The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1875-04-23
VOLUME 3.

piled one across another, the survivors
making no attempt to assist their wound
ed comrades. Their ardor had been
dampened By the severe check they had
sustained, and retiring from the scene OF
the conflict, they held hurried consul
tation-a respite that was made the most
| of by Maynard and his companion in
repairing and strengthening the barri-
cade which had suffered Somewhat from
the frantic efforts of the mob.
An ominous silence had fallen upon
the ship, which boded no good to the
three resoI1te men who held possession
of the cabin With anxious hearts and
fingers pressing the triggers of their fire.
arms they stood straining both ears and
eyes to discover what might be going on
among their enemies.
Suddenly a simultaneous yell burst
from the hoarse throats of the gang, fol-
lowed by united rush which shook the
vessel
HLook to the cabin doors, Maynard; l
will take care of the skylight~ shouted
Sylvester, in an undaunted tone; and
again the crash of firearms, mingled
with. cries of pain. resounded through
/ She ship.
Ial ssse4sIeanwhFfe erte ship, feifft to tic
mercy of the winds and waves, was driv-
ing along before the wind with no one
to control her movements.
Both Sylvester and Maynard were
we'll 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 in
a short time, a common death might
overwhem besieged and besiegers. To
add to the perplexities and dangers
which appeared to them 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
canvass aloft, were the only sounds that
reached the ears of those in the cabin.
BUTT 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,
! Al -.sI1 -, n
bale of oakum, soaked in turpentine
and oil, was hurled through the open
skylight. The burning fragments were
scattered about the cabin, and as flames
and smoke followed. a cry of dismay
escaped Sylyester's lips.
any Godi they have us now" he
murmured.
And he staggered back, his face pale
as death in the ruddy glow ofthe flames,
But the calm, deep voice Of the mate
resounded in his ears, restoring both
confidence and courage.
"Give me some wet blankets, Captain
Sylvester, and bear hand, we will soon
/ StuObA6E TIC nc SCCO4iN AnatC AS
guarding the forward door, and he is
more than match for the devils
Work sharp, sir, and we viii yet gain
the day"
The two men worked 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 irch
which every moment gained, despite
their utmost efforts.
The situation was certainly desper
ate one, as inch by inch the blindinl
smoke drove them back until they wer,
forced TO take refuge in the forward
cabin.
Il "'Tis useless TO struggle, Maynard
we have exhausted all our resources; W,
, must die.'
"Couragep' cried May "Hell
) may come"
} Even as he spoke deep, heavy re
! port reverberated over the ocean. fWha
j was that?" he asked, in the next breath
5 at sounded like cannon. Hark
there it is again!'
And the three men crowded close N
the barricade, while low hum of con
, sternation was heard among the insuI
t gents.
, "Now is your time. Captain Syiveetel
r A man-ef-war is bearing down upon III
In less than half an hour we shall b
: rescued-if we can hold out. The Cool
les are too intent upon the strange yes
sel to watch us. Wen make dash 70
the main rigging, and under cover {
( Stand by, Halpln."
d 81 am ready, and my revolver also,
e. growled the second mate. Ea7
d "Are you, Captain Sylvester"
, "You have saved our lives; you lea
and will follow"
A "Then forward, and shoot the FIR
r one who stands in our way"
- And, with bound, the three me
cleared the barricade, gained the dec
I springing on to the rail before the a
tonished Coolies realized what was 6
!. ing on.
T. They rushed in body toward Il
three fugitives, but the rapid crack
8 therevolvers soon quelled their ardC
:, and sent them hewing to cover, whi
- the whistling of round shot abo
their heads caused all to look to win
ward, where large, heavy.sparred We
A. sci, under all sail, loomed up, the op
= ports revealing her dock crowned wi
men. kAa &t* k
The Coolies could make no use of t
: muskets they had wrested from I
hands of the murdered sentinels, ha
- ing no ammunition, and they had
4 ready expended the charges with viii
they had been loaded.
!, The then survivors were thereft
:. comparatively safe, and from the maj
top, where they had taken refuge, cC