Page:History and adventures of Jack Mansong.pdf/13

13 and his skull fractured. Tuckey raised him from the ground, and with much difficulty bore him to the plantation of Mr. Chapman. Rosa was in an agony of grief, when she beheld the helpless situation of Orford. She dressed his wounds, and constantly attended him in his illness, and he soon recovered ; for wounds are cured to a miracle in the West Indies, in any part of the body, except the legs, where they are seldom or never cured.

This fresh proof of Jack’s valour, spread his fame over all parts of the island. He was said to he the head of a gang of negro robbers, which was false ; for he had no associates.

Captain Orford was now perfectly recovered ; and Mr. Chapman, eager to have the marriage solemnized, fixed the day so earnestly, looked for by the young lovers. To dispel the time, he proposed a variety of entertainments, and the next day was appointed for a shooting party. The morning was fine ; and the party consisting of Mr. Chapman, Captain Orford and his boy Tuckey, with several planters and their servants proceeded along the banks of the river Morant. Near the bay, the game was pretty fair ; Captain Orford, being too eager after the game, he and his boy were unfortunately separated from the rest of the company. They sprung a covey of wild fowl ; the Captain fired and brought down his mark : the bird falling on a rock that o’ertopped the sea, Tuckey ran up the 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, 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