Chapter V: Part 5

The eatables were cleared off into an open pantry at the side, and fresh flasks of liquor and drinking vessels were placed on the table. Some of the men began to smoke from long pipes; others made for themselves mixtures of the different beverages before them; and every one sat himself down laughing and joking with the rest with the evident intention of commencing a carouse. Log having procured a pipe almost as big as himself, and a large jug of a strong potation he had carefully prepared, sat smirking with secret satisfaction at his own comfort. His pig-like eyes twinkled with self-conceit, and his pug nose seemed to curl itself up with delight. Opposite to him, but not less at his ease, sat Scrumpydike. He also had taken care of himself after a similar fashion; and the humorous twist of his ugly countenance became every minute more evident. The set by whom they were surrounded, were remarkable for the daring and somewhat ferocious character of their features, and the great variety of their costumes; and as they sat enveloped in the smoke they were creating, bandying the ready jest, and pushing about the intoxicating liquor, they presented to the eye a band of as determined ruffians as the whole world could have produced.

"Have you all a mind for a job?" at last inquired Scrumpydike.

"Every one on us," replied a stout fellow with a red nose and a fierce squint. "We've been laid up here for a month or more, waiting for a 'portunity to get afloat."

"Well, Billbo! you shall go aboard a prime craft afore another week's out, or I'm less nor nobody."

"Hurra!" exclaimed the men joyfully.

"I can't tell ye the 'ticulars just now," he continued; "but I'll make it all plain sailin' afore you goes. Push the stuff about; a ship at anchor makes no way. Here's to ye, my trumps! wi' lots o' plunder and a wide berth; and may we stick to one another while there's a plank left for us to stand on."

"Hurra!" replied his associates with increased delight! and they all seemed now to abandon themselves to riot and debauchery with additional zest. Briskly were the liquor cans replenished, rapidly was the tobacco consumed;--the laugh became louder, and occasionally an attempt at a ribald song was made by some of the more musical members of the company.

"Well, scrunch me! if this arn't pleasant in the extreme," said the individual addressed as Billbo; who, by the vacuity of his gaze, and the unsteadiness of his body, was evidently far gone towards complete intoxication. "I'm as happy as if I was a cap'ain. I'm happier nor any body. I'm happier nor any body, afloat or ashore."

"You arn't more happier nor me!" shouted a big-headed fellow fiercely, from the other end of the table, as he attempted to get upon his legs.

"I'm happier nor any body," repeated the man with the squint.

"I don't allow nobody to be more happier nor me," cried the other, as he, after repeated efforts, attained the perpendicular.

"I'm happier nor any body," doggedly repeated Billbo.

"Then I'm spiflicated if I don't give you toko, 'cause you arn't no business to be more happier nor me," rejoined his associate, attempting to draw his cutlass.

"Silence, Loggerhead!" shouted Scrumpydike, in a voice of thunder that made the captain's clerk start from his seat with affright. "No squabbling, or you'll get a broadside from one as arn't fond o' trifling."

"He says he's more happier nor me," exclaimed Loggerhead, in a most lachrymose tone of voice.

"I'm happier nor any body," repeated the pertinacious Billbo, his eyes squinting defiance upon his jealous antagonist.

"Silence, Billbo!" shouted Scrumpydike, "or I'll rake ye fore and aft."

"He arn't no right to be more happier nor me," cried Loggerhead, as the tears swelled in his eyes at such an assumption of superior happiness. "I'm very happy!" he added, in a manner the most miserable that can be conceived. "Unkimmon happy. I'm as happy as a fellow can be in this here molloncholy world;" and he began crying like a fretful child.

"I'm happier nor any body," muttered the other, sinking back upon the floor.

"Let's have a song!" cried Scrumpydike.

"A song, a song," echoed as many of his associates as were able to speak.

"A song, master Log," continued Scrumpydike, with the desire of preventing a quarrel among his drunken companions. "Come, my prince o' singing birds! Pipe away till all's blue. You're a reg'lar trump at chaunting a good stave; a right-down warbler; a nightingale's a fool to ye. Arn't it true, now?"

"True, true--very true--undeniably true--most undeniably true--most undeniably true, indeed, mister Scrumpydike," cried the captain's clerk, his gratified vanity visible even through the sleepy expression that now characterised his countenance; and after a few preparatory hems, considerable smirking, and a plentiful affectation of modesty, he sang, in a voice that might have frightened an owl, the following verses:--

"Woman and wine are my delight;
Woman and wine! woman and wine!
Woman and wine are my delight,
From Monday morning till Saturday night;
For they cheer the heart and gladden the sight,
And make a man feel divine:
From woman's glances all fondness flows,
And wine rejoices wherever it goes,
And both are a cure for all earthly woes,--
Woman and wine! woman and wine!

"I went a courting once on a time,
Woman and wine! woman and wine!
I went a courting once on a time,
And I flattered my deary in prose and in rhyme;
And though the stuff was not by any means prime,
She vowed it was monstrous fine:
But in wine's inspiration my praise had been clad,
And whatever I said she could never think bad,
For I always 'saw double' the charms that she had:
Woman and wine! woman and wine!

"I took to wine as a friend in need;
Woman and wine! woman and wine!
I took to wine as a friend in need,
And have ever since found it a friend indeed,
Which nothing on earth could be brought to exceed,
Or made so completely mine:
In Fortune's smile, and in Fortune's frown,
It laid me up, and it laid me down;
And went to my heart by a way of its own,
Woman and wine! woman and wine!

"Oh, woman and wine are capital things--
Woman and wine! woman and wine!
Woman and wine are capital things,
In gladness or care to man's soul ever springs,
To which each its own perfect felicity brings;
And long may such pleasures combine:
And he who would ever, by night or by day,
In sorrow or joy, turn from either away,
Should never in better men's company stay,
Woman and wine! woman and wine!"

While his associates were wildly shouting, in a dozen different keys, the burthen of the song, Log, in whom the exertion of singing had destroyed the little sense he had remaining, as he was swinging his body back, lost his balance, pitched head over heels off his seat, and then rolled under the table, in a state of complete insensibility.

CHAP. VIII.

THE PIRATES.

"'Tis a lovely night!" observed Oriel Porphyry, as he stood upon the deck of the Albatross, watching the fast receding shores of Africa.

"Indeed it is," said his companion. "The air is filled with beauty, and there is an eloquent glory in the stars that speaks marvels of wisdom. See how the rolling waves rush on, bathed with the trembling light from above them--so do the multitudinous hearts within the world send forth their tide, each illumined by glimpses of a heaven of its own. The planets look down upon the waters, and from their mighty mirror drink in the images of their own loveliness--just as the maiden venturing to gaze into the glowing eyes of the youth of whom she is enamoured, sees in their depths the reflection of her own beauty, and lingers delighted within the influence of the charm she herself created. But what a philanthropist is the world! A universal spirit of love exists around us, and beneath its outstretched wings throbs the everlasting heart of the universe, distributing through its rosy channels that refreshing stream which is the life, the strength, the humanity of nature. What a wonder is the world! All within the boundless circle of infinity, with a harmony of soul-entrancing modulations, tune the same music to the ear. Systems of worlds, and worlds of systems--each earth blessed with its own sun, moon, and stars, that fill its atmosphere with gladness, and its waters with delight, rejoicing in the abundance in which it rears its countless offspring, that draw their verdure, their fragrance, and their consummate grace, from the exhaustless nourishment of its breast, rolls on in one unvarying course, carrying with it the fond desires of youth, the proud ambition of manhood, and the peaceful speculations of age; while, as the stream of Time progresses on its way to float them into the shoreless ocean of Eternity, its own nature, keeping a continual change in all things which have from it their existence, from the beginning hath followed its particular path in the glad possession of a perpetual youth. What a gladness is the world! There is not a creature born of its most fruitful womb that is not taught to slake its thirst and bathe its buoyant limbs in the fountain of delight that flows for all. Smiles and flowers are about us from our infancy. The air breathes of gladness. The clear firmament looks down on us in bliss. The leaves that quiver in the breeze dance for joy, and the stream that wandereth on its way singeth its own merry tune. The voice of song murmurs a continual carol that stirs the hearts of the antique forest trees, and the echoes of the mighty hills--in swelling tones the vigorous wind joins in the thrilling harmony--and as the natural concert rises into power, into its gladdening sounds the deep sea roars its triumphant chorus."

"You are eloquent, Zabra!" remarked Oriel, gazing with wondering eyes upon the handsome countenance of his companion, which appeared more than usually excited.

"'T is a fit time, and a most fitting subject for eloquence," he replied; "and if the soul hath such impulses, never were they more likely to be called into action than on such an occasion, and with such a theme as I have now. We are again upon the sea. That is sufficient impetus for the thought. We have left the dwellings of men whose souls were devoted to the mere scraping together wealth they would not use for any benefit to their fellow-creatures, and could not expend with any happiness to themselves."

"Ay, I am glad I have escaped from the place," said the young merchant. "It has given me every thing but a favourable impression of the pleasures of traffic. Each person I met seemed anxiously intent upon cheating me; and, if I had not been carefully attentive to my father's instructions, before I had left their filthy town I should have been plundered of every bale of goods in my possession. As for Master Boor, he is as fine a sample of deliberate roguery as I ever met with."

"He is worse than that, or I am much mistaken," remarked Zabra, earnestly. "I have not been able to collect sufficient proof, but I strongly suspect, from observation I have made, that he is connected with your captain, whom he praised so much, in some deep-laid scheme of treachery, of which you are to be the sufferer."

"Impossible!" exclaimed Oriel. "That Boor would cheat his own father, I believe; but I don't think he would act the villain, except in the general routine of business:--as for Compass, there's no harm in him--the freedom of his language and the unprepossessing character of his manners are likely to create an unfavourable impression in any observer. Besides, he is alone in the ship, or nearly so. He is not at all popular with the crew, and were he to attempt any thing, the majority would rise in my favour. No, no, Zabra, your suspicions must be groundless."

"Who are those strange men that have come on board?" asked his companion, in a whisper.

"Those in long frocks and straw hats? They are some poor agricultural labourers that have begged a free passage from the captain, which, at his desire, I have granted."

"I have received information, through the boy Loop, from old Hearty, whose fidelity I can depend on, that these men are not what they appear to be; that they are evidently sailors, and, from their countenances alone, I should imagine that they are here for no good purpose," said Zabra.

"Ha!" exclaimed Oriel Porphyry, for the first time entertaining a suspicion of the captain's intentions.

"Hush!" whispered Zabra, clutching his companion firmly at the arm, while the expression of his features became intensely anxious.

"Heard you that?"

It was a stifled scream. While both listened in great excitement, it was followed by a discharge of fire-arms, a clashing of weapons, shouts, imprecations, and yells of agony; and immediately afterwards Hearty, Boggle, Ardent, Climberkin, and about half a dozen others, rushed upon deck, followed by Captain Compass, Scrumpydike, and the gang of ruffians described in the last chapter, fighting furiously; and, though streaming blood from many wounds, obstinately disputing every inch of ground.

"I have no weapon, but I must find one!" cried the young merchant, attempting to break from his companion.

"Move not for your life, Oriel," said his companion, earnestly, as he held him more firmly. "You can only be slaughtered, without conferring the slightest assistance, for see, the unequal struggle is over."

A loud cheer from the ruffians proclaimed the truth of Zabra's intimation. The faithful few were either killed, or so wounded as to be unable to continue the contest, and the victors were rejoicing at their triumph. Oriel Porphyry was not allowed many moments to consider of what he had best do, when Compass, Scrumpydike, and two or three of their associates, came hastily towards the place where he stood, flourishing their bloody weapons, and shouting their riotous hurras.

"Captain Compass!" exclaimed Oriel proudly, as the party advanced, "what is the meaning of this bloodshed?"

"Beg your pardon, Master Porphyry," he replied, "I have the honour of being Captain Death; ey, boys?" said he turning to his men, and the appeal was answered by a noisy demonstration of applause. "Yes, I am Captain Death, the most distinguished leader of the Free Mariners in these seas; and I beg to inform you, that I now hold the ship and all it contains for the benefit of myself and brave companions; ey, boys?" and the inquiry met with a similar reply.

"And I begs to add to what the cap'ain says," observed Scrumpydike, giving his ugly countenance a more ludicrous twist than ever, "that I'm Leevetenant Rifle, very much at your sarvice, gennlemen; and if you has the slightest 'clination to end your miserable lives, I'll do the job handsome, and to show my respect for ye, wo'n't charge ye nothin'"--a riotous roar of laughter followed.

"You need not be afraid, Master Gloomy," cried the captain, noticing that Zabra trembled as he clung to Oriel Porphyry--"your pretty countenance shan't be spoilt just yet, at any rate, if you behave yourself; and as for you, Master Porphyry! your life shall be spared, and those of your men who may have survived this conflict, on condition that you follow my directions regarding your conduct; but the slightest show of disobedience will be punished with instant death to yourself and all who belong to you."

By this time Professor Fortyfolios and Doctor Tourniquet had hurried upon deck, and with much appearance of apprehension had joined the group.

"What is this dispute about, captain?" asked the professor, looking fearfully upon the threatening faces he saw around him. "Let us argue the matter coolly."

"The dispute is settled, Professor Fortyfolios, and these are my arguments," said the pirate, pointing to the bloody weapons of his companions. The professor was convinced without inquiry; and the perspiration seemed to break out over his bald head as if he had taken a shower bath.

"This looks very much like an act of piracy, don't you see," remarked the incautious Tourniquet.

"So like, that there can be no difference," replied the pirate; "and you look as if you had a great desire for a swing from the fore-yard arm, or a plunge under the bows, don't you see. But you are too useful at present, so look to the wounded, Doctor Tourniquet, or I'll have you hanged before you can suspect any thing about it."

The doctor's ruddy features grew pale with fear, and he made his way to his patients without loss of time.

"Master Porphyry, you had better go to your cabin," said the captain, "and your shadow may go with you; but if I notice any treachery in either, you shall not have time to say a prayer." The friends left the deck together without a reply.

"And now, boys, hey for Madagascar; and as this job's done, you may set your hearts afloat as much as you like." A cheer followed the announcement--the liquor was soon in requisition; and the pirates became so incapable of taking care of themselves, that if the defenders of the ship who were alive had not been disabled by their wounds, the Albatross might have been retaken the same evening.

The wounded men were lying where they had fallen when the doctor arrived amongst them. In a moment his fear for himself disappeared in his anxiety for the poor fellows who so much required his assistance.

"Here, Loop!" he cried as soon as he noticed the lad, unhurt, endeavouring to support his wounded relative. "Run into my cabin, and you will find on the table there a case of instruments, bring them here, look in at the cook room as you return, and ask Roly Poly to let me have a basin of warm water instantly, for I have immediate want for it, don't you see." The boy, with tears in his eyes, left old Hearty to the care of the surgeon, and hastened to obey his instructions.

"Well, old friend!" exclaimed he, taking the sailor by the hand, "where are you hurt? Ah, I perceive--ugly gash in the face--don't you see--any thing else?"

"Arm cut to the bone, and shot through the body," said the man faintly.

"Bad," replied the doctor; "but cheer up. I've put worse things than that to rights, don't you see. There, let me take off your jacket. Don't exert yourself: I'll do it. You've lost a good deal of blood, my friend, and feel a little sickish or so. Never mind that. Now let me move your shirt from the wound. Tut, tut," he exclaimed, as the man seemed to shrink with pain when the linen was withdrawn from the lacerated flesh. "You must learn to bear pain, don't you see. Wo'n't hurt you more than I can help." He then minutely examined his patient's hurts. "Bad gun-shot wound that; but the bullet's taken a more favourable direction than I expected, don't you see. Ugly cut this in the arm; muscles cut through; arteries severed; requires much attention. Gash in the face don't look well, but is in no way alarming. So, old friend, cheer up; you're wounded severely, but not mortally, don't you see."

"Don't care about it, sir," replied Hearty, in a more feeble voice than usual. "Don't care if I had as many holes in me as a sieve; but to be circumwented in this here 'bominable way by a set o' rascally pirates arn't to be endured."

"Hush!" exclaimed Tourniquet, looking round him anxiously, to see if any of the victors were within hearing. "You must be cautious of what you say, don't you see."

"While I a got a breath o' wind in the canvass I'll tell 'em they're a set o' murderin' thieves," cried the brave old fellow, with all his remaining strength.

"Hush, I tell you!" said the alarmed doctor. "Do you want to have me murdered as well as yourself? Keep your tongue still, or every soul of us left alive in the ship will be massacred."

"Where's Master Porphyry?" asked the man, languidly.

"Safe," replied the surgeon.

"Glad on't. And Master Zabra, they arn't a done him no harm, the villains?" he inquired anxiously.

"Both are unhurt," said Tourniquet, in a whisper; "and the only way you can keep them so, is to remain as quiet as possible, and say nothing to incense your conquerors; and who knows, but that after you have recovered, you may have an opportunity of doing them some service, don't you see."

"The very thought a'most sets me on my legs again," observed his patient, clasping the doctor's hand affectionately.

"Hush," he exclaimed, "here comes Roly Poly and Loop, at last."

"Oh, massa!" cried the black, as he rubbed his sleepy eyes with one hand, while carrying the basin of water with the other--"Sockin' doin's! Sockin' doin's! Me was takin' bit of nap, and heard nuttin. But who'd o' ebber tort ob such obstroplousness."

"Hold your tongue, Roly Poly," said the surgeon, as he proceeded to cleanse, to dress, and bind up the wounds. "Hold your tongue, and bring the basin nearer I can't reach it, don't you see."

"Yes, massa, me see berry well," replied the fat cook, heedless of the injunction he had heard. "Sorry for poor Massa Hearty; him look done to a turn, poor fellar. Him nebber eat no more puddin'; no more soup; no more meat; no more nuttin, as Roly Poly cooks so boofliful. Sorry for him."

"Hold your tongue, sir, directly," exclaimed the doctor, with more emphasis.

"Yes, massa," responded Roly Poly, and in a moment afterwards recommenced. "Massa Hearty, him berry good man. Him eat ebry thin' me cook, and ax no 'pertinent questions. Nebber turn up him nose when him find bacca in him soup, or lump o' soap in him puddin'. Sorry for him, poor fellar."

"Will you hold your tongue, sir?" said Doctor Tourniquet, angrily, "and help to carry the patient to his hammock. Talk to him on your peril, sir. He requires rest, don't you see."

"Yes, massa," he replied, assisting to support the wounded man; but he had not proceeded a yard before his voice was heard running on as fast as ever. "Wo'n't say word more. Hate a fellar as can't hold him tongue when him told. Al'ays talkee, talkee. Mornin' till night him foolis tongue nebber hab no peace. He go talkee, talkee, to eb'ry body; foolis' fellar! Poor man, him want rest; nebber mind, him not hold him tongue bit more. Hate a fellar as can't hold him tongue when him told." And so he continued till he left old Hearty in his hammock.

The next person the doctor approached was lying on his back motionless. A brief inspection seemed sufficient. He shook his head and passed on towards a man who was supporting his back against the mast. His face was pale, and his look haggard, and he seemed trying with a handkerchief to stop the blood that was oozing from his side.

"Not much hurt, I hope?" was Doctor Tourniquet's first inquiry.

"Why, sir, I likes to have particular notions o' things in general, as every man as is a man, and thinks like a man, should have, and I must say," said he, slowly and faintly, "as I've a notion, as I'm right down reglarly spiflicated;" and immediately afterwards his head fell upon his shoulder, his back glided from its support, and he fell flat upon the deck.

"Bad look that," remarked the surgeon, kneeling down beside his patient, whom he proceeded to examine. "Bad look--but 'tis only a swoon. He'll recover presently, and in the mean time I'll look at the wound. Ah! unpromising case. Dangerous thrust that; don't like it by any means, but if he is tractable he may get over it. Well, my friend," exclaimed Tourniquet, perceiving his patient open his eyes and look wildly about him, "your case is not so desperate as you imagine; and if you are attentive to what I tell you, it's very possible I shall be able to make you safe and sound again, don't you see."

After doing what he thought necessary, he ordered him off to his hammock, and proceeded to the others. Ardent was found suffering from severe fracture of the skull; Climberkin had fainted from loss of blood, having been wounded in nearly a dozen different places, but none of them were dangerous; five others had received the same rough treatment, who were expected to recover, and seven more were either dead or dying. As Doctor Tourniquet was placing a bandage on the last of his patients, he heard the pirates, who had been joining in a wild uproar the whole of the time he had been engaged upon the wounded, shouting as loud as they could bawl,--

"We stifle ev'ry cry,
Ev'ry cry, ev'ry cry,
We stifle ev'ry cry, Captain Death!
And then we spread our sails, that are filled with welcome gales,
Singing, 'Dead men tell no tales,
Captain Death! Captain Death!'
Singing, 'Dead men tell no tales, Captain Death!'"

The surgeon shuddered as he collected together his instruments, and with a heart full of anxiety for the fate of himself and his companions proceeded to his cabin.

CHAP. IX.

CAPTAIN DEATH.

The Albatross was within a day's sail of the shores of Madagascar, and as both Oriel Porphyry, Zabra, the professor, and the doctor, appeared desirous of giving their captors no cause of offence, they were better treated than they expected to have been. Zabra, more than all the others, seemed anxious to please the captain and his lieutenant; and the kindness of his disposition and the beauty of his music in a short time had such an influence upon their savage natures that their former distrust was completely obliterated, and they entertained something like a friendly feeling towards him. But Zabra had evidently some object in the course he was pursuing. He allowed no opportunity to escape by which he might win their confidence. He was continually doing some obliging offices for their gratification. He seemed to take a pleasure in their bold way of life, joined with them in its praise, and shared with them in its enjoyments. He handled their weapons with an air of bravery, and learned from them to shoot at a mark, and to cut and thrust with the sword; and there was such a loftiness in the enthusiasm he manifested on these occasions, that they invariably treated him with more respect than any of his fellow captives. But a close observer might have noticed that he often turned aside to conceal the disgust he entertained. When not within the observation of the pirates, his dark eyes flashed with indignation, and his beautiful mouth was compressed into an expression of scorn. He looked proudly around him, as if his spirit was exalted above the meaner natures with whom he was obliged to mingle. He loathed their fellowship. He abhorred their ways. And often, when the feeling of disdain with which he regarded these men seemed about to break forth into open acknowledgment, a glance towards the place where Oriel Porphyry stood, striving to control the contempt and hatred for the whole crew of ruffians, of whom he was a prisoner, that kept darting from his eyes, appeared sufficient to induce him to redouble his exertions to please the pirate chiefs.

They were all in the cabin, with the addition of Scrumpydike, or as he should now be styled, Lieutenant Rifle, and Log the captain's clerk, the latter looking twice as important and twice as conceited as he used to be. Zabra sat leaning on his harp, near Oriel Porphyry, apparently absorbed in thought. The doctor and the professor were disputing upon some metaphysical subject, as if they had forgotten all their fears, and cared for nothing but triumphing over the other. The captain had been talking with his lieutenant upon the progress of the ship. Oriel sat proud and abstracted; and Log was intently engaged in eating and drinking as much of the good things on the table as lay within his reach.

"All's goin' on as smooth as a mackerel's back," said the lieutenant--"every man knows his dooty, and looks arter it. There's no flinchers among 'em; and every one feels in his nat'ral element, cause there's no abominable honesty among 'em to corrupt their morals."

"So you must acknowledge that it's impossible there can be such a thing as free-will, don't you see," said Dr. Tourniquet.

"I acknowledge nothing of the kind, doctor, I assure you," replied Professor Fortyfolios. "The doctrine of necessity----"

"Hullo! is my nightingale silent?" cried the captain, unceremoniously interrupting the logicians. "Have you piped all dry--not a song left, nor a voice to sing it with? Is the harp dumb, or the singer sad, that we haven't heard so much as the ghost of a tune!"

"Neither, noble captain," replied Zabra, dressing his handsome face in his happiest smiles. "I wait your pleasure for a theme. Shall it be of love, or of war--of the pleasures of wine, or the gladness of gold--a song of the hunters amid the melodious forests--or of the mariner upon the everlasting sea?"

"If I might be so bold as to speak for the cap'ain," said the lieutenant, "I should say you might sing any thin' you has a mind--any thin' in the univarsal globe, so as there's nothin' about honesty in it--a thing as I've got a most vartuous abhorrence on. So chirrup away as soon as you like. I loves to listen to your toons--they fills me wi' a sort o' all overishness. Arn't it delightful, Master Log!"

"Delightful--delightful--very delightful--positively delightful--upon my word very superlatively delightful, Mister Scrumpy--I mean Lieutenant Rifle," mumbled the little man, as plainly as his mouth filled full of preserves would allow.

"Let it be what is most agreeable to yourself," said the captain. "But I would rather have something to stir one up a bit--a sort of nor-easter--that will make one's timbers creak again: none of your lack-a-daisical love and dove jimcracks--sink them--give us a song that will make one feel as if one was standing on the tip of one's toes on the tip-top of the world."

"You shall have what you desire, noble captain," replied Zabra; and, after a stirring prelude on the harp, sang the following verses:--

"I heard a voice upon the sea,
That pierced the waters fierce and free,--
The loud winds running wild with glee
Brought it to me;
I heard a voice the land-breeze bore,
That thrilled the mountains to the core,
And shouted out, from shore to shore,
'WHO ARE THE FREE?'
Reply, reply aloud, air, earth, and sea!
Shout to the list'ning stars, 'WHO ARE THE FREE!'

"The cities heard, but heard in vain;
It stirred the hill, the vale, the plain;
The forest monarch's young again,
Seemed they to be;
But all beneath the conscious sky,
With trembling heart and quailing eye,
Looked round and raised th' accusing cry,
'WHERE ARE THE FREE?'
Reply, reply aloud, air, earth, and sea!
Shout to th' eternal sun, 'WHERE ARE THE FREE!'

"I saw a gallant band at last,
Upon the boundless waters cast,
Daring the battle and the blast,
Rocks and the sea;
They heard the voice that pierced the tide;
And all in one proud cause allied,
With tones that shook the world, replied--
'WE ARE THE FREE!'
We have no masters on the earth or sea!
Our home is with the wind--'WE ARE THE FREE!'"

Loud and long were the commendations with which the captain and his lieutenant rewarded the singer. They had listened with as much gratification as it was possible for them to receive from such a source, and the bold glances that darted from their eyes, as the song proceeded, showed how much they were excited. Even the conceited spirit of the captain's clerk seemed moved. He winked his little eyes most valiantly, and put as much bravery into his smirking countenance as it could be brought to assume. Oriel Porphyry regarded the musician, for the first time, with a look of distrust. To him there seemed an evident desire of becoming on more friendly terms with the pirates than he thought could be desired by an honest nature; and the ingratitude, as well as the treachery of such conduct, made Zabra appear to him unworthy of any kindly feeling. But when their eyes met, there was such an earnest devotion in the gaze of Zabra, and so much sincerity of purpose, that he resolved to defer passing a condemnation till he had more positive proof of his unworthiness.

"After such a song as that, I feel a wonderful deal more social towards you all," observed the captain; "and to show the confidence I would place in you--as well as to pass away the time as agreeably as may be--if there's no particular objection, I'll tell you my history from first to last."

"Do, noble captain; your adventures must surely be of deep interest to all who love the inspiring actions of a bold spirit," observed Zabra. Oriel turned on him a searching look; but the lustrous eyes upon which he gazed still seemed filled with the light of truth and affection; and he knew not what to think.

"I was born a younger brother--the youngest of several," said the Captain. "There was some property in the family, but it was all carefully nursed for the heir, who was brought up in the enjoyment of every indulgence, while the rest of us picked up our education, and our existence, as we could. I was least cared for of all. From my boyhood I was allowed to go where I pleased, so that I kept out of the way of my parents and my elder brother; and I was left to do as I liked, as long as my proceedings did not inconvenience those affectionate relatives. As I soon perceived that I got nothing I required by asking for it, I ever afterwards managed to acquire what I wanted without thinking it was necessary to trouble any person upon the subject. Once I was discovered acting in this necessary and philosophical manner, and I was considered guilty of a crime, and most savagely punished. I cannot say that I was made conscious of my offence, or that I was ever brought to acknowledge the justice of its punishment; but I can most truly affirm, that the whole proceeding created in me that hatred of tyranny which led me to be what I am.

"Our house was by the sea-side, in a wild and unfrequented part of the coast of Madagascar. It was a mansion of considerable extent, ancient, but capable of being put to very good uses in the hands of a spirited proprietor; and there were no houses near it, with the exception of a few cottages on the cliff, belonging to some smugglers, with whom I had long since made myself on very good terms. I was then about twelve years of age, tall and strong, reckless and daring, perfectly uneducated, as far as school learning is considered, but wiser than many of my elders in that really useful knowledge that proceeds from observation. My intimacy with the smugglers had taught me many things which I managed to turn to advantage on several occasions--particularly notions affecting the rights of property, and the legality of resisting the law. Smarting from the effects of the treatment I had received, I hastily collected whatever I considered most valuable, and without waiting to perform the ceremonies of departure, I took the shortest way to the cliff, and was the same evening sailing in a swift cutter far from my native shores.

"My companions early initiated me into all the mysteries of their craft. I soon acquired a knowledge of landmarks--knew every creek and bay, and sheltered inlet along the shore--was familiar with every part of the vessel, its uses, and management--learned to understand the appearances of coming storms--and could always tell the best time and place for effecting a landing upon any required portion of the coast. I became an active hand, exceedingly useful, quick, and vigilant; and shared in all the dangers of my associates, their disappointments, and successes. My boldness at all times, my readiness to labour, and the ability with which I performed all I undertook, made me a general favourite; and the captain, an old stern smuggler, rough in his humour, and rather despotic in his sway, took me under his especial protection. I was chosen to assist in many hazardous exploits, in which I was often a principal figure; for my youth, disarming all suspicion in those who were on the look-out to capture the contrabandists, gave me opportunities for acquiring information as to their proceedings, which was quickly communicated to my companions; and we have sometimes managed matters so well as to be able to store our cargo in the very house in which our most vigilant enemy resided. In this way I existed till I was about seventeen, making voyages from the island to the continent, and along various parts of the coast, acquiring a very creditable knowledge of navigation, and gaining a considerable degree of information on many other subjects; and then, for my services and approved fidelity, I was promoted to be mate in the craft in which I had been sailing. I had been in several desperate conflicts with the revenue officers, but had been so fortunate as to escape with a few slight scratches; and the excitement of these affrays had created in me an inclination to share in more fierce encounters. However, on one occasion, we were unexpectedly attacked by very superior numbers, and, although we defended ourselves with an obstinacy that rendered the victory dearly bought, we were over-powered; and when I recovered consciousness after falling on the deck, as I imagined, mortally wounded, I found myself immured in a gloomy dungeon, on a charge of smuggling and murder.

"I was accused of murder! I, who had merely slayed the slayers--who had only fought in self-defence--who in a fray of three to one, had beaten down some four or five of the hireling band by whom my associates were being slaughtered, was loaded with chains, thrust into a loathsome hole, and condemned to death, as guilty of the blackest of their black catalogue of crimes! What miserable bunglers are lawyers and governments! what wretched blunderers,--what empty fools! They create the necessity for an act, punish with death a deed which could not be avoided, and then boast of their wisdom and justice. Much parade, too, they made about carrying their atrocious sentence into effect upon one so young. They affected to be wonderfully pitiful,--the jury gave their award in a tone of commiseration, and the judge pretended to be moved to tears when he passed the sentence; and then, as many exaggerated statements had been published of the determination with which I had resisted being taken, many humane persons, as the world called them, visited me in prison, and they brought me what they said were good books, and talked to me about things they styled repentance and virtue, and a few other fooleries. I listened with a patience that I have since often thought extraordinary; but I imagined at the time that this attempt at sympathy might lead to my liberation, and consequently they always found me earnestly studying their books, and admirably attentive to their discourses. But my hopes were disappointed; I was a fool not to have known the hypocrites better. They could whine and cant, but they had no mercy. However, from a quarter to which I had never looked for assistance, help came when I least expected it.

"My jailer was a cold, stern, unfeeling brute; but he was a brute by profession, and his disposition was his stock in trade. He had originally been a housebreaker, or a mean villain of some kind; and having betrayed his accomplices, he was rewarded by the miscreants whom he served, with a place of trust. For him bolts and bars seemed to have as much attraction as if he was a loadstone. His heart appeared only to throb in the shadow of the thick walls; and of no music could he be more fond than the clank of chains and the groans of the despairing prisoners. Him I cursed every time we met: but he had a daughter--a buxom, light-hearted little creature, whose eye was afloat in gladness, and whose breast was freighted with gentle and generous feelings; her olive complexion, azure eyes, and rich black curling hair, gave the most charming expression to her face. She saw me from a window when I was taking my solitary walk in the gloomy court-yard. My youthful appearance attracted her attention. She inquired my history, and as there was nothing in it of the dastard or the sneak--nothing she found ignoble or revolting, she felt an interest for me which every day grew more intense. She watched for the coming of the time when I was allowed to enjoy my daily walks with increased anxiety; and knowing that I was doomed to death, her eyes were filled with tears and her heart with tenderness whenever she saw me. I was ignorant of the feelings I had excited for several days after they had attained a power she found it impossible to resist; for as my execution approached, I strode the narrow court-yard, hemmed in by towering walls, with folded arms and eyes upon the ground, muttering imprecations upon the whole human race; and beheld not, and thought not of the kind creature that watched me so anxiously: but one dull day, the last my judges had allowed me in this world, I was engaged in making my accustomed perambulations, when I was roused from my melancholy reverie by seeing a stone fall at my feet I looked about me, but did not perceive whence it came. As I was continuing my cheerless round, another stone was thrown close to the place where I stood. I then made a more careful examination of the few windows by which I could be overlooked, and at one, about forty or fifty feet from the ground, I observed a female figure--whether she was young or handsome I could not exactly determine, because I was unable to distinguish her features, but I could have no doubt that she was an angel when I beheld the end of a strong rope slowly descend that was evidently falling from her hand. Before it was within reach, I had run to grasp it within my eager hands. Soon I clutched it firmly--I felt it was tightly fastened above; long experience in rope-climbing, and a desperate desire to escape at any hazard, in a few seconds carried me up to the open window, where I embraced my deliverer, whom I discovered to be just the sort of smart-looking little craft I have described.

"'Pull up the rope,' she said anxiously, 'or you will be discovered.'

"I lost no time in hauling it into the room, where it was strongly fastened to the bedstead;--from this it was immediately made loose and stowed away into a box, and the window closed. The chamber in which I found myself was a small bed-room, possessing all the neatness and cleanliness in its appearance which distinguish the sleeping rooms of girls in the first flush of womanhood. Against the wall was a bed with linen of a pure white, enclosed in curtains of the same colour. At one end of the room a simple toilet was arranged; utensils for washing were standing in a corner--a row of books upon a little cabinet--a small vase with a few flowers, two or three chairs, and a table, composed the furniture.

"My arms were again round her waist, and I was showing my gratitude after a fashion I thought would be most agreeable, when she raised herself from my arms, smiling, blushing, and trembling, and fixing on me a look full of sincerity, purity, and affection, said:

"'You may perhaps think me bold--over bold; but indeed I could not exist under the idea that you were about to lose your life. I was determined to make an effort to save you. I procured the rope from a manufactory attached to the prison in which those sentenced to hard labour are employed, and having well secured it here, watched my time to drop it within your reach. I knew that you were left alone for a short time, and I tried to attract your attention without exciting the suspicion of any one. Having provided every thing that was necessary, and seeing my opportunity, I endeavoured to make you look up--I coughed--I hemmed--but you did not move from your position. I then threw down a stone; you looked about you, and to my great disappointment and fear walked on without observing me. My heart seemed to sink when I thought the opportunity might be lost, and that on the morrow you would die. I again threw a stone, and felt the sweetest pleasure I have ever known when I saw that you observed me. Quickly and cautiously I let down the rope; but when I saw you ascend, and knew that the slightest slip would send you headlong against the hard stones so far beneath you, I trembled with fear. You are now safe, and I am rejoiced. But the greatest caution will be necessary, or your retreat will be discovered. By this time your escape is known, and an active search is being made for you in every direction. If you wish to retain your life you must do whatever I desire you. Ha!' she exclaimed, as footsteps were heard approaching, 'they come--get into that bed.' I hesitated about soiling the sheets with my shoes. 'In with you instantly--there's not a moment to be lost.'

"While I snugly deposited myself under the bed-clothes, I observed her rapidly put on a night-gown over the dress she wore, and a cap upon her head, throw off her shoes, and whispering, 'Lie still, if you value your life,' she jumped into the bed, placed my head in her lap as she sat nearly upright leaning against the pillows, and arranged the clothes in such a manner that no one could imagine that the bed contained any one but herself.

"This had scarcely been done, before I heard the door open and some one walk into the room.

"'Have you heard any one enter your window, Virgo?' asked a gruff voice I readily recognised.

"'My window, father!' exclaimed my angel, in a tone of the utmost astonishment. 'How is it possible any one can get near it?'

"'Don't know,' replied the old man surlily. 'But I left a prisoner a short time ago in the yard, to let him stretch his legs for the last time before we stretched his neck; I returned in a few minutes, and there was not a glimpse of him to be seen. I defy a cat to get up the wall. How he's managed to gi' me the slip I can't guess, unless he jumped out o' the keyhole, or flew in at one o' the windows. But you haven't heard no noise?'

"'Not the slightest!' said Virgo.

"'Strange--unkimmonly strange! How long ha' you been awake?' inquired her father.

"'About an hour,' replied my angel. 'I felt a little better to-day, and was thinking of getting up when you entered.'

"I heard the old man grope under the bed, and knew that he was exploring every corner, grumbling and swearing at me at a rate it did my heart good to hear.

"'Unkimmonly strange!' he exclaimed, 'and I shall get sent to the right about if I can't tell how he's bolted.'

"Then I heard him draw aside the curtains, and I lay as still as a rock.

"'What do you want, father?' cried Virgo, very angrily. 'It's ridiculous for you to imagine he can be here.'

"'Unkimmonly strange!' grumbled out the brute; and having satisfied himself that his prisoner was not in the room, he shuffled out of it, growling like a she bear deprived of her cubs. I could feel Virgo's little heart beating violently as she listened to the retreating sounds. Neither of us moved for several minutes. At last, convinced that the coast was clear, I raised my head from the clothes, and observed her face covered with blushes; but as soon as I moved she made a spring and left me in the bed alone.

"'You must remain here till you hear me leave the room,' said she, drawing the curtains round me; 'and when I lock the door, change the clothes you have on for those you will find laid out for you.' I promised obedience, and with a winning smile she left me to my own reflections in a pretty considerable puzzlement concerning the whole affair. Directly I knew she was gone, I jumped out of my snuggery, and looked for the change of rigging she had mentioned. May I be considerably spiflicated if it wasn't a woman's dress! I must say I felt but little inclined to the thing; but, thinking that it might be the only chance I had for getting out of prison, I stripped, and began putting on the first thing that came to hand. It was a sort of shirt, and yet it wasn't a shirt. It didn't look like the shirt of Jew, Turk, or Christian. However, after a deal of manouvring, I slipped it on, and the first thing I discovered was that both sleeves shortened sail considerably, and though I tried to haul up the collar to my neck, I found it wouldn't come above my shoulders any how, but hung down with an ugly flap afore and abaft. Well, the next thing I put my head through was something of a similar nature, only it came up a little higher and fell down a little lower, and was braced up more tight about the body. After that, I got hold of the strangest piece of stuff that ever I overhawled. It was shaped something like a jacket without sleeves or collar, buttons or button-holes, set round with a number of slight stiffish spars, one of which was much broader in the beam than the others, and there was a running line going through two rows of holes that kept the thing pretty smartly together. I found out that there were places for the arms to go in, and I managed to get it then over my shoulders. Then I tugged away at the running line till I had got it through all the holes, and by pulling and hauling, twisting and turning, I made all fast; but the spars pinched me most confoundedly, and the big one stood out astern of my back bone in the oddest manner possible. Then there were a few more things into which I found my way more easily, and when I was regularly rigged out, I took a look at myself at the glass; and I will say, a more ridiculous craft never ventured afloat that what I appeared to be.

"I was amusing myself with the figure I cut, when I heard a footstep--the key turned in the lock, and Virgo entered, fastening the door after her. As soon as she clapped eyes upon me, they began to twinkle famously, and, without any ceremony, she opened upon me as complete a laugh as ever I heard. And she had good reason, for I'd got a hump on my back as big as a dromedary's, owing to my having put the thing with the spars on stern foremost; and I'd managed to twist every thing out of its proper place, because I was ignorant of the right way of putting them on. Well, she made no more to do, but just took me to pieces as if I'd been a baby, and put every thing to rights, laughing all the time; yet as modest as any she creature that ever lived. Then she made me wash my face; and afterwards she combed my hair, curled it, and put a sort of turban on my head; and then, with a triumphant smile, she bade me look in the glass. I did'nt know myself. I looked as complete a girl as ever walked in petticoats. My complexion had been rather browned by the sun, and my limbs had little of the feminine about them; but notwithstanding these things I appeared more womanish than previously I thought it possible I could have been made. As yet I had no whiskers, and my beard did'nt give me any particular deal of trouble; so that, on that score, there was little that could betray that I was sailing under false colours.

"Virgo seemed to enjoy the change she had produced amazingly. She walked about me with her eyes filled with pleasure, as if delighting in the contemplation of her own work; while I, scarcely able to understand the whole drift of the proceedings, looked a little bothered and mystified.

"Now if any of our people do see you," said she, cheerfully, "I do'nt think it at all likely that they would suspect who you are."