Asforthatpooryoungwifeofhis，thelifethatheandhisrum-crazyshipmatesledherwastooterribletobetold。
　　ForatimeBlackbeardworkedathistradedownontheSpanishMain，gathering，inthefewyearshewasthere，averyneatlittlefortuneinthebootycapturedfromsundryvessels；butbyandbyhetookitintohisheadtotryhisluckalongthecoastoftheCarolinas；sooffhesailedtothenorthward，withquitearespectablelittlefleet，consistingofhisownvesselandtwocapturedsloops。FromthattimehewasactivelyengagedinthemakingofAmericanhistoryinhissmallway。
　　HefirstappearedoffthebarofCharlestonHarbor，tothenosmallexcitementoftheworthytownofthatilk，andtherehelayforfiveorsixdays，blockadingtheport，andstoppingincomingandoutgoingvesselsathispleasure，sothat，forthetime，thecommerceoftheprovincewasentirelyparalyzed。Allthevesselssostoppedheheldasprizes，andallthecrewsandpassengersamongthelatterofwhomwasmorethanoneprovincialworthyofthedayheretainedasthoughtheywereprisonersofwar。
　　AnditwasamightilyawkwardthingforthegoodfolkofCharlestontobeholddayafterdayablackflagwithitswhiteskullandcrossbonesflutteringattheforeofthepiratecaptain’scraft，overacrossthelevelstretchofgreensaltmarshes；anditwasmightilyunpleasant，too，toknowthatthisorthatprominentcitizenwascrowdeddownwiththeotherprisonersunderthehatches。
　　OnemorningCaptainBlackbeardfindsthathisstockofmedicineislow。”Tut！”sayshe，”we’llturnnohairgrayforthat。”SouphecallstheboldCaptainRichards，thecommanderofhisconsorttheRevengesloop，andbidshimtakeMr。Marksoneofhisprisoners，andgouptoCharlestonandgetthemedicine。
　　TherewasnotaskthatsuitedourCaptainRichardsbetterthanthat。Uptothetownherowed，asboldasbrass。”Lookye，”sayshetothegovernor，rollinghisquidoftobaccofromonecheektoanother——”lookye，we’reafterthisandthat，andifwedon’tgetit，why，I’lltellyouplain，we’llburnthembloodycraftsofyoursthatwe’vetookoveryonder，andcuttheweasandofeveryclodpollaboardof’em。”
　　Therewasnoansweringanargumentofsuchforceasthis，andtheworshipfulgovernorandthegoodfolkofCharlestonknewverywellthatBlackbeardandhiscrewwerethementodoastheypromised。SoBlackbeardgothismedicine，andthoughitcostthecolonytwothousanddollars，itwasworththatmuchtothetowntobequitofhim。
　　TheysaythatwhileCaptainRichardswasconductinghisnegotiationswiththegovernorhisboat’screwwerestumpingaroundthestreetsofthetown，havingaglorioustimeofit，whilethegoodfolkgloweredwrathfullyatthem，butdaredventurenothinginspeechoract。
　　Havinggainedabootyofbetweensevenandeightthousanddollarsfromtheprizescaptured，thepiratessailedawayfromCharlestonHarbortothecoastofNorthCarolina。
　　AndnowBlackbeard，followingtheplanadoptedbysomanyothersofhiskind，begantocudgelhisbrainsformeanstocheathisfellowsoutoftheirshareofthebooty。
　　AtTopsailInletheranhisownvesselaground，asthoughbyaccident。Hands，thecaptainofoneoftheconsorts，pretendingtocometohisassistance，alsogroundedHISsloop。Nothingnowremainedbutforthosewhowereabletogetawayintheothercraft，whichwasallthatwasnowleftofthelittlefleet。ThisdidBlackbeardwithsomefortyofhisfavorites。Therestofthepirateswereleftonthesandspittoawaitthereturnoftheircompanions——whichneverhappened。
　　AsforBlackbeardandthosewhowerewithhim，theywerethatmuchricher，forthereweresomanythefewerpocketstofill。
　　Butevenyetthereweretoomanytosharethebooty，inBlackbeard’sopinion，andsohemaroonedaparcelmoreofthem——someeighteenortwenty——uponanakedsandbank，fromwhichtheywereafterwardmercifullyrescuedbyanotherfreebooterwhochancedthatway——acertainMajorStedeBonnet，ofwhommorewillpresentlybesaid。Aboutthattimearoyalproclamationhadbeenissuedofferingpardontoallpiratesinarmswhowouldsurrendertotheking’sauthoritybeforeagivendate。SoupgoesMasterBlackbeardtotheGovernorofNorthCarolinaandmakeshisnecksafebysurrenderingtotheproclamation——albeithekepttightclutchuponwhathehadalreadygained。
　　AndnowwefindourboldCaptainBlackbeardestablishedinthegoodprovinceofNorthCarolina，whereheandHisWorshiptheGovernorstruckupavastdealofintimacy，asprofitableasitwaspleasant。Thereissomethingveryprettyinthethoughtoftheboldsearovergivinguphisadventurouslifeexceptingnowandthenanexcursionagainstatraderortwointheneighboringsound，whentheneedofmoneywaspressing；settlingquietlydownintotheroutineofoldcoloniallife，withayoungwifeofsixteenathisside，whomadethefourteenththathehadinvariousportshereandthereintheworld。
　　Becomingtiredofaninactivelife，Blackbeardafterwardresumedhispiraticalcareer。HecruisedaroundintheriversandinletsandsoundsofNorthCarolinaforawhile，rulingtheroostandwithneveraonetosayhimnay，untiltherewasnobearingwithsuchapestanylonger。SotheysentadeputationuptotheGovernorofVirginiaaskingifhewouldbepleasedtohelpthemintheirtrouble。
　　Thereweretwomen-of-warlyingatKicquetan，intheJamesRiver，atthetime。TothemtheGovernorofVirginiaapplies，andpluckyLieutenantMaynard，ofthePearl，wassenttoOcracokeInlettofightthispiratewhoruleditdowntheresolikethecockofawalk。TherehefoundBlackbeardwaitingforhim，andasreadyforafightaseverthelieutenanthimselfcouldbe。
　　Fighttheydid，andwhileitlasteditwasasprettyapieceofbusinessofitskindasonecouldwishtosee。Blackbearddrainedaglassofgrog，wishingthelieutenantluckingettingaboardofhim，firedabroadside，blewsometwentyofthelieutenant’smenoutofexistence，andtotallycrippledoneofhislittlesloopsforthebalanceofthefight。Afterthat，andundercoverofthesmoke，thepirateandhismenboardedtheothersloop，andthenfollowedafineold-fashionedhand-to-handconflictbetwixthimandthelieutenant。Firsttheyfiredtheirpistols，andthentheytooktoitwithcutlasses——right，left，upanddown，cutandslash——untilthelieutenant’scutlassbrokeshortoffatthehilt。ThenBlackbeardwouldhavefinishedhimoffhandsomely，onlyupstepsoneofthelieutenant’smenandfetcheshimagreatslashovertheneck，sothatthelieutenantcameoffwithnomorehurtthanacutacrosstheknuckles。
　　AttheveryfirstdischargeoftheirpistolsBlackbeardhadbeenshotthroughthebody，buthewasnotforgivingupforthat——nothe。Assaidbefore，hewasofthetrueroaring，ragingbreedofpirates，andstooduptoituntilhereceivedtwentymorecutlasscutsandfiveadditionalshots，andthenfelldeadwhiletryingtofireoffanemptypistol。Afterthatthelieutenantcutoffthepirate’shead，andsailedawayintriumph，withthebloodytrophynailedtothebowofhisbatteredsloop。
　　ThoseofBlackbeard’smenwhowerenotkilledwerecarriedofftoVirginia，andallofthemtriedandhangedbutoneortwo，theirnames，nodoubt，stillstandinginarowintheprovincialrecords。
　　ButdidBlackbeardreallyburytreasures，astraditionsays，alongthesandyshoreshehaunted？
　　MasterClementDowning，midshipmanaboardtheSalisbury，wroteabookafterhisreturnfromthecruisetoMadagascar，whithertheSalisburyhadbeenordered，toputanendtothepiracywithwhichthosewaterswereinfested。Hesays:”AtGuzaratImetwithaPortuguesenamedAnthonydeSylvestre；
　　hecamewithtwootherPortugueseandtwoDutchmentotakeonintheMoor’sservice，asmanyEuropeansdo。ThisAnthonytoldmehehadbeenamongthepirates，andthathebelongedtooneofthesloopsinVirginiawhenBlackbeardwastaken。HeinformedmethatifitshouldbemylotevertogotoYorkRiverorMaryland，nearanislandcalledMulberryIsland，providedwewentonshoreatthewateringplace，wheretheshippingusedmostcommonlytoride，thattherethepirateshadburiedconsiderablesumsofmoneyingreatchestswellclampedwithironplates。Astomypart，Ineverwasthatway，normuchacquaintedwithanythateverusedthoseparts；butIhavemadeinquiry，andaminformedthatthereissuchaplaceasMulberryIsland。Ifanypersonwhousesthosepartsshouldthinkitworthwhiletodigalittlewayattheupperendofasmallcove，whereitisconvenienttoland，hewouldsoonfindwhethertheinformationIhadwaswellgrounded。Frontingthelandingplacearefivetrees，amongwhich，hesaid，themoneywashid。Icannotwarrantthetruthofthisaccount；butifIwasevertogothere，Ishouldfindsomemeansorothertosatisfymyself，asitcouldnotbeagreatdealoutofmyway。Ifanybodyshouldobtainthebenefitofthisaccount，ifitpleaseGodthattheyevercometoEngland，’tishopedtheywillrememberwhencetheyhadthisinformation。”
　　AnotherworthywasCapt。EdwardLow，wholearnedhistradeofsail-makingatgoodoldBostontown，andpiracyatHonduras。Noonestoodhigherinthetradethanhe，andnoonemountedtomoreloftyaltitudesofbloodthirstyandunscrupulouswickedness。’Tisstrangethatsolittlehasbeenwrittenandsungofthismanofmight，forhewasasworthyofstoryandofsongaswasBlackbeard。
　　ItwasunderaYankeecaptainthathemadehisfirstcruise——downtoHonduras，foracargooflogwood，whichinthosetimeswasnobetterthanstolenfromtheSpanishfolk。
　　Oneday，lyingofftheshore，intheGulfofHonduras，comesMasterLowandthecrewofthewhaleboatrowingacrossfromthebeach，wheretheyhadbeenallmorningchoppinglogwood。”Whatareyouafter？”saysthecaptain，fortheywerecomingbackwithnothingbutthemselvesintheboat。”We’reafterourdinner，”saysLow，asspokesmanoftheparty。”You’llhavenodinner，”saysthecaptain，”untilyoufetchoffanotherload。””Dinnerornodinner，we’llpayforit，”saysLow，wherewithheupwithamusket，squintedalongthebarrel，andpulledthetrigger。
　　Luckilythegunhungfire，andtheYankeecaptainwassparedtosteallogwoodawhilelonger。
　　Allthesame，thatwasnoplaceforNedLowtomakealongerstay，sooffheandhismessmatesrowedinawhaleboat，capturedabrigoutatsea，andturnedpirates。
　　HepresentlyfellinwiththenotoriousCaptainLowther，afellowafterhisownkidney，whoputthefinishingtouchestohiseducationandtaughthimwhatwickednesshedidnotalreadyknow。
　　Andsohebecameamasterpirate，andafamoushandathiscraft，andthereafterforeverboreaninveteratehatredofallYankeesbecauseofthedinnerhehadlost，andneverfailedtosmitewhateveroneofthemluckputwithinhisreach。OncehefellinwithashipoffSouthCarolina——theAmsterdamMerchant，CaptainWilliamson，commander——aYankeecraftandaYankeemaster。Heslitthenoseandcroppedtheearsofthecaptain，andthensailedmerrilyaway，feelingthebetterforhavingmarredaYankee。
　　NewYorkandNewEnglandhadmorethanonevisitfromthedoughtycaptain，eachofwhichvisitstheyhadgoodcausetoremember，forhemadethemsmartforit。
　　Alongintheyear1722thirteenvesselswereridingatanchorinfrontofthegoodtownofMarblehead。Intotheharborsailedastrangecraft。”Whoisshe？”saythetownsfolk，forthecomingofanewvesselwasnosmallmatterinthosedays。
　　Whothestrangerswerewasnotlongamatterofdoubt。Upgoestheblackflag，andtheskullandcrossbonestothefore。”’TisthebloodyLow，”sayoneandall；andstraightwayallwasflutterandcommotion，asinaduckpondwhenahawkpitchesandstrikesinthemidst。
　　Itwasagloriousthingforourcaptain，forherewerethirteenYankeecraftsatoneandthesametime。Sohetookwhathewanted，andthensailedaway，anditwasmanyadaybeforeMarbleheadforgotthatvisit。
　　SometimeafterthisheandhisconsortfellfoulofanEnglishsloopofwar，theGreyhound，wherebytheyweresoroughlyhandledthatLowwasgladenoughtoslipaway，leavinghisconsortandhercrewbehindhim，asasoptothepowersoflawandorder。Andluckyforthemifnoworsefateawaitedthemthantowalkthedreadfulplankwithabandagearoundtheblindedeyesandaropearoundtheelbows。Sotheconsortwastaken，andthecrewtriedandhangedinchains，andLowsailedoffinasprettyabitofrageaseverapiratefellinto。
　　Theendofthisworthyislostinthefogsofthepast:somesaythathediedofayellowfeverdowninNewOrleans；itwasnotattheendofahempencord，more’sthepity。
　　HerefittinglywithourstrictlyAmericanpiratesshouldstandMajorStedeBonnetalongwiththerest。Butintruthhewasonlyapoorhalf-and-halffellowofhiskind，andevenafterhishandwasfairlyturnedtothebusinesshehadundertaken，aqualmofconsciencewouldnowandthencomeacrosshim，andhewouldmakevastpromisestoforswearhisevilcourses。
　　However，hejoggedalonginhiscourseofpiracysnuglyenoughuntilhefellfoulofthegallantColonelRhett，offCharlestonHarbor，whereuponhisluckandhiscouragebothweresuddenlysnuffedoutwithapuffofpowdersmokeandagoodrattlingbroadside。Downcamethe”BlackRoger”withitsskullandcrossbonesfromthefore，andColonelRhetthadthegloryoffetchingbackasprettyacargoofscoundrelsandcutthroatsasthetowneversaw。
　　Afterthenextassizestheywerestrungup，allinarow——evilapplesreadyfortheroasting。”Ned”Englandwasafellowofdifferentblood——onlyhesnappedhiswhipacrossthebackofsocietyoverintheEastIndiesandalongthehotshoresofHindustan。
　　ThenameofCapt。HowelDavisstandshighamonghisfellows。HewastheUlyssesofpirates，thebelovednotonlyofMercury，butofMinerva。
　　HeitwaswhohoodwinkedthecaptainofaFrenchshipofdoublethesizeandstrengthofhisown，andfairlycheatedhimintothesurrenderofhiscraftwithoutthefiringofasinglepistolorthestrikingofasingleblow；heitwaswhosailedboldlyintotheportofGambia，onthecoastofGuinea，andunderthegunsofthecastle，proclaiminghimselfasamerchanttradingforslaves。
　　Thecheatwaskeptupuntilthefruitofmischiefwasripeforthepicking；then，whenthegovernorandtheguardsofthecastlewerelulledintoentiresecurity，andwhenDavis’sbandwasscatteredaboutwherevereachmancoulddothemostgood，itwasoutpistol，upcutlass，anddeathifafingermoved。Theytiedthesoldiersbacktoback，andthegovernortohisownarmchair，andthenrifledwhereveritpleasedthem。Afterthattheysailedaway，andthoughtheyhadnotmadethefortunetheyhadhopedtoglean，itwasagoodsnugroundsumthattheysharedamongthem。
　　Theircouragegrowinghighwithsuccess，theydeterminedtoattempttheislandofDelPrincipe——aprosperousPortuguesesettlementonthecoast。Theplanfortakingtheplacewascleverlylaid，andwouldhavesucceeded，onlythataPortuguesenegroamongthepiratecrewturnedtraitorandcarriedthenewsashoretothegovernorofthefort。Accordingly，thenextday，whenCaptainDaviscameashore，hefoundthereagoodstrongguarddrawnupasthoughtohonorhiscoming。Butafterheandthosewithhimwerefairlyoutoftheirboat，andwellawayfromthewaterside，therewasasuddenrattleofmusketry，acloudofsmoke，andadullgroanortwo。Onlyonemanranoutfromunderthatpungentcloud，jumpedintotheboat，androwedaway；andwhenitlifted，therelayCaptainDavisandhiscompanionsallofaheap，likeapileofoldclothes。
　　Capt。BartholomewRobertswastheparticularandespecialpupilofDavis，andwhenthatworthymethisdeathsosuddenlyandsounexpectedlyintheunfortunatemannerabovenarrated，hewaschosenunanimouslyasthecaptainofthefleet，andhewasaworthypupilofaworthymaster。Manywerethepoorflutteringmerchantducksthatthisseahawkswoopeduponandstruck；andcleanlyandcleverlyweretheypluckedbeforehissavageclutchlooseneditsholduponthem。”Hemadeagallantfigure，”saystheoldnarrator，”beingdressedinarichcrimsonwaistcoatandbreechesandredfeatherinhishat，agoldchainaroundhisneck，withadiamondcrosshangingtoit，aswordinhishand，andtwopairofpistolshangingattheendofasilkslingflungoverhisshouldersaccordingtothefashionofthepyrates。”Thusheappearedinthelastengagementwhichhefought——thatwiththeSwallow——aroyalsloopofwar。A
　　gallantfighttheymadeofit，thosebulldogpirates，for，findingthemselvescaughtinatrapbetwixttheman-of-warandtheshore，theydeterminedtobeardownupontheking’svessel，fireaslappingbroadsideintoher，andthentrytogetaway，trustingtoluckinthedoing，andhopingthattheirenemymightbecrippledbytheirfire。
　　CaptainRobertshimselfwasthefirsttofallatthereturnfireoftheSwallow；agrapeshotstruckhimintheneck，andhefellforwardacrossthegunneartowhichhewasstandingatthetime。
　　AcertainfellownamedStevenson，whowasatthehelm，sawhimfall，andthoughthewaswounded。Attheliftingofthearmthebodyrolledoveruponthedeck，andthemansawthatthecaptainwasdead。”Whereupon，”saystheoldhistory，”he”[Stevenson]”gushedintotears，andwishedthatthenextshotmightbehisportion。”Aftertheircaptain’sdeaththepiratecrewhadnostomachformorefighting；the”BlackRoger”wasstruck，andoneandallsurrenderedtojusticeandthegallows。
　　Suchisabriefandbaldaccountofthemostfamousofthesepirates。Buttheyareonlyafewofalonglistofnotables，suchasCaptainMartel，Capt。CharlesVanewholedthegallantColonelRhett，ofSouthCarolina，suchawild-goosechaseinandoutamongthesluggishcreeksandinletsalongthecoast，Capt。
　　JohnRackam，andCaptainAnstis，CaptainWorley，andEvans，andPhilips，andothers——ascoreormoreofwildfellowswhoseverynamesmadeshipcaptainstrembleintheirshoesinthosegoodoldtimes。
　　Andsuchisthatblackchapterofhistoryofthepast——anevilchapter，luridwithcrueltyandsuffering，stainedwithbloodandsmoke。Yetitisawrittenchapter，anditmustberead。Hewhochoosesmayreadbetwixtthelinesofhistorythisgreattruth:
　　Evilitselfisaninstrumenttowardtheshapingofgood。
　　Thereforethehistoryofevilaswellasthehistoryofgoodshouldberead，considered，anddigested。
　　ChapterII
　　THEGHOSTOFCAPTAINBRAND
　　ITisnotsoeasytotellwhydiscreditshouldbecastuponamanbecauseofsomethingthathisgrandfathermayhavedoneamiss，buttheworld，whichisneveroverniceinitsdiscriminationastowheretolaytheblame，isoftenpleasedtomaketheinnocentsufferintheplaceoftheguilty。
　　BarnabyTruewasagood，honest，biddablelad，asboysgo，butyethewasnoteverallowedaltogethertoforgetthathisgrandfatherhadbeenthatveryfamouspirate，Capt。WilliamBrand，who，aftersomanymarvelousadventuresifonemaybelievethecatchpennystoriesandballadsthatwerewrittenabouthim，wasmurderedinJamaicabyCapt。JohnMalyoe，thecommanderofhisownconsort，theAdventuregalley。
　　Ithasneverbeendenied，thateverIheard，thatuptothetimeofCaptainBrand’sbeingcommissionedagainsttheSouthSeapirateshehadalwaysbeenesteemedashonest，reputableaseacaptainascouldbe。
　　Whenhestartedoutuponthatadventureitwaswithaship，theRoyalSovereign，fittedoutbysomeofthemostdecentmerchantsofNewYork。Thegovernorhimselfhadsubscribedtotheadventure，andhadhimselfsignedCaptainBrand’scommission。So，iftheunfortunatemanwentastray，hemusthavehadgreattemptationtodoso，manyothersbehavingnobetterwhentheopportunityofferedinthosefar-awayseaswheresomanyrichpurchasesmightveryeasilybetakenandnoonethewiser。
　　Tobesure，thosestoriesandballadsmadeourcaptaintobeamostwicked，profanewretch；andifhewere，why，Godknowshesufferedandpaidforit，forhelaidhisbonesinJamaica，andneversawhishomeorhiswifeanddaughteragainafterhehadsailedawayontheRoyalSovereignonthatlongmisfortunatevoyage，leavingtheminNewYorktothecareofstrangers。
　　AtthetimewhenhemethisfateinPortRoyalHarborhehadobtainedtwovesselsunderhiscommand——theRoyalSovereign，whichwastheboatfittedoutforhiminNewYork，andtheAdventuregalley，whichhewassaidtohavetakensomewhereintheSouthSeas。WiththesehelayinthosewatersofJamaicaforoveramonthafterhisreturnfromthecoastsofAfrica，waitingfornewsfromhome，which，whenitcame，wasoftheveryblackest；forthecolonialauthoritieswereatthattimestirredupveryhotagainsthimtotakehimandhanghimforapirate，soastocleartheirownskirtsforhavingtodowithsuchafellow。
　　Somaybeitseemedbettertoourcaptaintohidehisill-gottentreasurethereinthosefar-awayparts，andafterwardtotryandbargainwithitforhislifewhenheshouldreachNewYork，ratherthantosailstraightfortheAmericaswithwhathehadearnedbyhispiracies，andsorisklosinglifeandmoneyboth。
　　Howeverthatmightbe，thestorywasthatCaptainBrandandhisgunner，andCaptainMalyoeoftheAdventureandthesailingmasteroftheAdventureallwentashoretogetherwithachestofmoneynooneofthemchoosingtotrusttheotherthreeinsoniceanaffair，andburiedthetreasuresomewhereonthebeachofPortRoyalHarbor。Thestorythenhasitthattheyfella-quarrelingaboutafuturedivisionorthemoney，andthat，asawind-uptotheaffair，CaptainMalyoeshotCaptainBrandthroughthehead，whilethesailingmasteroftheAdventureservedthegunneroftheRoyalSovereignafterthesamefashionthroughthebody，andthatthemurderersthenwentaway，leavingthetwostretchedoutintheirownbloodonthesandinthestaringsun，withnoonetoknowwherethemoneywashidbuttheytwowhohadservedtheircomradesso。
　　Itisamightygreatpitythatanyoneshouldhaveagrandfatherwhoendedhisdaysinsuchasortasthis，butitwasnofaultofBarnabyTrue’s，norcouldhehavedoneanythingtopreventit，seeingthathewasnotevenbornintotheworldatthetimethathisgrandfatherturnedpirate，andwasonlyoneyearoldwhenhesomethistragicalend。Nevertheless，theboyswithwhomhewenttoschoolnevertiredofcallinghim”Pirate，”andwouldsometimessingforhisbenefitthatfamouscatchpennysongbeginningthus:
　　Oh，mynamewasCaptainBrand，A-sailing，Anda-sailing；Oh，mynamewasCaptainBrand，A-sailingfree。
　　Oh，mynamewasCaptainBrand，AndIsinnedbyseaandland，ForIbrokeGod’sjustcommand，A-sailingfree。
　　’Twasavilethingtosingatthegrandsonofsomisfortunateaman，andoftentimeslittleBarnabyTruewoulddoubleuphisfistsandwouldfighthistormentorsatgreatodds，andwouldsometimesgobackhomewithabloodynosetohavehispoormothercryoverhimandgrieveforhim。
　　Notthathisdayswereallofteasingandtorment，neither；forifhiscomradesdidtreathimso，why，then，therewereothertimeswhenheandtheywereasgreatfriendsascouldbe，andwouldgoinswimmingtogetherwheretherewasabitofsandystrandalongtheEastRiveraboveFortGeorge，andthatinthemostamicablefashion。Or，maybetheverynextdayafterhehadfoughtsowithhisfellows，hewouldgoa-ramblingwiththemuptheBowerieRoad，perhapstohelpthemstealcherriesfromsomeoldDutchfarmer，forgettinginsuchadventurewhatathiefhisowngrandfatherhadbeen。
　　Well，whenBarnabyTruewasbetweensixteenandseventeenyearsoldhewastakenintoemploymentinthecountinghouseofMr。
　　RogerHartright，thewell-knownWestIndiamerchant，andBarnaby’sownstepfather。
　　ItwasthekindnessofthisgoodmanthatnotonlyfoundaplaceforBarnabyinthecountinghouse，butadvancedhimsofastthatagainstourherowastwenty-oneyearsoldhehadmadefourvoyagesassupercargototheWestIndiesinMr。Hartright’sship，theBelleHelen，andsoonafterhewastwenty-oneundertookafifth。Norwasitinanysuchsubordinatepositionasmeresupercargothatheacted，butratherastheconfidentialagentofMr。Hartright，who，havingnochildrenofhisown，wasveryjealoustoadvanceourherointoapositionoftrustandresponsibilityinthecountinghouse，asthoughhewereindeedason，sothateventhecaptainoftheshiphadscarcelymoreconsiderationaboardthanhe，youngashewasinyears。
　　AsfortheagentsandcorrespondentsofMr。Hartrightthroughouttheseparts，theyalso，knowinghowthegoodmanhadadoptedhisinterests，wereverypoliteandobligingtoMasterBarnaby——especially，beitmentioned，Mr。AmbroseGreenfield，ofKingston，Jamaica，who，upontheoccasionsofhisvisitstothoseparts，didallthathecouldtomakeBarnaby’sstayinthattownagreeableandpleasanttohim。
　　Somuchforthehistoryofourherotothetimeofthebeginningofthisstory，withoutwhichyoushallhardlybeabletounderstandthepurportofthosemostextraordinaryadventuresthatbefellhimshortlyafterhecameofage，northelogicoftheirconsequenceaftertheyhadoccurred。
　　ForitwasduringhisfifthvoyagetotheWestIndiesthatthefirstofthoseextraordinaryadventureshappenedofwhichIshallhavepresentlytotell。
　　AtthattimehehadbeeninKingstonforthebestpartoffourweeks，lodgingatthehouseofaverydecent，respectablewidow，bynameMrs。AnneBolles，who，withthreepleasantandagreeabledaughters，keptaverycleanandwell-servedlodginghouseintheoutskirtsofthetown。
　　Onemorning，asourherosatsippinghiscoffee，cladonlyinloosecottondrawers，ashirt，andajacket，andwithslippersuponhisfeet，asisthecustominthatcountry，whereeveryoneendeavorstokeepascoolasmaybewhilehesatthussippinghiscoffeeMissEliza，theyoungestofthethreedaughters，cameandgavehimanote，which，shesaid，astrangerhadjusthandedinatthedoor，goingawayagainwithoutwaitingforareply。YoumayjudgeofBarnaby’ssurprisewhenheopenedthenoteandreadasfollows:
　　MR。BARNABYTRUE。
　　SIR，——Thoughyoudon’tknowme，Iknowyou，andItellyouthis:
　　ifyouwillbeatPratt’sOrdinaryonHarborStreetonFridaynextateighto’clockoftheevening，andwillaccompanythemanwhoshallsaytoyou，”TheRoyalSovereigniscomein，”youshalllearnsomethingthemosttoyouradvantagethateverbefellyou。
　　Sir，keepthisnote，andshowittohimwhoshalladdressthesewordstoyou，sotocertifythatyouarethemanheseeks。
　　Suchwasthewordingofthenote，whichwaswithoutaddress，andwithoutanysuperscriptionwhatever。
　　ThefirstemotionthatstirredBarnabywasoneofextremeandprofoundamazement。Thenthethoughtcameintohismindthatsomewittyfellow，ofwhomheknewagoodmanyinthattown——andwild，waggishprankstheywerewasattemptingtoplayoffsomesmartjestuponhim。ButallthatMissElizacouldtellhimwhenhequestionedherconcerningthemessengerwasthatthebearerofthenotewasatall，stoutman，witharedneckerchiefaroundhisneckandcopperbucklestohisshoes，andthathehadtheappearanceofasailorman，havingagreatbigqueuehangingdownhisback。But，Lord！whatwassuchadescriptionasthatinabusyseaporttown，fullofscoresofmentofitsuchalikeness？
　　Accordingly，ourheroputawaythenoteintohiswallet，determiningtoshowittohisgoodfriendMr。Greenfieldthatevening，andtoaskhisadviceuponit。Sohedidshowit，andthatgentleman’sopinionwasthesameashis——thatsomewagwasmindedtoplayoffahoaxuponhim，andthatthematteroftheletterwasallnothingbutsmoke。
　　Nevertheless，thoughBarnabywasthusconfirmedinhisopinionastothenatureofthecommunicationhehadreceived，heyetdeterminedinhisownmindthathewouldseethebusinessthroughtotheend，andwouldbeatPratt’sOrdinary，asthenotedemanded，uponthedayandatthetimespecifiedtherein。
　　Pratt’sOrdinarywasatthattimeaveryfineandwell-knownplaceofitssort，withgoodtobaccoandthebestrumthateverI
　　tasted，andhadagardenbehinditthat，slopingdowntotheharborfront，wasplantedprettythickwithpalmsandfernsgroupedintoclusterswithflowersandplants。Herewereanumberoflittletables，someinlittlegrottoes，likeourVauxhallinNewYork，andwithredandblueandwhitepaperlanternshungamongthefoliage，whithergentlemenandladiesusedsometimestogoofaneveningtositanddrinklimejuiceandsugarandwaterandsometimesatasteofsomethingstronger，andtolookoutacrossthewaterattheshippinginthecoolofthenight。
　　Thither，accordingly，ourherowent，alittlebeforethetimeappointedinthenote，andpassingdirectlythroughtheOrdinaryandthegardenbeyond，choseatableatthelowerendofthegardenandclosetothewater’sedge，wherehewouldnotbeeasilyseenbyanyonecomingintotheplace。Then，orderingsomerumandwaterandapipeoftobacco，hecomposedhimselftowatchfortheappearanceofthosewittyfellowswhomhesuspectedwouldpresentlycomethithertoseetheendoftheirprankandtoenjoyhisconfusion。
　　Thespotwaspleasantenough；forthelandbreeze，blowingstrongandfull，settheleavesofthepalmtreeabovehisheadtorattlingandclatteringcontinuallyagainstthesky，where，themoonthenbeingaboutfull，theyshoneeverynowandthenlikebladesofsteel。Thewavesalsoweresplashingupagainstthelittlelandingplaceatthefootofthegarden，soundingverycoolinthenight，andsparklingallovertheharborwherethemooncaughttheedgesofthewater。Agreatmanyvesselswerelyingatanchorintheirridings，withthedark，prodigiousformofaman-of-warloomingupabovetheminthemoonlight。
　　Thereourherosatforthebestpartofanhour，smokinghispipeoftobaccoandsippinghisgrog，andseeingnotsomuchasasinglethingthatmightconcernthenotehehadreceived。
　　Itwasnotfarfromhalfanhourafterthetimeappointedinthenote，whenarowboatcamesuddenlyoutofthenightandpulleduptothelandingplaceatthefootofthegardenabovementioned，andthreeorfourmencameashoreinthedarkness。Withoutsayingawordamongthemselvestheychoseanear-bytableand，sittingdown，orderedrumandwater，andbegandrinkingtheirgroginsilence。Theymighthavesatthereaboutfiveminutes，when，byandby，BarnabyTruebecameawarethattheywereobservinghimverycuriously；andthenalmostimmediatelyone，whowasplainlytheleaderoftheparty，calledouttohim:”Hownow，messmate！Won’tyoucomeanddrinkadramofrumwithus？””Why，no，”saysBarnaby，answeringverycivilly；”Ihavedrunkenoughalready，andmorewouldonlyheatmyblood。””Allthesame，”quoththestranger，”Ithinkyouwillcomeanddrinkwithus；for，unlessIammistook，youareMr。BarnabyTrue，andIamcomeheretotellyouthattheRoyalSovereigniscomein。”
　　NowImayhonestlysaythatBarnabyTruewasnevermorestruckabackinallhislifethanhewasathearingthesewordsutteredinsounexpectedamanner。Hehadbeenlookingtohearthemundersuchdifferentcircumstancesthat，nowthathisearsheardthemaddressedtohim，andthatsoseriously，byaperfectstranger，who，withothers，hadthusmysteriouslycomeashoreoutofthedarkness，hecouldscarcebelievethathisearsheardaright。Hisheartsuddenlybeganbeatingatatremendousrate，andhadhebeenanolderandwiserman，Idobelievehewouldhavedeclinedtheadventure，insteadofleapingblindly，ashedid，intothatofwhichhecouldseeneitherthebeginningnortheending。Butbeingbarelyone-and-twentyyearsofage，andhavinganadventurousdispositionthatwouldhavecarriedhimintoalmostanythingthatpossessedasmackofuncertaintyordangeraboutit，hecontrivedtosay，inaprettyeasytonethoughGodknowshowitwasputonfortheoccasion:”Well，then，ifthatbeso，andiftheRoyalSovereignisindeedcomein，why，I’lljoinyou，sinceyouaresokindastoaskme。”
　　Andtherewithhewentacrosstotheothertable，carryinghispipewithhim，andsatdownandbegansmoking，withalltheappearanceofeasehecouldassumeupontheoccasion。”Well，Mr。BarnabyTrue，”saidthemanwhohadbeforeaddressedhim，sosoonasBarnabyhadsettledhimself，speakinginalowtoneofvoice，sotherewouldbenodangerofanyothershearingthewords——”Well，Mr。BarnabyTrue——forIshallcallyoubyyourname，toshowyouthatthoughIknowyou，youdon’tknowmeIamgladtoseethatyouaremanenoughtoenterthusintoanaffair，thoughyoucan’tseetothebottomofit。Foritshowsmethatyouareamanofmettle，andaredeservingofthefortunethatistobefallyouto-night。Nevertheless，firstofall，Iambidtosaythatyoumustshowmeapieceofpaperthatyouhaveaboutyoubeforewegoastepfarther。””Verywell，”saidBarnaby；”Ihaveitheresafeandsound，andseeityoushall。”Andthereuponandwithoutmoreadohefetchedouthiswallet，openedit，andhandedhisinterlocutorthemysteriousnotehehadreceivedthedayortwobefore。Whereupontheother，drawingtohimthecandle，burningtherefortheconvenienceofthosewhowouldsmoketobacco，beganimmediatelyreadingit。
　　ThisgaveBarnabyTrueamomentortwotolookathim。Hewasatall，stoutman，witharedhandkerchieftiedaroundhisneck，andwithcopperbucklesonhisshoes，sothatBarnabyTruecouldnotbutwonderwhetherhewasnottheverysamemanwhohadgiventhenotetoMissElizaBollesatthedoorofhislodginghouse。”’Tisallrightandstraightasitshouldbe，”theothersaid，afterhehadsoglancedhiseyesoverthenote。”Andnowthatthepaperisread”suitinghisactiontohiswords，”I’lljustburnit，forsafety’ssake。”
　　Andsohedid，twistingitupandsettingittotheflameofthecandle。”Andnow，”hesaid，continuinghisaddress，”I’lltellyouwhatI
　　amherefor。Iwassenttoaskyouifyou’remanenoughtotakeyourlifeinyourownhandsandtogowithmeinthatboatdownthere？Say’Yes，’andwe’llstartawaywithoutwastingmoretime，forthedevilisashorehereatJamaica——thoughyoudon’tknowwhatthatmeans——andifhegetsaheadofus，why，thenwemaywhistleforwhatweareafter。Say’No，’andIgoawayagain，andIpromiseyouyoushallneverbetroubledagaininthissort。Sonowspeakupplain，younggentleman，andtelluswhatisyourmindinthisbusiness，andwhetheryouwilladventureanyfartherornot。”
　　Ifourherohesitateditwasnotforlong。Icannotsaythathiscouragedidnotwaverforamoment；butifitdid，itwas，Isay，notforlong，andwhenhespokeupitwaswithavoiceassteadyascouldbe。”TobesureI’mmanenoughtogowithyou，”hesaid；”andifyoumeanmeanyharmIcanlookoutformyself；andifIcan’t，why，hereissomethingcanlookoutforme，”andtherewithhelifteduptheflapofhiscoatpocketandshowedthebuttofapistolhehadfetchedwithhimwhenhehadsetoutfromhislodginghousethatevening。
　　Atthistheotherburstouta-laughing。”Come，”sayshe，”youareindeedofrightmettle，andIlikeyourspirit。Allthesame，nooneinalltheworldmeansyoulessillthanI，andso，ifyouhavetousethatbarker，’twillnotbeuponuswhoareyourfriends，butonlyupononewhoismorewickedthanthedevilhimself。Socome，andletusgetaway。”
　　Thereuponheandtheothers，whohadnotspokenasinglewordforallthistime，rosefromthetable，andhehavingpaidthescoresofall，theyallwentdowntogethertotheboatthatstilllayatthelandingplaceatthebottomofthegarden。
　　Thuscomingtoit，ourherocouldseethatitwasalargeyawlboatmannedwithhalfascoreofblackmenforrowers，andthereweretwolanternsinthesternsheets，andthreeorfourironshovels。
　　ThemanwhohadconductedtheconversationwithBarnabyTrueforallthistime，andwhowas，ashasbeensaid，plainlythecaptainoftheparty，steppedimmediatelydownintotheboat；ourherofollowed，andtheothersfollowedafterhim；andinstantlytheywereseatedtheboatwasshovedoffandtheblackmenbeganpullingstraightoutintotheharbor，andso，atsomedistanceaway，aroundunderthesternoftheman-of-war。
　　Notawordwasspokenaftertheyhadthuslefttheshore，andpresentlytheymightallhavebeenghosts，forthesilenceoftheparty。BarnabyTruewastoofullofhisownthoughtstotalk——andseriousenoughthoughtstheywerebythistime，withcrimpstotrepanamanateveryturn，andpressgangstocarryamanoffsothathemightneverbeheardofagain。Asfortheothers，theydidnotseemtochoosetosayanythingnowthattheyhadhimfairlyembarkedupontheirenterprise。
　　Andsothecrewpulledoninperfectsilenceforthebestpartofanhour，theleaderoftheexpeditiondirectingthecourseoftheboatstraightacrosstheharbor，asthoughtowardthemouthoftheRioCobraRiver。Indeed，thiswastheirdestination，asBarnabycouldafterawhilesee，bythelowpointoflandwithagreatlongrowofcoconutpalmsuponittheappearanceofwhichheknewverywell，whichbyandbybegantoloomupoutofthemilkydimnessofthemoonlight。Astheyapproachedtherivertheyfoundthetidewasrunningstrongoutofit，sothatsomedistanceawayfromthestreamitgurgledandrippledalongsidetheboatasthecrewofblackmenpulledstronglyagainstit。
　　Thustheycameupunderwhatwaseitherapointoflandoranisletcoveredwithathickgrowthofmangrovetrees。Butstillnoonespokeasinglewordastotheirdestination，orwhatwasthebusinesstheyhadinhand。
　　Thenight，nowthattheywereclosetotheshore，wasloudwiththenoiseofrunningtide-water，andtheairwasheavywiththesmellofmudandmarsh，andoverallthewhitenessofthemoonlight，withafewstarsprickingouthereandthereinthesky；andallsostrangeandsilentandmysteriousthatBarnabycouldnotdivesthimselfofthefeelingthatitwasalladream。
　　So，therowersbendingtotheoars，theboatcameslowlyaroundfromundertheclumpofmangrovebushesandoutintotheopenwateragain。
　　Instantlyitdidsotheleaderoftheexpeditioncalledoutinasharpvoice，andtheblackmeninstantlylayontheiroars。
　　AlmostatthesameinstantBarnabyTruebecameawarethattherewasanotherboatcomingdowntherivertowardwheretheylay，nowdriftingwiththestrongtideoutintotheharboragain，andheknewthatitwasbecauseoftheapproachofthatboatthattheotherhadcalleduponhismentoceaserowing。
　　Theotherboat，aswellashecouldseeinthedistance，wasfullofmen，someofwhomappearedtobearmed，forevenintheduskofthedarknesstheshineofthemoonlightglimmeredsharplynowandthenonthebarrelsofmusketsorpistols，andinthesilencethatfollowedaftertheirownrowinghadceasedBarnabyTruecouldhearthechug！chug！oftheoarssoundinglouderandlouderthroughthewaterystillnessofthenightastheboatdrewnearerandnearer。Butheknewnothingofwhatitallmeant，norwhethertheseotherswerefriendsorenemies，orwhatwastohappennext。
　　Theoarsmenoftheapproachingboatdidnotforamomentceasetheirrowing，nottilltheyhadcomeprettyclosetoBarnabyandhiscompanions。Thenamanwhosatinthesternorderedthemtoceaserowing，andastheylayontheiroarshestoodup。Astheypassedby，BarnabyTruecouldseehimveryplain，themoonlightshiningfulluponhim——alarge，stoutgentlemanwitharoundredface，andcladinafinelacedcoatofredcloth。Amidshipoftheboatwasaboxorchestaboutthebignessofamiddle-sizedtravelingtrunk，butcoveredalloverwithcakesofsandanddirt。Intheactofpassing，thegentleman，stillstanding，pointedatitwithanelegantgold-headedcanewhichheheldinhishand。”Areyoucomeafterthis，AbrahamDawling？”sayshe，andthereathiscountenancebrokeintoasevil，malignantagrinaseverBarnabyTruesawinallofhislife。
　　Theotherdidnotimmediatelyreplysomuchasasingleword，butsatasstillasanystone。Then，atlast，theotherboathavinggoneby，hesuddenlyappearedtoregainhiswits，forhebawledoutafterit，”Verywell，JackMalyoe！verywell，JackMalyoe！
　　you’vegotaheadofusthistimeagain，butnexttimeisthethird，andthenitshallbeourturn，evenifWilliamBrandmustcomebackfromhelltosettlewithyou。”
　　Thisheshoutedoutastheotherboatpassedfartherandfartheraway，buttoitmyfinegentlemanmadenoreplyexcepttoburstoutintoagreatroaringfitoflaughter。
　　Therewasanothermanamongthearmedmeninthesternofthepassingboat——avillainous，leanmanwithlanternjaws，andthetopofhisheadasbaldasthepalmofmyhand。Astheboatwentawayintothenightwiththetideandtheheadwaytheoarshadgivenit，hegrinnedsothatthemoonlightshonewhiteonhisbigteeth。Then，flourishingagreatbigpistol，hesaid，andBarnabycouldheareverywordhespoke，”Dobutgivemetheword，YourHonor，andI’llputanotherbulletthroughthesonofaseacook。”
　　Butthegentlemansaidsomewordstoforbidhim，andtherewiththeboatwasgoneawayintothenight，andpresentlyBarnabycouldhearthatthemenattheoarshadbegunrowingagain，leavingthemlyingthere，withoutasinglewordbeingsaidforalongtime。
　　ByandbyoneofthoseinBarnaby’sboatspokeup。”Whereshallyougonow？”hesaid。
　　Atthistheleaderoftheexpeditionappearedsuddenlytocomebacktohimself，andtofindhisvoiceagain。”Go？”heroaredout。”Gotothedevil！Go？Gowhereyouchoose！Go？Gobackagain——that’swherewe’llgo！”andtherewithhefella-cursingandswearinguntilhefoamedatthelips，asthoughhehadgonecleancrazy，whiletheblackmenbeganrowingbackagainacrosstheharborasfastasevertheycouldlayoarsintothewater。
　　TheyputBarnabyTrueashorebelowtheoldcustomhouse；butsobewilderedandshakenwashebyallthathadhappened，andbywhathehadseen，andbythenamesthatheheardspoken，thathewasscarcelyconsciousofanyofthefamiliarthingsamongwhichhefoundhimselfthusstanding。Andsohewalkedupthemoonlitstreettowardhislodginglikeonedrunkorbewildered；for”JohnMalyoe”wasthenameofthecaptainoftheAdventuregalley——hewhohadshotBarnaby’sowngrandfather——and”AbrahamDawling”wasthenameofthegunneroftheRoyalSovereignwhohadbeenshotatthesametimewiththepiratecaptain，andwho，withhim，hadbeenleftstretchedoutinthestaringsunbythemurderers。
　　Thewholebusinesshadoccupiedhardlytwohours，butitwasasthoughthattimewasnopartofBarnaby’slife，butallapartofsomeotherlife，sodarkandstrangeandmysteriousthatitinnowisebelongedtohim。
　　Asforthatboxcoveredalloverwithmud，hecouldonlyguessatthattimewhatitcontainedandwhatthefindingofitsignified。
　　Butofthisourherosaidnothingtoanyone，nordidhetellasinglelivingsoulwhathehadseenthatnight，butnurseditinhisownmind，whereitlaysobigforawhilethathecouldthinkoflittleornothingelsefordaysafter。
　　Mr。Greenfield，Mr。Hartright’scorrespondentandagentintheseparts，livedinafinebrickhousejustoutofthetown，ontheMonaRoad，hisfamilyconsistingofawifeandtwodaughters——brisk，livelyyoungladieswithblackhairandeyes，andveryfinebrightteeththatshonewhenevertheylaughed，andwithaplentytosayforthemselves。ThitherBarnabyTruewasoftenaskedtoafamilydinner；and，indeed，itwasapleasanthometovisit，andtositupontheverandaandsmokeacigarrowiththegoodoldgentlemanandlookouttowardthemountains，whiletheyoungladieslaughedandtalked，orplayedupontheguitarandsang。AndoftentimessoitwasstronglyuponBarnaby’smindtospeaktothegoodgentlemanandtellhimwhathehadbeheldthatnightoutintheharbor；butalwayshewouldthinkbetterofitandholdhispeace，fallingtothinking，andsmokingawayuponhiscigarroatagreatrate。
　　AdayortwobeforetheBelleHelensailedfromKingstonMr。
　　GreenfieldstoppedBarnabyTrueashewasgoingthroughtheofficetobidhimtocometodinnerthatnightfortherewithinthetropicstheybreakfastateleveno’clockandtakedinnerinthecooloftheevening，becauseoftheheat，andnotatmidday，aswedoinmoretemperatelatitudes。”Iwouldhaveyoumeet，”
　　saysMr。Greenfield，”yourchiefpassengerforNewYork，andhisgranddaughter，forwhomthestatecabinandthetwostateroomsaretobefittedashereordered[showingaletter]——SirJohnMalyoeandMissMarjorieMalyoe。DidyoueverheartellofCapt。
　　JackMalyoe，MasterBarnaby？”
　　NowIdobelievethatMr。GreenfieldhadnonotionatallthatoldCaptainBrandwasBarnabyTrue’sowngrandfatherandCapt。
　　JohnMalyoehismurderer，butwhenhesothrustathimthenameofthatman，whatwiththatinitselfandthelateadventurethroughwhichhehimselfhadjustpassed，andwithhisbroodinguponituntilitwassoprodigiouslybiginhismind，itwaslikehittinghimablowtosoflingthequestionsathim。
　　Nevertheless，hewasabletoreply，withaprettystraightface，thathehadheardofCaptainMalyoeandwhohewas。”Well，”saysMr。Greenfield，”ifJackMalyoewasadesperatepirateandawild，recklessbladetwentyyearsago，why，heisSirJohnMalyoenowandtheownerofafineestateinDevonshire。
　　Well，MasterBarnaby，whenoneisabaronetandcomeintotheinheritanceofafineestatethoughIdohearitisvastlycumberedwithdebts，theworldwillwinkitseyetomuchthathemayhavedonetwentyyearsago。Idohearsay，though，thathisownkinstillturnthecoldshouldertohim。”
　　TothisaddressBarnabyanswerednothing，butsatsmokingawayathiscigarroatagreatrate。
　　AndsothatnightBarnabyTruecamefacetofaceforthefirsttimewiththemanwhomurderedhisowngrandfather——thegreatestbeastofamanthateverhemetinallofhislife。
　　ThattimeintheharborhehadseenSirJohnMalyoeatadistanceandinthedarkness；nowthathebeheldhimnearbyitseemedtohimthathehadneverlookedatamoreevilfaceinallhislife。
　　Notthatthemanwasaltogetherugly，forhehadagoodnoseandafinedoublechin；buthiseyesstoodoutlikeballsandwereredandwatery，andhewinkedthemcontinually，asthoughtheywerealwayssmarting；andhislipswerethickandpurple-red，andhisfat，redcheeksweremottledhereandtherewithlittleclotsofpurpleveins；andwhenhespokehisvoicerattledsoinhisthroatthatitmadeonewishtoclearone’sownthroattolistentohim。So，whatwithapairoffat，whitehands，andthathoarsevoice，andhisswollenface，andhisthicklipsstickingout，itseemedtoBarnabyTruehehadneverseenacountenancesodistastefultohimasthatoneintowhichhethenlooked。
　　ButifSirJohnMalyoewassodispleasingtoourhero’staste，why，thegranddaughter，eventhisfirsttimehebeheldher，seemedtohimtobethemostbeautiful，lovelyyoungladythateverhesaw。Shehadathin，fairskin，redlips，andyellowhair——thoughitwasthenpowderedprettywhitefortheoccasion——andthebluesteyesthatBarnabybeheldinallofhislife。Asweet，timidcreature，whoseemednottodaresomuchastospeakawordforherselfwithoutlookingtoSirJohnforleavetodoso，andwouldshrinkandshudderwheneverhewouldspeakofasuddentoherordirectasuddenglanceuponher。Whenshedidspeak，itwasinsolowavoicethatonehadtobendhisheadtohearher，andevenifshesmiledwouldcatchherselfandlookupasthoughtoseeifshehadleavetobecheerful。
　　AsforSirJohn，hesatatdinnerlikeapig，andgobbledandateanddrank，smackinghislipsallthewhile，butwithhardlyawordtoeitherherorMrs。GreenfieldortoBarnabyTrue；butwithasour，sullenair，asthoughhewouldsay，”Yourdamnedvictualsanddrinkarenobetterthantheyshouldbe，butImusteat’emornothing。”Agreatbloatedbeastofaman！
　　OnlyafterdinnerwasoverandtheyoungladyandthetwomissessatoffinacornertogetherdidBarnabyhearhertalkwithanyease。Then，tobesure，hertonguebecameloose，andsheprattledawayatagreatrate，thoughhardlyaboveherbreath，untilofasuddenhergrandfathercalledout，inhishoarse，rattlingvoice，thatitwastimetogo。Whereuponshestoppedshortinwhatshewassayingandjumpedupfromherchair，lookingasfrightenedasthoughshehadbeencaughtinsomethingamiss，andwastobepunishedforit。
　　BarnabyTrueandMr。Greenfieldbothwentouttoseethetwointotheircoach，whereSirJohn’smanstoodholdingthelantern。Andwhoshouldhebe，tobesure，butthatsameleanvillainwithbaldheadwhohadofferedtoshoottheleaderofourhero’sexpeditionoutontheharborthatnight！For，oneofthecirclesoflightfromthelanternshiningupintohisface，BarnabyTrueknewhimthemomentheclappedeyesuponhim。Thoughhecouldnothaverecognizedourhero，hegrinnedathiminthemostimpudent，familiarfashion，andneversomuchastouchedhishateithertohimortoMr。Greenfield；butassoonashismasterandhisyoungmistresshadenteredthecoach，bangedtothedoorandscrambledupontheseatalongsidethedriver，andsoawaywithoutaword，butwithanotherimpudentgrin，thistimefavoringbothBarnabyandtheoldgentleman。
　　Suchwerethesetwo，masterandman，andwhatBarnabysawofthemthenwasonlyconfirmedbyfurtherobservation——themosthatefulcoupleheeverknew；though，Godknows，whattheyafterwardsufferedshouldwipeoutallcomplaintagainstthem。
　　ThenextdaySirJohnMalyoe’sbelongingsbegantocomeaboardtheBelleHelen，andintheafternoonthatsamelean，villainousmanservantcomesskippingacrossthegangplankasnimbleasagoat，withtwoblackmenbehindhimluggingagreatseachest。”What！”hecriedout，”andsoyouisthesupercargo，isyou？Why，IthoughtyouwasmoreaccountwhenIsawyoulastnighta-sittingtalkingwithHisHonorlikehisequal。Well，nomatter；’tissomethingtohaveabrisk，genteelyoungfellowforasupercargo。Socome，myhearty，lendahand，willyou，andhelpmesetHisHonor’scabintorights。”
　　Whataspeechwasthistoendurefromsuchafellow，tobesure！
　　andBarnabysohighinhisownesteem，andholdinghimselfagentleman！Well，whatwithhisdistasteforthevillain，andwhatwithsuchodiousfamiliarity，youcanguessintowhattempersoimpudentanaddressmusthavecasthim。”You’llfindthestewardinyonder，”hesaid，”andhe’llshowyouthecabin，”andtherewithturnedandwalkedawaywithprodigiousdignity，leavingtheotherstandingwherehewas。
　　Asheenteredhisowncabinhecouldnotbutsee，outofthetailofhiseye，thatthefellowwasstillstandingwherehehadlefthim，regardinghimwithamostevil，malevolentcountenance，sothathehadthesatisfactionofknowingthathehadmadeoneenemyduringthatvoyagewhowasnotverylikelytoforgiveorforgetwhathemustregardasaslightputuponhim。
　　ThenextdaySirJohnMalyoehimselfcameaboard，accompaniedbyhisgranddaughter，andfollowedbythisman，andhefollowedagainbyfourblackmen，whocarriedamongthemtwotrunks，notlargeinsize，butprodigiousheavyinweight，andtowardwhichSirJohnandhisfollowerdevotedtheutmostsolicitudeandcaretoseethattheywereproperlycarriedintothestatecabinhewastooccupy。BarnabyTruewasstandinginthegreatcabinastheypassedclosebyhim；butthoughSirJohnMalyoelookedhardathimandstraightintheface，heneversomuchasspokeasingleword，orshowedbyalookorasignthatheknewwhoourherowas。Atthistheservingman，whosawitallwitheyesasquickasacat’s，felltogrinningandchucklingtoseeBarnabyinhisturnsoslighted。
　　Theyounglady，whoalsosawitall，flushedupred，thenintheinstantofpassinglookedstraightatourhero，andbowedandsmiledathimwithamostsweetandgraciousaffability，thenthenextmomentrecoveringherself，asthoughmightilyfrightenedatwhatshehaddone。
　　ThesamedaytheBelleHelensailed，withasbeautiful，sweetweatheraseverabodycouldwishfor。
　　Therewereonlytwootherpassengersaboard，theRev。SimonStyles，themasterofaflourishingacademyinSpanishTown，andhiswife，agood，worthyoldcouple，butveryquiet，andwouldsitinthegreatcabinbythehourtogetherreading，sothat，whatwithSirJohnMalyoestayingallthetimeinhisowncabinwiththosetwotrunksheheldsoprecious，itfelluponBarnabyTrueingreatparttoshowattentiontotheyounglady；andgladenoughhewasoftheopportunity，asanyonemayguess。Forwhenyouconsiderabrisk，livelyyoungmanofone-and-twentyandasweet，beautifulmissofseventeensothrowntogetherdayafterdayfortwoweeks，theweatherbeingveryfair，asIhavesaid，andtheshiptossingandbowlingalongbeforeafinehummingbreezethatsentwhitecapsalloverthesea，andwithnothingtodobutsitandlookatthatblueseaandthebrightskyoverhead，itisnothardtosupposewhatwastobefall，andwhatpleasureitwastoBarnabyTruetoshowattentiontoher。
　　But，oh！thosedayswhenamanisyoung，and，whetherwiselyorno，falleninlove！Howoftenduringthatvoyagedidourherolieawakeinhisberthatnight，tossingthiswayandthatwithoutsleep——notthathewantedtosleepifhecould，butwouldratherliesoawakethinkingaboutherandstaringintothedarkness！
　　Poorfool！Hemighthaveknownthattheendmustcometosuchafool’sparadisebeforeverylong。ForwhowashetolookuptoSirJohnMalyoe’sgranddaughter，he，thesupercargoofamerchantship，andshethegranddaughterofabaronet。
　　Nevertheless，thingswentalongverysmoothandpleasant，untiloneevening，whenallcameofasuddentoanend。Atthattimeheandtheyoungladyhadbeenstandingforalongwhiletogether，leaningovertherailandlookingoutacrossthewaterthroughthedusktowardthewestward，wheretheskywasstillofalingeringbrightness。Shehadbeenmightilyquietanddullallthatevening，butnowofasuddenshebegan，withoutanyprefacewhatever，totellBarnabyaboutherselfandheraffairs。ShesaidthatsheandhergrandfatherweregoingtoNewYorkthattheymighttakepassagethencetoBostontown，theretomeethercousinCaptainMalyoe，whowasstationedingarrisonatthatplace。ThenshewentontosaythatCaptainMalyoewasthenextheirtotheDevonshireestate，andthatsheandheweretobemarriedinthefall。
　　But，poorBarnaby！whatafoolwashe，tobesure！MethinkswhenshefirstbegantospeakaboutCaptainMalyoeheknewwhatwascoming。Butnowthatshehadtoldhim，hecouldsaynothing，butstoodtherestaringacrosstheocean，hisbreathcominghotanddryasashesinhisthroat。She，poorthing，wentontosay，inaverylowvoice，thatshehadlikedhimfromtheveryfirstmomentshehadseenhim，andhadbeenveryhappyforthesedays，andwouldalwaysthinkofhimasadearfriendwhohadbeenverykindtoher，whohadsolittlepleasureinlife，andsowouldalwaysrememberhim。
　　Thentheywerebothsilent，untilatlastBarnabymadeshifttosay，thoughinahoarseandcroakingvoice，thatCaptainMalyoemustbeaveryhappyman，andthatifhewereinCaptainMalyoe’splacehewouldbethehappiestmanintheworld。Thus，havingspoken，andsofoundhistongue，hewentontotellher，withhisheadallinawhirl，thathe，too，lovedher，andthatwhatshehadtoldhimstruckhimtotheheart，andmadehimthemostmiserable，unhappywretchinthewholeworld。
　　Shewasnotangryatwhathesaid，nordidsheturntolookathim，butonlysaid，inalowvoice，heshouldnottalkso，forthatitcouldonlybeapaintothembothtospeakofsuchthings，andthatwhethershewouldorno，shemustdoeverythingashergrandfatherbadeher，forthathewasindeedaterribleman。
　　TothispoorBarnabycouldonlyrepeatthathelovedherwithallhisheart，thathehadhopedfornothinginhislove，butthathewasnowthemostmiserablemanintheworld。
　　Itwasatthismoment，sotragicforhim，thatsomeonewhohadbeenhidingnighthemallthewhilesuddenlymovedaway，andBarnabyTruecouldseeinthegatheringdarknessthatitwasthatvillainmanservantofSirJohnMalyoe’sandknewthathemusthaveoverheardallthathadbeensaid。
　　Themanwentstraighttothegreatcabin，andpoorBarnaby，hisbrainallatingle，stoodlookingafterhim，feelingthatnowindeedthelastdropofbitternesshadbeenaddedtohistroubletohavesuchawretchoverhearwhathehadsaid。
　　Theyoungladycouldnothaveseenthefellow，forshecontinuedleaningovertherail，andBarnabyTrue，standingatherside，notmoving，butinsuchatumultofmanypassionsthathewaslikeonebewildered，andhisheartbeatingasthoughtosmotherhim。
　　SotheystoodforIknownothowlongwhen，ofasudden，SirJohnMalyoecomesrunningoutofthecabin，withouthishat，butcarryinghisgold-headedcane，andsostraightacrossthedecktowhereBarnabyandtheyoungladystood，thatspyingwretchcloseathisheels，grinninglikeanimp。”Youhussy！”bawledoutSirJohn，sosoonashehadcomeprettynearthem，andinsoloudavoicethatallondeckmighthaveheardthewords；andashespokehewavedhiscanebackandforthasthoughhewouldhavestrucktheyounglady，who，shrinkingbackalmostuponthedeck，crouchedasthoughtoescapesuchablow。”Youhussy！”hebawledoutwithvileoaths，toohorribleheretobesetdown。”WhatdoyoudoherewiththisYankeesupercargo，notfitforagentlewomantowipeherfeetupon？Gettoyourcabin，youhussy”onlyitwassomethingworsehecalledherthistime，”beforeIlaythiscaneacrossyourshoulders！”
　　WhatwiththewhirlingofBarnaby’sbrainsandthepassionintowhichhewasalreadymelted，whatwithhisdespairandhislove，andhisangeratthisaddress，amangonemadcouldscarcelybelessaccountableforhisactionsthanwasheatthatmoment。
　　Hardlyknowingwhathedid，heputhishandagainstSirJohnMalyoe’sbreastandthrusthimviolentlyback，cryingoutuponhiminagreat，loud，hoarsevoiceforthreateningayounglady，andsayingthatforafarthinghewouldwrenchthestickoutofhishandandthrowitoverboard。
　　SirJohnwentstaggeringbackwiththepushBarnabygavehim，andthencaughthimselfupagain。Then，withagreatbellow，ranroaringatourhero，whirlinghiscaneabout，andIdobelievewouldhavestruckhimandGodknowsthenwhatmighthavehappenedhadnothismanservantcaughthimandheldhimback。”Keepback！”criedoutourhero，stillmightyhoarse。”Keepback！IfyoustrikemewiththatstickI’llflingyouoverboard！”
　　Bythistime，whatwiththesoundofloudvoicesandthestampingoffeet，someofthecrewandothersaboardwerehurryingup，andthenextmomentCaptainManlyandthefirstmate，Mr。Freesden，camerunningoutofthecabin。ButBarnaby，whowasbythisfairlysetagoing，couldnotnowstophimself。”Andwhoareyou，anyhow，”hecriedout，”tothreatentostrikemeandtoinsultme，whoamasgoodasyou？Youdarenotstrikeme！Youmayshootamanfrombehind，asyoushotpoorCaptainBrandontheRioCobraRiver，butyouwon’tdarestrikemefacetoface。Iknowwhoyouareandwhatyouare！”
　　BythistimeSirJohnMalyoehadceasedtoendeavortostrikehim，butstoodstock-still，hisgreatbulgingeyesstaringasthoughtheywouldpopoutofhishead。”What’sallthis？”criesCaptainManly，bustlinguptothemwithMr。Freesden。”Whatdoesallthismean？”
　　But，asIhavesaid，ourherowastoofargonenowtocontainhimselfuntilallthathehadtosaywasout。”Thedamnedvillaininsultedmeandinsultedtheyounglady，”hecriedout，pantingintheextremityofhispassion，”andthenhethreatenedtostrikemewithhiscane。ButIknowwhoheisandwhatheis。Iknowwhathe’sgotinhiscabininthosetwotrunks，andwherehefoundit，andwhomitbelongsto。HefounditontheshoresoftheRioCobraRiver，andIhaveonlytoopenmymouthandtellwhatIknowaboutit。”
　　AtthisCaptainManlyclappedhishanduponourhero’sshoulderandfelltoshakinghimsothathecouldscarcelystand，callingouttohimthewhiletobesilent。”Whatdoyoumean？”hecried。”Anofficerofthisshiptoquarrelwithapassengerofmine！Gostraighttoyourcabin，andstaytheretillIgiveyouleavetocomeoutagain。”
　　AtthisMasterBarnabycamesomewhatbacktohimselfandintohiswitsagainwithajump。”Buthethreatenedtostrikemewithhiscane，Captain，”hecriedout，”andthatIwon’tstandfromanyman！””Nomatterwhathedid，”saidCaptainManly，verysternly。”Gotoyourcabin，asIbidyou，andstaytheretillItellyoutocomeoutagain，andwhenwegettoNewYorkI’lltakepainstotellyourstepfatherofhowyouhavebehaved。I’llhavenosuchriotingasthisaboardmyship。”
　　BarnabyTruelookedaroundhim，buttheyoungladywasgone。Nor，intheblindnessofhisfrenzy，hadheseenwhenshehadgonenorwhithershewent。AsforSirJohnMalyoe，hestoodinthelightofalantern，hisfacegoneaswhiteasashes，andIdobelieveifalookcouldkill，thedreadfulmalevolentstarehefixeduponBarnabyTruewouldhaveslainhimwherehestood。