The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-03-14

Fourth Glass. Providence High SCHOOL,

Inat determined situBBic Aoi AhNeP~"
snce,t he American Revolution, contained,
rs every war must, numberiess instances
of personal heroism which are too apt TO
be overlooked amid grander events. But
what can better show the character oil
those men who so fearIessly uprose against
Englands powerful tyranny than these
ell but forgotten incidents?
To this class OF adventures belongs the
tale to be unfolded. II occurred during
the spring OF 1779, in the vicinity OF the
West Indian Island of st. Lucia, where,
anchored off from the forts, among
scattered fleet, lay huge, ,gloomy-iookin
vessel which would make the horrors OF
war seem intensely real TO an observer
1t was British prison-ship, and within
greatest misery and suffering.
Not only were captured American revo-
lutionists in confinement there, but many
other prisoners of different nationallties.
Crowded into the hold was this strange
collection of men, a motley gathering, IN
deed; but all alike in that they had been
deprived OF their liberty. Other than this
scarce greater contrasts could be found
than among them.
A few, OF sluggish and easy-going ma
lures. had accustomed themselves to their
position, and appeared indifferent TO the
confinement and harsh treatment, taking
J
OF opposite temperament, were well-nigh
driven to rebellion and desperation by the
same causes The weak and sickly pined
away, and their groans could often be
heard in pain or consuming fever. adding
tenfold to the horror OF the situation.
Above ALL exerting their energizing in
huence over many of their companions,
were the sturdy, hopeful, ever buoyant
spirits of the Yankee captives. They
were not many in number, but they were
the life of the company, il such company
can be said to have life.
There was, however, on the day In ques-
tion, an unwonted gloominess on faces at
other times the brightest, and even the
leading spirit among them, Andrew
Stephens, went about with set lips and
stern, thoughtful expression. He was
noble specimen of manhood, this young
fellow, large of frame, handsome of fea-
ture, fearless and self-reliant. He had all
those traits which go to make up hero.
That morning, sent on message by one
of the hands he had overheard a conversa-
tion carried on between two officials, and
obtained the startling information that
in two days the ship would be bound for
England! Hitherto, "exchange" had
been their prayerful hope, but now these
hopes were dashed, and long months were
looked forward to, passed in dreary con-
finement, farther and farther from home
and freedom. Imparting the information
to q few of his comrades, the detection
with which II was received proved it un-
welcome, and many brow was knit in
anxious reflection.
For some time Andrew considered the
perplexing question; then brighter light
illumined his dark, piercing eyes, the
scowl left his forhead, but the lips settled
into q firmer, more resoluto curve than
ever.
Turning to his old comrade and COM
panion in capture, John Williamson, he
whispered cautiously, '.Step aside
moment, i want word or two with you"
Williamson quickly left the knot of
men gathered about, and together the
two paced back and forth, gradually
edging away from the group, until in
position to talk freely.
"About the news?" queried the elder,
knowing the bent of his friends thought.
Andrew assented by nod, and pro-
ceeded to explain.
"You know as well as I, old fellow, that
England means death for many poor
soul here.o He laid his hand Familiarity
on the others shoulder, and spoke with
great earnestness.
"Aye, and two months longer in this
hole would be worse than death to me,
for one.v
"True, this inaction is terrible. II one
were fighting, he would gladly die for the
cause of liberty, but to be slowly worn
out without striking one blow is horrible,
and don't propose to stand 1t any longer.
The time has come TO act!"
Williamson smiled bitterly. "Act!"
he repeated, "Act? Guarded by His
Majesty's marines, and the sea?"
"You are doubtful and discouraging,"
said Andrew, quietly. "But listen, my
plan is this"
The two seated themselves on a cask.
and with Williamson all attention An
drew continued, "Have you ever noticed
the brigsntine about halfa mile to leeward
of us, almost out of the feet?" and as
Williamson shook his head went on,
s'Well, there is such one. Now" in
tone in which intense purpose was con-
ccntrated, "to be brief, few of us, at
night, can swim to that ship, overpower
the sentinels and in 10 minutes be in COM
plete possession"
Williamson was speechless. He could
not at once comprehend the greatness of
the undertaking, but as the thought OF
the wretchedness from which they were
seeking to escape came over him, he said
TO himself, "at any risk" and silently
wrung the hand OF the daring schemer.
After moments solemn reflection on
the odds against him Andrew broke the
silence. 81 know that when you get your
breath, you will present all manner of
reasonable objection, but you can see, i'm
the first place, that when we are once sue
cessful, we have the means of flight, and
the matter OF leaving TINS would DC
simpler than you think, for j have noticed
the mode of sentinel duty, and am pre-
pared to guarantee safe exit from our
prison tonight The difficulty lies wholly
in noiseless action. Now, you can say
what you Will"
Williamsons answer was not at all what
the young leader had expected. candy,
my boy" he said, slowly and earnestly,
am with you, and may God help us"
II is a black, black night. A half moon
that had appeared early I'm the evening
has betalen Itself TO the shelter OF cloud
and the stars are likewise out OF sight.
The plashing waves rise and fall along
side the gloomy old prison ship, looming
up from the bosom OF the waters like
thunder cloud. and the heaving swells,
leaving the weather. beaten hull, tumble
and drift on, and on, and on toward the
shore, a dim line In the distance.
The measured pace OF the two sentinels
II heard as they tread the deck, pausing
now aud then, and talking together i'm
low voitce. And now cry rings out,
startling In its distinctness; but tbs only
the guard. and the sound of the all's
Ls.g n