The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-03-29

There are no reapers with tithe of the
energy and speed of pirates. In spite of the
time wasted in useless contention, in spite
Of races. captures. somersaults and the
thousand and one egregious hindrances,
indulged i'm as might almost appear from
spirit of sheer frivolity, the harvest was
quickly gathered, and very soon the only
floating objects to be seen were the ship
with her boats near at hand and in the dis
tancs other boats running for life with the
tide
AS the diversion declined my mind natu-
rally reverted TO my own miserable condi-
tion. What was TO become of me? Was
to be left TO my own devices with a strand
ed ship and no commonsp And if so, what
should / dor Should / make my way
ashore and risk the savageness of man and
beast or remain on the brig to await de-
yelopments?
While was thus thinking and debating,
boat put of from the pirate ship and came
toward me. Coming alongside its crew
climbed on board the brig, and judging it
best to be civil received them with pro-
found salaam and a cordial marhaba, or
welcome. j might have saved my pains.
Instead of returning my salutation the
leader came forward with drawn sword.
demanding to know whether there was any
treasure on board and intimating that IL
he caught me in a lie my throat would be
cut on the spot. l assured him that
knew of no treasure, but invited them to
search for themselves since there might be
secret recesses in the ship that had not
discovered.
Thou shalt be guide" said the fellow,
"and, as thou valuest thy life, a true one.
N. l.. "a. q
meekly complied, conducting them
faithfully into every corner above and be-
low, for the fear of death gives wondrous
fidelity. They examined very deliberately
as they went along, probing with their
sword points into dark recesses and sound
ing with the hilts the boards for concealed
chambers, sometimes even kicking furious
ly i'm their fits of chagrin as time passed
and no discovery was made.
Their bad humor showed itself also in an
ugly inclination to hold me responsible for
their i'll luck Theyw would squirt out angry
questions about the former occupants Of
the brig, and before / could reply turn
upon me with menaces that more than once
fairly brought my heart to my mouth. One
fellow, muttering that / was playing the
innocent Just little too much. thrust at
INT ltIOtlOu-ig WIN hAo cWOtti e"Jhk thdt
IL did not wish to be cut in two had bet
ter make clean breast of it. Fortunately
he was not close enough to do damage, and
on my answering him, with n fervency that
must have carried conviction to the heart
of n stone, that l knew no more than he
did, he passed on with curse on my stu
pidity and blindness.
Feeling their way foot by foot and TAX
ing nothing for granted, they went over the
whole interior OF the ship-hold, forecastle,
cabin, officers quarters and all-question-
ing. contradcting. threatening, and every
minute getting more and more frightful
with looks of disappointment and rage.
My poor belongings they scattered like
chaff, appropriating what they considered
worth carrying away and effectually dis
posing of the remainder by cutting and
tearing it into shreds and then throwing
the rags into the sea. Beside my clothes
they took all my weapons (save pistol
had hidden) and all the ammunition they
could find, but by good chance was able
to save my mothers Bible and Duncan's
pipes and Isabel's two punches Of white
heather, treasures which. as you may sup
pose, were almost as my life TO me. To
this were added some powders and pills
left by Mr.. Watson. The riding done, I