The Advance of Science in the Last Half-Century

n fact, as might not come once in a month; and everything must be done to make the most of it. But the very beauty of the day gave eviden

e schooner. In keen anxiety Eric watched the work going on. No one seemed to notice him, though several t

ed him a little by clapping him on the back as he

t, my lad. We'll m

ined to be taken off, and in the boat that came for this were Ben, Evil-Eye, and the captain of the schooner. Eric stood n

nt. How far the matter might have been discussed already Eric had no idea. He saw Ben draw the captain as

face. Evidently he was not unmoved by Ben's arguments. His co

with different feelings. He thought it time to interfere, an

now, c

aflame with anger. Rising to his utmost height, he drew a pistol from

y, or I'll put a bullet through

his talk with the captain. For a little longer the dialogue continued. What the arguments were that Ben used, or what inducements he offered, Eric did not le

the shoulder and pushing him toward the boat. "Yo

d with passionate fervour. Evil-Eye scowled terribly when the boy sprang into the boat, and dared only mutter h

ped in beside his young master, at which the men in th

o. He's too good

of words to express, stood upon the schooner's deck and looked back at the

" he thought, as he recalled the many scenes of violence he had witnessed. "I wonder what is

r, the schooner's broad wings were hoisted to catch the breeze alre

athered about the captain on the poop. They were examining something very carefully through his telescope. Following the direction of the glass, Eric could make out a dark object rising out of the water, several mil

o mistake, and she's running right across our course. If we keep on this way we

nough that he came to the same conclusion as the captain, for one of

running straight into her jaws. We'll have

creaking of booms, a fierce flapping of canvas. After a moment's hesitation in the eye of the wind, the schoo

was dissipated by its sudden change of course; and, still distant though she was, a keen eye could

The schooner's chance of escape lay in keeping her well astern until night came

was clapped on her, and, almost buried i

eady growth upon the horizon with eager anxiety. He did not notice the ominous looks cast upon him by Evil-Eye and others,

lad. I want a

ould not help feeling as though it were very selfish of him, for it certainly meant that Ben would be placed in danger. He determined i

us, Ben?" he asked eagerl

, my lad, if it does," answered

you mean?" asked

obody else; and if she should catch us, you may be sure the wreckers ain't going to leave you round to tell the people on the brig all you kn

to stone. And now, just as passionately as he had prayed that the brig migh

tearing through the water without mu

beauty of the morning foreboded took place. The sky grew cloudy, th

e brig. With great exultation the wreckers noted that their pursuer was shortening

some of their canvas. They can't stand this blow with so m

to tear itself out of the bolts. Before the darkness enveloped her the brig had disappeared behind, completely distanced. Everybody on board breathed more freely. Setting

ing of a ship for England, about which the captain knew. He would be placed on board this ship as cabin boy. When she reached her destination he might make his way to his friends th

t this arrangement he had to bribe the captain, by turning ove

o meant return to those who were now mourning him as dead. He thanked Ben over and over again, assuring him he would never forget his wo

e sun went down on the following afternoon she was gliding up Boston Bay, looking as innocent as any ordinary fishing schooner. Th

accompany them, but he declined. He intended to watch over Eric until he should be tak

llen rattle of the chain as it rose reluctantly link by link from the water. Then he

the hold tried to while away the long hours by guessing what it meant, and what the sailors were about. Ben brought him a bountiful breakfast, dinner, and tea.

as perfect stillness; the vessel at times seemed to be completely deserted. There was a tower clock not f

ud tones on the deck just above him. They were evidently the worse for liquor,

ow it's there. I'l