Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1898-02-10


stern and giving his orders; for. tnousi
greatly recovered. he was still in want
of quiet. We laid her head for the
nearest port in Spanish America, fe'
we could not risk the voyage home
without fresh hands; and. as il was
what with battling winds and couple
of fresh gales. we were all worn oar
before we reached it.
1t was just at shutdown when we cast
anchor in a most beautiful land-locled
gulf, and were Immediately surround
cd by shore boats full of negroes, and
Mexican Indians. and half-bloods. sell
ing fruit and vegetables, and offering
to dive for bits of money. The sight OF
so many good-humored faces especial
~ the blacks). the taste of the tropical
fruits. and above all, the lights that be
gan TO shine in the town, made most
charming contrast TO our dark and
bloody sojourn on the island; and the
doctor and the squire, taking me along
with them, went ashore to pass the
early part of the night Here they met
the captain of an English man-of-war
fell in talk with him, went on board
his ship, and, in short. had so agreeable
a time that day was breaking when we
came alongside the ''Hispaniola."
Ben Gum was on deck alone. and. as
soon as we came on board he began
with wonderful contortions, to make u,
confession. Silver was gone. Tn.
maroon and connived at his escape IL
a shore boat some hours ago, and he now
assured us he had only done so TO pre-
serve our lives, which would certainly
have been forfeited if that man witt
the one leg had stayed aboard" But thi,
was not all. The sea cook had not gone
empty-handed. He had cut through Il
bulkhead unobseryed, and had removed
one of the sacks of coin, worth, per
haps, three or four hundred guineas
to help him on his further wanderings
think we were all pleased to be so
cheaply quit of him.
Well, to make long story short. VIZ
got a few hands on board, made good |
cruise home. and the "Hispaniola'
reached Bristol just as Mr.. Blandly was |
to think of fitting out her |
Five men only of those wht |
had sailed returned with her. Drink |
and the devil had done for the rest |
with vengeance; although, to be sure
we were not quite in so bad case as
that other ship they sung about:
with one man of the crew alive.
What put to sea with seventy-five"
All of us had an ample share of the
treasure, and used it wisely or foolish
~, according to our natures. Capt
is now retired from the sea
Gray not only saved his money, but.
being suddenly smit with the desire
10 rise, also studied his profession; and
ne is now mate and part owner of fine
ship; married besides, and
he father of family. As for Ben Gum
ne got c 1000, which he spent or lost
n three weeks, or. to be more exact
n 10 days, for he was back begging OF
he twentieth. Then he was given 4
odge to keep. exactly as he had Jared
lpon the island; and he still lives. a
treat favorite, though something of
,utt, with the country boys. and nota-
lie singer in church on Sundays and
saints days.
OF Silver we have heard no more
That formidable seafaring man with
me leg has AT last gone clean out of my
life; but | dare say he met his old
legress, and perhaps still lives in com
ort with her and Capt. Flint. 1t is
o be hoped so. | suppose. for his
,hances of comfort in another world
ire very small.
The bar silver and the arms still lie. ]
or all that know. where Flint buried /,
hem; and certainly they shall lie there /,
or me. Oxen and wain-ropes would /
Tot bring me back again TO that ac.
ursed island; and the worst dreams
hat ever l have are when / hear tn.
urf booming about its coasts, or start
Ipright in bed. with the sharp voice OF
apt. Flint still ringing in my ears
Pieces of eight pieces of eight"
THE Emf