The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1892-06-01
in various colors, and leaning toward the

in various colors, and leaning toward the
others, said, deliberately:
Il said Africa. I was one OF three
saved out of seventy seven. Id not cared
for that. Since left American soil three
ships have gone down nnder me. One
was in the Mediterranean, one was in
the British Channel, the other on the
coast of Africa. I tell you, I've been in
places where hell is brewed."
Ezra Easty recoiled. The others sat
erect. The landlord made pretense of
trimming the light, and replenished the
fire once more. There was lull in the
storm.
"Ay, call it brewing hell where hu-
man beings are manned and drowned and
Sold"
-Oh," said Giles Ellis. greatly relieved,
he is talking of slave ships"
Then the Marshal settled himself COM
fortably in his seat again. The sailor
smiled.
You did not take me for a pirate.
Have q pirates jib?"
Ezra Easty shrunk into the corner
closer.
Mates" added the sailor, if I were
minded to relate what I've seen it would
make your blood run cold. But that's my
affair. Five years of life with hell in
sight-three years in hell itself. My two
mates that were saved out OF the wreck
on the African coast-well, no matter.
The devils spared me. Maybe I was not
palatable. was in fever when lfound
myself where white man never was be-
fore. Then I lived like the rest, till
IL ~ hoff Ia rynf
back to the coast, and here I am, tough
as-why don't you drink?"
This to Ezra Essty, who was edging
away from the sailor. Ezra made pre-
tense Of gulping down his punch, and
Whispered to the landlord, THAT was the
diamond fields he was in," Whereupon
the landlord looked at the sailor keenly,
echoing involuntarily, under his breath,
'Diamonds!"
Yes; he told me on the road he came
from the country where they grew"
"A strange life," said the Marshal of
Salem. You must be stout of heart.
"Or I'd not be fit for q sailor. Land
lord, another jorum."
mo, no." said the Marshal. no more
tonight.
Mort for me, said Giles Ellis. 'Enough's
ss good as feast.
You are Welcome" said the sailor,
slspping his breast. I've plenty, and to
spare; and-hark, ye-if I sat here two
hours, my wits would be as tight bound
as there's need for. It's 80 long since
I've breathed the air Of Christians, feel
at home with them all. I've all reason
able man wants for the balance Of my
life, landlord. I've that here, striking
his breast again, that would make you
open your eyes"
The landlords wife, coming in unob-
served, looked quickly from the sailor to
her husband on hearing this speech.
The landlords face paled. He inclined
his ear to Ezra Easty again, casting
frown upon his wife. Ezra whispered:
@Said I not so-he means the dia-
monds. I'll be bound they are sewed in
his jacket. But see the purse"
The sailor had produced a curious
purse. AS he opened it; he said: I've
carried this seventeen years-twlce 1t was
as good as lost-it's mine yet. There's
none like it, save one. in all the world.
Here, landlord. pay yourself, and give
me lodging"
us it true there is wreck off Marble
head?" the Marshal asked, as he rose.
AYE. The ship Eliza has made her
last voyage. I'd no hand in it. She was
bringing me home-me and ten other
ship-wrecked sailors. 7 don't connt thia
among my wrecks-nor would there have
been o wreck if the crew had kept from
the rum. But when they stove the casks
the worst we're the shipwrecked sailors,
mind you, just back from the gates Of
death-well, then I knew it would be
short sailing for all of US. -
And were many saved?' the landlords
wife asked. She was thinking Of her
son. Perhaps he was one of the men who
invited death the second time.
Some. I don't know how many. You
See, there was fight after We got on
shore-later on-youug blood boils easily.
I had no hand in it. can drink, and I
lord-what. you are all going? I'm for
use. not the abuse. Your good healths,
and unless I change my mind I'll be
Apparently all the liquor this man
drank had little effect upon him, unless,
possibly, it made him brighter and more
companionable.
Its time I was gone" said Ezra Easily,
leaving his corner and eying the sailor
with saucer-like eyes. Goodnight,
Master HOODS; SOOd-nlBnt, Musler
Ellis" He opened the door and was
gone on the instant. The Marshal but
toned up his coat; Giles Ellis did the
same, and together they took their leave.
Its long since I've laid in Christian
bed" said the sailor. Il think I'll enjoy
mine tonight. I'm ready, landlord, when
ever you say the word.
The landlord gave him light and led
the way upstairs. When they were in
the room the landlord pointed to the win
dow. IF you want more ar the window
opens inward. There is the hook made
myself Goodnight.
The sailor examined the window, and
observing breadth out of the leads,
looked about for something to place in
the hole. Then he stuffed his handker-
chief in the opening and began to dis
robe There was bench on the side op-
posite the window. The sailor sat down
on this, placed his clothes near him.
carefully concealed his purse and silk
band that was wound over his shoulders
and ,lnder his arms under the pillow.
Ther he blew the light out and laid
down.
ITO BE CONTINUED