Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1877-01-11


a tall stalwart fellow, who much prided
himself upon his strength and ply
bsique. a1r ,4e-'5a ~.
| Dan was a good fellow, or rather a
well-meaning fellow, but could not re-
sist the temptation to parade his porer
upon all occasions.
He would catch a poor fellow by the
legs and swing him over his head, and
then, setting the scared man down on
deck, laugh boisterously in his face.
Or, at another time, suddenly seize .
tssk snl lay him tiak upoa the deck be-
fore the victim had an opportunity 70
object to such proceeding.
When demonstrated with, Dan would
laugh and say it was all fun, and so il
was to him; but others, and particularly
his victims, very strongly disapproved
of such pranks, and agreed among them
selves that Dad must be paid off at the
next port or they would demand their
own discharges.
Upon our arrival all hands went afi
and stated their case to Captain Grin
die.
Either Dan must go ashore or they
would.
Captain Grindle requested them to
repair aft the next morning and he would
attend to it.
During the day Captain Bowridge, OF
the "Catawba,' came aboard to dine,
and to him our skipper explained the
trouble which existed. He did no,
want to lose Dan. as he was one OF
the best and most courageous seameu
aboard.
The two shippers discussed the mat
ter over their cigars and wine.
"Bv George, Grindle, Ill solve the
problem" said Captain Bowridge, sud-
denly taking his legs off the table.
Captain Grindle eyed his companion
curiouslv.
Il have nigger who can take the
starch out Of your critter, and YOU may
take him in exchange for any good man
you have, bat only for your home " ard
trip, for can't abide to part with
him
Captain Grindle shook his head.
"Won't do, tell you, Bowridgc: nc
two niggers could get away with my
man, ana guess l must get him off to
insure my boys staying by me-"
"Pshaw; look here, captain, just YOU
send off your gig to my vessel, and
tell Pete want him. You'll have =
better opinion when You see the fcl-
low
Steward, request the mate 10 come
below"
"Yes, sir"
Have some grog. Mr.. Mapes." said
Captain Grind!e, as he pushed decan-
ter across the side of the table by which
the mate stood when he entered.
"Mapes, send off the gig, and order
my mate to send back the niger, Pete, -
said Bowridge.
"Ay, ay, sir And Mr.. Mapes boil
ted his grog.
In half an hour the boat returned
with Pete. He was thick-set, firmly
knit negro. with bull head and huge
shoulders. hands and feet.
Captain Grindle nodded appro,ingly
at Bowridge.
GO aboard. Pete. and get your kit.
| dlt SblHS ~
Captain Grindle. You must. however,
not forget 70 rejoin the 'Catawba' at the
end of your voyage. Be good boy,
and DO just as Captain Grindle tells
YOU
Pete ducked, and took the tot OF
grog offered.
Next morning, when the hands came
aft, the skipper asked them if he took
a quiet, inofiensive man, who could
handle Dan. if they would stay by the
ship.
They replied that they would that
thev would like no better iun than to
see a man who could do as he chose
with man whom none of them could
tackle.
We went TO sea two days after
ward.
At first the men showed dislike for
'the nIsSer. but irf dav or two he
was a great favorite on account OF his
good nature and seamansh;p.
Captain Grindle sent for Pete, into the
cabin, and explained the reason he had
been transferred.
Pete crinned from ear TO ear, and ap-
peared highly delighted and gratified al
the duty to which ne was assigned
One dav, Pete was sitting upon the
main hatch, splicing a rope, for his own
amusement.
Presently Dan came along, looking
mischievously at some of the crew who
We're coiling down the ropes.
As he approached Pete, he exclaimed :
"Hailoo. darkie, move your black
carcass"
"A-yah don't mean that, do We =
Yes, git up. say
Don't saw =
GIT upl'
What 70 git up
Fun, OF course, said Dan.
Now jcs YOU see heah. Dan, YOU
want tool, eh Well. all right: if YOU
git hurt. You'll be mad. tho
I Who get hurt, mig; eh :" asked
Dan.
You, | reckin, cause YOU want ter
fool
Take care, Pete: don't want no
lip"
"Yah-yah-yah:" :" laughed Pete, good
naturcdiy.
Dan placed his hands upon Pete's
shoulders, who had risen during the
: conversation. New Jest SIT down
ag'in: dive hear, mig -
I The negro grinned and aash shot