The Lafayette advertiser. [volume] (Vermilionville [i.e. Lafayette], La.) 1865-19??, 1890-04-26

NY VI oiooNA &hAu suCCtcu lC III uSL.
But the difficulties in his path are
many and such as are not to be des.
pissed. The superstition and fears of
his sailors are what he has to fight and
quiet. That fear attendant upon des-
pair which does not reason, But like
hunger will excite to the most cow&dly
deeds and grim superstition which
makes pessinists of its own, i. e. causes
its followers to see eeeverything draped in
black. These things and many more
flash through his mind in one instant
Of time. So occupied was he by them
that he had not yet observed the
ghastly appearance of his mate, until
Fernando with a tremor in his voice
rouses him to reality. These are the
mates words: II know Columbus for
some time past have been knowing
that concealed ill was narrowing up
your soul. | saw that you cared not
to unbosom yourself to your friend
and | pressed you not: But to-day l
know all and am even grateful to you
for having kept me in ignorance Of
the inevitable? Aye! even so-Those
scowls of former days have grown into
intensity and immediate action shall
soon manifest, l fear, the pert up
force raging in yon fendish human
volcanoes. My friend, | have a pres
age of impending danger, therefore,
| beseech you, let us keep watch to-
night in person. like not the look
of our crew, Ifear their secret glances
forebodes us no good. Erewhile they
sdowled upon us and I would like ev-
en- that better than that malignant,
piercing, and hateful gaze they have
lately assumed. They look as if they
had just triumphed or will soon do SO
over common enemy-I repeat it,
let us keep watch tonight as we never
did before-these basilisks glances are
not to remain unheeded."
Fernando, we are at their mercy,
yet Divine Providence sways over
US all without whose aid we could do
nothing and with whom we can every
thing and fear nothing. Let US trust
in that father who has the waters of
the Ocean in the palm of his hand and
against whose will, not so much as
hair Of our head shall be molested.
columbus, you have infused new
spirit into me. l am now decided for
the worst. Let US not stay on deck,
but rather retire to our cabin and
there spend the night-the last per-
haps which shall see us together.
But, before, allow me to appoint a
watchman for the night and order the
wretched crew to take the repose
which they must sorely need after the
fatigues Of this day."
The two friends bid a kind good
night to the ungrateful sailors and
betake themselves to their cabin.
The sailors lie down and stretch their
sinewy frames on the thin coverlets
which serve them as beds.
The rays from the vessels lights
are reflected upon the polished surface
as from a mirror. The regular tread
of the watchman on board the admi-
rails ship alone disturbs the silence.
Hours succeed to hours and judg-
ing by the direction of the moon mid
night must not be far distant.
What is that we behold swinging
to and fro on the foredeck of the ad-
mirals ship? A light! A signal? So
it seems, for soon two bright lights go
into the maneuvre on board the other
two vessels and then all is darkness
save for that light which Nature af-
fords through the Queen Of Night,
whose effulgent rays are somewhat
lessened Of their virtue by the misty
veil which now adorns its majestic
face. Still this light suf6ces to- show
the observers vessel-one of the three
approaching slowly the admiraPs
ship. Nearer and nearer she gets and
yet not a sound from on board can be
heard. Her course we can follow by
the phosphorescent train she leaves
behind her on her passage.
The moon shines out in full bril-
liancy and discovers safety boat ST.
lently let down from on board along
side the admiraPs ship. Seven sturdy
men descend and join the suspicious
watch which returns to the third with
her live cargo. These are hoisted up
aboard the other ship, and smile Of
recognition and welcome from the oc-
greet the newly arrived.
A vast circle is then formed on
deck by three scores of sailors and a
question Of the utmost importance, it |
seems, is going to be discussed, if we
are to judge BY the fixed face and
sharp look of the assembled mariners.
An old man steps out ia the middle
Of the improvised circle and addresses
the leader Of the late arrived: rVin-
cent" says he, "You knew what we
called you and your officers for? For
the last four weeks we have been |
drifting to none knows where and now |
= 10 almost imnnssihlo IN rot,,r,