Page:History and adventures of Jack Mansong.pdf/12

12 who could assume courage enough to venture before seven hundred negroes.

Jack had now continued his ravages for near a year, Captain Orford a young Englishman of good birth, and a most amiable disposition, had tome over to Jamaica, with a party of soldiers, who were to be garrisoned there, Rosa, the daughter of a Mr. Chapman, an eminent planter in Maroon’s Town, had cast a favourable, eye upon Orford, who also affectionately beheld her.

Mr. Chapman, who had much at heart the happiness of his daughter, finding that Orford really loved her, consented to their speedy nuptials. The lovers were transported with the joyful presage of future happiness ; but their joy was soon damped by an unexpected event.

Captain Orford, unacquainted with fear, or the true character of our hero, frequently traversed the Blue Mountains, accompanied by his favourite negro boy Tuckey, to enjoy the breeze which lightly fanned the mountains’ tops. One day, thoughtless of danger, he proceeded till he came near the mouth of Jack's cave. Jack was seated upon a crag ; who no sooner saw Orford than he leaped down. Tuckey gave a loud scream, and Orford preparing for the combat, drew his sword, Jack smiled upon him with contempt ; and lifting up his gun by the muzzle, knocked him down with the but-end.

Tuckey, wild with terror, fled ; and Jack seizing the senseless body of Orford, slung it down the mountain's side. Tuckey was proceeding homeward, when a groan struck his ear— he listened— another groan succeeded—and the compassionate boy wished to learn from whence they came. Winding down the intricacies of the mountain, the body of Captain Orford arrested his step ? His master was not dead, but very much bruised,