Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1884-01-04
FUN
WHY Black Mike Surrendered Without
So Much as Shot.

"Avast heaving."
Capt. Foamerset turned quickly on his
heel after giving this order 10 the sharp,
decisive tone habitual to seafariug men,
and continued to pace the quarter deck of
the Aveuger with regular tread. With
hands behind him and eyes steadily fixed
on the oaken planks which upheld him. he
did not look like a man on whose mind
was pressing the weight Of great respon-
sibility that ere the sun sank to rest be-
meath the waters might necessitate the
shedding of human blood. For five min
utes he paced the deck in silence, and
then, turning with show of Impotence
and speaking in tone that betrayed irrl-
tation, if not anger. he again said, ''Avast
heaving."
The man to whom the command was
addressed, fine, brawny fellow. with a
clear eye and honest face-in fact, the
very model of a first-class sailor-drew in
his head from over the bulwarks and re-
piled ST cannot
How long have you been in the Ameri-
can navy, my man 2" asked the Captain,
in not unkind tones.
"Ten years, SIR" was the reply.
s'And is this your first experience on
the waterS"
eyes, Sir"
VERY we'll, avast heaving as soon as
convenient
faye, aye, sir,'' replied the man, hitch
ing up his trousers respectfully.
The Captain walked slowly aft. and ad-
dressed the man at the wbeel-"Old Tom"
q grizzled sea dog. who had sailed the Wa
bash under Secretary Thompson and seen
service off the rock bound coast of
Lemont, when hostile constabulary en-
deavored to attach canalboat.
"H0w does she head 20 asked the Cap
tain, looking into the pinnacle.
west by South" replied Old Tom, CIV
ing the wheel turn and glancing alofU to
see that the topsails were draping. 81
think we ahall have capful of wind from
the north Tonight" be added. lyon
cloud has wicked look.'
Every WE'LL" said the Captain. Il will
tell the cook to lash the beefsteak to the
galley and make fast the toothpicks, in
case anything should happen.
Night has come.
The Avenger is cleaving the water in
gallant style. the white foam curling from
her bow as she comes in stays and stands
away on the starboard tack. The quarter
deck is deserted save by Lient. Alltaut.
whose watch it is. The Cap ain has gone
below. and the steady, strident sEore that
10 waited upward tells that he is asleep.
Suddenly one Of the lookouts comes aft
and touches his cap to the Lieutenant.
There's sail on the port how, Sir"
he says.
Lieut.. Alltaut takes his glass and looks
in the direction indicated.
ut is the pilate," he SAYS, speaking
calmly, as do all naval officers-in books
"Send man, below to put clothes pin
on the Captains nose, and while you are
there. bring up my cutlass and piece OF
pie"
The man disappeared.
In the meantime preparations had been
made for the approaching conflict. The
men were stationed behind the bulwarks.
and their faces wore determined look
Nearer and nearer drew the Avenger to
her prey, until at last she lay alongside the
dreaded oyster pirate of the Chesapeake
bay. Not a sign OF life was visible on the
craft. From the miZzenmaft a week 3
To- b. 81 A
wind. Lieut.: Alltaut reached over the
Avengers side and grasped shirt. there
by being enabled to hold his vessel steady.
The men witnessed this man9uvre 10 ST.
lent admiration. Brilliant seamanship
always commands respect.
A noise was heard aboard the craft, and
an instant later Black Mike. the pirate.
appeared on deck. He comprehended the
situation in an instant. and, drawing a
huge knife from his boot, sprsng forward
to cut the tail from the shirt to which
Lieut. Alltant was holding, thereby allow
ing the Avenger to drift into the darkness
The officer was on the alert. however, and
felled the pirate to the deck with piece
of the government pie, which he had not
had time to eat. The man rose quickly
but thoroughly humbled.
well, he said, ''you have caught me at
last"
do you surrender" asked the Lieut.
enant.
"No," answered the pirate with hor-
rible oath; II will sell my life dearlv.''
s'kefect on what you are DOING" and
Lieutenant Alltaut's voice trembled as
he spoke. "You are at orr mercy. At a
signal from me one hundred copies of Sec
Rotary Chambers report will be hurled on
your deck
my God ~ said the pirate; "are you,
then. devoid OF all humanity ?''
"Yes.' replied the Lieutenant; ''no
quarter will be given if the battle is
begun"
The pirate looked into the portfolios of
the AvenRer and saw the muzzles of the
document frowning at him.
us this report the usual length ?" be
asked.
ayes"
"And you have really got one hundred
copies9"
hYes"
"Then I surrender. A brave defense is
one thing, but suicide is another. "-Uhi-
eaee Tribune.