Page:Leah Reed--Brenda's summer at Rockley.djvu/182

166 “Oh, Amy, you do know something about pirates,” and the voice of Fritz had a mischievous ring in it.

“Oh, tell us, that would be something like. Here by the sea is just the place for a tale about pirates.”

“There’s very little that I can tell,” said Amy. “I suppose that he is thinking about Oakum Bay. There is a story about—”

“There, Amy,” cried Fritz, “I can see that you are not going to tell them the real thing,” and he drew a paper  from his pocket which he began slowly to unfold. An expression of annoyance crossed Amy’s face, as if she  suspected him of some mischief. She leaned forward, as if she would like to take the paper away from him. On second thoughts, she refrained from the attempt.

Fritz held the paper in front of him with a very firm grasp. His left arm was half raised, as if to shield himself from Amy, should she try to take the paper  away from him. Then, in a loud voice, he read the following verses.

’T was a Spanish galleon sailed the seas,— Long centuries since have rolled,— Laden with silver and gems to please Gay dames and gallants bold.

But villainous pirates seized the ship, As homeward she was bound. Ah! she has made her last sea-trip. For they ran her soon aground.

From Oakum Bay into Marblehead, One lady they brought there. But the Captain, alas! and the crew are dead, And her they will not spare.