Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1889-09-15
CARLET0N'S VOW;
OR.
THE PRIVATE sscRETARYs SIN.
BY v. V. v.
twr,,,en for the Dispa,ch.i


The pale Queen of Night. who seems bat
Ting with them TO gain the mastery. An
ominous quiet reigns over the waters of
the Indian Sea The Ocean Bird
rocks lazily on the black waters Cap
tain and first mate are conversing over
on tho larboard side OF the vessel, dis
GUESSING the storm which they know is
coming, although they feel as yet no
breath of the cir which so fiercely stirs
the clouds above. Every caution has
been taken. The few passengers with
one exception) are sleeping undsturbed
by the ships commander, who while
looking for storm has perfect faith in
his staunch vessel and his brave English
sailors The solitary exception to whom
have alluded stands leaning over the
deck-rails, glancing ever and anon from
the inky clouds above 10 the equally
inky sea below. just now the moon
struggles from under a passing cloud,
revealing a face not easily forgotten.
Great dark-gray eyes, which at night
and as now in moments OF intense emo
ton look deeply black ; fair skin. clearly
cut Grccian features, HAIR OF darkest
brown beautiful mouth. which, could
the heavy moustache be seen through,
would reveal that unusual combination,
great firmness united to womanly gentle
ness. Add to this form nearly six feet
III height and perfectly proportioned,
with q most distinguished carriage. and
you will have no fattered portrait OF
Erie Carleton. He rises and walks over
to the Captain with the question
odd you ever feel more sitting
evening, Captain
"Not often, even in this southern lah-
tude; but il will not be many moments
before we will have breeze enough and
10 spare, most likely"
"Do you anticipate danger
ave have strong and tried vessel,
and a competent crew; however, l do
not like these winds above and Gains be-
low; they are apt to strike with ven
geance when they do come.
"How many small boGtsdo you carry 2"
"Four By rights; but you perhaps re-
member our losing one soon after leaving
Melbourne.
"How many will the boats hold, Cap
tain, should anything unforeseen occur "
1.-THE two long boats are intended for
twenty-four each, and the little gig two
only but instances have been known in
cases of emergency when thirty-odd
have been saved in long boat and three
and four III gig
They were interrupted by a long
peal of thunder, accompanied with a
pouring rain and a brilliant fash of light
ming, which told them that the storm was
upon them. A squat struck the ship
which literally seemed to take her up
and throw her through the air. Had she
not been prepared she would surely have
capsized. AS it was, the officers and
sailors had all they could do to manage
her, now that the violence Of the storm
was upon them. Fortunately for them
as long as they kept in deep water they
we're being driven in the direction they
wished to 60 The henvy fall of rain
now ceased, but the wind was still fear
full. Dark clouds wholly obscured the
moon. Carleton, for whom tins war of
the elements had an unusual charm, WAS
still on deck, and approaching Captain
Western said
How is che standing this fearful
gale? 1t is truly wonderful with what
perfect ease you seem to manage her.
Long practice ought TO make per-
feet, my boy, for have been upon the
Sea fifty-odd years"
"But are we not going at O tremen-
dous rate ?"
"Thank Heaven, there is all open
water hero Heaven help US if anything
should resist us. "
"Great Heavens what is that ?"
shouted the first mate.
The captain rushed to where the mate
stood. but ere he could find an answer
even in his own mind to that hastily
asked question Carleton turned and saw
what seemed TO be great black noun
tain rushing down upon them. There
was fearful crash, blood-curdling
screams from the newly-awgkened and
terrified passengers, when the ship
plunged beneath the water like some
huge living monster, when she righted
again, and after a call from the first
mate for the captain it was discovered
That that gallant officer, with several Of
his crew, had been washed overheard.
Az the crash came Carleton had thrown
himself flat upon his face and clutched
with ali his strength the deck rail. Con-
sequently he was uninjured except being
extremely wet, and also compelled to
hold on where he was for some time, till,
taking advantage of slight lull IN the
tempest, he managed to secure more
sheltered situation. 1t was impossible
to do anything for the unfortunate men,
rs the Ocean Bird had already drifted
some distance from where she struck and
could only conjecture the cause Of their
disaster by the wound in her side, which
forced them to think was made by that
floating pest, ship adrift. The sailors
worked constantly at the pumps, but
Carleton, who had followed the mate
down into the hold. noticed an Ominous
shake Of the head from that officer, and,
calling him aside, said: What do you
think of 1t, Mr.. Hardcastle ?"
"Wen, Mr.. Carleton, between us, il
Che wind does not lull soon we will he
compelled TO take to the boats by morn
sng."
About o'clock Carleton, who had
retired TO his state-room to rest little IN
time for further eXertions which he felt
would soon be forced upon them all, was
aroused by knock from the mate.
"Mr. Carleton, said no, "the water
has increased alarmingly. and l have
determined 10 provision the boats with
everything necessary, and after all IS
ready may look to you to announce
20 the other passengers that We Will take
10 the boats at daylight
Certainly, and think you are per
fectly right. How fortunate that this Is
not regular passenger ship and that
our few passengers are only men.
Truly so, indeed, sir. Win you take
the key OF the lquor-closet and see that
there is half dozen or so bottles put
into each boat? L dare not trust the
men, and it may be badly needed.
Carleton took the key, and, with the
assistance of his servant, whom he knew
he could trust, did as he was requested.
Just beiole day, as the ship seemed to be