The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-03-28
CHAPTER XII.
FIGHTING FOR THE BOOTY.

FIGHTING FOR THE BOOTY.
took no heed whether he sank or swan,
nor indeed so much as cast glance after
him, but turning quickly on my heel
picked up my crimson sword, wiping it
roughly on a coil of rope that lay handy.
Then, making my best salaam to the pirate
leader, and speaking as well as blown
man might, / said: "You have graciously
granted my prayer and the satisfaction for
which my soul yearncd; in token Of sub
mission and gratitude now sheathe my
S, ord in sight of ALL" And suiting the
action TO the word, shot the weapon into
its steel scabbard with clash that could
be heard all over the ship. The chief bowed
grimly in return, but without speaking a
word; then, courtesies being at an end, he
gave the command and the looting began.
Leaning against the companion head,
watched the wild rush and scuffie for a
minute, but being greatly hustled and buf-
feted and feeling faint besides, / tottered
to a secluded corner, where / sank with
reeling sensation on the deck. Huddled
there pretty much like bundle of discard
ed clothes, mopped my face and tried to
discover the sources of the many streams
of blood that seemed to ooze and trickle
all over my body. There was perhaps no
great effort made to stanch the flow, for /
was far enough gone to be careless. What
did it matter9 Might / not quietly pant
out my life there and be done with It? And
even while the thought was I'm my mind
the brightness OF the sun was suddenly
overcast as by the duskiness Of death, and
the clamor of the robbers died away in my
ears.
suppose must have been some time in
this state of collapse when the brig grated
harshly on the bottom, careened slightly,
lurched ard lay over, fast aground. The
queer grating sensation, as of the pricking
of n million small fins, aroused me, and
staggered half awake 10 my feet The first
thing / saw was Abram ben Alden being
hauled dripping by two men into boat.
rubbed my eyes, wondering how he came
to be in need of help or to have companions
to render it. and finding no answer called
out as Justify as l could; "Helloi What's
the matter therew
He heard and looked up. At sight of me
the fire of hell sprang anew into his black
eyes and his thin features gathered in a
vengeful scowl. Then my wandering wits
began TO return, bringing remembrance
of what had happened.
should have fallen into the sea but for
the support of the bulwark. In a dizzying
tuTInOll OA itthb&b II iutu nOius WIFI tftfD-
bling hands, to keep myself up, my eyes
fast on the distorted face Of Abram ben
Alden.
"Godi man, are ye much hurtr I asked,
scarcely knowing what I said. "We're a
pair Of FOOLS" added, laughing and cry
ing together
But either he did not hear me or he was
beyond speech. for he only cast n look ne II
to say he wished he had my heart out, and
slipped into the boat, which hid him from
my view.
was fain 10 ait down again. my back
propped against the vessels side, and
breathe myself The commotion Of spirit
brought fresh gush Of blood, which
bathed back and chest in q warm stream.
Yet what had just seen occupied me more
than my wounds. Indeed, forgetting both
them and the evil storm cloud on Abram
ben Aden's countenance, felt only an all
pervading Joy at seeing him alive again.
For now, being past thoughts Of vengeance
and much too weak to have heart foi
slaughter. I realized in some measure what
sdisauietipg thipg u 10 70 face the great