The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1880-05-20
The Pilots Revenge.

OF September, 1884, s. small English war
brig. which had been fitted out for the sup.
preston of smuggling, was lazily creeping
along the heavy, monotonous swclls, Just
off the coast of Galway, and on her deck
was being enacted scene Of somewhat
more than common interest. The day be-
fore she had captured a small boat, loaded
with contraband articles. together with an
old man and boy who had charge Of thcm
and tho captain Of the brig, whose name
was Dracutt, had ordered that the old snug
glcr should be put in irons. TO this indig-
nifty the old man made 4 stout resistance
and, In the heat Of the moment, he had so
fur forgotten himself as to strike the cap
tain blow which laid him upon the deck
Such al insult to al English officer was
past endurance. and, in punishment for
his offence, the smuggler had been con-
demncd to die.
single whip was rove at the sarboard
forc-yard arm; and all hands were called
to witness the execution. The rope was
noosed and slipped over the culprits head,
and tho running end was rove thro' a small
snatch-block upon the deck. Until this
moment not aword escaped, the, lips of the
hoy. lie trcmbled as he belleld tile awful
preparation, and as the fatal moose was
passed and drawn tight, the color forsook
his cheeks, and he sprang forward and
dropped upon his knees before the incensed
captain.
Mercy; sir, mercy ~
''For whom2" asked the officer, while a
contemptuous sneer rested upon his lps."
''For that old man whom you arc about
to kill"
"Hc dies, boy"
."But he is my father, SIR"
"No matter il he were my own father
that man who strikes an English officer
while In the performance of his duty, must
die"
But lie was manaclcd-he was insullcd,
sir, urged the boy.
'Insuitcd," repeated the captain, "who
insulted him ?"
''You did, sir,' replied the boy, while
his face was flushed with indignation.
''Get up, sir, and be careful TINT you do
not get the saLH treatment" said the cap
tain in savage tone.
The old man heard this appeal of his son,
and as the tart words dropped from the lips
OF his captor, he raised his head, and, while
look of the utmost defiance passed over
his features, he exclaimed:
"Ask no favors, Robert, Old IIarlx Kin
took can die assWell now, as, at any time.
Let them do their worst ." "'' ~" ~ '.'- "
Then turning to Captain Dracutt, he
changed his tone to one of deep slpplica.
tion, and said:
''Do what you please with me, sir, but
do not harm my boy; for he has done no
wrong. am ready for your sentence, and
the sooner you finish it the better"
Lay hold of tie whip" shouted tho
captain LAY hold, every man of you, and
stand by to run the VILLAIN up"
In obedience to this order, the lncn
ranged Themselves along the deck, and each
one laid hold Of the rope Robert Kintock
looked first at his fatheE9and then ran Shis
eyes along the line of men who were to he
his executors. But not ono sympat hizing
or plying look could lie trace their faces
were all hard and cold, and they all ap.
peared anxious to consummatetheir mursu
derous work.
"What, " exclaimed the boy, while tear
started from his trembling lid, sis there
not one even, who Gun pity 2"
up with him !" shouted the captain. ,
Rosert buried his faco in his hands, and
the next moment his father was swinging
from the ydfdIarm. He heard the passing
rope and the creaking block, and he know
that he was fatherless. .TN
Hall an hour afterwards tho boy knott
by tho sideof asghastly corpse, and a sim.
pie prayer escaped lis lips. Then another
low, murmuring sound camc up from his
bosom, but none Of those: who stooh around
knew his Import: II VAS d pleeadigee Tor deep
revenge
just as the old mans Body'slidfrom tho
gangway into the water, vivid flash of
lightning atreamed through the heavcns,s
and In another moment the dread artillery
of nature sent forth roar so long and loud
that the mon actually placed their hands, to !
their ears to Shut ont it's dcafenipg foary
Robert Kintock started at the sound; and
what caused dread mothers bosoms, sont a
thrill Of satlsfaction to his own. .a, 7
"oh Rovenge Revengcl" he nut.
tered to himself, as he cast his eyes over
tho foam crested Waves, which had already
risen beneath the power OF tho sudden
torn.
The darknssshad come as quicklyg as the
storm, and al that could be distinguished