Page:Famous Negro robber, and terror of Jamaica, or, The history and adventures of Jack Mansong.pdf/14

 brought down his mark; the bird falling on a rock that o'ertopped the sea, Tuckey ran up a cliff to save the game. Jack, who was out in search of prey, met and recollected him, and without further parley, threw him into the ocean. Fortunately a boat was sailing by, and, perceiving the transaction the crew took him on board.

Jack now observing Captain Orford, he levelled his gun, and shot him in the back. Orford prepared to return the fire, but Jack sprung upon him, and wounded him with his sabre. Orford immediately fell, bathed in blood. He being very weak, Jack took him on his back and conveyed him to his cave.

Mr. Chapman, missing Captain Orford, returned with his party to search for him; when they came to the bay, they found his hat and gun lying on the ground. Immediately suspecting the disaster, he spread the alarm, and caused an instant pursuit, but without effect. Jack having eluded their search, Mr. Chapman, absorbed in grief, returned home. On his arrival, he was met by Tuckey; this for a moment assuaged his grief; but when the boy related the disaster, his agony increased. He feared to tell his daughter the melancholy circumstance, and dreaded the discovery.

Rosa perceiving the company returning, went with a joyful heart and smiling countenance, to meet her father; but seeing his melancholy air, she was alarmed. She inquired after his health, and the cause of his grief, but received no answer; she then eagerly asked for her beloved Orford; but the awful silence and sorrow which appeared on every countenance convinced her of the cause; and she immediately fainted away. She was borne to her chamber, where she continued several days without taking any refreshment; and her life was despaired of.