The Frozen Crew Of The Ice-Bound Ship; Or, Terrors Of The Arctic Region — page 81: what you’re looking at

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

THE FROZEN “The intricacies of this ice-block,”’ continued Paul Jones, “has put us on a footing with the foe, and we are in every way his equal.” “Could we contrive to get hold of their boats, we might push off before the rascals are aware of it.” “A good thought. I will go up and gee how things are.’ “ But you may expose yourself to their fury.” “Tt will matter little,’ said Paul Jones, “the hour glass, I fear, is turned for me in this bout—my sand is running fast; let them fire, the deep sea or the blue sky, rather than a rope and a yard-arm,” The speaker issued from his ambush. He could distinguish nothing. An occasional bullet whistled past him. He proceeded to the ridges of ice, and sheltered himself behind them. What were the intentions of the pirates it was difficult for Paul Jones to ascertain, as the firing liad now altogether ceased. No further attempts were made to advance, and he in vain puzzled himself as to the continued inac- tion of his enemies. Some minutes of suspense passed away, when the fearful truth was made manifest. It was during the late encounter, that Black Bill, who commanded one of the boats, made up his mind how to act with regard to the beleaguered foe. He suddenly conceived a plan, and as suddenly adopted it. “This desultory warfare,’ he argued, “must end in the decimation of the crew, and the probable es- cape of those we were fighting against; already nine of our number are wounded, and two left dead on fhe Ice: Darkness veils the scene. “Tet see if we can’t get round to the rear of you,” continued the seaman, holding up his clenched hand, and shaking it in supposition at Paul Jones.” He had shrewdly compelled the latter to scatter | his forces, as the pirates had scattered theirs, and he determined to make an attack at the weakest point. The position of Hmona during the conflict seemed to offer the least resistance, and Black Bill, mufiling his oars, under cover made for the spot. He and bis boatmen effected a landing in secrecy and silence, Emona saw the form of a man advancing towards her. He gave a signal of recognition. She immediately turned, and finding Nick had removed from his position, hastened to meet the figure observed. Instead of receiving Nick, one of the pirates was encountered. Emona was seized before she discovered her mistake. Even to a sailor, in the the prevailing darkness there had been no perceptible difference between friends and enemies. “Holy virgin! who and what are you?”’ cried Emona, struggling to disengage herself. «‘(Qne who is very fond of a pretty girl,’ replied the pirate, still detaining her.” “ Unhand me, wretch! Are you aware whom you are addressing ?” “Not I, nor do I care,” replied Black Bill. <¢ You will, perhaps, ruffian, when you learn I am the wife of Paul Jones,’ exclaimed Emona, pushing him away. ‘You are right, then, I do care; for where his wife goes, Paul Jones will follow.” “Come, my lads, a little help here,” continued Black Bill, ‘‘she is as strong as a mule; force her into the boat, we have a prize worth taking.” - CREW AND ICE-BOUND SHIP. 71 Emona screamed, but she was gagged in a moment with a handkerchief. The scream attracted the attention of Paul Jones and Fergus Blake. Both rushed to the spot from whence it proceeded. To their dismay, they beheld the figures of the pirates, one whom now bore a torch. Before they could rescue Emona, the whole party had gained their boat, and put off from the ice. : Oh, heaven!’ gasped Fergus Blake, she is ost. Paul Jones attempted to reply. He could utter only an inarticulate exclamation. The next moment his strength failed him, and he sank, overcome with emotion and terror. ‘“For mercy sake,” said Fergus Blake, “ throw off this estacy of grief! We have need of our reason— let us think how this disaster may be averted. These words roused the dreamer from the stupor of despair which had for the moment paralysed his faculties, and suddenly he exclaimed— ‘¢ Our boat is destroyed, but the canoe still remains. Let us seize the oars, and follow in the _ blood- hound’s trail.” Quick as the thought, both seamen departed, but found the vessel spoken no longer at her moorings. “© Where is Nick >” “JT had forgotten the imp in this confusion,” in- terrupted Paul Jones, ‘ well-reminded, he may have cast off the canoe, to prevent it falling into the hands of our enemies.”’ “‘T will go in quest of him,” said Fergus, “he is doubtless awaiting us with it.”’ ““T will not wait for tardy, ineffectual assistance,” Paul Jones cried aloud, “I will control the destiny that threatens me. ‘Combinations menace,” continued he, “but I have skill superior to all, and have arranged, agreed, found means to save imona!” “ What would you do?” “ Let my actions, not my words, speak. The crew are not yet a hundred yards from us. I will reach them, ere they speed another twenty.” Fergus Blake trembled as he observed his com- | panion glance from his side, and plunge into dark- ness.” “Thy husband comes!” shrieked a voice, heard above the howling tempest, and rising from the roaring abyss around it. ‘He is swimming to the boat!”’ exclaimed Fergus Blake. “It is a desperate effort, and, I fear, a fruitless one.” He had spoken truly. Paul Jones was breasting the water manfully, making for the vessel in which Emona had been carried off. By, the reflection of the light on board, Fergus Blake could easily distinguish all that was pass- ing. iddenle the actions of both parties were shut out of sight by a high ridge of ice. The seaman, anxious for Paul Jones and Emona’s safety, climbed up a block and watched with in- tense interest the scene here presented to his view. Paul Jones was within afew yards of the boat, when there was the report of a musket. “ Tt?s all over with him,” said Fergus Blake. ‘The ball has struck the swimmer, and he is food for fishes. I must see what assistance can be rendered No, by heavens! he rises!” As Fergus spoke, Paul Jones was again abreast of the pirates, The next moment he had flung himself into their boat. He stood erect, with his drawn sword in his hand.