The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1874-02-27

5"S ia NY LHouOu, anu lhSneu NE manu-
and foot; then they pushed me close
under the Ice of the long boat, where
would not be seen. They flashed their
knives before my eyes as a warning to be
quiet, and left me there. They would
have killed me, no doubt, only for the
fear of raising an alarm before they were
ready 10 strike the blow at the mate and
captain.
But the fools had forgotten that | had
my sheath-knife in belt round my waist.
Luckily for me- too, il was little loose in its
sheath. But it was necessary TO work very
carefully, or they would notice my move
rems. lay still till saw Bill slide down
to topsail sheets forward of the mast.
His shirt was heavily filled out all round,
and ne took out several pistols rs soon as he
reached the deck, with cartridges TO match.
He and Barney went 10 work 10 load and
prepare them while the others covered
their movements by walking before them,
carelessly singing snatches of songs.
| thought now & was time for me TO
begin operations. BY carefully lifting
and writing my body few times, con-
triy1d 10 drop my hnife gently ont Of its
sheath on the deck Then working my
self feet foremost, little by little till my
head was near it, | managed, after
some difficulty to cut the flashing of the
gag. The knife was very sharp, but this
was the worst operation of all, and | did
not succeed until had cut my cheek quite
severely But il was not time 10 think of
thai then.
Cleared of the gag, got the knife in my
teeth, and soon severed the seizing that
bound my wrists. The rest was easy. |
still lay quiet after my limbs were free.
/ even put the gag in again, so that when
the Parsee ran round 20 leeward and peered
in at me, he thought was all secure as
had been left
Two moro men of the other watch came
up out of the forcastle Tor fore-cabin) 20
join the mutineers and then they closed
the side of the scuttle and fastened II Sc
curely, leaving four imprisoned below.
The whole party, seven in number, now
began 10 move aft-that is, towards the
stern-cabin, where the officers were. They
collected their force in range of the long
boat, ready for rush Bill turned to the
others
Where's Shorty ?" he demanded.
AL safe whispered Paine, pointing
towards me.
The leader leaned over and glanced at
me, as lay motionless, with the gag
still in my mouth.
"All right" said he well do for him
afterwards. Softly as cots, DOW boys -
come on
They passed round the head of the boat,
bur they were not quicker than | was.
rose to my feet, and darted aft on the Zee
side. One of the after-hatches WAS left of,
as l well knew. | dropped lightly down
upon the water.casks, and crept out of
sight.
Il seemed TO me at that moment that the
power of all my senses was centred in my
ears. But, instead of a struggle or a fall,
as had expected, | heard onlya loud slam
of the doors leading into the cabin; and
then ausry dispute between Bill and one
Of his own gang, Abraham Hicks. eau
tiousiy leaned forward into the hatchway,
and heard enough TO satisfy me as 70 the
cause OF the quarrel.
II would seem that just as the mutineers
rcechei the break If The quarterback,
where il was necessary 10 ascend two steps,
the mnte unconscious OF danger stepped
into the cabin door, which opened nft near
the Aellasuan. but, instead OF falling
bacn am waiting quietly till he should
come out again, Hicks. who was i'll adj
vance dashed on, despite the whispered
remonStrance OF Bill ana Barney, and
slammed the doors Then seizing a marlin
spike, lie drove it securely INTO the staple
thus imprisoninz all the officers below.
The alarm was thus given, and nothing
accomplished.
The rage of Bill was fearful at having
his plan bungled in this manner He had
intended TO XII the mate, if possible, with
out noise and after that II would be easy
10 manage the second mate and captain
taken by surprise in their berths. The
quarrel grew fercer and louder-I heard
a Decentralization u pistOl-shot, and
heavy fall.
No one seemed to take any trouble
about the fallen nIan. He must have been
shot dead, thought. for heard no groan
OF movement, such as wounded man
would make Bill ordered the Parsee IL
go forward and stand guard over the fore
scuttle, and the steward 10 remain at the
cabin.doors.
Here, Paine" said he, come with me,
Bring the lantern from the round house
They were coming into the after-hold
7 had only time Ia crawl up into the
wing" and crouch down into the narrow
space behind the water-casks, when the
two jumped down with light and q
bucket They did not come towards me
but went in on the opposite side, where
there was barrel of liquor standing Oh
its head.
Give me the top-maul,' said Bill
there. on the coils Of the rigging.
A few blows forced in the head, and he
bucket was filed by dipping it into the
barrel
We are in a bad scrape, now" he NUT