The Beaufort tribune and Port Royal commercial. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1877-1879, 1877-06-14
Clara's Stratagem.
And that is all.

S1C14 O. - SO4 CSoSeS SAAs
II was an autumn evening. The dead leaves
were falling about the garden. and all was shll
save the noise of the flood tapping the seaweed
on the shore. Two persons were walking be-
meath the old trees in the garden; one was
Young man in whom was exhibited somewhat
of the mien of a sailor, though scarce twenty
summers had broadened his shoulders, and
though foreign sun had Drowned his cheek,
vet he was "full of lusty life" Upon his arm
leaned lovely, laughing creature, just burst
ing into glorious womanhood her eye spanked
with the fires of wit and mischief; she seemed
one who could laugh at every disappointment,
and by whom to be beloved was bliss. Silver
toned words were dropping from her rosy lips.
She gayly reproyed him of the broad shoulders
at her side.
"Do YOU sail so soon, then? How naughty,
Rupert shall be getting jealous Of Mistress
Ocean. You have scarcely arrived, and now
you are anxious to 60 Mayhap some pretty
cold maiden OF the North Ha methinks that
brown cheek wakes a little brighter at the accu-
sation. On, you naughty, naughty boy Re-
main few days longer and attend our picnic
/ shall be alone without my manly Rupert.
Come, say you Will.
"Were it possible Clara, would but must
sail. / should have been away three days ago,
but for those superstitious fellows who have
got AN idea that the vessel is haunted. And
now they will not sail without stay tonight in
the forecastle and unravel the mystery for
them. If succeed III shaming them, we are to
sail tomorrow. The whole village is astir with
their foolish stories"
"You don't believe in ghosts, them
"Nor does Clara, Ipresume.
81 believe i'll ghosts, the evil spirits which
haunt the vessel of Rupert Lyons and III =
Goodnight, Clara" Aud Rupert walked
toward the wharf.
The scene was on the banks of one of those
quiet little harbors where merchants sometimes
grow silently rich, away from the noise aud
smoke of the crowded city. 1t was III Prince
Edwards island, a good many years ago, when
commerce was an infant there. l was young
man then, and had charge of small brig sail
ing to the South. We had just completed TAX
inS in cargo for New Orleans, and intended
trading among the West India islands until
spring should unlock the harbors of my father
land, whic.. winter always fastened with strong
bars Of ice. Ny employer was the principal pa
wharf. We we're distantly related By marriage,
but near tie of friendship bound Us closer
than blood. Perhaps that tie was Clara Sea,
perhaps it was not I; at any rate l had always
lived with him previous to going to sea, and
now, when in port, spent all my leisure hours
at their pleasant home there was Rupert's
room still, and Rupert's slippers, and his writ
ing desk and his rifle, and his dog.
was passionately fond OF the sea, and being
scarce out of my teens, the acme of my ambi-
ton was to make shorter stays and quicker voy
ages than any other vessel and now that had
share in the business, private interest sup
piled to ambition what it might be losing OF
Youthful enthusiasm. Upon the whole am
afraid was but sorry lover, and my coldness
and neglect were sufficient incentives to awaken
nf ha tfv
were always joined by the jovial laugh OF old
Mr.. Sea.
According to the statements of the crew, the
brig had been haunted for several nights pre-
vious to the completing of her load, by noctur-
nal visits and these still continued to be Kept
up One had seen small, whitish figure Jump
firm the wharf, hop quickly across the deck and
leap into the water; another had seen two hg-
ures passing quickly around the shed ON the
wharf, and all had heard loud reports at mid
night, as of the explosion of gun upon the
deck. The combination Of these strange events
had so terrified the superstitious sailors, that
many of them refused to sail until l should
convince them by other means than words that
they were laboring under a delusion. And
now, when three days were gone, and then
lively imaginations were enlarging everything
tenfold, / determined to watcn one night and
weigh anchor on the morrow and for that pur-
pose, on the evening alluded to, after taking
hasty leave Of Clara. proceeded IN the dlrec-
ton of the vessel. The long wharf was desert
ed by all the craft, and not spar arose above
the wharf save those of our little brig which
lay moored at the further end. Two small
schooners had just moved into the channel,
and were awaiting q more favorable wind. The
night was growing rather dark, but disturbed
only by soft zephyrs which sighed softly in the
rigging Having arrived at the outer block,
and before going on board, made review OF
the place Near the bow Of the vessel and
opening in the other direction, was shed or
storehouse erected ON the wharf, for conve-
nience in loading and unloading. Entering and
casting q searching glance around the interior,
/ satisfied myself that no one was there con-
cealed. Barrels and boxes were piled against
its walls. In this corner was heaped lot OF
large turnips, in that were arranged oars, and
spare yards, and oyster tongs, and IN the center
were several heavy anchors and two or three
superannuated, heavy guns. Leaving this and
stepping on board l found the men IN fever
ish state of excitement.
I endeavored to shame them out of their
fears by laughing at what termed their folly,
upon which they promised that if l watched IN
the forecastle, where they deemed the most
danger was to be encountered. and If l could
explain the mysterious visitation to their satls-
faction. they would sail the next day. Taking
with me two of the most timid, and sending the
rest to the cabin, went below, and stretching
myself on sea chest, was sinking into deep
slumber, when noise as of something falling
on deck, brought me to my feet, and lmmedl-
ately rolling sound was heard followed by
sudden plash as of something falling over.
board this was repeated thrice at intervals Of
about minute, each time, however, increasing
in loudness. when all was husned. Taking ad-
vantage of the pause. directed my two men
upon no account to make disturbance, unless
called, and went on deck.
After searching everywhere, and putting my
ear down to listen, until completely tired ont, l
wrapped myself up in a foresail and awaited IN
curious anxiety. Remaining half an hour rwith-
out any signs of a repetition, again went be-
low and prepared to sleep. had barely time
to get comfortably stretched, when, as had
Just begun to doze, noise, louder, heavier and
more terrible than any preceding one, brought
nv timid companions trembling to my side
but, unlike the former,it did not extend be-
yond the deck, no rumbling overhead no
splash of water was heard-it ended as if some
thing had been crushed to atoms where 1t fell
then followed the same gentle, lulmg sound OF
the water upon the vessels PROV, the same
gentle breeze was heard moaning in the rig.
ging, and the dread silence Of the foreoastle