The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1875-06-10

cinity, which added to the deep anxiety prey
ing upon them. Unless the contest was decided
in their favor, and the coolies driven below in
q short time common death might overwhelm
besieged and besiegers. To add to the perplex-
tiles and dangers which appeared to the little
band on all sides, night was coming Ca, and,
under the cover of darkness, the Chinese stew
ard might obtain the mastery by some subtle
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 moment or two that the
treacherous calm reigned over the ship.
followed by few rapid orders, then, without
moments warning, bale of oakum, soaked in
turpentine, was hurled through the open sky:
light. The burning fragments were scattered
about the cabin, and as flames and smoke
followed, cry of dismay escaped SylVesters
lips. -
'"My Godl 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 resoun.
ded in his ears, restoring both confidence and
courage.
"Giye me some wet blankets, captain, and
bear hand, we will soon smother the fre
The second mate is guarding the forward door,
and he is more than match for the devils
Work sharp, sir, and we will yet gain the
day" >, =,
The two men worked with 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 per
severed, fighting the new enemy inch by inch
which every moment gained despite their ut
most 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. Help
may come"
Even as he spoke deep heavy report rever.
berated over the ocean. what was thatT
he asked, in the next breath.
cit sounded like cannon. Hark there ii
is again |"
|. And the three men crowded close up to the
barricade, while low hum of CONSERVATION
was heard among the insurgents.
"Now is your time, Captain Sylvester. A
man-of-war is bearing down upon Us. In less
than half an hour we shall be rescued-if we
Cdu uOlu 4uS CUOllCS 6lO wv AhtOuo opSb
the strange vessel to watch US. Well make G
dash for the main rigging, and under cover Of
the darkness there will be no trouble. Stand
by, Halpin."
"I am ready, and my revolver also" growled
the second mate.
"Are you, Captain Sylvester2"
"You have saved our lives you lead, and
will follow"
'Then forward, and shoot the first one who
stands in our way"
And, with bound, the three men cleared
the barricade, gained the deck, springing on to
the rail before the astonished coolies knew
what was going on.
They rushed in body towards the three
fugitives, but the rapid crack of the revo!Ters
soon quelled their ardor, and sent them howl
ing to cover, while the whistling of a round
shot above their heads caused all to look to
windward, where large, heayy-sparred vessel
under all sail, loomed up, the open ports re-
vealing her deck crowded with men.
The coolies could make no use of the mus.
kets they had wrested from the hands of the
murdered sentinels, having no ammunition
and they had already expended the charges
with which they had been loaded.
The then survivors were therefore compare
lively safe, and from the maintop, where they
had taken refuge, contented themselves in
watching the movements Of the man-of-war.
She was soon within speaking distance, and
ranging close alongside, took in at glance the
true state of affairs. Sheeling under the coun
ter, scores of nimble sailors, armed to the teeth
leaped aboard the coolies sullenly retired tc
their quarters, and in ten minutes the fire was
suhdued, the coolies secured, and all danger
over.
A sufficient number of sailors were detailed
by the commander to work the ship into Sin
gapore, where new crew was secured, and the
vessel enabled to continue her voyage. But il
is needless to add that sharp and vigilan
lookout was kept upon the treacherous crowd
The instigator of the mutiny, the Chinese
steward, was placed in double irons, and con
fined in the run of the ship, alongside the keg:
of gold which he had SO much coveted, ane
| when he again saw the sun it was to land or
| the shores of "the ever faithful isle"