The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-01-10

grim rhc leader noticed the silent mer-
riment. and said:
Laramie, l reckon these men Il stand:
Nou can come up here. I'm gettin' long
in years and kinder steadyin' down, but
] s'pose you and 'Pachc want some fun
Start yer whistle. and turn loose"
Up the steps bounded Laramie, and
with ringing whoop as a prelude, be-
gan whistlng IA clear, musical trill, while
'Pache, growing out: dance, dance, We
white-liyered coyotes sent a bullet
through the outer edge of The chief
mates boot-heel
Dance repeated Laramie between
bars of the music Crack, crack" went
the pistols, while bullets ratified around
Laramie's whistle rose and fell on the
soft morning air.
The sun, who has looked on many scan
dalous sights. looked on this. and hid his
face under cloud, refusing to witness.
For never before had the ethics of ship
board life been so outrageously violated.
\ squat captain and two six-foot Of
fiers, nearly black i'll the face from rage
and exertion. with hands clasped over
their heads, hoped and skipped around
a narrow stage to the accompaniment of
pistol reports tremendously disposed a
mong the notes Of a whistled tune while
bullets grazed their feet, and an I'M
kempt, disfgured and sore-headed crew
looked on and chuckled When the mate,
weak from loss Of blood fell and rolled to
the deck, the leader stopped the enter
tainment.
Now, gentlemen. he said in his SERIOUS
voice: I'm called Pecos Tom; and I've
had considerable experience in my time,
but this is my fust with human creatures
so weak and thoughtless that they'll
drug and steal three men without takin'
their guns away from them. And so on
account o this shiftless improyidence, /
reckon this boat viii have TO turn round
and go back
They rolled and kicked the two mates
TO the rail, lifted the captain to his feet,
and said. significantly:
Give the right and proper order 10 yer
men to turn this boat round.
With his face working convulsively,
Capt. Belcllior glanced at his captors--
at his eager, waiting crew-at the wheel
without a helmsman-at a darkening OF
the water on the starboard bow to the
the three frowning muzzles so close to
his head.
One hand to the wheel-square in
main and Gro jack yards he called. He
was conquered
With hurrah which Indicated the sin
certify Of these orders. the crew sprung
10 obey them, and with fore yards braced
to star'board, and head sheets fiat, the
ship Wilmington paved off, wore around.
and bringing the young breeze on the port
quarter, steadied down to course Of
Sandy Hook, which the captain. with
hands released, but still under the infiu-
ence OF those threatening pistols, worked
0ut from the mates dead-reckOning
Then he was pinioncd again, but allowed
10 pace the deck and watch his ship
while the two officers were kept under
the rail, sometimes stepped upon or kick
ed and often admonished on the evil Of
their ways
Early passengers on the East River
ferry-bodts were treated to Il novel sight
next morning, which they appreciated
according 10 their nautical knowledge.
\ lofty ship, with skysaiIs and royals
hanging in the brnt-lnes and iibs failing
ahead like flags, was charging up the
harhoI before cumming southcrEy
breeze. followed by an elbowing crowd
Of putting, whistling, snub-nosed tugs.
Ii was noticeable that whenever fresh
rug arrived alongside, little white clouds
left her quarterback. and that tug sud
! denly Sheered off to take position ID the
parade astcrn. Abreast Of Governor :
Island topgalant halliards were let 20,
as were those Of the jibs. but no Glowing
up or hauling down was done. nor were
any men seen on her forccastlc deck get