Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1881-05-12

the Villain head was cleft In twain.
Another stroke, and the lieutenant
shared the same fate.
Now, men of England. show the
blood ofyour proud nationr
Every man heard these words, for
they were like bugle notes-clear, and
ringing, and distinct.
remember how Legrand looked at
that moment. He had just forced his
mother below when he spoke, and then
he turned upon the crew. His head
was up, his teeth set, his finely CHS
eled nostrils distended, and his ewes
literally emitted sparks of fire. He
dashed like alightning shaft among the
foe, and We all followed him. Ever
and anon ] could distinguish his form
amid the smoke-for there were many
pistols fired-and | could see the flash
of his bright blade where it was not
covered with blood. fought with all
my might, and so did all my men.
Savage fought, too, but he did not
seek places of danger, rather seeming
to keep his back against the bulwarks.
Ever ard anon the flash of Walters
sword would catch my eye, and failed
not to see a man fall when it descend
ed. NY own men looked to him as
their leading spirit, and did not feel
offended. l rather felt proud of HIM.
How could | helpit' The very genius
of Mars seemed to sit within him. 1t
was almost a miracle how he swept
away the foul villains from before him.
At length the deck began to grow
thin of standing men, and streams of
blood were flowing towards tie SOUP
pers. l reached Legrand's side, and
l saw stout men flee from before him.
| saw his arm move, and another pirate
fall.
Then cry broke upon our ears.
1t was cry for quarter, for mercy.
The fighting ceased, and the living
pirates were huddled together in the
starboard gangway and disarmed.-
They numbered elcuea men! My next
work was to count my own, and |
found eighteen of them, and nine of
the infantry officers. In the center of
the quarterback stood Walter Le-
grand, He was leaning upon his
sword, and tiny stream of blood
trickled down his faithful blade and
made dark pool upon the deck about
its point. He was still calm and
serene, but the old look of sedate
melancholy had once more taken pos
session of his countenance.
Captain Favor, he said, addressing
me, can you take care of the prison
ers?'
| quickly answered him, Yes
Then, said he, 4 will 60 and com
fort my mother. She may be anxious
The prisoners we're put in irous, and
placed in safe confinement, and then
we sat to work and cleared up the
dead Ali hands turned workmen,
and ere long the dead were sewed up
in old sails and buried in the deep,
blue sea--frlend and foe together.-
There were bat few wounded men.
Such as there were, however, were
properly cared for.
That evening, when we sat down to
supper, no one could have told, from
the appearance of Walter Legrand,
that anything unusual mad happened.
He met us with that same calm smile
of recognition, and his face wore that
same look of unobtrusive, modest re-
serve. The meal was eaten mostly in
silence. could see that the other Off
GERS gazed upon the youth with looks
of admiring wonder, and even Captain
Savage was humbled and awed.
Legrand saw the looks that were
cast upon him, and he knew we'll what
they meant. After lie had finished
his supper, he wiped his lips, and we
knew from his movements, that he was
going to speak. A pin might have
been heard to drop at that moment.
Gentlemen he said, while a slight
tremulousness was manifest in his
neither lip, you all know what has
passed since I came on board this ship,
and | shall not recount the painful tale.
/ have heard the word 'coward,' and l
have not resented it, and had not this
days events come to pass, should not
have made the explanation which l am
now about to make, for it might only
have been received as the hollow ex-
cuse Of one who dared not fight.
You have some of you heard of my
father. He was brave man, and
good officer, but in an evil hour he had
o difficulty with brother officer and
he accepted challenge to fight duel.
He met his companion on the field,
and he fell. He had marched boldly
up to the cannon's mouth for his be-
loved country, and his life was spared
that his bosom friend might take it.
My mother heard the sad story. She
knew my hot blood-she knew l vas
my fathers child, and she feared for
me. She drew my head upon her grief
laden bosom, and asked me to promise
her that ] would never give or receive
a challenge to mortal combat, and that
[ would never lend my countenance or
assistance to the same in the capacity
of friend made the promise, and
sealed it with vow, and mothers
prayer went up that I might be true to
it, Gentlemen, you know all now.
There was a tear in his eve. but he