The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1880-11-09

ed. AS they filed up the gang plank to
the deck, 1 counted eighty-seven. Some
were large, powerful men; others were
weak and wore slckly expression, but
they all had look of dogged determina-
tion their closely cropped hair and
striped trousers and jackets making
them look all the more savage. When
number eighty.seven reached the deck,
they were drawn up in line and inspect
ed by the superintendent and his assist
ants. Each convict was thoroughly
searched in order to see If he had any
weapons.
Nothing was found, however, but
what was proper for them to have. So
the inspector informed us that there
would be no danger, and that we would
soon be rid of them. The guard that
was to accompany us had been selected
with great care, each one having
musket, two revolvers and cutlass.
Several extra casks of water were got
on board for fear we would not have
enough to last during the run. AS no
signs of our runaways were to be had,
the skipper was obliged to ship several
men in order to fill his compliment.
One of these fellows was a villainous-
looking customer, and 1 asked the Cap.
tain why he shipped such man.
He replied that it was the best he
could do. Sailors were scarce, as nearly
every one was off In the mines or stock
raising. 1 told Captain Billows that L
did not relish having such man on
board the Marathon, but he laughed at
my fears, and said the man had been
discharged from a Liverpool ship some
two months before, and, as he wished to
return home, he thought he would ship
on the Marathon.
The Consul verified the mans state
ment, which satisfied the skipper, so he
had shipped him on the strength of this.
1 said nothing more to the old man,
but determined to keep weather eye
on that mans movements. We were to
put out to see that night, If the wind
was favorable. The eighty-seven men
were placed between decks, to remain
there until morning, when they would
be taken out for an airing. The guard
consisted of twenty-four men, half the
number standing watch while the others
turned in below.
1t was II o'clock before the wind was
in our favor, and nearly eight bells
when we weighed anchor. L tell you ]
did not sleep much in my watch below !;
the shouts and curses of the convicts
made perfect Bedlam and would have
aroused the seven sleepers. In vain the
guard threatened them, but they an
swered derisively and dared the soldiers
to shoot.
Mr.. Bolter came to my berth when
his watch was out, and said he expected
to find me awake, for sleep was impossi-
BILE with those wretches bowling.
So lighted my pipe and went on
deck, preferring to remain above than
on level with the banished English
men. Before daybreak they were quiet
enough, and no particular one could be
sifted out for creating the disturbance,
SO the whole eighty-seven went scot
free.
About o'clock they were led up on
deck for an airing and to pass inspec-
ton. After three hours they were sent
below again. In the afternoon about
o'clock gale sprung up, which requir-
ed all hands to reef topsails. The yards
were soon manned, and L went aloft
myself, as is generally the custom when
all hand are called.
While was passing the weather ear
ring and taking the last turn, heard
Shaling lone of the foremost, hands,
who was knOtting a reef.point next to
me,) ask:
where is Barker? don't see him
on the yard"
looked over the line of men, and sure
enough he wasn't there. / tell you i
wasn't long in getting on deck and stat
ing my suspicious to the Captain. We
at once rushed forward, followed by
several of the guard, and just as we
reached the forecastle who should make
his appearance but Barker.
The old man yelled at him "What
are you doing down therep Speak up
What are you shirking below for when
all hands were called for duty ="
ST was sick,' growled the scoundreF
"and could not 60 along" s,k e :
"You are lying, you villain and you
know it," said the skipper. am be
bound you are up to some deviltry. Mr.