Knoxville journal. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1874-1986, 1876-02-10

at signal to assist the enemy, there could
be no hope of u successful defense. The
more | saw of the Chinese moicty of the
crew, the less l liked their SCARED, sallow
faces, some of which bore the singular
and undefnable expression that came
of long sojourning in the Tapping camp,
while all had the air of truculent maraud-
ers. Most of the Christian seamen were
Portuguese-docile, swarthy creatures,
but not over-warlike; while the English
sailors, with the exception of the draft
from the Windsor Castle, were really what
Sin had described-the sweepings OF the
grog-shops on the wharf.
1t needed all my self-control and COM
mand of features to maintain an unruffied
aspect, join in general conversation, and
avoid giving Bates, the traitor, the slight
est inkling that knew or suspected any,
thing. He, on his part, was discretion IT.
self. could tell, by various signs, that
he was annoyed .at my refusal 10 maintain
a high rate of speed, so as to enter the
Narrows during the hours of darkness,
which world probably have facilitated his
projects. but on finding that l was firm
he accepted my decision with a tolerably
good grace, and ii was not until morning
tha, we quilted the broader channel and
ran into the straits.
"How beautiful! How lovely, What
sweet islands" exclaimed the ladies who
stood on the steamers poop, admiring the
effect of the rosy morning light as II
played ON the waving groves and dense
vegetation of the many islands, OF all
sizes and shapes, between which and the
coast we were now threading our way
and the children clapped their hands with
delight as the red tiamingoes and silver
plumaged ducks rose from the swamps on
changing wing. But the sight most de-
sired 10 behold was the open sea beyond
if, as was unlikely, We should be allowed
to reach IL in safety.
Captain" said the third mate, Hardy,
a brave and good lad, as he came hurry
ing toward me, there's net--so the
lookouts declare--right ahead OF US,
blocking the channel"
/ sprang into the shrouds, glass In hand
and one glance sufficed to confirm the
Youngsters words. Across the practi-
cable seaway, from shoal 10 shoal
stretched a huge net, supported here and
there by line OF stakes, and marked by
a streak of foaming water. We were in.
deed in the tolls, for had heard often OF
this favorite device Of the pirates. My
best course was, clearly, TO keep on.
" Run, Louis, to Mr.. Bradshaw, the EN-.
gineer," said to a smart boy, the stew.
ards lad, beside me; "desirc him to put
the full head of steam on and keep the
Cassandra at her highest rate OF speed.
OF with you, and come back to report. +"
The boy went but did not return, The
,.ArEaH hut SlanG lu and "a
hoarse, confused noise arose from below,
" Something wrong in the engine-roomr
said |, wonderingly. Mr.. Hardy, 60
below and inquire what is amiss."
But the mate had scarcely begun TO de-
scend the ladder before he called out
" Mutiny, sir, below. Some of these
Chinese VILLAINS have"
Then he was dragged down by unseen
hands, and left the sentence unfinished
while almost instantly the screw ceased
10 revolve, and the steam came rushing up
The waste pipe, as the Cassandra Heated
idly down the current A cry OF surprise
was uttered by the passengers, and was
answered by another cry--the fierce, ex'
ulting yeli of barbarians assured of an
easy victory, as forth from the mangrove
fringed waters of neighboring creek
there emerged three lorchas, their straw
sails spread to catch the breeze, and their
long sweeps flashing the water into troth
as the frantic rowers tugged at them,
while outstripping these came on score
of boats, sampans and canoes, full Of wild
and scantily clothed figures, who came on
AS fast as paddle aud pole could urge their
light skiffs, fourishing their weapons
with every possible gesture Of brutal
menace.
looked around for Bates. He was, as
! expected, among the Chinese on the
tore.deck, some of whom had overpowered
the engineer and fircmen and stopped the
engines, while the others were obviously
preparing for rush aft Then | threw a
glance at the approaching pirates. " Ii
Hamilton is unable TO keep his promise,
heaven help u.s. said |, with a groan, as
my eye ranged over land and water, with
out seeing aught but what was hostile.
They shall not, anyhow, say that i
failed To do my best. Cast loose that
gun" ordered, pointing 10 brass CARO-
made: " train it forward, and when | give
the word, fire."
The pick of my English crew obeyed,
as sailors do obey when they respect their
officer; and the advancing Cinnamon, In
whose hands now cleaned knives and
swords, drew back as they were confront
ed by the threatening muzzle OF the can.
non.
Chicken-heartsv' Numbered Bates,
who was really bold villain, and he add.
ed some words in Chinese, which revived
their courage. I" You'd best give up,
Captain. Its no use. spiked every gun
OF the lot with my own hands"
Il know you did, you traitor" shouted
Duckeu, the second mate, suddenly
emerging, armed 10 the teeth, from the
cabin hatch; "but Capt. Hepburn and !
were clever enough 10 set all right with
out your being the wiser. All, you
thought me stupefed, did you, with the
drugged liquorY You're mistaken, my
hearty, tor pitched brandy and opium
overheard together, and
Before the second mate could complete
his speech, Bates had drawn his revolver
and fired three shots, the first Of which
grazcd Duckett's left temple, while the
third wounded me slightly In the shout
der. Bangl In answer, went the brass
gun, and the grape shot swept the fore.
uecks AS with the scythe Of death, moving
down the mutineers like grass. But al.
ready the canoes and sampans were crap
ping with us, and the ladies shrieks
blended with the war-cries OF the pirates,
AZ wild forms came clambering over the
~ a t...l. at u.