The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-03-20
my acnIiaintances

my acquaintances. Sir Henry Morgan was A constant source of delight to me; Abenchareta was never failing in courtesy. even when his smile was more or less impeded by the knlre he carried in his teeth, and Cap- tain kidd-I never can think of Captain Kidd and his awful fate without the suf- fusion of my eyes with tears. His wam such lovable disposition. and his cour- tesy was almost if not quite the equal of that or Lord Chesterfield (for some ac- count of whom see pp. 6ss-e47. vol s, of this work) .. .s. As an example of his courtesy, I recall dreadfully hot day on the Spanish Main when the commander of a captured treasure ship was made to walk the plank. Ranged in solemn silence on the deck was the pirate crew. Dressed in full uniform, standing by the rail, was Kidd. his face calm, his hand steady.
 The commander was led forth and was about to step over the bilge onto the plank when Kidd, lifted his hat and stretching out his hand cordially ob- served, Admiral, I am sincerely sorry you are going so soon." The churlish captive took refuge in sullen silence.
 Tt has been a real pleasure to me to modations as my poor craft permits" said Kidd, ignoring the manners of his guest. Still the boor made no answer.
 If at seven tonight you are not other wise engaged shall be pleased to have you dine with me and my chief Of stan, in my cabin" Kidd continued, and then raising his hat in salutation he retired. The commander walked the plank with out a word.
 Poor fellow" said Kidd to me after ward. Don't blame him for his lack of manners. don't think he was intention ally deficient in courtesy. Let us rather say of him that he was too pre-occupied with present things to be responsive to any social suggestion or any one else could have made at the time"
 What charity! What consideration! Truly, do not believe that Chesterfield himself (for some account of whom see pp. 6S3-647, vol 8 of this worl) could have shown himself more intrinsically the gem tleman.
 Kidd's Courtesy to Women.
 Kidd's courtesy to women was equally marked. His demeanor toward the fair sex was indeed remarkable, and do not recall an occasion upon which he declined to do all that lay in his power to give them all that they asked. A notable in- stance of this was, like my former story of his considerate attitude toward a cap- tive, connected with a plank walking epic sode, always painful, even to a properly constituted pirate.
 The captain of captured ship was to walk the plank at o'clock in the morn- Ing. Kidd had himself placed 1t at that hour, because. in the nature of things, he did not himself rise until ten. and he wished the whole horrid business over before he came upon the scene. But the wife of the captain came to him the night before and asked the boon of shar- ing her husbands last moments.
 You love him?" inquired Kidd.
 T do," was the answer, "devotedly."
 You need not speak further. madam" ' said Kidd. rising. Your wish Is my com mand. Leutenanti" he cried, in those martial tones which made many a brave man tremble.
 Yes. sir" replied the lieutenant
 Mrs. Brown Thompson wishes to share her husbands last moments,' said the pirate chief. "I hand you a written or der" he added. scribbling rapidly on his desk pad. Let them walk the plank to- gether. And wake me at four. wish to be present to see that all goes well. And with great gallantry. he escorted the lady back to her apartment in the fore castle in person.
 I know nothing in Chesterhelds expe- rience (of which see pp. 63S-e47, Vol. Ill., of this work, for sale everywhere oy subscription) that may be set down as superior to this episode in the mere mat ter of amenities
 The Siamese Twins.
 The famous siamese twins. Chang and Eng, were not among the most agreeable
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