The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1883-10-06


place of destination, completed our traf
hcs, and with valuable cargo of gol.
dust, spices and ebony wood on board
set sail for home.
1 do not know exactly in what part O
the South Pacific we we're, when on,
night was reused from my sleep in th,
hammock by the cry of:
PIRATES, piratesl'
"At last" cried l, hastily scranlblins
into my clothes, aud rushing on deck.
At thought of danger all my loyalty tc
the captain and ship revived, and I wa,
ready to defend the vessel with the last
drop of blood in my veins.
But again my ardent hopes were
doomed to disappointment.
When reached the deck, found the
pirate vessel lashed tightly to ours, while
my captain was standing on board the
strange cra.t, holding an apparently
friendly conversation with a gigantic
looking, swarthy-faced, heavily bearded
chap, whom 1 at once put down to be the
pirate chief himself.
The CONSULTATION was over in a few
minutes, aud then the captain returned
with the, to me, startling information
that the pirate bad agreed to accept one.
fourth OF our cargo as condition of let
flng US continue our voyage unmolested.
I This was more than blood and flesh
could stand. What! compromise with n
rascally cut-throat before a shot had been
fired or blow struck! Shades of Paul
Jones, aud all other maritime heroes,
forbid! II my captain was so recreant to
all sense Of duty and glory, would show
that the spirit of American bravery was
not extinct in my bosom at least.
! leaped on the pirates deck, and
snatching cutlass from the hands OF a
brawny negro standing near, flashed it
before the chieitain's eyes, and cried:
"Come ON, you shag-eared villain, you!
I'm Young America, am, and I'll"
Before could finish the senteuce ielt
myself raised d in the air by the muscular
negro, aud unceremoniously pitched into
the sen.
Down. down went into the bottom
less abyss; the waters rushed and surged
around me, n roaring like that heard at
the Falls of Niagara sounded in my ears;
my head seemed 10 be growing larger
and larger and ready to burst,
opened my mouth to scream for help.
but only swallowed enough sea water TO
sutfucate me.
The agony was enduring seemed in
terminablt; but then, finally conscious.
ness left me and l knew no more,
When l awoke to my senses, found
myself lyir & on couch of soft furs
spread on the sandy ground of little
cave.
My eyes were fixed on the blue vault
OF the sky, and the billowy waves of the
ocean which gently rippled on the slop-
ing beach close by.
slight sound caused me to turn nv
head, and then first noticed what 1 took
at first to be an angel standing beside
my couch. A moments thought how.
ever, convinced me that she was a being
"f flesh and blood; in fact rare and
radiant maiden, clad in an Oriental cos.
tune as gorgeous and magnificent as she
was lovely and beautiful.
now also observed matronly look
Ing, middle-aged woman, evidently nv
oewitching companions attendant, stand
lug at some distance of.
''SENoR is awake. GRAcIos D1osv mu,.
INJURED the fair unknown in pure Span
lsh.
My college education had given per-
feet mastery of the language.
"Will senorita please tell me where /
am and how 1 came here2' asked /
family.
'Senor must not excite himself by
talking said the old lady, replying to
my question, much to my chagriu. .The
Princess Inez and myself were walking
on the beach here two days ago and
found your body lying on the shore
where II had been cast by the waves. We
brought you to the cave and restored you
to life. That is ALL"
She seemed unwilling that her mistress
should remain longer in my presence
now that was awake. and touched her
wrist to draw her ayav.
'Do not go vet" cried l, raising nv.
self to sitting posture. ''First, let me
thank the princess and you for your
kindness TO ME. And, pardon me, feel
hungry aud thirsty"
Here, senor," eagerly interrupted the
princess uncovering a dainty repast and
bottle Of wine, which she had brought
with her, ''you may eat and drink.
Brigitta will bring you food and wine
every day; but You must not leave this
cave. II my father or Saucbo were to
see you, they would kill you."
"And must then never more behold
you'" sighed I, gazing pleadingly at her
! ooautllul lace.
She blushed slightly, end stammering-
ly replied:
Perhaps will come when l can get
you away from this island in boat. 1t
is a terrible place, especially for Ameri-
cans senior. 1t is an island of blood"
With these words she somewhat hasti.
ly departed with her maid. leaving me
alone, with food for my body and reflec-
tion for my thoughts.
lindulged in both to my hearts con-
tent The repast was delicious, the wine
excellent, and my mental speculations OF
the most rose-eolored character. Who
was the prineess2 who her father and,
above oil, who was Sancho? Was to be-
Z come the harc nf n