Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1891-06-16

obtained by entering some inlet OF the
coast where there would be no danger OF
capture.
~Yes.n replied Durfee, glad that the
| pirate had anticipated proposition which
he himself had intended 10 make. we
could run in at night and get out before
morning. Then we should be all ready
for voyage to South America or any.
where else.
Tardy fiourished his knife fiercely be-
fore the face of his helpless prisoner,
thus indicating what would be done in
case of the least attempt at deception.
Durfee's nerves had already suffered ter
ribly, and it was only by the greatest
effort that he could maintain anything
like an appearance of calmness.
Hastily running over in his thoughts
| the various inlets of the coast, he re-
solved upon making for Chesapeake Bay.
He was far, however, from telling the
pirates of his decision, but led them to
suppose that the destination was some
obscure nook among islands and promon-
tories. 1t was fortunate for him that
they knew nothing whatever of the ex-
istence of the wide water sheet which he
had in mind.
He used to relate that while the vessel
was running on the course he had chosen,
and he was filed with the most dread
full anxiety lest his plans should, after
all, miscarry, Tardy would come to him,
and with oaths boast of the murders he
had committed.
Great was Durfee's anxiety as the brig
made the landl Soon his fate would be
decided. He thought with a sickening
sensation of the pirates threats, but he
thought, too, of the fort at Old Point
Comfort, and upon this his hope rested.
1t must, of course, be approached at
night, and luckily the Spaniards We're as
/ anxious for the cover of darkness as was
he himself, so that he was permitted to
keep off shore until past sunset.
Then the little brig stood in under all
sail. With fine breeze she passed Cape
| Henry, and continued her course up the
bay. 1t was for Durfee an hour of un-
speakable suspense. At any moment the
| pirates might take alarm, and he felt al
most surprise to find that they did not
do so. Here and there could be seen
distant lights, but the shores were hidden
in darkness, and the evil eyed wretches,
wary as they were, seemed not to suspect
treachery.
Being for the time in command. as
navigator and pilot, the anxious officer
was at the wheel, while his unwelcome
companions stood ready to shorten sail
and let go the anchor at his bidding. 1t
may well be imagined that he measured
with every nerve alert each inch of the
way.
The briggs yawl hung at the stern dav-
its. He had made sure that its tackles
were in running order How near to the
fort would he dare to approach before
bringing the brig to?
Presently he directed his dangerous
crew to take in the light sails and the
courses. Tardy repeated the order in
Spanish, and it was obeyed.
Let go the topsail halyards, was the
next command; and down came the top
sail yards upon the caps.
Clearing his throat for another effort,
Durfee felt that his heart throbs were al
most suffocating. Nevertheless, he was
able to command his voice.
"Stand by to let go anchor !" he cried.
feeling that in another moment he would
know his fate. The four pirates ran to
the windlass.
"Let goi"
There was a splash under the bow, and
swift paying out of the cable. Just
then Durfee sprang over the taffrail and
into the boat, lowering it instantly, and
with violent push sent it spinning from
under the briggs counter Then, seizing
an oar, he commenced sculling with all
his might. AS he did so he heard the
Spaniards rushing aft, but they were too
late to get more than glimpse of him in
the darkness.
The grim fortress at Old Point Com
fort was not quarter of mile distant
Durfee's calls drew the attention of the
sentries, and in few minutes there were
lights cleaning from a row OF port
holes, with the black muzzles of cannon
looking threateningly forth into the
darkness, and dozen soldiers were at
once ordered to board the vessel On
reaching her, they found only three of
the pirates on deck. These were at once
made prisoners Hurrying into the cabin,
they found Tardy lying dead upon the
floor. Struck with despair at the impos-
sibility of escape, he had chosen to die
by his own hand rather than to await
the inevitable halter.
His three accompices were tried and
haEged at Norfolk. They died protest
ing their innocence, and declaring that
the entire guilt rested upon their dead
confederate.
AS to poor Durfee, the second mate,
after the dreadful scenes he had passed
through, he was never really himself.
His nervous system had been thoroughly
shattered.
Who can wonder that painful thoughts
were always associated wit the Craw-
ford, or that gloom should seem to in
vest even the old Warren wharf where
she used to lie.-[George H. Coomer.