The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1875-05-12

sCSA aeuAA' 80
Maynard, together with the second mate
and man at the wheel, were the sole occu.
pants Of the quarter deck, and upon them,
all unarmed Us they we're, the mob rushed.
Amid the din and uproar Maynard heard
the voice Of Captain Sylvester calling upon
him to jump through the skylight.
Jump, my lad, andbear hand. have
the cabin doors barricaded."
The mate required no second bidding.
With shout to the second mate to follow
he sprang through the frail structure, and
the next instant the two officers were side
by side with Sylvester, who hurriedly
thrust into their hands loaded revolver
apiece.
There was no time for congratulations,
the aperture above their heads was dark
ened for a moment by huge Coolie, who
was on the point Of leaping after the fugi-
tivcs, when the crack of Maynard's revolver
saved him the trouble, and he fell head
long into the cabin. Another and another
followed in quick succession, but not a
Chinaman succeeded in gaining an entrance
alive.
With yell Of bafled rage, the Coolies
renewed the assault; but this time their ef-
forts were directed against the doors Of the
forward cabin. They speedily yielded to
the shower of blows, and in few moments
were reduced to 30 many splinters. But
Captain Sylvester had not been idle after
recovering from the blow dealt him by his
steward. Every available piece Of furni-
ture, heavy tables, chests and movable
articles had been converted into barri-
cade which effectually resisted the furious
attempts of the now thoroughly aroused
mob.
Maynard and his companion fred with q
cool, collected aim over the friendly cover,
and at every discharge Cooie passed to
his last account. Their cries Of fendish
rage rent the air with redoubled violence
at being so long baulked Of their prey,
while their leader, the ex-steward, danced
and capered about like lunatic.
The dead bodies of the Coolies lay piled
one across another, tho survivors making
no attempt to assist their wounded com.
rades. Their ardor had been dampened by
the severe check they had sustained, and
retiring from the scene Of the conflict, they
held hurried cousultation-a respite that
was made the most Of by Maynard and his
companion in repair g md strengthening
the barricadc which had suffered somewhat
from the frantic efforts Of the mob.
An ominous silence had fallen upon the
ship, which boded no good to thu three res
olute men who held possession Of the cabin.
With anxious hearts and fingers pressing
the triggers Of their firearms they stood
straining both ears and eyes to discover
what might be gong on among their en-
emies.
Suddenly simultaneous yell burst from
the hoarse throats of the gang, followed by
a united rush which s! ook the vessel.
"Look to the cabin doors, Maynard; !
will take care Of the skylisht!" shouted
Sylvester, in an undnunted tone; and
again the crash of firearms, mingled
with cries Of pain, resounded through the
ship.
In the meanwhile the ship, left to the
mercy of the winds and waves, was driving
along before the wind with no one to con-
troll her movements.
Both Sylvester and Maynard were well
aware that both shoals and reefs abounded
in the vicinity, which added to the deep
anxiety preying upon them. Unless the
contest was decided in their favor, and the
Coolies driven below j, q short time, com.
mon death might overwhelm besieged and
besiegers. To add to the perplexities and
dangers which appeared to hem the little
band on all sides, night was coming on,
and, under cover of darkness, the Chinese
steward might obtain the mastery by some
subtle strategy.
The whistling of the wind, the splash Of
the rising waves, and the Tapping Of can.
vass aloft, were the only sounds that reach
ed the ears Of those in the. cabin.
But it was only for o moment or two
that the treacherous calm reigned over the
ship.
A shout Of triumph rang through the
vessel, followed by q few rapid orders, then,
without moments warning, bale OF
oakum, soaked in turpentine and oil, was
hurled through the open skylight. The
burning fragments were scattered about
the cabin, and us flames and smoke fol.
lowed, a cry of dismay escaped Sylvester's
lips.
"My God they have us now" he MUIR
INJURED.
And he staggered back, his face pale as
death in the ruddy glow Of the flames.
But the calm, deep voice Of the mate re-
sounded in his ears, restoring both conf.
dence and courage.
"Give me some wet blankets, Captain
Sylvester, and bear hand, we will soon
smother the fire. Tho 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 workcd with will, know
ing full well what depended upon their eff.
forts. Despite the clouds Of binding
smoke which nearly drove them out Of the
cabin, they persevered, fighting the new
enemy inch by inch. which every moment
gained, despite their utmost efforts.
The situation was certainly desperate
one, as inch by inch the binding smoke
drove them back until they were forced to
take refuge in the forward cabin.
"'Tis useless to struggle, Maynard; we
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