The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1890-01-09

Whiit hS Joiutu Viz NitNCls vi lils littit
party, spiteful shot struck him slant
ingly in the side, and he fell bleeding to
the deck.
In moment, Charlotte was kneeling
by him, giving him water.
''Take him into the cabin" she then
ordered, in clear voice.
He was carried there, and laid on
Tongue, his wife carefully arranging
pillow under his head. There was
good doctor aboard, and while he was
dressing the wound, Charlotte bathed the
sufferers forehead and gave him cooling
drinks.
"Would not he be more comfortable in
his berth?" she inquired.
"He must not be moved at present"
was the doctors answer. sit would be
his death to move him now"
Tears came to the young woman's
eyes; her lips quivered.
"Don't worry, Charlotte" said Will,
in a faint voice.
Knowing it distressed him to witness
her grief, she wiped away her tears.
Then she kissed him, and continued to
battle his head
Above, the booming of guns and the
bowling of shot became every moment
nearer and louder.
A minute later, nine men-all that
were left of the young Captains crew.
rushed into the cabin.
"It's all up with u.s." said one, lifting
his cap. "The pirates IL soon be aboard
of us; but the fog has thickened so that
we may escape in one of the boats. We
can put the Captain in the boat, ma'am,"
he added, addressing Charlotte.
"No, it would kill him to move him."
spoke up the doctor. "But you had bet
ter 60" he added, turning to the young
wife.
"What leave my husband9" she
said.
"You can do him no good, for the
pirates will not spare you. The rascals
will show no quarter either to man or
woman. All that can be done for him
has been done, and"
Ere the doctor could conclude shot
came whizzing through the cabin window,
severely wounding both of his legs above
the knees.
"Comc, ma'am, come" cried the sailor
who had previously spoken.
81 will not leave my husband" was
Charlotte's answer.
Unable to persuade her to go, all the
seamen except one, who declared that he
would not desert craft that a woman
''stuck to-" made for the boat, assisting
the groaning doctor into it, after which,
screened by the smoke and fog, they
pulled away from the imperiled ship.
The solitary sailor took his place at tie
wheel. Then he noticed that there was
slight change of wind, causing the
nearest pirate to tack so as to fetch"
the Columbia. Through the drapery of
fog he could dimly see the vessels fore
yards swing round.
''Ma'am," he called at the companion
way, "I think if | could brace the yards
little we might have slim chance Of
slipping off, and showing our heels to
them human sharks; but it needs some
one at the wheel while am doing the
/ bracin' for the wind has freshened."
81 will take the Wheel" answered
Charlotte, quickly, "and try to save my
! husband"
She ran on deck, and the sailor having
shown her the course to steer, she seized
the wheel. Then the tar hurried to brace
the yards, for the shots We're now coming
very fast, and he was anxious to relieve
Charlotte from her periious position as
soon as possible. A few vigorous pulls
on the lee braces brought the yards to
the required slant; but as the man Was
about to take the wheel again, heavy
splinter, knocked from the rail by a
shot, struck him on the temple, laying
him dead at the young wifc's feet.
"Now, God help me, cried the brave
woman, "to steer Alright, and save my
noble Will"
With firm hands she worked the helm
with steady eyes she watched the ships
head, to see that it did not swerve; and
as the craft went roaring on through the
white foam towars, the space between the
!
hoped to escape her enemies gleam Of
joy lighted her face. A fine type of
womanly courage and fortitude was she,
standing there with her beautiful chest.
nut tresses blown out from her head like
streamers, and not trcmor shaking hcl
slender figure, although the shot whizzed
and whirred and screamed all about her
some Of them even grazing her hair.
In that moment she needed not thu
flying shot-thought nothing of her owl
peril; but her eyes were brighter than thu
flashing death CLEANS that lighted the TO!
all around her, for every thought, will
the whole strength of her soul, was con
! centrated on that one idea-that one IN
shaken resolution to save the life Of he
D wounded husband.
F., On went the ship, and at last she passe'
through the open space between tn
pirate vessels, thus leaving the latter j
r pursuit astcru. Two Of them, as stated
r were crippled. but the others gained o
:. the Columbia, until, by keeping off
s little, Charlotte managed to maintain he
It distance from them. Thus pursuers an
(, pursued had proceeded league, whe
!, all at once the young woman behold
!, dark object-somc kind of a craft -ahea
3, of her. Her heart sank! Was it poss
= BILE that one OF the private vessels ha
Y contrived 70 double on her in the foga
/ A moment later she saw the lofty mas
q of the vessel looming up; then she 50
open port-holes-a double row-with Il
F." lnuzzies of the guns showing throus
d them, and she befel3 marine, wit
u muskct at support, walking the gan;
N way!
lie A cry Of JOY escaped her, for the vess
was man-of-war, and her husband y
st saved
r "Please to put your wheel hard down
d sang out an officer from the vessels sru.
+ terdeck; and Charlotte promptly did
requested.
I'll The ship was swung into the wind, al
1t cutter, containing surgeon aud creg
c. with the seamen who had deserted +