Another shot, and another, from the brig--the time between each flash and
the report increasing with the distance. By this the lieutenant had
descended to the cabin, followed by his people, while the merchant crew
once more took the charge of the ship, crowding sail into the body of the
fleet.

I followed him close, pistol and cutlass in hand, and I shall never forget
the scene that presented itself when I entered. The cabin was that of a
vessel of five hundred tons, elegantly fitted up; the panels filled with
crimson cloth, edged with gold mouldings, with superb damask hangings
before the stem windows and the side berths, and brilliantly lighted up by
two large swinging lamps hung from the deck above, which were reflected
from, and multiplied in, several plate glass mirrors in the panels. In the
recess, which in cold weather had been occupied by the stove, now stood a
splendid grand piano, the silk in the open work above the keys
corresponding with the crimson cloth of the panels; it was open, a Leghom
bonnet with a green veil, a parasol, and two long white gloves, as if r
ecently pulled off, lay on it, with the very mould of the hands in them.

The rudder case was particularly beautiful; it was a richly carved and
gilded palm tree, the stem painted white, and interlaced with golden
fretwork, like the lozenges of a pine--apple, while the leaves spread up
and abroad on the roof.

The table was laid for supper, with cold meat, and wine, and a profusion of
silver things, all sparkling brightly; but it was in great disorder, wine
spilt, and glasses broken, and dishes with meat upset, and knives, and
forks, and spoons, scattered all about. She was evidently one of those
London West Indiamen, on board of which I knew there was much splendour and
great comfort. But, alas! the hand of lawless violence had been there.