Books published by publisher J. E. Tilton and company

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1860. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XIV. The Black Slaver--continued.--THE CHASE.--THE SLAVER.--THE CAPTURE.--THE ESCAPE.--THE PUR-SUIT. THE CHASE. We left her Britannic Majesty's brig 'Sylph' in chase of a strange sail on the coast of Africa. The wind was from the westward, and she was standing on a bowline to the southward, with the coast clearly seen broad on the lee-beam. Captain Staunton ordered every expe-dient he could think of to be tried to increase the speed of his vessel, for the stranger was evidently a very fast sailer, though it was at first difficult to say whether or not she was increasing her distance from them. At all events, the British crew soon saw that it would be hopeless to expect to come up with the stranger before dark, for the sun was just sinking below the horizon, and the thick mists were already rising over the wooded shore, and yet they appeared to be no nearer to her than they were when they first made sail in chase. It was a magnificent sailing-breeze, just sufficient for both vessels to carry their top-r gallant sails and royals without fear of springing their spars, and the sea was perfectly smooth, merely rippled over by the playful wind. Indeed, as the two vessels glided proudly along over the calm waters, they appeared rather to be engaged in some friendly race than anxious to lead each other to destruction. All the officers of the 'Sylph' were on deck with their glasses constantly at their eyes as the last rays of the sun tinged the royals of the chase, and so clearly was every spar and rope defined through that pure atmosphere, that it was difficult to believe that she was not within range of their guns. Captain Staunton and his first-lieutenant walked together on the weather side of the deck. "Do you think she is the 'Espanto/ Mr. Collins?" asked th...