed to scatter them, and
making couple of tacks in shore of our
prize we sent the natives back in hurry.
Now came the tug of war. We had to
break bulk in our prize, clear away around
the masts, finding that the unfortunate
traders voyage must have been nearly COM
pleted, for she had piles upon piles of tor
toise shell, and heap after heap of sandal
wood, with very little barter ON board, most
of which was ruined by the water but we
cleared away finally, and took out the
stumps of the masts. This being done, we
fitted the ends of the masts in the water,
rugged our purchases, and prepared to step
them the next day. We got at work on
them in the morning, and with some muck
ling got them stepped at last, and had part
of the standing rigging set up before
night.
We worked like beavers for week, final
ly getting the rigging all atanto; and a
queer-looking craft she was, with her masts
thus shortened down.
1t took another week to fit her sails, for
all had to be reduced, someway; and hav-
ing done this we turned our attention to
below
By uncasing lot of goods on the En-
deavor we managed to get enough boards
to fit up some quarters in the cabin, or what
was left Of it, for the crew we were going
to put on board, and having made it habit
able, Mr. Smell the mate took charge of her
with six of our men.
The arms of our prize consisted of four
iron guns, six Founders, and as they were
all discharged, we had no difficulty in put
ting them in serviceable condition.
There were no signs of boarding net
ting, and as had plan of my own, we all
hands, from myself to the boy with us,
turned QP to making one for the "Stub
and Twist" as one of our crew termed the
unfortunate craft.
We used up all the spare stuff we had to
make such netting as she needed, but at
tributing her loss to the lack of one would
not allow her to be called ready for service
until it was completed. 1t was done at last,
however, and although it was made in a
hurry, and out Of such things as we had,
| yet 1t was one that in time of need would
prove serviceable, and was great deal bet
ter than none, fit was a rough affair.
The galley of the Stub was pretty fair
one, but as there were no provisions on
board, excepting some salt beef and pork,
even the water being spoiled, we sent suf-
ficiency to last the crew for the voyage /
intended making, as well as plenty of am
munition. r.t .,..
We were quite ready at last, and it was
with sigh Of relief that left the Stub for
my own good Endeavor, telling Smell that
the next morning at daylight we would get
underway and go to Lauoa, where Seymour
had found his wife, and see how the market
was there.
Nothing of note transpired during the
night, SO at six in the morning we prepared
to leave Rava and the treacherous Kanakas,
hoping that no other ship would ever be en-
trapped into capture by the willy natives.
sway, haul away, haul away, my Joseyl
Way, haul away, haul away, myJol''
roared the gunner in stentorian voice, as he
led OFF in sonorous chanty, the crew join
ing in with wild glee, their exuberance Of
joy knowing no bounds at the prospect of
getting away from such inhospitable re-
gions; for they little thought then that
had no idea Of leaving the Feiees until
had visited the other islands, and ascer-
tanned what could be done with natives
there.
Suddenly hail was heard from our con.
sort.
"Ay ay, there what's wanted ?" roared
Mr.. Jacobs, my second mate, who was now
acting chief in the absence of Mr.. Smell,
on the Stub, who was calling to u.s.