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Show 94 NARRATIVE OF without any c1·cnt calcuhtccl to distmb the R"nRih:Ji. tics of our young frie:nds, beyond the unaccounbllly strange sentiments of tho pirn.licnl crC\\". Evcrytllin:; was conducted ,rith so much order and propri ty, good taste and moral deportment, that they coulcl scaTccly believe at times otherwise than that a mere sportive hoax was being played upon them. nut the tranquil, social pastimes were now inter· ruptcd by a new scene of action. It was a pleasant morning; a gentle breeze filled the sails. An unusual arrangement of the vessel at· tracted the attention of Albert. Soon llC observed men at the guns, and Captain Templeton standing in a commanding position. 'rho br.ig was bcm·jng down upon a French merchantman. Albert hastened to Mary, and disclosed to ·her the state of things. MaTy at first trembled, but soon com· posed herself with trust in God. Albert, taking beT arm into his, led her to where Captain Templeton "·as standing: "Captain/' said Albert, "I perceive you arc bearing down upon that mcrcl1ant vessel. Js it your object to place us on board, or do you design to cap· ture her?" ALBERT AND MARY. 95 ":Mr. Gillon/1 rrpliecl the C<lptain, "I slw.n sec to it th:tt ·' ou aml yot~r youug cl•argc an~ safely proYitlctl for; and that yoct u\ay bo perfectly easy on that scm·c, I now inform you that when I take possession of that mcTcktntm::tn, I shall make arrangements for you to Uc taken in her to a sui tuLle port, whence you can fiml your way to your friends. Ile composed no\\', and pay such attention to Miss St. Clair as the un· U'mal occasion may seem in your judgment to require. In a few moment~ we shall have something to do, and perhaps a necessity to usc our guns. Ilut I hope not. If you will retire to the cabin, Mrs. 'l'cmplcton will entertain you t~erc better than you arc likely to be on deck." rrLcrc wns so much politeness in the Captain's manncr, ancl yet evident Jlxcdncss of purpose, that Albert attempted no answer. '!'here was now no doubt that their hospitable entertainers were pirates. rrhcy retired to the cabin, and sat there in profound silence. Soon Mrs. 'rcmplcton came in, and in her gentle winning manner began to prepare Mary for the scenes that mi~ht transpire. "You must not be alarmed, my clear. Yorr will be perfectly safe. I only regret we arc so soon likely to lose your company." |
