Page:The Ladies' Cabinet of Fashion, Music & Romance 1832.pdf/130

Rh had soon gained their good will by the skill and kindness I dis. played in the treatment of the sick when under my charge. I saw none of the murders that were perpetrated, for I kept below ; but often have I felt my blood boil within me, when the shrieks for mercy of the unfortunate females, who fell into their hands, reached my ears. I dared not, however, interfere in their behalf, for I well knew that by so doing I should only risk my own life, while I could not be of the slightest benefit to them. We would at times run into some creek, where the pirates had hiding-places, for the purpose of secreting the booty, where the time was spent in the wildest feasting and carousing. Having received information, from their agents at Havanna, that the men-of-war had got wind of us, and would soon be in pursuit, we left the neighbourhood of the Cape, and cast farther out to sea ; still, however, keeping in the track of the West India traders.

" One day a large bright-sided ship hove in sight ; and as we neared her, I, as usual, went below, and prepared myself for dressing the wounds of such of my companions as might be hurt in the affray. I remained there until the noise incident to the attack and slaughter had ceased. When all was comparatively quiet, I went upon deck, where the pirates were engaged in throwing overboard the bodies of the murdered crew, and lashing the schooner fast to the captured ship. Turning my eyes aft, I saw the slender form of a girl, with her back turned toward me, sitting on the trunk, crouched down , trembling with fear. To divert my attention, as I found my feelings becoming strongly enlisted in her behalf, I placed myself against the mainmast, and stood gazing at the different operations of the pirates, and watching the captain, who was directing their movements by a continual volley of mingled orders and curses. When he had finished his directions, he strode hastily back to the schooner, and, without noticing me, walked directly up to where the girl was seated, and raising her by the shoulder, in his powerful grasp, said, with a savage leer : Let's look at your bright eyes, fair one, and taste the sweetness of those ruby lips. The poor creature shrank from his touch, with a piteous cry, and gazing wildly around, with an imploring look for assistance, her eyes alighted on mine, which were turned toward her, full of pity and indignation. With all the quick perception of a woman, she recognised me instantly, and darting away from the captain, fell at my feet, and embracing me closely by the knees, looked up earnestly in my face, while the big tears coursed rapidly down her cheeks, and cried : ' Oh