The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1878-11-25
Captured by CannibalS.

DID ever tell you ABOUT my ad'
venture on the coast Of Rio de la
Hache? Well, it was a narrow slip
for me; so near, in fact, that had
given up all hope of saving my life.
But the evening is young, we will
brew a stiff nor'wester Of punch,
and, il you like, I'll give you the
yarn" ...H
Old Captain jackson was retired
shipmaster who had seen much Of the
world in his time and profited by the
experience, for he was accounted one
of the wealthiest men in the village Of
which he was resident. l used to
drop into his house of an evening for
an hour or so, and the old gentleman
always accorded me a warm well
come. 3n fH. . Wv
His wife had died, leaving him a.
most friendless, as he had no CHI
dren, and the old gentleman lived
quiet, subdued life, with no one in his
house but a faithful housekeeper and
an Anticipated old steward who was
fully posted as regarded his masters
wants and peculiarities, he having
served him long and well. .a
Il was quite young man ship
mate, Che always called me by that
title), when I found myself on board
the old brig Sarah, as chief mate.
We were bound to the Spanish Main
on a trading trip-a dangerous locali-
in ba do x,o T a ~, cr,ao II incr /,f -...- De-.
''The old craft was tolerably we'll
armed, and carried long iron nine
FOUNDER on pivot carriage, with
plenty OF ammunition to make her
talk, should occasion demand it. ..
''John Webster was in charge, and
a more contemplate bully never trod
tie quarterback. I did not find him
out shipmate, until we had gained
blue water, or I would never have
gone on that trip with him. e."
"But, on the whole, never regret
ted it; for, although I came near los
ing the number of my mess, still it
was the means Of nay stumbling in
to a piece of good fortune to the tune
of six thousand dollars. 5.
'"That sum, shipmate, amply rec
ompensed me for all my sutferings,
placed me on my feet, and was the
foundation of my future prosperity"
Here the old gentleman refreshed
himself with stiff tumbler Of punch
which the steward handed to him,
and settling himself back in his chair,
the old gentleman commenced in
earnest.
"It was late one afternoon when we
made the bold, sterile hills which
line the coast of Rio de la Haehe. Al
the same time one of the sailors al
work on the fore topsail yard, rep purted
sail standing off the land. ID. t'".
'"We were short of water, the tank
having sprung leak unbeknown tc
me, and Captain jackson resolved tc
make landing without delay, for thu
purpose of retilling. " -"
81 took upon myself the liberty O
informing my superior that the ma
tives of Rio de la Hache were exceed
ingly ferocious, and had the reputa
ton of being cannibals so that i
any unlucky mariner was unfortunat,
enough to fall into their hands, h,
ran but little chance Of escaping will
his life.
"To this my gallant captain re
sponded by coarse laugh Of scorl
and derision, which fairly made N.
fingers tingle with rage, which I KEEP
subdued, however. To his allusion
regarding my courage, paid but lit
tie attention, and was more than hal
inclined to accept his proposition
when he remarked: s.y. "s
"'If [ felt titnid at all, he woul'
take charge Of the watering part.
himself -'' " '''. '.--'--
"But held my tongue, merely re
plying that I would go in command
and walked below to make sucl
preparations as I deemed neces
sary. ,f Ha 81. . 49, ...
I'm the meanwhile the breeze die
gradually away, until our light an
loftiest sails alone were filled; tn
moon shone with unwonted splendo
and brilliancy, revealing the snoN
white sails Of the stranger, whicl
proved to be bark.
Gas the two vessels slowly az
preached one another, it struck m
that there was something singula
in the appearance Of the stranger.
"She was heavily spared, wit
clouds of canvass hanging from he
square yards, which shimmered an
cleaned in the moonlight. The coppe
shot forth scintillating light as he
fore foot rose and fell amid the phos
, phorescent swell of the ocean; bu
, there was certain something abou
the bark which arrested my attention
The yards were negligently trimmed
ropes and running-gea were trailin
over the side, which facts did nc
impress me very highly with the off
GERS seamanship. ay H.. ,.r;s
"The bark waved fearfully, so muc
so that Captain Webster had to cat
, ton the man at the wheel to be care
full. 1n' q" '' @'r r .
: "He had evidently made up hi