"Very likely, indeed, you would be so very useful; I shall have quite
enough to do to take care of myself; besides, you might betray me,"
added he, with a fierce and penetrating look.
"Thank you, for your good opinion," replied I, indignantly. "So you
think, because you have saved my life, that I would take yours. I am
not yet such a rascal, whatever I may become by keeping bad company."
"Well, well," replied the negro captain, "I believe I am wrong, so don't
get into a passion; but, at all events, you must see that it is
impossible I can take you with me."
"If you don't choose, I can't help it," said I; "but I don't like
remaining here without you; I shall run away if I can, so I give you
fair warning."
"You won't find that quite so easy," replied he, laughing; "and I
recommend you not to attempt it."
Here the conversation dropped. About midnight the captain commenced his
ascent of the ravine, and I resolved that I would not lose the
opportunity, if it offered, of following him. I watched him as long as
I could see him, that I might know the direction of the secret path, and
then I joined the crew, who were lying down by the tents which they had
pitched on the shore. Shortly afterwards, the Spanish Indian, who had
coloured me, passed by me, and, as I intended to make the attempt before
it was quite dark, I thought that I would remove any suspicion, and I
therefore requested him to stain me again. This he consented to do, and
in half an hour I was again naked among the negroes and undergoing the
operation. Having received the two applications, as before, I then
quitted them.
As soon as it was quite dark, I armed myself with a pair of pistols, and
crawled underneath the back of the captain's tent, in which I always
slept, and, without being perceived, gained the narrow path in the
brushwood by which the captain had left.
I continued in the path for some time, by feeling the brushwood on
either side; but before I had crawled half way up the ravine, I found
that the brushwood had not been cut away any farther and I was at a loss
how to proceed. All traces were gone, and all I had to do was to climb
up to the summit, and to take my chance of finding any egress. I toiled
on with difficulty, sometimes stopped by a rock which would take me
minutes to climb over at others, holding on by the brushwood for my
life. By twelve o'clock I had gained more than two-thirds of the
ascent, and then the moon rose, and assisted me with her light. I must
say, that when I looked up and saw the rocks towering above me, and
overhanging my path, I felt that escape was nearly impossible: however,
I recommenced my labour, and gained some ground, when, as I was clinging
to the side of a rock by a small shrub, it gave way, and I rolled and
fell down many feet, between that rock and another opposite to it.
I was not much hurt, and I regained my legs. Looking up and about me, I
found that I was in a narrow passage, between the rocks, leading both up
and down--in fact, I had tumbled into the secret path that I had been in
search of. Delighted with this discovery, I now set off with great
spirit, and in half an hour found myself on the other side of the lull
which formed the ravine, and looking down upon an expanse of country in
the interior. Being very tired, I sat down, that I might recover my
strength before I continued my journey.
"I am free at last," thought I, and my memory wandered back to my mother
my ship, and my captain--old Culpepper, Tommy Dott, and Bob Cross. "I
shall see them all," I thought, "and what a story I shall have to tell."
As soon as I had rested myself and recovered my breath, I thought I
might as well start.
I had not proceeded more than a hundred yards before I thought heard a
noise, as if some one was approaching. I listened--I felt sure that
such was the case, and I also heard the deep baying of a hound. The
noise increased rapidly--it was that of one forcing his way through the
brushwood, which covered the side of the hill.
In a minute afterwards I perceived a man coming up the hill at a swift
pace, directly towards me. As he approached I could almost swear that
it was Vincent, the negro captain; but when within ten yards of me, I
perceived, him turn round and flourish his sabre in the air, while, at
the same time, three large bloodhounds sprang at him. One fell by the
blow of his sabre, but the other two flew at his throat, and fastened on
him, tearing him to the around, and holding him in spite of all his
struggling and his immense strength.
I recollected my pistols: I cocked them, ran up, and putting one to the
head of the nearest dog, blew out its brains. I was equally successful
with the other--they both lay dead by his side, and Vincent was
released. He started up.
"It is me, Cato," said I.
"Cato!" replied he; "but there is not a moment to be lost. I understand
it all."
He seized me by the arm, and dragged me with him to the narrow entrance
of the pass, and as soon as we came in he rolled three large rocks,
which had evidently been used for such purpose before, so as completely
to block up the entrance.
"There," said he, leaning back quite exhausted; "be quiet, Cato. We are
safe now; they will be on the top of the hill directly."
We remained where we were about ten minutes, when we heard voices not
very far from us. They were the pursuers of the negro captain who were
evidently baffled. After a time the sounds receded from us, and we
heard them no more. Vincent then spoke:--
"You were escaping, Cato."
"I had escaped," replied I: "I told you that I would."
"Strange that you should have discovered the path; did any one betray it
to you?"
"No one," replied I: and I then told him how I had fallen into it.
"Well you have returned all obligations, and more than ever you owed
me," said he: "you have saved my life this time, and that when all
chance was over."
"Then," replied I, "although I shall be very sorry to part with you,
give me that liberty which I had gained, and which I lost in defending
you from the dogs."
"I would have let you go then, Cato," replied he, "but your life would
have been sacrificed. My pursuers would have hurried you to prison
before you could have explained who you were. You forget your colour is
changed; they were not seeking me, but a runaway slave, and the
bloodhounds came upon my track. Those white men show no mercy; they
have more pleasure in seeing a runaway slave torn to pieces by those
dogs than in recovering possession of him. It is a sort of fox-chase to
them," continued he, grating his teeth after he had said so. "Cato, I
will give you your liberty, if you wish it, and I know you do wish it,
as soon as I can with any prudence; that I promise you, and you know
that I will keep my word."
"I am quite satisfied," replied I.
"And do you promise me that you will not attempt to escape a second
time?"
"I promise you that I will not," replied I.
"Enough," said Vincent. "Now let us go down the hill, for I am very
much torn by those infernal brutes, and must have the wounds washed and
attended to."
We descended the hill, in silence, and in a quarter of an hour had
gained the tent. Vincent was severely bitten and torn: as soon as his
wounds had been dressed he lay down on his mat, and I did the same.
It was some days before Vincent recovered from the severe injuries which
he had received from the bloodhounds; and he did not appear to be
inclined to run any more risks of that sort. Although he said little, I
could perceive that he was brooding over future vengeance and he was now
nearly the whole of the day with his glass on the look-out hill.
One morning a schooner hove in sight, steering from the Havannah to the
southward and eastward, either for the islands of the Spanish Main. The
Stella had for many days been ready for instant sailing, and having
watched her till near sunset, Vincent sent down orders for every soul to
be on board, and the anchor hove up. Just as it was dark we towed out
of the bay, and made all sail.
At daylight the schooner was but a few miles ahead of us and not being a
fast sailer, in little more than an flour we were alongside of her. She
proved to be bound to the island of Curacao, being the property of an
old Dutch gentleman, who was on board with his daughter, a little girl
about seven years old. The crew consisted chiefly of negroes, slaves to
the owner; the master of the vessel and the mate being, with the
exception of the old gentleman and the little girl, the only white
people on board.
As usual, the crew were brought on board by the pirates, who reported to
the captain that the vessel was in ballast, and of no value. As the
crew of the Stella were already more than requisite, Vincent did not
require the negroes; he told them that they might go on board the
schooner again, and take her into any port they pleased; with the white
people, however it was another affair.
I had remained below, not wishing to witness a scene of butchery; but I
was induced to look up the ladder, in consequence of Jose telling me
that there was a little white girl come on board. At the time that I
did so, Vincent had just done speaking with the negroes belonging to the
captured vessel; they had fallen back, and there was then standing
before Vincent, the master and mate of the vessel, the old Dutch
gentleman, and the little girl.
A more interesting child I never had seen, and my heart bled at the idea
of her being sacrificed. I could not help hoping that Vincent would
have a similar feeling, but I was mistaken. The master and mate were
pointed at, and immediately seized by negroes and tossed over into the
sea. The old gentleman bowed his head over the beautiful child, and she
knelt to him, as if for his blessing before she died. At that very
moment Vincent gave the sign--I could remain quiet to longer--I sprang
on the deck.
"Stop!" cried I to the men who were about to seize the old
gentleman--"stop!" The negroes did fall back at my voice.
"What is this?" cried Vincent.
"Captain Vincent," cried I, "do you call yourself a man, to war with
children and old grey-headed men? You must not, shall not, touch these
two. You have wreaked your vengeance upon the white men; be content--
let these go."
"Cato," replied Vincent, fiercely, "it is well that it is you that have
dared to snatch the prey from the fangs of the wild beast. Had it been
another, this pistol should have sent a ball whizzing through his brain;
as it is, go down below immediately."
"I do not fear your pistol, Captain Vincent, nor will I go below; that
very pistol, in my hand, saved you from the fangs of the blood-hound. I
tell you, therefore, that you must not destroy that innocent child--if
you love me, you must not; for I will hate, detest, and scorn you ever
afterwards. I entreat you--I implore you to let them go: they are not
fit objects for your vengeance; and if you destroy them, I tell you, you
are a coward."
"What!" roared the tiger, "a coward!" and, no longer able to contain
himself he levelled his pistol at me and drew the trigger. It missed
fire; Vincent looked very confused--he tossed the pistol on deck, folded
his arms and turned his face away.
There was a dead silence. The negro crew looked first at me and then at
the captain, as if awaiting orders, and uncertain of the issue. The
Dutch gentleman seemed to be so lost in surprise, as to almost forget
his impending fate; while the little girl clung to him and stared at me
with her deep blue eyes. It was what on the theatres they would call a
tableau.
I followed up my advantage. Stepping forward, and placing myself before
the old man and the child, I first broke the silence.
"Captain Vincent," said I, "you did once promise me that you would never
injure me or attempt my life; that promise you have broken. Since that,
you have made me another promise--you may recollect it--which was, that
you would allow me to leave you on the first favourable opportunity;
there cannot be any opportunity more favourable than the present. The
negroes whom you are to send back to the schooner do not know how to
navigate her. I request, therefore, to know whether you intend to keep
this second promise, or to break it as you have the first? I ask my
liberty."
"If I broke my promise just now, it was your fault," replied Vincent,
coolly. "I am sorry for it, and I can say no more; I intended to keep
it, and, to prove so, I now keep my second--you may go."
"I thank you for that. I only wish that, now I leave you, I could leave
you with feelings of good-will and not of--I must say it--of horror and
disgust. Captain Vincent, once more let me beg, as a last favour, that
you will spare these poor people."
"Since you are so particularly interested about this useless old man and
still more useless child," replied Vincent, sarcastically, "I will now
make a proposal to you. You have your liberty. Do you choose to give
it up and remain here, provided I let them go away in the schooner?
Come now--take your choice; for I swear by my colour, that if you go
away in the schooner, the moment you shove off, they shall go over the
gunwale."
"My choice is then made," replied I; for I knew that when he swore by
his colour he was in earnest: "release them, and I will remain here." I
little knew what I was to undergo in consequence of this decision.
"Be it so," said Vincent: then turning to one of the mates, "let them go
back with the negroes; hoist the boat up when she returns, and sail for
the Rendezvous." So saying, he went down into the cabin.
"You are saved," said I, going up to the old Dutch gentleman; "lose no
time; get into the boat as fast as possible, and make sail on your
vessel as soon as you get on board. Good bye, little girl," said I,
taking her hand.
"I thank you," replied the gentleman in good English--"I cannot say how
much; I am so surprised at what I have seen but recollect the name of
Vanderwelt, of Curacao; and if ever we meet again, you will find me
grateful."
"I will; but ask no more questions now--into the boat--quick," said I,
shaking his proffered hand. They were handed down into the boat by the
negroes.
I remained on deck until they were put on board; the boat returned, was
hoisted up, the schooner made sail again, and then I went down into the
cabin. I found the negro captain stretched upon the sofa, his face
covered up with both his hands; he remained in the same position, taking
no notice of my coming down. Although my confidence in him was
destroyed after his snapping the pistol at me, yet when I reflected how
I had bearded him in his rage, I did make some excuse for him; moreover,
I knew that it was my interest to be on the best terms with him, and, if
possible, make him forget what had passed, for I felt that his proud
spirit would make it difficult for him to forgive himself for having
been induced by his passion to break an oath which he had sworn to by
his colour; I therefore, after a little reflection, went up to him and
said--
"I am sorry that I made you so angry, Captain Vincent; you must forgive
me, but I thought that deed beneath you, and I could not bear to have a
bad opinion of you."
"Do you mean to assert that you have not a bad opinion of me now?"
replied he, fixing his eyes upon me.
"No, certainly not; you have released those I pleaded for, and I am very
grateful to you for having done so."
"You have made me do what I never did before," replied he, raising
himself and sitting with his feet on the deck.
"I know I have; I have made you spare those of my colour."
"I did not mean that; you have irritated me so as to make me break my
oath."
"That was my own doing--my fault rather than yours. I had no right to
speak as I did; but I was in a great rage, and that is the truth. I do
believe that, if I had had a pistol in my hand, I should have fired it
at you; so we may cry quits on that score."
"I am angry with myself--the more so, that I little imagined that you
would have remained with me after my breaking my oath. Either you must
have felt great interest about those people, or you must have great
confidence in me, a confidence winch I have proved that I do not
deserve."
"That you did forget yourself, I grant; but I have that confidence that
it will be a warning to you, and you will not forget yourself again; I
therefore remain with you with perfect confidence, feeling I am quite
safe, until you think proper to give me my liberty."
"You will wish to leave me then?"
"I have relations and friends--a profession to follow. What can I gain
by remaining here, except your friendship? I never will be a pirate,
you may be assured, I wish from my heart that you were not one."
"And who should be pirates if the blacks are not?" replied Vincent.
"Have they not the curse of Cain? Are they not branded? Ought not
their hands to be against every one but their own race? What is the
Arab but the pirate of the desert--the sea of sand? Black is the colour
for pirates. Even the white pirates feel the truth of this, or why do
they hoist the _black_ flag?"
"At all events, it's a profession that seldom ends well."
"And what matter does that make? We can die but once--I care not how
soon. I have not found life so very sweet as to care for it, I assure
you. Cato, there is but one thing sweet in existence--one feeling that
never clogs and never tires, and that is revenge."
"Are not love and friendship sweet? I certainly know nothing about the
first."
"I know no more than you do of it. They say friendship is the more
lasting; and as a proof of how lasting that is I snapped my pistol at
you, and, had it not missed fire, should have killed the only one for
whom I ever felt friendship in this world."
"That's a bad habit you have of carrying your pistols at all times; they
are too handy, and give no time or reflection. Only suppose, now, you
had blown out my brains, you would have been very sorry."
"Cato, I have many lives on my hands, and hope to have many more before
I die. I never have repented one act of my life--a murder, as you may
call it--and I never shall. But I tell you frankly, that had I
destroyed you in my passion I should have been a miserable man. I know
it; I feel it."
"Let's say no more about it: that I'm just as glad as you are that you
did not kill me, I assure you most positively. Here's Jose coming with
the dinner."
Here ended our conversation, which I have given just to show the
peculiar disposition of this extraordinary man, with whom I had become
domesticated. Verily and truly was I, as he said, "like a little dog in
the cage of a tiger," and, from familiarity: just as bold as dogs become
under such peculiar circumstances.
Before morning we were again at anchor in the Rendezvous Bay, and the
tents were pitched as before. We remained there for more than a
fortnight, during which my intimacy with the captain was even greater
than before. He appeared to endeavour to do all in his power to restore
my confidence in him, and he succeeded. Still, I must say, that I began
to be weary of this sort of life. My dreams were ever of murder and
bloodshed; and more than once I felt inclined to make my escape: but I
had promised, and the remembrance of my promise prevented me.
One afternoon the man on the look-out made the usual signal for a vessel
in sight. Vincent went up immediately, and I followed him. It was a
schooner, very long, with very taut, raking masts. Vincent examined her
for some time, and then gave me the glass, and asked me what I thought
of her. I replied, that I thought she was a man-of-war schooner.
"You are right," said he, "I know her well; it is the Arrow, and she has
come out to cruise for me. This is the third time that she has been
sent after me. Once we exchanged a few broadsides, but another
man-of-war hove in sight, and I was compelled to leave her. She shall
not accuse me of running from her, now that she is alone, and by
to-morrow morning I will give her the opportunity of making the report
of my capture if she can; but if I capture her, you may guess the rest."
We remained till nearly sunset watching the motions of the schooner.
Vincent then went down the hill to give orders for sailing, leaving me
with the glass. I again directed it to the schooner, and perceived that
she was making signals.
Then she is not alone, thought I; and Vincent may not capture her quite
so easily as he expects. I looked in vain for the other vessel; I could
not see her; I therefore concluded that she must be somewhere under the
land, and hidden by it from my sight.
The signals were repeated till dusk when I went down the hill, and found
that all was bustle and activity, Vincent superintending himself the
preparations for sailing. I did not interrupt him to tell him that I
had perceived the schooner making signals. I had an idea, somehow or
another, that I should regain my liberty, and was as anxious as Vincent
that the Stella should be under weigh.
Before ten o'clock everything was ready. Vincent had told his men that
the English man-of-war schooner was outside, and that he intended to
fight her; the men appeared delighted at the proposal, and as resolute
and determined as men should be.
As soon as the Stella was clear of the bay, everything was got ready for
action, and I must say that nothing could be more rapid or more quiet
than their movements. We stood out until we had gained an offing of
five miles, and then made a reach along the shore towards the Havannah.
As soon as the Stella had laid her head towards the Havannah, Vincent
came down below. I had latterly slept on one of the cabin sofas, but
had this night remained with my clothes on, for I was not sure that we
might not be in action before the morning.
The Arrow had gained the knowledge that our Rendezvous Bay was somewhere
about the east end of the island, and had cruised accordingly, but could
not discover it.
Vincent threw himself on the other sofa, and I pretended to asleep; as I
did not wish to enter into conversation with him was too much occupied
with my own thoughts, and felt that there would be nothing in common
between us at such a moment. He was very soon asleep, and he talked in
his sleep. He was evidently in action, and gave his orders, every now
and then speaking a few words aloud, and then it appeared as if he had
taken the English schooner, and that he was fulfilling his vows of
retaliation. I shuddered as I heard the half-broken menaces--the
exulting laugh which occasionally burst from his lips. I arose and
watched him as he slept; his hands were continually in motion, and his
fists clenched, and he smiled. Merciful Heaven! what a tale of savage
cruelty that smile foretold if he were successful! I knelt down and
prayed that he might be foiled in his endeavours. As I rose I heard a
noise and talking on deck, and one of the mates came down in the cabin.
"How does she bear?" cried Vincent, starting up from his couch, as if he
instinctively knew what was to be told.
"Two points on the weather bow, captain," replied the negro. "I think
she has her foresheet to windward."
"What's the time?"
"One bell in the morning watch; it will be daylight in an hour."
"Very good. How far is she off?"
"About four miles."
"Pipe to quarters; I will be up directly."
Vincent took down his sword and buckled on his belt; then his pistols,
which after having examined the primings, he fixed in his girdle. I
still remained as if asleep, and as he was going out of the cabin, he
turned to me. "He sleeps, poor boy; well, why should I wake him?--the
guns will rouse him up soon enough." So saying, he went on deck.
I considered what I should do. To be on deck was hardly safe for me as
a white person; and, indeed, what business had I there? Why should I
expose myself to the shot of my countrymen, or run the risk of losing my
life from the rage of the negroes? I therefore resolved on remaining
where I was--at all events, for the present.
The negroes now came into the cabin, for the after-magazine was under
the forepart of it. The hatch was taken up, the screens let down, and
all was dark. I had nothing to do but to catch now and then the
commands given by the negro captain, and draw my inference as to what
was taking place.
Although for the first half-hour I gained little information, after that
time had elapsed I knew what was going on. I heard a voice hailing us
from another vessel, and the reply of the Stella was a broadside. There
could be no mistake in that. The Stella was then put about, and the
other broadside given without a return from her opponent. At last it
came, and as the shot whizzed over or tore up the planking of the
gunwales, I certainly did feel very strangely. I had never been in
action before, and the sensation was, I confess, that of alarm; but it
was so mingled with curiosity as to what was going on, that it was
impossible to say what my feelings were. I longed to be on deck, and
certainly would have been, if I had thought that I was safe with the
pirate crew: that alone prevented me; I remained, therefore, in a most
unpleasant state of ignorance and suspense.
The broadsides were now exchanged rapidly and the wounded, brought down
between decks every minute, told me that the action was severe. The
orders of the negro captain were occasionally heard--they were cool and
determined. Every minute some fresh manoeuvre was executed, and the
guns still worked as if there was nothing else to attend to. At last,
the daylight came down the hatchway, and I left the cabin and walked
forward between decks; I found the deck strewed with wounded and dying
men, calling for water. I was glad to be able to do something which I
could consistently do, and I brought water from the cask and gave it to
them, one after another, as fast as I could; I think there were at least
thirty men lying about the lower deck, some in pools of their own blood,
and sinking fast, for there was no surgeon on board of the Stella.
Some more wounded men were brought down, and a conversation took place
between one of the mates of the schooner, who was hurt, and the men who
brought down the wounded, and listening to them, I found that at
daylight they had discovered that an English frigate was under all sail,
beating up to them, and about five miles to leeward; that in
consequence, the Stella was now carrying on a running fight with the
schooner (who was to windward of her), and trying to escape. This
accounted for the signals which I had perceived that the English
schooner was making the evening before. My anxiety at this intelligence
was naturally much increased. The Stella was trying to escape, and her
sailing powers were so remarkable, that I was afraid she would succeed.
The action was still continued between the two schooners, but now the
shot no longer hit the Stella, nor were there any more wounded men
brought down; it was evident that the two vessels were now firing at
each other's masts and rigging, the one to prevent, and the other to
effect her escape, by dismantling her antagonist. I felt as if I could
have given my left hand to have gone on deck. I waited half an hour
more, and then, curiosity conquering my fear, I crept gradually up the
fore ladder. The men were working the guns to windward, the lee-side of
the deck was clear, and I stepped forward, and got into the head, where
I could see both to windward and to leeward. To leeward I perceived the
frigate about four miles distant with every stretch of canvass that she
could set on a wind; I knew her directly to be the Calliope, my own
ship, and my heart beat quick at the chance of being once more on board
of her.
To windward, as the smoke occasionally cleared away, I saw the Arrow
schooner close hauled on the same tack as the Stella, and distant about
a mile, every ten seconds the smoke from her guns booming along the
water's surface, and the shot whizzing through our rigging; she had not
suffered much from our fire: her sails were full of shot-holes, it is
true, but her spars were not injured. I then turned my eyes upon the
masts and rigging of the Stella: apparently, the damage done was about
equal to that received by the Arrow; our sails were torn, but our spars
were unscathed.
The water was smooth, although the breeze was fresh, and both schooners
were running at the rate of six or seven miles an hour; but the Stella
had evidently the advantage of sailing, and fore-reached upon her
opponent. I perceived that everything depended upon a lucky hit and
having satisfied myself with what I had seen, I hastened down below.
For more than half an hour the firing continued without advantage on
either side, when a yell was given by the negro crew, and I heard them
cry on the deck that the Arrow's foretop-mast was shot away. I heard
the voice of Vincent cheering his men, and telling them to be steady in
their aim. My heart sunk at the intelligence, and I sat down on a
chest.
The firing now slackened, for the Stella had shot ahead of the English
schooner, and the negroes on deck were laughing and in high good-humour.
For a few minutes the firing ceased altogether, and I took it for
granted that the Stella had left her pursuers far behind; when of a
sudden, a whole broadside of guns were poured into us, and there was a
terrible crashing and confusion on the deck.
I ran up the ladder to see what had happened. It appeared that as the
Stella was crossing the bows of the Arrow, the latter had, as a last
chance thrown up in the wind, and discharged her whole broadside into
us: two shots had struck our mainmast, which had fallen by the board. I
perceived at once that the Stella's chance was over--nothing could save
her; she might resist the schooner but could not escape the frigate.
I ran down below, and went into the cabin; I was afraid that the negroes
might perceive the joy in my countenance. I heard the angry voice of
the negro captain--I heard him stamping with rage, and I thanked God
that I was not by his side. The wreck of the mast was soon cleared
away; I heard him address his negroes, point out to them that it was
better to die like men at the guns, than swing at the yard-arm like
dogs. Some of them came down and took on deck a quarter-cask of
spirits, which was plentifully supplied to all.
The English schooner had borne down upon us, and the action now
commenced at pistol-shot. Never shall I forget what took place for
nearly three-quarters of an hour; the negroes, most of them intoxicated,
fought with rage and fury indescribable--their shouts--their screams--
their cursing and blasphemy, mingled with the loud report of the guns,
the crashing of the spars and bulwarks, the occasional cry of the
wounded, and the powerful voice of Vincent. It was terrific between
decks; the smoke was so thick, that those who came down for the powder
could not see, but felt their way to the screen. Every two seconds, I
heard the men come aft, toss off the can of liquor, and throw it on the
deck, hen they went to resume their labour at their guns.
At the end of the time I have mentioned, the shot flew from to leeward,
as well as from to windward: the frigate had got within range, and was
pouring in her broadside; still the firing and the shouting on the deck
of the Stella continued, but the voices were fewer; and as the firing of
the frigate became more severe, they became fainter and fainter; and at
last but an occasional gun was fired from our decks.
I became so uneasy, that I could remain where I was no longer; I went
forward on the lower deck again, and tumbling over the wounded and the
dead, I crept up the fore-ladder. I looked over the coamings of the
hatchway; the decks were clear of smoke, for not a gun was being fired.
Merciful Heaven! what a scene of slaughter! Many of the guns were
dismantled, and the decks were strewed with the splinters and plankings
of the gunwale, broken spars, and negroes lying dead, or drunk, in all
directions--some cut and torn to pieces, others whole, but mixed up with
the fragments of other bodies: such a scene of blood I have never since
witnessed. Out of the whole crew, I do not think there were twenty men
left unhurt, and these were leaning or lying down, exhausted with
fatigue or overcome with liquor, on various parts of the deck.
The fighting was over; there was not one man at his gun--and of those
who remained still alive, one or two fell, while I was looking up from
the shot, which continued every minute to pierce the bulwarks. Where
was Vincent? I dare not go aft to see. I dare not venture to meet his
eye. I dived down below again, and I returned aft to the cabin; there
was no more demand for powder; not a soul was to be seen abaft.
Suddenly the after-hatchway grating was thrown off; I heard some one
descend; I knew it was the hurried tread of the negro captain. It was
so dark, and the cabin so full of smoke, that, coming from the light, he
did not perceive me, although I could distinguish him. He was evidently
badly wounded, and tottered in his walk: he came into the cabin, put his
hand to his girdle, and felt for his pistol, and then he commenced
pulling down the screen, which was between him and the magazine. His
intentions were evident; which were to blow up the vessel.
I felt that I had not a moment to lose. I dashed past him, ran up the
ladder, sprung aft to the taffrail, and dashed over the stern into the
sea. I was still beneath the surface, having not yet risen from my
plunge, when I heard and felt the explosion--felt it, indeed, so
powerfully, that it almost took away my senses; so great was the shock,
even when I was under the water, that I was almost insensible. I have a
faint recollection of being drawn down by the vortex of the sinking
vessel, and scrambling my way to the surface of the water, amidst
fragments of timbers and whirling bodies. When I recovered myself, I
found that I was clinging to a portion of the wreck, in a sort of patch,
as it were, upon the deep blue water, dark as ink, and strewed with
splintered fragments.
There I remained some minutes, during which time I gained my
recollection: I looked around and perceived the Arrow schooner, lying
about one hundred yards off, totally dismantled, and my own frigate
about a quarter of a mile to leeward, as bright and as fresh as if she
had just been refitted. I observed a signal, made by the Calliope to
the schooner, which was answered. I looked in vain towards the
schooner, expecting her to lower down a boat. The fact was, that the
Calliope had made the signal for her to do so, and the schooner had
replied that she had no boat that could swim. I then perceived that the
frigate had lowered down a boat which was pulling towards me, and I
considered myself as safe.
In a few minutes, during which I had quite recovered myself, the boat
pulled into the mass of floating fragments, and then the sailors ceased
rowing to look about them. They perceived and pulled towards me--
hoisted me in over the gunwale, and laid me at the bottom of the boat.
I scrambled on my feet, and would have gone _aft_, when the midshipman
of the boat said to the men, "Pass that cursed young pirate forward--
don't let him come aft here."
"Oh, oh, Mr Lascelles," thinks I--"so you don't know me; you shall know
me by-and-by." I quite forgot that I was stained black, till one of the
men who seized me by the collar to pass me forward, said, "Hand along
the nigger. He's a young one for the gallows, any how."
They handed me forward, and I did not choose to say who I was. My love
of fun returned the moment that I was again with my shipmates. After
looking well round and ascertaining that I was the only one left alive,
they pulled back to the frigate; and the midshipman went up to report.
I was handed up the side and remained at the break of the gangway, while
the captain and first lieutenant were talking with Mr Lascelles: during
which Mr Tommy Dott came up to me, and, putting his finger to his left
ear, gave a cluck with his tongue, as much as to say, "You'll be hanged,
my good fellow."
I could not help giving the first mason's sign which I taught to Mr
Green in return for Tommy's communication; to wit, putting my thumb to
my nose, and extending my finger out towards him; at which Tommy Dott
expressed much indignation, and called me a precious impudent varmin.
The men who were near us laughed, and said that I was game at all
events. No one knew me; for not only was my face well stained, but I
was covered from head to foot with a solution of salt water and
gunpowder, which made me still more indistinguishable.
I had remained at the gangway about two minutes, when the first
lieutenant said, "Bring the prisoner here."
I immediately went aft; and as soon as I was standing before Captain
Delmar and the first lieutenant--(and behind were all the officers,
anxious to hear what I had to disclose)--I put my hand to my head,
having no hat, as may be supposed, and said, "_Come on board, sir_,"
reporting myself, as is usually the custom of officers when they return
from leave or duty.
"Good Heavens! that voice!--why, who are you?" cried Captain Delmar,
starting back a pace.
"Mr Keene, sir," replied I, again putting my hand to my head.
Bob Cross, who was, with many of the seamen, close to me, quite
forgetting etiquette, ran up and caught me round the waist, looking me
full in the face: "It is him, sir--it is him! Huzzah! huzzah!" and all
the seamen joined in the huzzahs, which were, however, mingled with a
great deal of laughter.
"Merciful Heaven! and so you have been blown up in that vessel," said
the first lieutenant, coming to me, with great kindness. "Are you much
burnt? Why, he's quite black--where's the surgeon?"
"Aren't hurt at all, sir," replied I.
"Let him be taken down and examined," said the captain with some
emotion; "if not hurt, let him come into the cabin to me."
The captain went down the ladder, and then I shook hands with Tommy Dott
and all the other officers and midshipmen; and I will say that my
re-appearance appeared to give unusual satisfaction. I went down into
the gun-room and was stripped. They were much surprised to find that I
was not hurt, and even more when they discovered that I was black all
over, and that washing would not restore my colour.
"Why, Keene," said the first lieutenant, "how is it that you have
changed your colour?"
"Oh, sir, I've been playing the nigger for these last three months. It
is a long story, but I will go with you to the captain, and I will tell
it there."
As soon as I had put on my uniform, I went up with Mr Hippesley to the
cabin, and having, at the captain's request, taken a chair, I entered
into a full explanation, which lasted more than an hour.
As soon as I had finished, Mr Hippesley who had plenty to do on deck,
but who could not leave until he had heard my story, quitted the cabin,
and I found myself alone with the captain.
"I must say that I gave you up for lost," said Captain Delmar; "the
boat's crew were picked up the next morning, and reported that you were
drowned in the cabin of the vessel. Scoundrels, to desert you in that
way."
"I do not think they were to blame, sir; the water being so high in the
cabin, and my not answering to their call."
"But did they call you?"
"Yes, sir; I heard them call when I was half asleep, and I did not
answer."
"Well, I am glad to hear you say so; but so convinced have we been of
your loss, that I have written to your mother on the subject. Strange,
this is the second time that she has been distressed in this way. You
appear to have a charmed life, Mr Keene."
"I hope I shall long live to do credit to your protection, sir," replied
I.
"I hope so too, Mr Keene," replied the captain, very kindly; "I
sincerely hope so too. In all this business you have conducted yourself
very manfully. It does you great credit, and your mother ought to be
proud of you."
"Thanky, sir," replied I, for I was overjoyed at such language from
Captain Delmar, and I thought to myself, if he says my mother ought be
proud of me, he feels so himself.
"Of course, you cannot do duty under such a masquerade as you are at
present," continued the captain, who referred to my stained skin. "I
presume it will wear off by-and-by. You will dine with me to-day; now
you may go to your messmates."
I left the cabin, bowing very respectfully, and pleased with what had
occurred. I hastened to join my messmates, not, however, until I had
shaken hands with Bob Cross, who appeared as delighted to see me as if
he was my father.
I leave the reader to imagine the sort of levee which I held both on the
quarter-deck and below. Mr Hippesley could not get any of the officers
to mind their duty. I certainly was for two or three days the greatest
personage in the ship. After that, I had time to tell the whole of my
history quietly to Bob Cross.
Bob Cross, when he had heard me without interruption, said, "Well,
Master Keene, there's no telling what a man's born to till after he's
dead, and then it's all known: but it does appear to me that you are
born to something out of the common. Here you are, not sixteen, not
only playing a man's part, but playing it manfully. You have been put
in most difficult situations, and always have fallen upon your feet in
the end. You appear to have an old head upon very young shoulders; at
one moment to be a scampish boy full of mischief, and at another a
resolute, cool, and clever man. Sarcumstances, they say, make men, and
so it appears in you; but it does seem strange for one and the same lad
to be stealing the purser's plums at one moment, and twisting a devil of
a nigger pirate round his finger the very next; and then you have had
such escapes--twice reported dead at head-quarters, and twice come to
life again. Now Master Keene, I've very good news to tell you: you
don't know how high you stand with the captain and officers: there's a
feeling of envy against a lad who goes ahead (as well as a man) which
blinds people to his real merits; but when he is supposed to be dead and
gone, and no longer in the way of others, then every one tells the real
truth; and I do assure you that not only the officers, but the captain
himself, grieved most sorely at your loss. I saw the captain's eyes
wink more than once when speaking of you, and the first lieutenant was
always telling the other mids that he had not one worth his salt, now
that you were gone. And now that you have come back and gained so much
credit for what has passed, I do really think that the captain is proud
of you. I overheard a little conversation between the captain and first
lieutenant the day you came on board, after you had been in the cabin
telling your adventures, and all that I can say is, that the game is in
your own hands, if you only play your cards well, and never let Captain
Delmar have the least idea that you know that you have such claims upon
him."
"That I certainly will not," replied I, "as it might check his feeling
towards me."
"Exactly: I've often thought about you, and now that I like you so much,
I watch the captain for your sake, and listen particularly to what he
says after dinner especially, when I've the opportunity; for you see,
when gentlemen drink wine, they speak more freely as to what they really
think, just as we foremast-men do when we get our grog on board. The
greatest misfortune which could happen to you in your position would be,
the captain marrying and having children on the right side of the
blanket as they call it. Now I've often heard the captain express a
dislike to matrimony, and laugh at people's getting married, which has
pleased me very much for your sake, Master Percival. You see, a man
don't think much of marrying after forty, and the captain must be fifty,
if not more."
"Yes: but if his brother dies--and he is a very infirm man--the captain
will then be Viscount de Versely, and inherit very large estates, and
then he will marry to have an heir to the title and estates even if
there is no love in the case."
"So he may," replied Cross--"there's no saying; but still, even if he
does, it ain't certain that he has a family; chickens must not be
counted before they are hatched. All you have to pray for then is, that
the brother may prove as tough as our old admirals, whose senses get
tired of staying any longer in their bodies, and leave them long before
their hulks are worn out."
"Why do admirals live so long?"
"Well, I suppose it is for the same reason that salt meat keeps so much
longer than fresh; they have been forty or fifty years with the salt
spray washing in their faces and wetting their jackets, and so in time,
d'ye see, they become as it were pickled with brine. Talking about
that, how long will it be before you get that tanning off you?"
"I don't know; but as the captain says I'm to do no duty while it lasts,
I hope it won't wear off too soon."
"Spoken like a midshipman: now take my advice, although not ordered to
your duty, come up on deck and take your spy-glass."
"I've lost it, unfortunately. That was a good glass, for it saved my
life."
"Yes, it turned out as good for you as a Freemason's sign, which is more
than Mr Green can say. I don't think he'll ever make a sailor--he'd
better bear up for clerk, and then he might do very well for a purser
by-and-by. There's eight bells, Master Keene, so I think we had better
say good night."