The Frozen Crew Of The Ice-Bound Ship; Or, Terrors Of The Arctic Region — page 79: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

“‘ Appearances are against me, I confess, he re- plied, ‘but if you knew me truly, I doubt if your eyes would flash with their present enmity. «Are you not one of the cowardly crew that con- signed me to a doom worse than death?” ‘Captain, in that crew, there were men who approved the sentence passed upon you. ‘‘Men,’ continued Fergus Blake, “‘ who felt they had justice on their side, and that however repugnant it might be to the feelings of nature, the execution was required by exalted principle.”’ “You were of that number ?” ‘Yes, and now grieve for my error.” Paul Jones scrutinsed the pirate without speak- ing. © Rotaldo poisoned the minds of them, by false accusations,’ said Fergus Blake, ‘‘ as many since have discovered, and, like myself, watch but the oppor- tunity to wreak revenge.” A quiet smile lighted the haughty features of Paul Jones, as he replied— “T cannot permit Fergus Blake to accuse me of want of judgement; he has saved my life, in the coolest and readiest manner, and he has made a friend who will never require to be reminded of the debt he will yet repay.” Fergus Blake offered his hand to the warm grasp, of Paul Jones. “Life is an obiigation, which man owes to his fellow, in adversity,’ the former exclaimed, “‘ and I dare say that he whom [I have served in the present extremity, would have done a similar turn for myself.” “ Ay, that he would,” was the quick answer of Paul Jones, turning to address Nick and Emona, who came up at the moment, : * We have found atriend, when least expected,” he said. “ Why,’ replied Nick, ‘‘it’s Fergus Blake, one of the rascally lubbers who—— Stopping, short he whispered—“ Had we not better sink such a cruiser, before he sails into the haven of mischief?” ‘No, he is well-disposed towards us,” replied Paul Jones ; ‘‘ he is to be trusted.” ‘‘Trust nobody,” said Brandy-nosed Nick. “I don’t, since they forget to wipe out my score at the Lord High Admiral at wapping.”’ ‘‘ Has he not saved my life?” replied the pirate. “Lor! what ahead I’ve got. I quite forgot all about that. “Tip us your fin, old chap starboard of ~ course ; you came to the captain’s assistance when he was within an oar’s length of death, and I res- pect you for the act, though you be a damn lubberly, piratical swab, and a devilish good sort or fellow.” While Nick spoke these words, he shook hands with Fergus, who seemed greatly pleased with the alliance, till the hearty and lengthened grip he re- is changed his countenance. is grimace fully evinced the seaman’s strength. ‘How did you discover us?” said Paul Jones, addressing Fergus Blake.’’ ‘‘Hunting the seal,’ he answered, “I came upon your boat, while chance and curiosity led me to your rescue.” . “ Your rigging has seen some service !’’ observed Nick, eyeing the newly-found friend. ‘¢‘ Mayhap, you take me for a buccaneer; no such thing,” replied Fergus Blake. ‘I’ve deserted from the El Malachor, and am an enemy to all mutineers and—— ’ “Loblolly boys in the piccarooning line,” said Nick, completing the speaker’s sentence. ‘‘ We are fellow sufferers,” exclaimed Paul Jones, ‘ and should assist each other.” «© Where can we seek safety?’’ said Hmona,.ad- | | oni j THE FROZEN CREW AND ICE-BOUND SHIP. ~ nn ne so vancing; “ our temporay shelter is taken possession of by our merciless enemies, and we cannot linger here without discovery. _“ We must take at once to our boat,’ she con- tinued, ‘‘ and look forward with humble confidence to a goal which providence supplies.’’ The hard, weather-beaten features of Brandy-nosed Nick, began sensibly to work, as he exclaimed—— ‘““There’s reason in her words, and we must not plead ignorance of our danger.” “ Listen to my purpose,” said Fergus Blake. “It is plain that henceforth we must sail in the same latitudes.”’ ‘** Heave away,’’ rejoined Nick. ‘“ You have been a friend to us, and hang me if I don’t stick by you as long as I can carry a bag of canvass.” “My first object, of course, must be to insure the safety of all,“ continued Fergus, ‘‘ and then provide you with a refuge.”’ ‘What with ship and cargo,” ejaculated the sea- man! ‘ Huzza, we shant drive, then as we expected under bare poles, without a mess of provisions aboard. “Smite my timbers,” he continued, rubbing his hands with joy, ‘it’s quite a pleasure to get into trouble and out of it again in such az ag?teeable manner,” “T must first acquaint you,” said Fergus Blake ‘‘that I intend to take you to my rendezvous be- neath the loadstonerock. I have remained there, as you may judge for some time in security. You will find in this place, friends as stanch as Iam mysef.” ** Are they of the ship’s company ?” asked Paul Jones. “No,” replied the other, “my companions are females.” ‘Sly dog,” muttered Nick, “ how the deuce did you get petticoats into the rigging.” ‘‘ They are Indians,’ said Fergus. “ One of their number, Sumach, is my bride, and, returning an affection I had conceived for her, has afforded me the same asylum I offer to you. “ Will not her tribe seek us out, and for avenge- ment, deliver us over to the mercy of our enemies?”’ asked Emona, with distrust. ‘She is deemed lost to them,” returned Fergus ; “besides, what is rigikt and proper in a red-skin, is deemed sinful in a white.” “This is not a time for idle subtleties or false opinions,’ said Paul Jones, ‘but a moment when every duty should be equally considered.” ‘‘ I consider only of your life,’’ answered Emona, clinging to his arm with the dependency of an infant; ‘the worst to us can be but death—a tribute that all must pay at the good time of heaven’s appoint- ment.” “ There are evils worse than death,’’ exclaimed Paul Jones, speaking hoarsely, and as if fretful at Emona’s importunity ; “but, which the presence of him who has already shown himself a friend, may avert, “Fergus Blake,’’ he continued, “1 shall trust to your sole guidance ; it isthe only means I possess at present of returning an obligation.” The addressed smiled an acknowledgement of such confidence. The next moment he glided up the acclivity he had descended, and sought with his companions the shelter of the icy rocks and herbage. After a short but toilsome journey, they reached the boat they had left upon the frozen beach ; beside it was the canoe iu which their deliverer had come so opportunely to their rescue. These little vessels were at once cast off, and put to sea. The larger of the two, was occupied by Paul Jones,