The Solitary of Juan Fernandez, or the Real Robinson Crusoe

ain Stradling.-William Dampier. -Rev

fe, in Scotland, celebrated then for its University, was not less so for its Inn, the Royal Salmon, which,

ominent forehead, and dark, brilliant eyes, a style of beauty much in vogue at that period. Though tall and slender in stature, she was, as our ancestors would have said, sufficiently en bon point. In fine, Kitty merited her surname, and more than one laird in the neighborhood, more than one gr

a deeper vermilion, her voice has acquired the rough and hoarse tone of her most faithful customers; the slender young girl is transformed into a virago. Fortunately for her, at the commencement of the eighteenth century, and especia

he attractions of her establishment, like a prudent woman she took care that her stock of ale

nt than formerly, but all the trades-people in town, all the sailors in port, f

ecially when somewhat exhilarated with wine. When their gallantry became obtrusive, Kitty was careful not to grow angry; she would smile, and lift up her white hand, tolerably heavy, ti

at all inviting, and she did not care to wait the epoch of a third youth, before making a choice. But what would the unsuccessful candidates say? Would not this decision be

hose face bore the mark of a deep sabre cut, and who had for some time past, frequented her inn with grea

I seem to be stumbling over roots. Right or wrong, I imagine that a good little wife, who will fill my glass while I am tranquilly smoking my pipe before a blazing fire, may have as many charms as the best brig in which one may sometimes perish with hunger and thirst. Right or wrong, I imagine to myself agai

erfectly sincere, for if she had expected a dec

has heard the pleader and maturely reflected on the case, is a poor judge. To continue then. Y

y Kitty made a gesture o

ek; but of this scar I am proud; I had the honor of receiving it, while boarding a vessel, from the hand of the celebrated Jean Bart, who, after having on that occasion lost a fine opportunity of being honorably killed, has just suffered himself to die of a stupid pleurisy; but it is not of him but of myself that we are now to speak. After having fought with Jean Bart, I have made a voyage with our not less celebrated William Dampier, whom I may dare call my friend. You may therefore understand, Kate

to thank him, as was suitab

d he again; 'in three days I wil

ech from one, who until then, seated motionless in a distant corner of

which he has received from the celebrated Jean Bart, his countenance has no beauty to boast of: his face is long and pale, his temples are furrowed with wrinkles, and his lips thick and heavy; his eyebrows, at the top of his forehead, seem to be lost in his hair; his eyes are not mates,

served as her throne, with dreamy and downcast brow, and chin resting on her hand, was still thinkin

ave one painful avowal the less to make after marriage. As for his scar, he has a thousand reasons to be proud of it, and, upon close examination, it is not unbecoming. It would be very difficult for me to choose a husband, on account of the discontented sui

abundant as usual, enveloped her in an almost opaque cloud. There was this evening a grand fête at the tavern of the Royal Salmon. The concourse o

n waves of strong beer and usquebaugh, but the purple waves of claret and port; all faces were smiling, all eyes

d not pass, as at present, for a trifling matter; who had published, upon his return, a narrative full of novel facts and observations; this pitiless and intelligent pirate, who studied the coasts of Peru

l ship-owners in the town. Captain Stradling had not failed to be among them, happy at the opportunity of once more meeting and embracing his former friend. Speeches were made, as if to welcome an admiral,

omrades, you must be

tricity could not fail to

It was on this occasion that he appeared there before the expiration of the three days: but he had not addressed a

cited by his audience, did not fail, like other conquerors by land and sea, to recount some of his great deeds. Among others, he recapitulated a certain affair in which he and his friend Stradling had captured a Spanish galleon, laden with piastres. From this moment the beautiful Kitty became more thoughtful, and began to see that the scar was becoming to the face of this good captain. After drinking, when Dampier, still escorted by

s word with an expressive loo

lways impassible, content

is w

of betrothal, early in the morning, she dressed herself in her best attire, not doubting the impat

had time for reflection; she did not know what the captain wished; if

e ale!' exclaimed Stradl

tomed place at the farther end of the bar-room. However, bef

w the signals; to-day it is no, or almost no. Very well, I will wait; but reflect,

atherine in the captain's behalf? The presence of a young boy whom she had not seen f