OUR BRUSH WITH THE PIRATES.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 11, Issue 837, 23 March 1867, Page 3

OUR BRUSH WITH THE PIRATES.

[FromlheChristmasnumber of Chambers Journal.'] I wbm. remember with what glee I accepted the offer of a berth at Hong-kong, an d.i|& chance of escape from the monotonous hurnf drum of Mincing Lave. However, when I arrived there, and the novelty had worn off, I found that work was pretty much the same in both places 5 the only difference being, that here you post books in a black broadcloth coat, and there in a white jean suit. - Old Gribble, the working-partner of our firm, was a good sort of fellow, and, so long as his clerks stuck to business, would try to make them comfortable. I wao rather a favourite with him, and, in consequence, got introduced to some very pleasant English society in "Victoria. One morning he sent for me into his private sanctum, and opened fire by complimenting me on my steadiness and attention, &c. Another fifty, thought I. "We have decided," he continued, "on chartering the Dawn of Morning (an American clipper-bark lying in. the harbour), sending her: up to Shang-hae direct, and trading her home ; and having every confidence in your discretion and fidelity, we intend you to go in her as supercargo." Of course, I accepted the offer. " Well," continued he, "I expect the skipper here every moment, and you can settle details between you." As he finished, in walis&;Capt&n Hiram Washburn, a tall, gentlemanly Virginian, without any of the conventional Yankeeisms about him. I liked his ways and manner, and freight-matters were soon arranged to the satisfaction of all parties ; indeed, the skipper was so pleased,* that he gave me an invitation to dine with him at his hotel, which I accepted. After dinner, we went on board the Dawn. I found her a fine vessel, flush fore and aft, without the deck-house that usually encumbers American ships, and carrying three small guns, one, apparently a nine-pounder, aft, and two sixes forward, manned by Bombay Clashies and Chinamen, the mate and carpenter only being Europeans. We were soon loaded, and ready for sea. I saw my traps safely on board, and went ashore to receive final instructions. I had bidden Gribble good-bye, and was leaving, when, calling me back, he said : " Oh, by the by, Mr. Frederick, a gentleman will go as a passenger with you : I have sent him on board with a letter of introduction to Captain Washburn. He will be company for you. I forget his name ; he came in a hurry, but with very good credentials, or I should not have given him a passage." I felt rather surprised at not hearing anything about this passenger, till the last moment, and hastened on board to acquaint Captain Washburn with the news. The Dawn was first tripping her anchor .as I got on board, and the skipper was as amiable as skippers generally are going out of harbour. '• Passenger ?" said he, when I mentioned the fact. "Oh yes, I've seen him ; he's below 5 quite at home. I can see through it all : you'ra here to check me, and he's here to check both of us. Yes, sir ;" whereupon he turned away to start the Chinamen hauling a warp. I went below, and found the passenger sitting in the cabin reading. He rose as I entered, and introduced himself as Mr. Penfold, saying that urgent business called him to Shang-hae, and that hearing the Dawn was a noted clipper, he had availed himself of the opportunity of her sailing ; hoped we should be quod friends, &c. : to all of which, recollecting the skipper's words, I simply returned some commonplace remark, and pleading business, retired to my little cabin to read over my written instructions. Mr. Passenger, however, did not seem very dull, for I could hear him rattling away in Bengalee with Bandiwny, the native steward, who was literally screaming with laughter vi his remarks, whatever they might be. Well, we got to sea all right, and though, of course, we had our meals together, both the skipper and I kept Mr. Penfold at arms-length ; not that he seemed to care a bit, for he would chat for hours with the Seraing and Tindal of the Clashies, patter Canton English with the old Chinese pilot ; and, in fact, was become a general favourite everywhere, except in the cabin. At last, even the skipper and I began to thaw. We had been out five days when the wind fell, and we were all but becalmed. A large lorcha that came out of harbour with us was the only vessel in sight, and she had been apparently steering our course since we left Hong-kong. At sundown, a breeze sprang up, and we made some headway during the night ; but with the morning clown went the wind, and there was the lorcha following us still. This looked suspicious. What could she be dogging us for ? I began to think of Chinese pirates, and feel very uncomfortable ; and my feelings were not improved by Mr. Penfold, after he had been peering through his glass at the lorcha for more than an hour, saying to the skipper: " Captain Washburn, will you favour me with five minutes' conversation below ?" " Certainly, sir," replied the captain, stiff as buckram ; and down the compam'pn they, both went. ' " Something was wrong, that was evident. I walked aft to the old pilot who was steering, and said to him : " What you think of that lorcha, eh, Johnny ?" His reply was not calculated to reassure me, for, said he, in his pretty jargon : 'Me tinkea ■: lorchav number one piecey pirate : come board barkee ; niakee muchee pigeon so ;" the "so " being a semicircular movement of the left hand across his neck, unmistakably suggestive of 'throat-cutting. I called him an old humbug ; and went to the Sewing, who was half-a-dozen rattlins up the main rigging, intently watching the lorcha's movement. . " What do you think of her, Seraing ?" said 1. " Nay hi cha, sahib" (No good, sir), said he: "think burra dacoit" (great thief). And it was evident his opinion was shared by the crew, for they were gathering in knots about the deck, scrutinising the stranger who followed us with such pertinacity. At daybreak, we had rounded a projecting head-land, and were crossing a large bay called, I think, Hang-how. Every stich of canvas was spread, but the calm still continued, and the current or tide was carrying us further and further into the bight of the bay. Not a sail was in sight save the lorcha, and she stuck to us like grim death. Before Igo any further, I had better explain what is meant by a "lorcha." It is a country-built craft of immense beam with overhanging stem and stern, so built as to draw most water amidships ; fitted with powerful rudder, and having from 1 three to six masts, according to the fancy of the owner. The fore and mizzen masts are

not raked aft like ours, but the fore-mast rakes forward over the bows, and the mizzen aft over the stern. To European eyes, this gives them an untidy, lubberly look, but I believe the fashion is the correct one. They carry on each mast one huge fore-and-aft sail, cut something like a big lug, without a boom, but with very many bamboos in them. These bamboos run on the mast with a" hoop and lacing, and have each a | small sheet. There are no reef-points, and if they want to shorten sail, it is just haul up or lower away, and the sail furls up like an umbrella. They sail like witches, and care nothing for weather. I was about speaking to Mr. Nielsen, the mate, when the skipper and Mr. Penfold made their appearance on deck, and beckoned both my companions and myself aft. "Mr. Frederick j Mr. Nielson," said the captain, "of course, you have noticed the way this infernal lorcha has been dogging us for the last four days. Now, it can't be , for any good. If this calm continues, we shall be embayed, aud the current will drift us into some pirate's den or another. Mr. Penfold has suggested a plan to me, which affords the only chanoe of escape, and which I intend to follow. I must therefore rely on your assistance." "But," said I, "how do you know the lorcha is a pirate ? At present, she appears harmless enough." ' " Wait a little, young gentleman," observed our passenger; " and if she does not shew her teeth, I'm a Dutchman — In the meantime, Captain Washburn, what arras have you on board ? and what food for these barkers ?" patting the "nine" as he spoke. " I anticipated your question, Mr. Penfold," replied the skipper, " and here comes Chips with a report." Chips, our carpenter, waa an old man-of-war's-man, now, it appeared', to be promoted to gunner's rank. " Eight muskets and bayonets," said the j old man ; " twelve cutlashes, nine pikes, six pistols — four rounds of shot for the nine, and twelve of grape for the sixes, and little enough, too." " I expect," said our passenger, "it will j h,e more than enough, if we have to use j them. Ido not think there's much pluck in John Chinaman. The Clashies may fight if they are led ; however, it has not come to that yet. But here comes a breeze, and with it a hope of escape." ■ As he spoke, I felt a faint breath of air coming from the land, and saw flying catspaws rippling the glassy surface of the sea. Soon a steady breeze sprang up, and the lofty sky-sails and royals that had been idly flapping against the masts, began to belly out, and the bark slowly forged her way out to sea again. There seemed to be quite a different understanding now between Mr. Penfold and the skipper ; indeed, an amount of deference was perceptible in the latter that I could not quite understand. They were standing side by side, intently scanning the lorcha, when, closing his glass, Mr. Penfold turned to me, and said in an explanatory tone : " You see, sir, that this breeze will only last till sunset — sun down, wind down ; but the barometer has been falling all day, and if we can get clear of this bay before the gale I expect sets in, we will shew that skulking thief a clean pair of heels." We were now about a mile ahead of the lorcha, and rapidly increasing our distance, when the captain, who was still carefully watching her, suddenly cried : " Mr. Penfold, they are awfully busy-on board yonder." As he spoke, up came the head of the lorcha to the wind, a puft of smoke burst from her side, and we heard the shrill whistle of a shot passing over us. " Wide," said Mr. Penfold, as coolly as ' if he were cricketing ; " and I think, Mr. j Frederick, that settles your doubts as to the peaceable intentions of our follower. Here is further proof, if you are still incredulous ;" and another puff of smoke left her side, whilst again we heard the hurtling of a shot. " That fellow is a bad gunner," said our passenger, "or that shot is too small for the gun. With your permission, Captain Washburn, I will make a few arrangements to have some conversation, in my vrty, with that noisy gentleman j but do not let me prevent your returning his compliments, if you wish it. I would suggest, however, that your messages may have more effect if you delay for a short time ;" and so saying, he went below. " I shall take your advice, sir," replied the skipper ; " and," continued he, " Mr. Nielsen, give the hands some work ; they will go mad with fright if you let them alone. Do but look, sir, at those fools of Chinamen." We turned at the words, aud truly the scene fonyard waa ludicrous in the extreme. The Chinese had brought out their idol, and rigged up a josshouse on the capstanhead. Gilt-paper and joss-stick wero being burned in profusion 5 whilst at short intervals, the whole of them would reverently "Chin, Chin," and shout what I fancied to be a request for deliverance from pirates in general, and this present pirate in particular. The Clashies, all Mussulmans and devout followers of the Prophet, looked on in disgust ; whilst the cook, a fine American negro, born on the Washburn plantation, and who, I believe, almost idolised " Cappen Hiram," waa audibly pitying the poor benighted niggers. But a few short, sharp orders from the mate soon put an end to the foolery ; nnd presently all hands were busily employed trimming and shortening sails. " Mr. Frederick, sir," said the captain, handing me his glass, " that piratical rascal means to board us, I guess : he has sweeps out, and is getting ready his stink-pots." I took the glass, and saw, sure enough, that six or seven long sweeps were out each side of the lorcha, each sweep being manned by at lcasb ten men, whose united efforts were sending her through the water at twice our rate. Another gang were busily carrying packages into the fore-top, or rather into the bamboo staging which served for top, aud there piling them in a heap. "What is that being carried into the fore-top, Captain Washbuvn ?" said I. " Those, sir," he replied, " are stink-pots, or hand shells, which the pirate intends to throw on our deck before boarding. They use two descriptions, both thick, hollow, earthenware vessels : the one filled with powder and nameless abominations, which emits an unbearable stench and smoke, and so clears a deck by driving the people overboard or below ; the other, bursting like an ordinary shell, throws out a shower of stuff similar to the old Greek-fire, burning through skin and flesh to the bone. Water does does not act on it, and I believe that

once alight, ifc;eantiot: be extmgaished^JßußS here come 9: Mr^enfold, -who- $%$■ jS^§ shortly Tboaclr these :ith^|)ro|e^ useofstink;pots." '•.; : '^ :^ ;:: - :i -f : ".I^8^ Mr. Penfoid now came affy carry^ffl^ most curious weapon I had ever se^lrff wag a firearm, with a long -barreV-'aiid; ot: large bore, sighted like a rifle^ bat-witha telescope fitted between, the Xsighte-r-ap-. parently a breech-loader, and looking alto- : , gether more -like a surveyor's 15 theodolite than a shooting-iron. : : - ."■-:■■>■-. ■■'■ • : After a whispered conference Vfith. the captain, Mr. Fenfold cautiously ixnade his. way to the mizen-top, the captainfollowing, and carrying very carefully- a small box^ which I supposed to contain ammimitiqn. There was moreconsultatiott between them : in the top, and presently Mi. Penfold levelled the mysterious weapon at the lorcha. However, something yet was required, for he sang out for Chips to sling a couple of boat oars. Up they went, and the captaid set to work lashing them to the; mast and rigging athwart ship. • ■■• . -•>-.•- All this while, .-the- lorcha was drawing nearer, and I began to feel seriously uneasy about our position. Not a shot had been fired, or anything done save these singular preparations.: . Surely Captain Washburn was not going to yield the vessel without a struggle. And then this passenger; what arguments could he have used to overcome in a few minutes the captain's dislike, and to secure such perfect co-operation -in all his plans? Were they in league> with these pirates ? I had heard of such- things, and if so, my fate was certain* -"<:■■■.. I gave another glance at the .toft and saw that Mr. Penfold, having-.now obtained a rest nearly breast high for the firearm, was again aiming at the lorcha, to which my attention was intuitively drawn by the; glass. I could perceive the sweeps ;at 'work, and her fore-top piled with the dreaded stinkpots. Suddenly, I heard a ' sharp rifle-like crack overhead, and almost simultaneously saw a vivid flash of light start from the forecastle of the lorcha. "Too low," the captain sang out from beside me, forunperceived and unheard he had;; come on deck. ■ ':.::■.:% The shot, however, created some stir on board our pursuer, for two guns. 1 were fired in rapid succession, both as badly aimed as before, the shots going far and wide of us. " Blaze away, you rascals," said the skipper, "and Mr. Frederick, you watch: : Mr. Penfold's aim." Another crack from our miz-zsn-top, followed by a similar flash of fire on the huge fore-sail pf::the \lorcha; "I think I have him now," exclaimed our passenger from aloft. " Watch this.'? .0 As he fired, up went our glasses, and , we saw the flash spring full from the dark heap in the pirate's fore-top, succeeded; 1 by .a thin stream of smoke that, increased: in -volume every minute. Again and again the missile from Penfold's weapon struck in and around the lorcha's fore-top, from which flense clouds of smoke were now, rising, • and we could plainly that the piled : up stink-pots had. taken fire, and were bursting on the pirate's fore-rigging and deck. ' Another moment, and the foresail was in a blaze, the flames spreading rapidly aft;- on her deck, all appeared bustle and confusion : it was evident their own devilish invention had recoiled, and the fate intended for us had been meted out to them.:. . ••- -.-.."■: " "Lucky I got the range so quickly," said Mr. Penfold, who had descended, weapon in hand, "for I have but two shells left. Perhaps, Captain Washburn, you would like to distract the atfcentionof those rascals with a messenger from your nine." The captain hardly wanted telling, and very quickly he, the mate, and Chips were busy casting loose and loading our gun. . " Mr. Frederick," said the passenger, as coolly as if he were giving a lecture,, "these telescopic long-range rifles, carrying .a detonating shell, charged with an inflammable compound, are destined to play an important part in future, warfare. You see, sir, in this instance, I have been enabled to hoist, as Shakspeare says, the engineer with his own petard, or, in other words^ to let that pirate scoundrel have the.- benefit of his own stink-pots. — Allow me, Gaptaia Washburn," continued he, '*to:lay the gun for the next shot." Turning from me, this singular individual laid his rifle, carefully on the deck, and took charge of the ninerpounder, soon sending the two remaining shots plump into the mass of smoke that had taken the place of our pursuer. .• .;. The delight of the hands forward was i something wonderful, and it was shared by all aft. We were rid of our enemy, and saved from probably a fearful death, by Mr. Penfold's coolness and skill. I thought the Clashies would have worshipped- him. I felt ashamed of my past thoughts, and as he left the gun, commenced expressing my admiration of his conduct. .. • " Really, Mr. Frederick," said, he, " I have only done that which every one tries to do — save his own life. But we are not out of the scrape yet ; and raising his voice so that all on the quarter-deck . could- hear, he continued: "Captain Washburn, Mr Nielsen, favor me with your opinion." We were soon all attention ; and he commenced by telling us that, under Providence, we had escaped from immediate danger ; but that he had noticed boats putting off from the burning lorcha. Night was coming on, and he thought the pirates would attempt to board us in the darkness from their boats. " And this, gentlemen," said he, "is a greater danger than the one we have just escaped. These fellows, rendered desperate by the loss of their vessel, will swarm on board. like bees,; and? fight like demons. With a European crey?, we might repel them ; but with purjpresent hands, the chance is small indeed.- I certainly think the Clashies will fight, but the Chinamen will run below directly; we are attacked. If the gale kindly ;comes before morning, it may swamp tbeir boats^ and then we shall only have to fight the elements, but we must provide for all contingencies. What say you, Captain Washburn ?" " What I say, sir," replied the . captain, "is this : serve out the arms, and let those who will, figlit for dear life. I don't mean to lose the number of my mess -without a. struggle. As you seem pretty weljUyerfced in the lingo of these Claslnes, ( suj)p£ge:.you make them an oration about fighting, while ; I palaver the Chinese." Mr. Penfold bowed assent, and they both went forward. ■ Proceedings were now. opened ibyißandanny the steward serving out a double lot of rum to all hands. After this, :the'cipipta|a.; ; made a speech in approved: Canton^K^li^"; to the Chin amenV folio wed by. oration to the 'Clashies,, both parties^etUrnf ; j; ing voluble assurances of :tKeir deteiminatio^: Zito.stand by the ship; an^m>lce'mu>c^?me^ of any pirates bold enoughs to fstixmjsip^

f ; i?-'"iyp^iisg-^ail.of' > w3(iioh was taken by our '■■■'>. -skipjier at its pwjjjgr value. • . f Tbei arms wbk| now brought on deck, . . the captain and nlate taking a cutlass and . brace of pistols each. I had my Volunteer jfifle and bayonet, with twenty rounds of Mr. Penfold produced a . native.iword, or tulwar, and a heavy revolver*; /The carpenter and cook chose musrv ]kete;and bayonets, with which the Seraing, : . vCindal, and as many of the Clashies as Vjyttsible, were also armed; the remainder, with the Chinamen, taking the pikes, cut- : lasses, find pistols. 7 ■ Night had now fallen, and though we were making considerable headway, the flames from the burning lorcha were still visible, the bustle, too, of our preparation was over, and all hands again found time to watch our burning enemy. Suddenly a i pillar of flame shot up to the clouds, a dull : report was heard, and then all was darkness. v For a few moments after the explosion, . : not a sound was heard on board our vessel ; even the apathetic Asiatics were awed into silence; but the usual chatter soon broke out, only to be stilled by the short command j •••' of the captain for all hands to muster aft. We were soon assembled, and as quickly told off into three parties. Nine of the ; iClashies, under the command of Mr. Pen- : fold,' were to go forward; the Chinamen under, the mate, to defend midship; and the whites, with the remainder of the Clashies, to guard the other part; thej^raing and cook, at the first approach of danger, were to take post in the fore and mizzeri tops respectively, and prevent any pirates getting aloft. The two sixes were loaded with grape and langrage, and a couple of their charges were broken up, so as to make one round for the nine. The watches were set; a strict silence and a bright look-out : enjoined; all hands to keep on deck, but those not looking out might get what sleep they could. The captain and I were standing aft, peering into the intense darkness, where . we were joined by Mr. Penfold. "I ■ think," whispered he, "we have taken •-?.- every possible precaution, with one exception, and that is, we have not distinguished :our men in any way. If we are boarded (which Heaven avert) in this darkness, how are we in the m§lee to tell friend from foe ? : Had we but boarding helmets " . "Helmets?" cried the captain: "I ■ bought in Calcutta some old dragoon affairs . for a trade on the coast. I will serve them voutjithey will be conspicuous enough. — Here, steward, Bandanny, cook, go below to my cabin, and bring a case you will find :there on deck." The case was soon on deck, and being opened, was found to contain a score of : brass helmets, and a quantity of artillery busbies. We whites fitted ourselves with helmets, and turned the remainder over to the Clashies, the Chinamen coming m for < busbies ; and proud enough they all seemed of their head-gear. ' This little episode was soon over, and again all was still. I sat down, rifle in hand, and thought of home ; sleep I could hot, for every sound suggested "pirates:" the rattle of the reef-points as the sails lazily flapped, seemed like the beat of oars ; the creak of a block aloft was distorted into the chafe of a rowlock ; even the ripple of the sea under the bark's counter murmured like the whispering of hoarse voices — the night, too, was intensely dark ; an inky wall impenetrable Jo the vision, hedged in the ship on every side ; and this darkness might at any moment give up our blobd-tbirsty foes. These were the pleasant thoughts I solaced myself with. At last, nature was worn out, and I slept until aroused by Mr. Penfold placing his hand on my shoulder. " Hush I" said he, as I started up. Daylightia notfar off, and the captain wants ■ all hands to be on the alert. He is serving '■■:■'■ out grog forward, and I have some brandyr pawnee and a biscuit for you. — Take it, -my young friend," said he, as I made a gesture of dissent ; Ujt may be some time before, you get other food; and, believe me, if it comes to blows, you will^not fight any the worse for a good lining." Whilst he was speaking, a long tremulous pencil of light shot up from the east to the zenith, followed by another and another, and then the sun shewed his broad face once more. , A thick, white mist hung heavily on the surface of the water,, soon to be dispersed by the heat, and a fitful breeze that had sprung up. Suddenly, the fog lifted like a curtain ; s and there, not a cable's length -■■■• from our stern, were five farge boats chokefull of men. Down came Mr. Penfold from the main-topgallant cross-trees, where he had been for a look-out ; and out rang the skipper's voice, loud and clear ; " Every man to his post, and let him do his best for life and duty." The pirates had, then, escaped from the burning lorcha, and doubtless intended to ■ board us in the night ; but unable to discover the bark in the darkness, had lain to until the morning. There was not any indecision; but obedient to a plainly-heard hoarse command, the boats separated, and ' ; came on in two lines. Every second brought them nearer, for the crews pulled ' ■ with the energy of men filled with hate and " ; .desperation. Coming on as they were, we ; ; could not get the midship guns to bear; but led by Mr. Penfold, our nine spoke out, and the foremost boat disappeared in a cloud of foam: the charge of grape had blown the stern out. This was no check to the remainder. On they pulled, seemingly without giving a thought, much less help, to their drowning fellows. The sitters in the boat kept up a c^ostant small-arm fire ; musket balls singing overhead, and striking the spars and rigging. We returned the fire — keeping well un? : der shelter of the bulwarks. I got two ■>'"'■' hurried shots into the leading boat oh the port-side, but had not time for another before they were alongside. In a second, a swarthy Malay, kreese in hand, and with a couple of stink-pots slung around him, be- .■■■■ gan. scrambling up the raizzen rigging. Be- - fore he had stepped three ratlines, I bayoneted him : throwing bis arms wildly " upward,, the poor wretch went overboard. '•/'■And now, over both quarters, swarmed the : :: - pirates, a motley lot, seemingly of all na'•;^vtions and colors. A tall white man, wear- \:'.:'" ing ; an u enorm6us red beard, was the leader .iiis';of:the party who had boarded aft: flourishivl'ing a sword that looked like a Brobdigna- ;/»' * giantrazbrV.he made a bound towards me h^k anjideUvereda downright boarder's cut a, ;^j^^-?head^ ■ I parried with the bayonet, sufficiently, 'for the dragoon jg^pl^lj^pped^ blow* Quick- aslight-l^fe^^^wefepipg^oss-cutvftHowed; this

I met with my rifle-barrel; and now, thought I, comes my turn. Shortening arms, I prepared for a home-thrust; but, to my horror, saw that the first blow had nearly cut through the bayonet, and rendered the blade useless. My consternation was, I suppose, apparent; for the piraffy giving a shout of derision, drew back his sword to run me through. Instinctively, I threw out the rifle to arm's length ; but suddenly recollecting there was a charge in the barrel, pulled trigger. There was a scorching flash, and my arms were numbed to the shoulder ; a moment's unconsciousness, and I found myself prostrate against the com-panion-hatch, but unhurt, and with the rifle-stock only in my hand. The piece, no doubt indented by the pirate's blow, had burst, spreading death around, but saving my life ; for the pirate leader, thinking the work was finished aft, had with his men rushed forward. I sprang to my feet, and looking round, saw that two of our Clashies were badly hit, and the captain disabled by sword-cuts. " Prop me against the side," said he, refusing the help I offered. " Give me my pistols, and I will take care of myself." Picking up a cutlass, and beckoning to the remaining Clashies, I prepared to attack the pirates from one end of the ship ; but the sight that met my eyes was so strange, I could not resist pausing. Not one of the Chinamen was to be seen ; but the Clashfes had formed a line across the deck, and w"ere steadily forcing, the pirates aft. Two or three paces in advance, strode the black cook, naked to his waist, and wielding with awful effect the carpenter's axe. From his post in the fore-top, he had evidently se^n his beloved captain stricken down, and was now nearly mad with rage and excitement. Each time the axe rose to fall with a sickening crash on head or limb, he shouted or rather howled: "For Massa Hiram, Ole Virginny;" following, and guarding him from the blows he did not attempt to parry, came Mr. Penfeld and the Seraing. They, too, were shouting some native war-cry, to which the Clashies responded with loud shouts of "Burra Ullah ! Uilah hu !" fighting manfully the while. The pirates were giving way, bijt Red Beard had forced his way to the front of the melee, and for a moment both sides paused. The next minute, he had crossed swords with the Seraing; but the plucky little fellow had not sufficient strength to withstand Red Beard's ponderous blows, and was soon disabled by a gaping flesh-wound in the arm. The cook turned like a tiger for revenge, but a pistol-bullet laid him beside his friend ; and now the pirate leader confronted Mr. Penfold. " You are the skipper, are you ?" roared he in English, at the same time uttering a fearful string of oaths. "I'll roast you alive, you Yankee." " First catch your skipper," replied Mr. Penfold as coolly as usual, stopping at the same time a downright blow that seemed powerful enough to fell an ox. Again their swords met, and a thrust from Mr. Penfold was guarded by a sweeping parry. Another blow, a feint, and then the keen tulwar was cutting its way through the pirate's neck, and he fell heavily on the deck. Now was our time. Chips, I, and our Clashies bundled in amongst the pirates, striking right and left. Disheartened by the fall of their leader, and staggered by our unexpected attack, they wavered, and, being now hard pressed in front and rear, began to jump overboard. We followed up our advantage,, and at last cleared the bark's deck, driving them without remorse over the side.j Qne of their boats was towing alongside, arftf into this as many as could crowded, and hastily pulled away from the ship, leaving the remainder of their fellows to drown. " Let them alone," shouted Mr. Penfold, as we ran aft in a body to give them a parting shot — " let them alone : before long, they will cut each other's throats, and save all trouble. Come and lend a hand with the wounded." And now the wonderful sagacity and foresight of our passenger became again apparent. Under his direction, in a few minutes, mattresses were laid on the saloondeck, and there we carried those who were most hurt, for few of us had escaped without a mark of some kind . First we brought down the captain and mate, both badly cut about ; and then the Seraing, cook, and the disabled hands. Out came the medicinechest ; sheets were torn for bandages ; and Mr. Penfold proceeded to bind wounds and set broken limbs with the skill and tenderness of an old surgeon. Shortly, all were attended to, and Bandanny the steward was busily at work supplying lime-juice and water to the feverish thirst of the poor fellows. "Go on deck, gentlemen," said Capt. Washburn ; " make all as snug as you can ; and pray, Mr. Penfold, take charge of the ship, and get her back to Hong-kong. 'We owe you a heavy debt of gratitude." " Quite enough said, sir; pleae to keep quiet," replied our passenger, as he left the saloon, followed by myself and the Seraing, who, now his" arm had been'dressed, refused to remain below. „ „., The deck of the bark presented a fearfui sight, strewn as it was with dead bodies, and covered with pools and long streams of blood. Three of the Clashies were killed, aud had been carried by their mates to the forecastle, washed, and laid with their faces towards the point where Mecca was mf~ posed to be : squatted on their haunches round the bodies, the survivors were droning a funeral chant. The bodies of the pirates cumbering our decks were without a sign of life ; either the wounded, dreading torture, had crawled overboard, or they had been finished by the Clashies, during the time they had the deck to themselves, in revenge for their slaughtered comrades. There was no time to waste in useless grief or idle lamentation ; the barometer shewed a lower fall of the mercury ; and by the hard coppery glare of the sun, and the restless, peculiar throb of the sea, it was evident that the long-dreaded typhoon was about to burst on us. The carpenter was sent below to rout the cowardly Chinese from their hiding-places, and set them to work clearing the decks ; while the Clashies took in sail, and struck royal and top-gallant masts. All worked with a will, and in a very short time we were prepared to meet the storm. , -• : . It did not keep us long waiting, for through the haze, away to the north-easfc, a dark cloud, seemingly resting on the sea, was to be seen swiftly bearing down on us. In another moment it had struck the bark, and I thought all was lost, but, met by the helm, and assisted by the fore-staysail, the only canvas set, her head came round, and we scudded before the gale.

To make a long story short, for two days and nights we were driven by the storm. About noon of the third day, the weather moderated, and we found ourselves abreast of Hong-kong : in the afternoon, we were enabled-to enter and anchor abreast the commodore's flag-ship, all but worn out with fatigue and exposure. Our ensign was hoisted jack under with the signal, "Doctor required," flying ; and soon, in spite of the heavy sea, a boat put off from the man-of-war, and brought the surgeon and assistantsurgeon on board. Our poor wounded sorely needed their help, for little could be done for them during the storm save supplying them with water. It was a treat to hear the remarks of the men-of-war's men on the appearance of our crew, for the Clashies could not be induced to give up the dragoon helmets, but continued to wear them even in the worst of the typhoon. The officer in charge of the boat kindly put me on shore. I had but just landed, and was on my way to the office, when I met Mr. Gribble, all anxiety about the ship. He heard my story, was very complimentary, and would insist on boarding the Dawn, to see if he could be of any use. The doctor, however, would not allow the wounded to be moved ; so he promised to send ice and all requisites at once. Of course, he was profuse in his acknowledgments to Mr. Penfold, " to whom," said he, "Itew^ethe safety o"f many valuable lives and my cargo ;" gave the Seraing and Tindal two months', and each of the surviving Clashies, a month's wages, with unlimited liberty on shore ; in short, he behaved like a trump. -.JThe assistant-surgeon kindly volunteered tootsy on board ; and Mr. Penfold, declining all invitations, went ashore with Gribble and me. Next morning, I went on board the flag-ship, to report the affair to the commodore. I was shewn into the cabin ; and in telling my story, took occasion to speak of the bravery and skill of our passenger. Whilst so doing, an officer who had been sitting at the after-end of the cabin, laid down his book, and coming towards the table, said : " Really, commodore, our young friend gives me too much praise, and himself too little credit." "Mr, Penfold!" said I, starting up in amazement at seeing our passenger in full naval uniform. " Yes, sir," replied the commodore, with some degree of acerbity in his tone, " that ia Captain Penfold Ventnor, who might have put his have to better use than in making Quixotic expeditions against Chinese pirates." Mr. Penfold, or rather Captain Ventnor, smiled, but did not reply. I concluded my report, bowed, and left the cabin, followed by our late passenger. We went ashore together, for he had promised to dine with Mr. G-ribble • and on our way to the hotel, j he explained the apparent mystery of his conduct. It appeared that he was suspicious of the lorcha, and had been watching her for some time previous to our departure ; but her peaceful character was so well sustained, that no pretext offered for t stopping her. " And yet," said he, " I felt an intuitive perception that the Dawn was intended to be a victim. Acting on a sudden impulse, I got leave ; procured an introduction to Mr. Grribble ; and you know the rest. If a gunboat had followed us, the fun would have been spoiled ; so I came alone, for I wanted to pit my shells against stink-pots." Our arrival at the office put an end to the conversation; but though the daring bravery and skill of Captain Ventnor had already passed into a proverb, I could not help wondering at the sangfroid with which he had so voluntarily sought danger. For a few days, of course, we were the liuai v[ Victoria ; but time passed on, and we subsided into the old jog-trot, our wounded were fast recovering, and the Clashies nearly tired of strutting about in the brass helmets. Capt. Washburn was | able to attend the office, and he and I were busy one morning arranging the continuance of the voyage, when a coolie was announced as the bearer of a letter from the Government House. It was addressed to myself; and on breaking the seal, I found it contained a Chinese manuscript wrapped in vermilion silk, and an enclosure from an official with an undecipherable name, stating that the enclosed " had been forwarded from the imperial authorities at Canton, and that if I required a translation, the government interpreter was authorised to grant me one." In the evening I called upon an attache with whom I was friendly, and produced my packet. * " Certainly," said he, " I will procure the translation, and send it to you ; or, by the by, I dine with Gribble to-morrow, and will bring it with me. I suppose you will be there?" As I did happen to be invited, I thanked him, and took my leave. Upon arriving at Mr. Gribble's house next day, I found Capt. Ventnor, Capt. Washburn, and a large party of friends. We had,,a very pleasant time, and after dinner I reminded my friend the attache of the packet. "As I anticipated," replied he, "it is a flattering recognition by the imperial government of your services in that pirate af fair. Shall I read it?" I all means," cried a chorus of voices round the table ; " there cannot be any objection." "Very good, gentlemen," said he; " since you insist, and as Fred, gives permission, here goes." And in a grandiloquent totie he commenced : " That the Imperial Cminese^rovernment had been informed of my bravery ; that the Emperor, Brother of the Sun, &c., delighted t 0 honour the deserving, and had been pleased to create me a Mandarin of the Brass Button class, and to appoint me a leader or captain in his Marine Light Cavalry, O r Horse Marines : and that, by a special edict, I was to be exempted from buying a charger, but always to wear spurs when at sea. You may guess the roar of laughter that followed, and how charmingly I felt ; and you may be sure the title stuck to me. I was glad enough to get away again in the Dawn to Shang-hae. This time, I reached there safely ; aojl there's an end to my yarn about Chinese pirates.