The herald and mail. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1873-188?, 1875-06-25

been converted into barricade whfel
effectHally resisted the furious attempt
of the now thoroughly aroused mob.
Maynard and his companions Rret
with a cool collected aim over tn,
friendly cover, and Ht every discharge
coolie passed to his last account. Thei
cries Of tiendish rage rent the air will
redoubled violence at being so Ions
baked of their prey, while their leader
ex-steward, danced and cspered abou
like lunatic.
The dead bodies Of the coolies Ia7
piled up one across another, the sur
vlvors making no attempt TO assist tneil
wounded comrades. Their ardor haC
been dampencd by the severe checI
they had sustained, and retiring from
the scene of the conflict, they held {
hurried consultation-a respite that wal
made the most of by Maynard and his
companions in repairing and strenthen
ing the barricade which had suffered
somewhat from the frantic efforts of the
mob,
An ominous silence had fallen upor
the ship, which boded no good to the
three resolute men who held possession
of the cabin. With anxioub hearts and
| fingers pressing the triggers of theil
| firearms they stood straining both ears
and eyes to discover what might be
going on among their enemies.
Suddenly simultaneous yell burst
from the hoarse throats of the gang,
followed by q united rush which shook
| the vessel.
"Look to the cabin doors, Maynard,
l will look to the skylighti" shouted
| Sylvester, in an undaunted tone, and
again the crash of firearms, mingled
with cries of pain resounded through
the ship. In the mean time the ship.
left to the mercy of the winds and
waves, was driving along before the
wind with no one to control her move
ments.
Both Sylvester and Maynard we're
well aware that both shoals and reefs
sbounded 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 in a
short time a common death. might over
whelm besieged and besiegers. To add
to the perplexities and dangers which
appeared to the little band on all sides
night was coming on, and, under the
cover of darkness, the Chinese steward
might obtain the mastery by some sub
tie strategy.
The whistling of the wind, the dash
of the rising waves, and the flashing of
the canvas aloft. were the only sounds
that reached the ears of those in the
cabin.
But it was only for a moment or two
that the treacherous calm reigned over
the ship.
A shout of triumph rang through the
vessel, followed by few rapid orders,
then, without a moments warning, a
bale of oakum, soaked in tu pentine,
was hurled through the open skyligbt.
The burning fragments we're scattered
about the cabin, and as flames and
smoke followed, a cry of dismay es-
capped Sylvester's lips.
my God ! they have us now," he
murmured.
And he staggered back, his 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, and bear a 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 Eworked with a will,
knowing full well what depended upon
their efforts. 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 desper-
ate 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.
Help may come"
Even as he spoke deep heavy report
reverberated over the ocean. What |
was that ?" he asked, in the next !
breath.
cit sounded like a cannon. Hark
there it is again "
And three men crowded close up to the |
barricade, while a low hum of conster- |
nation was heard among the insurgents. |
"N0w is yoUr time, Captain Sylves-
ter. A man-Of-war Is bearing down |
upon rs. In less than half an hour we
shall be rescued-if We can hold out.
The coolies are too intent upOn the |
strange vessel to watch MS. Well make
R dash for the main rigging, and under
cover Of the darkness there will be no
trouble. Stand by Halpin."
Il am ready, and my revolver alsO,"
growled the second mate.
care you, Captain Sylvester?"
"You have saved our lives you lead,
and will follow"
Then forward, and shoot the first
one that stands in our way"
And, with a bound the three men
cleared the barricade, gained the deck,
springing on to the rail before the as
tOnished coolies knew what was going
)n.
They rushed in body towards the
shree fugitives, but the rapid crack of
he revolveTs soon quelled their ardor,
md sent them howllng to cover, while
he whistling of round shot above
heir heads caused all to look to wind
ward, where a large, heavy spared yes
el. under all sail, loomed up, the open
PORTS revealing her deck crowded with
men.
The coolies could make no use of the
nuskets they had wrested from the
hands of the murdered sentinels, having
40 ammunition, and they had already
expended the charges with which they
lad been loaded.
The survivors were therefore compar-
ltively safe, and from the maintop,
where they bad taken refuge, contented
themselves with watching the move
nents of the man of-war.
She was soon withing speaking dis.
ance, and, ranging close alongside, |
ook in at a glance the true state of |
fairs. Sheelling under the counter,
cores of nimble sailors, armed to the
eeth, leaped aboard, the coolies sui
emily retired to their quarters, and in
en- minutes the fire was subdued, the
oolies secured, and the danger over.
A sufficient number of sailors were ,
etailed by the commander to work the ,
hip into Singapore, where a new crew {
7ss secured, and the vessel enabled to
ontinue her voyage. But it is needless {
o add that a sharp and vigilant lookout !
Tas kept upOn the treacherous crowd. :
The instigator of the mutiny, the I
}hlnese steward, was placed in double !
rons, and confined in the run OF the !
hin 8lODUSi6a rho ba0o Of cold which