Middletown transcript., 1875-05-08

COOLIES OTlveu UoIoW III euois snss
common death might overwhelm be-
sieged and besiegers. To add to the
perplexities and dangers which appear
ed to hem the little band on all sides.
night was coming on. aud. under cover
of darkness, the Chinese steward might
obtain the mastery by some subtle
strategy. His harsh voice was heard
above the din issuing orders to bis fol-
lowers. who suddenly desisted from
their efforts; and again the ship was as
silent as the tomb. The whistling Of
the wind. the splash Of the rising waves,
and the tapping of canvass aloft. were
the only sounds that reached the ears
of those in the cabin.
But it was only for moment or two
that the treacherous calm reignsd over
the ship.
A shout Of triumph rang through
the vessel, followed by few rapid
orders, then, without moments warD-
ing, bale of oakum, soaked in terpen-
tine and oil, was hurled through the
open skylight. The burning fragments
were scattered about the cabin, and as
flames and smoke followed. cry Of
dismay escaped sylvestsr's lips.
"My God! they have US now" be
murmured my poor wife and child.
to leave you thus. to die such death,
tits hard, hard indeed"
And be staggered back, bis face pale
as death in the ruddy glow Of the
flames.
But the calm. deep voice Of the mate
resounded in his ears, restoring both
confidence and courage.
"Give me some wet blankets, Cap
tain Sylvester. and bear hand, We
will soon smother the fire. The second
mate is guarding the forward door, and
he is more than a match for the devils,
Work sharp, sir. and we will yet gain
the day."
The two men worked with a will,
knowing full we'll what depended upon
their efforts. Despite the clouds of
binding smoke which nearly drove
them out of the cabin, they presevered.
fighting the new enemy inch by inch.
which every moment gained, despite
the utmost efforts.
The sharp crackle of flames, the rud-
DIV glow of the FIRE, and the savage
bowling Of the mob thirsting for their
blood, was sufficient to strike terror
into the hearts of the bravest.
The situation was certainly desper-
ate one, as inch by inch the blistering
smoke drove them back until they were
forced to take refuge in the forward
cabin.
"'Tis useless to struggle, Maynard
we have exhausted all our resources
we must die"
And the voice of the captain ratified
10 his throat as he extended his hand
to the brave officer, who still whispered
a word of encouragement in his ear.
Courage, sir, courage; they have
not taken US yet; and 30 long as we
have our liberty, Nth these weapons to
back, we will not give up the ship.
Halpin, here. is not discouraged SO
cheer up, sir. and Never say die while
there's shot in the locker Ha what
was that ?" And deep. heavy reportre-
verberated across the ocean penetrating
to the innermost recesses of the vessel.
"It sounded like cannon. Hark
there it is again
And the three men crowded close up
to the barricade, while low hum of
CONSERVATION was heard among the in
surgents.
"Now is your time, Captain Sylves-
ter A man-of-war is bearing down
upon US. In less than half an hour
we shall be rescued-if we can hold
out. The coolies are too intent upon
the strange vessele to watch Us. Well
make dash for the main rigging, and
under cover of the darkness there will
be no trouble. Stand by, Halpin."
II am ready, and my revolver ALSO"
growled the second mate.
care you, Captain Sylvester ?"
"You have saved our lives you
lead, and l will follow"
"Then forward, and shoot the first
who stands in our way"
And with bound the three men
cleared the barricads, gained the deck,
springing on the rail before the aston
ished coolies realized what was going
on.
They rushed in body toward the
three fugitives, but. the rapid crack Of
the revolvers soon quelled their ardor,
and sent them bowling to cover, while
the whistling of a round shot above
their heads caused all to lock to wind
ward where a large, heavy-sparred
vessel, under all sail, loomed up. the
open ports revealing her deck crowded
with men,
The coolies could make no use of the
muskets they had wrested from the
hands of the murdered sentinels, bav-