The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1883-09-08
THE MYSTERIOUS LEGACY.


My grandfather was a sea captain
not a mere claimant of the title, like
the watermen Of the lakes and coast
shippers who never get out of sight Of
land, and who, if they got there, could
never get back-but Il genuine "old
SALT" trained from boyhood under a
tarpaulin hat, and as familiar with the
''paths of the sea-" as a shepherd is
with those of the sheepwalk. Spending
his life OH extensive voyages, he was
seldom at home long enough at a time
for the salt spray to dry OH his weather.
beaten cheeks; and there was hardly Il
port OH the habitable globe in which he
could not shake hands with an old ac-
luaintance, civilized or savage,
or course his history was crowded
with curious incidents. Most OF these,
at which my childish ears tingled and
my eyes dilated, have become 50 faded
in memory as to be incapable of a toler-
able narration. The following, how
- ever, made Il more lasting impression
During the calm between the Old
French w,lr and the American revoI-
ton, a large ship was lying at wharf
in the town Of New York, loaded with
Il valuable cargo and ready to sail for
Liverpool, and thence to whatever part
OF the globe the chances OF commerce
might dictate.
This was my grandfather's slip, only
waiting for her papers and a fair wind.
The papers were soon ready, and short
~ after them came breeze. Presently
everything OH board was III active pre-
paration-the casting Off and coiling Of
ropes, the unfurling of canvas, and the
running up Of sailor boys among the
ratlines like spiders on their webs;
while the sharp. imperative orders OF
the mate, and The hearty "ye-hoy-ye?"
OF the cheerful crew echoed over the
ripping waters, which looked in the
rays OF the setting sun as if il was COW
cred with a cream OF liquid gold.
Just before the last plank was hauled
i'll, stranger stepped hurriedly OH
board and inquired for the captains
State-rOom. Being conducted hither,
he entered, and with slight bow, ac
cOsted the captain, who sat writing at
his desk:
you are for Liverpool, I believe,
sir?''
''Yes, sir"
II am in poor health, and, intending
to spend the winter in Italy, wish to
for Europe. Will you take a passen.
ger?'
Yes, sir, if my accommodations will
suit YOU"
"No matter about accommodations
captain. lam an old sailor, and know
how to accommodate myself. Besides
The trim Of your ship suits my eye."
The allusion to his ill health attract
ed my grandfather's scrutiny, and the
Introduction of himself as an old sailor
touched his heart. On noticing him
more particularly, he was struck with
an undeiinable feeling OF curiosity and
sympathy at his appearance. Tall,
straight and rather slender, he was
dressed in fine black broadcloth, with d
sort OF Spanish cloak of the same color
and quality. A tWO-edged sword, COM
mon Oh shipboaJd at that time, and
improperly called Il cutlass. was partly
covered by his cloak and hung by his
side without Il sheath. His hair was
quite gray, and his manly features
would have been handsome had they
not been 80 enlaCiated as to give un-
pleasant prominence to half Il dozen
deep scars on his face. His eyes were
blue and full Of expression, but restless
At times, showing asudden abstraction.
The lOOSeneSs OF one OF his black gloves
gave evidence that he had lost finger
OF two from his left hand. These OBJ
servations were made by the captain
while the stranger was looking at Il
beautiful sextant on the table, Turn
ing, as II startled at his forgetfulness,
he resumed:
"Name the price, captain, and l will
pay it nOW.o
My grandfather had already fixed
the price in his mind, and replied:
"IOu are sailor, sir, and sick. The
accommodations OF my ship, as well az
my services, are at your free com
nland."
The language Of sailors heart can
not be misunderstood, and knows nc
interpreter; and the stranger knew that
relnonstrance would be ungenerOus on
his part. lie lnadeno reply, but eager.
ly extended his hand, ana my grand
tather, as he shook it, thought he saw
Il tear III the strangers eye. But noble
hearts are impatient of exhibitions of
gratitude, s.nd he quickly added:
IL am ready to sail, sir, Is yOul
baggage on board?"
This is all my baggage, SIR" he re-
piled, showing HIM small black satcllel
under his cloak.
Leading him to state room the cap.
tain left him and went Oh deck, and
found the ship already under way, the
sails filled with a stiff breeze, and
wharves, warehouses and spectators
fast growing small in the distance. AT
length, as darkness shut in the view,
the WIND increased to gale, and from
gale to tempest; and for ten days
and nights the noble ship which had