The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-08-18
--THE
SLAVE SQUADRON
A THRILLING TALE OF ADVENTURE
By HARRY COLLINGwOOD
CHAPTER XXI.

man TO place himself at the head OF the
forward division OF boarders.
The brig had sighted us almost as
quick as we had her. and she made one
or two attempts TO dodge US. For II was
Of no nse she had run into our arms, as
u were: we were much too close together
when the vessels became visible 10 each
other 10 render anything like dodging al
all possible: moreover Smeilie, standing
there on the breach OF one OF the guns,
watched the chase with so unwavering an
eye and met any deviation on her part
so promptly with n corresponding swerve
on the part OF the Virginia, that Senor
MADEIRA soon scornfully gave up the at
tempt. and held steadily forward upon
his course.
The sister brigs, for such they eventual
ly proved 10 be now running on almost
parallel courses soon narrowed the space
between them 10 a bare hundred feet, the
Virginia however, having been so care
fully steered as 10 give her slight lead.
This seemed 10 be the moment for which
Senior MADEIRA had waited. for he now
suddenly threw open his ports. and with
out attempting the mockery Of hosting
on ensign ~ any kind, poured Into US the
whole contents OF his double shotted star
board broadside, aiming high, however.
with the evident hope OF knocking away
some OF our more important spars. Our
lower canvas was Immediately rddled
and a few unimportant ropes were cut;
but beyond this we fortunately sustained
no damage.
By way OF reply 10 this, Smellie. with
out removing his eyes from the chase.
waved his hand gently to the hemsman;
the wheel was put half dozen spokes
or so over TO port and the Virginia slew
ed slightly more toward her antagonist
Now. steady man" cautioned the skip
per do not fire until / give the word.
then pour your broadside In upon her
decks-not a shot below the sheerstrake
for your lives" I we'll knew OF whom he
was thinking when he said this; Antonia
was doubtless in the cabin, and II was
her safety Cor which he was thus careful.
And as soon you have fired your broad
side" he continued. draw your cutlasses
and stand by the b6ard. Are the Tap-
ping irons all ready2'
"All ready, sir" came the reply from
the tars who were standing by TO throw
them. and then there ensued few breath
less moments OF intense silence.
Gradually the two brigs neared each
other. until the lap and swirl OF the water
along our antagonists sides could be dis
tinctly heard. At that moment rattins
volley ~ small arms was discharged from
the Black Venus. and I saw Smelie start
and reel on his elevated perch. The next
instant. however. he had recovered him
self, and once more waving TO the helms
man. he gave the word:
"Firev"
Prompt at the command, our broadside
ratified out and amid the crashing Of
timber and the 'shrieks OF the wounded
| felt the Jar OF collision between the
two vessels.
"Heave! shouted smelle "Boarders
away!" And with simultaneous spring
fore and aft. away we went over the bull
warks and down on TO the crowded decks
of tho Black Venus.
The fight was short but stubborn Our
antagonists fought with the desperate
bravery Of men who already felt the hal
ters settling round their necks; but who
ever heard OF British tars yielding an en-
omy's deck when once their feet were
firmly planted upon it7 Besides. almost
every individual man among US felt that
we had long score of dlsappointments
and noutings 20 wipe out. and steadily
hut irresistiby we drove the pirates into
the waist of their ship where. huddled
closely together. II was impossible for
them 10 use their arms effectively. Final
ly Smelle and MADEIRA. after several un-
successful efforts 10 get at each other
managed 10 cross swords and after n
few rapid passes the latter fell. run
through the body by the skipper. In the
very act OF falling however. he whipped
a pistol from HIS belt and aiming point
blank AZ the skipper. hred the ball pass-
ing through smellie's lungs. The poor
fellow turned blindly and with the blood
squirting from his mouth reeled into my
arms.
CTo he Continued on McGday)