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diff --git a/old/25058-h.htm.2021-01-25 b/old/25058-h.htm.2021-01-25 new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9342f83 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/25058-h.htm.2021-01-25 @@ -0,0 +1,1459 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Foster's Letter of Marque, by Louis Becke + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Foster's Letter Of Marque, by Louis Becke + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Foster's Letter Of Marque + A Tale Of Old Sydney - 1901 + +Author: Louis Becke + +Release Date: April 12, 2008 [EBook #25058] +Last Updated: March 8, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FOSTER'S LETTER OF MARQUE *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + FOSTER'S LETTER OF MARQUE + </h1> + <h2> + A TALE OF OLD SYDNEY + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + From “The Tapu Of Banderah and Other Stories” + </h3> + <h2> + By Louis Becke + </h2> + <h5> + C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. <br /> <br /> 1901 + </h5> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + Contents + </h2> + <table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto"> + <tr> + <td> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> II </a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + I + </h2> + <p> + One by one the riding-lights of the few store-ships and whalers lying in + Sydney Harbour on an evening in January, 1802, were lit, and as the clear + notes of a bugle from the barracks pealed over the bay, followed by the + hoarse calls and shrill whistles of the boatswains' mates on a frigate + that lay in Sydney Cove, the mate of the <i>Policy</i> whaler jumped up + from the skylight where he had been lying smoking, and began to pace the + deck. + </p> + <p> + The <i>Policy</i> was anchored between the Cove and Pinchgut, ready for + sea. The north-easter, which for three days had blown strongly, had now + died away, and the placid waters of the harbour shimmered under the + starlight of an almost cloudless sky. As the old mate tramped to and fro + on the deserted poop, his keen seaman's eye caught sight of some faint + grey clouds rising low down in the westward—signs of a + south-easterly coming before the morning. + </p> + <p> + Stepping to the break of the poop, the officer hailed the look-out + forward, and asked if he could see the captain's boat coming. + </p> + <p> + “No, sir,” the man replied. “I did see a boat a while ago, and thought it + was ours, but it turned out to be one from that Batavian Dutchman anchored + below Pinchgut. Her captain always goes ashore about this time.” + </p> + <p> + Swinging round on his heel with an angry exclamation, the mate resumed his + walk, muttering and growling to himself as elderly mates do mutter and + growl when a captain promises to be on board at five in the afternoon and + is not in evidence at half-past seven. Perhaps, too, the knowledge of the + particular cause of the captain's delay somewhat added to his chief + officer's ill-temper—that cause being a pretty girl; for the mate + was a crusty old bachelor, and had but little sympathy with such + “tomfoolery.” + </p> + <p> + “Why the devil couldn't he say goodbye to her and be done with it and come + aboard,” he grumbled, “instead of wasting half a day over it?” + </p> + <p> + But Mr. Stevenson did not consider that in those days pretty women were + not plentiful in Sydney, and virtue was even scarcer than good looks, and + Dorothy Gilbert, only daughter of the Deputy Acting Assistant + Commissary-General of the penal settlement, possessed all the + qualifications of a lovable woman, and therefore it was not wonderful that + Captain Charles Foster had fallen very much in love with her. + </p> + <p> + Dorothy, of course, had her faults, and her chief one was the rather too + great store she set upon being the daughter of an official. Pretty nearly + every one in those days of the settlement was either an official or a + prisoner or an ex-convict, and the D.A.A.C.G. was of no small importance + among the other officials in Sydney. The girl's acquaintance with the + young master of the <i>Policy</i> began in a very ordinary manner. His + ship had been chartered by the Government to take out a cargo of stores to + the settlement, and the owners, who were personally acquainted with her + father, had given Foster a letter of introduction. This he had used + somewhat sooner than he had at first intended, for on presenting himself + at the Commissary's office he had caught sight of Dolly's charming face as + she stood talking to a young man in the uniform of a sergeant of the New + South Wales Regiment who had brought a letter to her father. . + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Sergeant,” the young lady said with a gracious smile. “Will + you present my father's compliments to the Major and say we shall be sure + to come. He is not here at present, but cannot delay long, as he will have + much business to transact with the master of the ship just come in, and + who will doubtless be here very soon.” + </p> + <p> + Just at that moment Foster appeared at the open door, and the young lady, + divining at once that he was the person of whom she had just spoken, bowed + very prettily, and begging him to be seated whilst she had search made for + her father, left the office and disappeared in the living portion of the + house, followed by a look of very great interest from Captain Foster. A + minute later the Commissary entered the room, and Foster was soon deep in + business with Dolly's father, to whom he made himself very agreeable—having + a certain object in view. + </p> + <p> + Their business concluded, the young man rose to go, and not till then—being + wise in his generation—did he allude to the fact of his having a + private letter of introduction from his owners—Messrs. Hurry + Brothers, of London—to Mr. Scars-brook. The stiff, official manner + of the D.A.A.C.G. at once thawed, and being at heart a genial old fellow, + he expressed his pleasure, shook hands again with the young man, and + inquired why he had not presented the letter or made allusion to it + before. + </p> + <p> + Foster, who had pretty well gauged Mr. Scarsbrook mentally, modestly + replied that he did not care to obtrude private affairs at an inopportune + time. He knew that weighty affairs doubtless occupied Mr. Scarsbrook's + mind during his business hours, but had intended to do himself the honour + of presenting his letter later on, &c. + </p> + <p> + This at once impressed the D.A.A.C.G., who asked him to dinner that + evening. + </p> + <p> + “A most intelligent young man, my dear,” he told Dolly shortly after. “His + attention to business before all else has given me a very favourable + impression of him.” + </p> + <p> + Dolly tossed her head. “I hope I shall not be disappointed in him. Is he + young?” she asked indifferently. + </p> + <p> + “Quite; and in manners and appearance much above his position.” + </p> + <p> + Dolly did like him very much—'much more than she cared to confess to + herself—and their first meeting at dinner led to many of a less + formal character, and ere a week had passed Captain Charles Foster was + very much in love with his host's daughter, and not being a man who wasted + time, was only awaiting an opportunity to tell her so. + </p> + <p> + Now Dolly, who had first flirted with and then flouted every one of the + bachelor officials in Sydney, military or civilian, who visited the + Commissary's abode, was, to do her justice, a girl of sense at heart, and + she felt that Captain Foster meant to ask her an all-important question—to + every woman—and that her answer would be “Yes.” For not only was he + young, handsome, and highly thought of by his owners, but he came of a + good family, and had such prospects for his future as seldom came in the + way of men in the merchant service even in those days of lucky + South-Seamen and East India traders, who made fortunes rapidly. And then + 'twas evident he was very much in love with her, and this latter fact + considerably and naturally influenced her. + </p> + <p> + The first week passed pleasantly enough, then, to his anger and disgust, + Foster found he had a rival; and before the end of the second week he + realised, or imagined so, that he was beaten in the field of love—by + a Dutchman! + </p> + <p> + Sergeant Harry Burt was the first to give him warning, for he was often on + duty at or near the Commissary's quarters, and, indeed, had often taken + notes from Foster to the fair Dolly. He showed a warm interest in the + matter, for Foster was always polite to the sergeant, and did not turn up + his nose at “soldier men,” as other masters of ships were but too ready to + do. + </p> + <p> + It had so happened that the work of discharging his ship had kept Foster + very busy during the second week of his stay, and he had paid but one + evening visit to Dolly and her father, and was hurrying the cargo ashore + with feverish eagerness. Once that was accomplished, he meant to devote + himself (1)to proposing to the young lady, (2) gaining her father's + consent, and (3) getting to sea again as soon as possible, making a good + cruise at the whale fishery, and returning to Sydney within two years as + master and owner of a ship of his own. Consequently, Burt's news gave him + considerable disquietude. + </p> + <p> + “Who did you say he was, Sergeant?” he asked gloomily; “a Dutchman?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir; he's the master of that Dutch Batavian ship that has brought + stores from Batavia. Mr. Scarsbrook seems to make a lot of him of late, + and he's always coming up to the Commissary's place. And if he sees Miss + Scarsbrook out in the garden he swaggers in after her as if he were an + admiral of the fleet Portveldt's his name, and—and——” + </p> + <p> + “And what, Sergeant?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I think Miss Scarsbrook rather likes him, that's all. You see, sir, + you haven't been there for a week, and this young Dutchman is by no means + bad-looking, and even our Major says he's a jolly fine fellow—and + all that goes a long way with women, you know. Then you only visit the + house once in a week; the Dutchman goes there every day, and every time he + comes he brings his boatswain with him—a big, greasy-faced chap. + Last night he followed his master, carrying a cheese—a present for + the Commissary, I suppose.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I shall soon see how the land lies, Sergeant I'm going ashore + presently, and I can promise you it won't be my fault if I let this fellow + get to windward of me.” + </p> + <p> + But Miss Dolly was not to be seen that day, nor yet on the following one. + She was vexed at Foster having thought of his work before herself, and she + had determined to punish him by not meeting him for some little time, and + amuse herself with the handsome young Dutch sailor meanwhile. So, in no + very amiable mood, Foster went back to his ship, finished discharging, and + delighted his old mate by telling him to get ready for sea as quickly as + possible. And on this particular evening when our story opens the <i>Policy</i> + only waited for her captain—who had gone ashore—so he told + Stevenson—to say goodbye to the Commissary, with parting + instructions to the mate to begin to heave up as soon as he saw his + (Foster's) boat leave the Cove. + </p> + <p> + After spending half an hour with the Commissary, Foster asked to see Miss + Dorothy, and was soon ushered into the sitting-room, where the young lady + welcomed him effusively, and her manner soon drove all suspicious thoughts + of his rival out of his mind. Her mother, a placid lady, who was + absolutely ruled by Dolly and her father, smiled approval when Foster + asked her daughter to accompany him to the garden and take a look at the + harbour. She liked him, and had previously given him much assistance by + getting out of the way whenever she suspected he wanted to see Dolly + alone. + </p> + <p> + As soon as they had gained the screen of the shaded path leading to the + water's edge, Foster came to the point at once. + </p> + <p> + “Dolly,” he said, “you know why I have asked you to come with me here. My + ship is ready for sea, and it may be quite two years before I shall have + the happiness of seeing you again.” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis very kind of you to pay me so pretty a compliment, Captain Foster—or + I should say Mr. Foster,” said Dolly, concealing a smile; “but surely you + need not have brought me out to the garden to tell me this.” + </p> + <p> + Her pretended forgetfulness of some past passages in their brief + acquaintance, as her speech implied, ruffled him. + </p> + <p> + “You are very particular with your <i>Mr</i>. Foster, Miss Dolly; and why + not 'Captain'?” + </p> + <p> + Dolly raised her eyebrows in surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Captains hold the King's commission and fight for their country,” she + said demurely. “The master of a horrid ship that goes catching whales has + no right to the title.” Then she laughed and shook her long, fair curls. + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word, young lady, you are very complimentary; but, Dolly, no more + of this banter. My boat is waiting, and I have but a few minutes to ask + you to give me your answer. In all seriousness remember that my future + depends upon it. Will you marry me? Will you try to love me? May I go away + with the hope that you will look forward to my return, and——” + </p> + <p> + “In all seriousness, Mr. Foster, I will not.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, what have I done to offend you? I thought you—I thought that I——” + and then, getting somewhat confused and angry at the same time at Dolly's + nonchalant manner, he wound up with, “I believe that damned Dutchman has + come between us!” + </p> + <p> + “How dare you swear at me, sir? I suppose, though, it is the custom for + captains in the merchant service to swear at ladies. And what right have + you to assume that I should marry you? Because I rather liked to talk to + you when I felt dull, is that any reason why you should be so very rude to + me? And once for all, sir, I shall never marry a mere merchant sailor—a + common whaling master. I shall marry, when I do marry, an officer and a + gentleman in the King's service.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” Foster snapped, “and what about the Dutchman?” + </p> + <p> + Now up to this point Dolly had been making mere pretence. She honestly + loved the young seaman, and meant to tell him so plainly before he left + the garden, but at this last question the merriment he had failed to see + in her eyes gave place to an angry sparkle, and she quickly retorted— + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Portveldt, sir, is a Dutch gentleman, and he would never talk to me + in such a way as you have done. How dare you, sir!” + </p> + <p> + Foster was really angry now, and smiled sarcastically. “He's but the + master of a merchantman, and an infernal Dutchman at that.” + </p> + <p> + “He is a gentleman, which you are not!” snapped Dolly fiercely; “and if he + is but a merchant skipper, he commands his own ship. He is a shipowner, + and a well-known Batavian merchant as well, sir; so there!” + </p> + <p> + “So I believe,” said Foster wrathfully; “sells Dutch cheeses and brings + them ashore with him.” + </p> + <p> + “You're a spy,” said Dolly contemptuously. + </p> + <p> + “Very well, Miss Scarsbrook, call me what you please. I can see your + cheese merchant waddling this way now, attended by his ugly pirate of a + boatswain. Doubtless he has some stock-fish on this occasion, and as + stock-fish are very much like Dutchmen in one respect and I like neither, + I wish you joy of him. Goodbye!” And Captain Foster swung on his heel and + walked quickly out of the garden gate. As he strode down the narrow path + he brushed past the Batavian merchant, who was on his way to the + Commissary's office. + </p> + <p> + “Goot tay to you, Captain Foster,” said Port-veldt, grinning amiably. + </p> + <p> + “Go to the devil!” replied the Englishman promptly, turning round and + facing the Dutchman to give due emphasis to his remark. + </p> + <p> + Portveldt, a tall, well-made fellow, and handsomely dressed, stared at + Foster's retreating figure in angry astonishment, then changing his mind + about first visiting the Commissary, he opened the garden gate, and came + suddenly upon Dorothy Scarsbrook seated upon a rustic bench, weeping + bitterly. + </p> + <p> + “My tear yong lady, vat is de matter? I beg you to led me gomfort you.” + </p> + <p> + “There is nothing the matter, Mr. Portveldt I thank you, but you cannot be + of any service to me,” and Dolly buried her face in her handkerchief + again. + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry ferry mooch to hear you say dat, Mees Dorotee, vor it vas mein + hop dot you would dake kindtly to me.” + </p> + <p> + Dolly made no answer, and then Captain Portveldt sat down beside her, his + huge figure quite filling up all the remaining space. + </p> + <p> + “Mees Dorotee,” he began ponderously, “de trood is dot I vas goming to see + you to dell you I vas ferry mooch in loaf mid you, und to ask you to be + mein vifes; but now dot you do veep so mooch, I——” + </p> + <p> + “Say no more if you please, Mr. Portveldt,” said Dolly, hastily drying her + eyes. Then, rising with great dignity, she bowed and went on: “Of course I + am deeply sensible of the great honour that you do me, but I can never be + your wife.” And then to herself: “I fancy that I have replied in a very + proper manner.” + </p> + <p> + “Vy, vat vas der wrong aboud me, Mees Dorotee?” pleaded Portveldt “I vas + feery yoyful in mein mind tinking dot you did loaf me some liddle bid. I + have mooch money; mein haus in Batavia is mosd peautiful, und you shall + have plendy servands to do all dot you vish. Oh, Mees Dorotee! vat can be + wrong mid me?” + </p> + <p> + “There is nothing that I object to in you, sir, except that I do not love + you. Really you cannot expect me to marry you because I have seen you half + a dozen times and have treated you with politeness.” + </p> + <p> + “I do hobe, Mees Dorotee, dot id is not because of dot yong mans who vas + so oncivil to me yoost now dot you vill not haf me. He vas dell me to go + to der tuyvel ven I did say 'goot morning' yoost now.” + </p> + <p> + “It is no young man, sir. Mr. Foster is a person for whom I have a great + regard, but I do not intend to marry him. I will only marry a gentleman. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, bud, Mees Dorotee, am I not a yentle-mans?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not consider masters of merchantmen gentlemen,” replied Dolly with a + slight sniff. “My father is an officer in the King's service, and I have + been taught to——” + </p> + <p> + “Ha, ha! Mees Dorotee,” laughed Portveldt good-humouredly, “dot is nod so. + Your baba is but a gommissary who puys de goots vich I bring me from + Batavia to sell.” + </p> + <p> + “How dare you talk like that, sir? My father <i>is</i> a King's officer, + and before he came here he fought for his country.” + </p> + <p> + “Veil, Mees Dorotee, I do beg your pardon mooch, and I vill vight vor mein + country if you vil learn to loaf me on dot account.” + </p> + <p> + But Miss Dolly would listen no more, and, with a ceremonious bow, walked + away. Then the Dutch merchant went to the Commissary's office to talk the + matter over with her father, who told him that he would not interfere in + his daughter's choice; if he could not make himself agreeable to her, + neither her father nor mother could help him. + </p> + <p> + Just after sunrise next morning, Dolly, who had spent the night in tears + and repentance, woke, feeling very miserable. From her opened window she + could see the morning mists hanging over the placid waters of the harbour + disappearing before the first breaths of the coming south-easter. The <i>Policy</i>, + she thought, could not have sailed yet, and she meant to send her lover a + note, asking him to come and see her again before he left. Then she gave a + little cry and sob, and her eyes filled with tears. Far down the harbour + she could see the sails of the <i>Policy</i> just disappearing round a + wooded headland. + </p> + <p> + An hour or so after breakfast, as Dolly was at work among her flowers, the + tall figure of Sergeant Burt stood before her, and saluted— + </p> + <p> + “The <i>Policy</i> has sailed, Miss Scarsbrook,” said the Sergeant, “and I + have brought you a letter.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed!” said Dolly, with an air of icy indifference, turning her back + upon the soldier, and digging her trowel into a little heap of soil. “I do + not take any interest in merchant ships, and do not want the letter.” When + she glanced round again she was just in time to see Sergeant Burt standing + in the roadway with a lot of tiny pieces of paper fluttering about his + feet. + </p> + <p> + Something impelled her to ask: “What are you doing, Burt?” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Foster's orders, Miss. Told me if you would not take the letter I was + to destroy it.” + </p> + <p> + Dolly laid her trowel down and slowly went to her room “with a bad + headache,” as she told her mother. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + II + </h2> + <p> + Nearly two years went by, and then one morning the look-out at the South + Head of Sydney Harbour signalled a vessel to the north-east, and a few + hours later the <i>Policy</i> was again at anchor in Sydney Cove, and + Captain Foster was being warmly welcomed by the residents generally and + Dolly's father in particular, who pressed him to come ashore that evening + to dinner. + </p> + <p> + Among the first to board the <i>Policy</i> was Sergeant Burt, who, as soon + as the others had left, was in deep converse with Captain Foster. “I'm + sure she meant to take your letter, Mr. Foster,” he said finally, “and + that I was too quick in tearing it up.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll soon know, Burt; I'll try again this evening.” + </p> + <p> + At the Commissary's dinner that evening Dolly met him with a charming + smile and cheeks suffused; and then, after Captain Foster had narrated the + incidents of his successful whaling voyage, her parents discreetly left + them to themselves in the garden. + </p> + <p> + “Dolly! I am a rough, uncultured sailor. Will you therefore forgive me my + rudeness when we last parted?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course. I have forgotten it long ago, and I am very sorry we parted + bad friends.” + </p> + <p> + “You make me very happy, Dolly. I have been speaking to your mother, and + she has told me that she thinks you do care for me, Is it so? May I again——” + </p> + <p> + “Now, Captain Foster, why cannot we be friends without—without + anything else. I will not pretend that I do not understand your meaning, + but I tell you, once and for all, I don't want to be married. Really,” and + she smiled brightly, “you are as bad as Mr. Portveldt.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, Miss Dorothy,” said Foster with annoying equanimity, “I won't + allude to the subject again. But what has the Dutchman been doing? Where + is he now?” + </p> + <p> + Dolly laughed merrily. “Oh, Captain Foster, I really have no right to show + you this letter, but it is so very amusing that I cannot help doing so,” + and she took a letter from her pocket. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, he has been writing to you, has he?” + </p> + <p> + “Now don't speak in that bullying manner, sir, or I shall not let you hear + its contents.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, Dolly; but how came you to get the letter? We are at war with + the Dutch Settlements now, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “That is the amusing part of it. Now listen, and I will read it to you;” + and Dolly spread out a large sheet of paper, and read aloud in mimicking + tones— + </p> + <p> + “Mein dear Mees Dolly,—You did vant ein loafer who could vight vor + his coundry, and vould haf no man who vas yoost ein merchant. Very goot. I + mineself now command the privateer <i>Swift</i>, vich vas used to be + sailing in gompany mit <i>La Brave</i> und <i>La Mouche</i> in der service + of der French Republic, und did den vight und beat all der Anglische ships + in der Anglische Channel. Id is drue dot your <i>La Minerve</i> did by + shance von tay capture der <i>Swift</i>, and sold her to the American + beoples, but our Batavian merchants did buy her from them, und now I haf + god de command. Und now dot your goundrymens do annoys der Deutsche + Settlements in our Easd Indies, ve do mean to beat dem every dimes ve + cadgh dem in dese zees. Und I do send mein ledder to you, mein tear Mees + Dorotee, by der greasy old vale-ship <i>Mary Ann</i>, yoost to led you + know dot I haf not vorgotten you mid your bride eye. Und ven I haf + gaptured all der Anglische ships in der East Indies I vill sail mein <i>Swift</i> + to Sydney and claim you vor mein vrau, und do you nod be vrightened. I + vill dake care dot you und your beople shall not be hurt, because I do + loaf you ferry mooch. Der master of der <i>Mary Ann</i> vill dell you I + vas ferry goot to him for your sake. I did but take his gargo, and did + give him und his grew liberdy to go to Sydney und dake this letter to you, + mein vrau, in der dime to gom, as I did dell him.—I remain your + loafing Richard Portveldt.” + </p> + <p> + Foster jumped to his feet “The rascally Dutch swab, to dare to——” + </p> + <p> + “To dare to write to me,” said Dolly laughingly. + </p> + <p> + “To dare to write to you! To suppose for one moment that you—oh, d—— + the fellow! If I come across him, I'll——” + </p> + <p> + “But all the same, he's very brave,” said Dolly demurely; “he is fighting + for his country, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “The boasting fool!” ejaculated Foster contemptuously. + </p> + <p> + “But he <i>is</i> captain of the <i>Swift</i>, and the <i>Swift</i> <i>did</i> + beat some of the English ships. I have heard my father say that.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes. Three privateers did manage to cut off some of our little + despatch vessels in the Channel; but this fat Dutchman, Portveldt, had no + hand in it.” + </p> + <p> + “But this 'fat Duchman, Portveldt, <i>did</i> capture the <i>Mary Ann</i>, + and her master <i>did</i> give me this letter, and—and I was <i>so</i> + angry.” + </p> + <p> + “The master of the <i>Mary Ann</i> must have been a fool.” + </p> + <p> + “Why so—for merely executing a commission? But wait, there is a + postscript that will interest you particularly. Now listen while I read + it,” and Dolly, again mimicking Portveldt's English, read— + </p> + <p> + “Dell dot oncivil yong mans Voster who vas dell me to go to ter tuyvel, + dot I vill sendt der <i>Bolicy</i> und her master mit der grew to der + tuyvel if he gomes mein vay mit his zeep.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, Captain Foster, what do you think of that, pray?” + </p> + <p> + “Very pretty talk; what do <i>you</i> think of it?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I'm only a poor little woman; but if I were a man I would——” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly so, Dolly. Well, I am a man, and the <i>Policy</i> has brought a + letter of marque with her from England this time, and so I may meet——” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Captain Foster!” and Dolly's eyes brightened, “I <i>am</i> glad; but—but—<i>please</i>, + for my sake, don't get killed.” + </p> + <p> + A fortnight later, when Foster bade Dolly goodbye for another six months, + she told him softly that she would be glad—oh, so very glad!—to + hear news of him. A whaling voyage was so very dangerous, and he might get + hurt or killed. + </p> + <p> + And this time, as the <i>Policy</i> sailed and Foster saw Dolly waving to + him from the steps of the Commissary's office, he felt pretty sure that + the letter of marque had advanced his suit considerably. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + Fourteen days out from Sydney the <i>Policy</i> took her first whale, + greatly to the delight of old Stevenson and the crew, who looked upon such + early luck as a certain indication of a good cruise. After “trying-out” + Foster kept on to the northward to the sperm-whaling grounds in the + Moluccas. Three days later they spoke the <i>Endicott</i>, of Nantucket, + whose captain gave Foster a kindly warning not to go cruising further + north, for there were several Batavian privateers looking out for the + English whalers that were then due on the cruising ground. Then the + American wished him luck and goodbye. + </p> + <p> + Old Stevenson's face fell; then he swore. “I suppose we have to turn tail, + sir, and try what we can do to the southward and I believe we'd be a full + ship in three months or less up in the Moluccas.” + </p> + <p> + “So do I, and I'm going there.” + </p> + <p> + “But it's dangerous waters, sir; we don't want to lose the ship and rot in + prison in Batavia.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Stevenson, I am an Englishman, and Hurry Brothers did not get a + letter of marque for this ship for nothing. You ought to know that to turn + back means an empty ship. It is our duty to go to our proper cruising + ground and cruise till we are a full ship; and all the infernal Dutchmen + in the world mustn't frighten us.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, sir,” said the old mate cheerfully, “but, all the same, I + don't want us to get served like that fellow Portveldt served the old <i>Mary + Ann</i>.” + </p> + <p> + Another five weeks passed. So far, “greasy” luck had attended the <i>Policy</i> + for she had taken sixteen more sperm whales, the last of which was killed + in about 8° S. and 120° E., in the Flores Sea. But misfortune had come + upon the ship in other respects, and Foster was in no small anxiety about + his crew, nearly all of whom were ill from lead-poisoning. This had been + brought about by drinking water from leaden tanks in which oil had once + been stored. + </p> + <p> + A bright look-out was kept, for the ship was now right in the spot where + it was likely she might meet with the Dutch privateers. + </p> + <p> + It was Stevenson's watch, and as he walked the poop he stopped suddenly, + for the look-out reported a sail to the W.S.W. Foster came on deck at once + and went aloft In a quarter of an hour it was evident that the stranger + bore towards them. The wind was south-east, and very little of it. + </p> + <p> + “What are you going to do?” asked the mate. “I fancy this is one of the + Dutchmen who are on the look-out for us.” + </p> + <p> + “So do I,” answered Foster, “I'll tell you what I am going to do: brace + sharp up on the larboard tack and run down to her. I am not going to run + away from <i>one</i> infernal Dutchman, and I can only see one of 'em.” + </p> + <p> + “You're captain of the ship, and you can do as you please; but I am hanged + if I think you'll pull it off this time. Half the crew are sick, and this + fellow looks as if he meant fighting.” + </p> + <p> + “All hands on deck; starboard forebrace!” was all the answer Foster made. + Then he went to the signal locker, and getting out the American ensign, + with his own hands ran it up to the peak, hoping by this means to get + close enough to the other ship to prevent <i>her</i> from running away + from a fight, if the captain should turn out not one of the fighting sort. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the sails were trimmed the skipper walked to the break of the + poop, and, with the air of a captain of a seventy-four, gave the order, + “Clear ship for action!” + </p> + <p> + Then the mate ventured to remark that half of the guns were down below on + the 'tween decks, where they had been put out of the way for the generally + peaceful occupation of whaling. + </p> + <p> + “Well, get 'm up. What the devil do you think I mean by clearing for + action?” + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, the six-pounders were hoisted upon deck and quickly mounted, + what little powder and shot the <i>Policy</i> carried was brought into a + handy place, and the mate, with something of a smile, reported, “Ship + cleared for action, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Very good, Mr. Stevenson. Now, my lads, I reckon this ship is one of the + Dutch fleet sent to clear us whalers out of these seas. Well, as he seems + to be alone, I think we have a fair chance of turning the tables upon him. + Anyhow, I am going to try. I know some of you are pretty sick, but I am + sure that a crew of English sailors, even when they are sick, can lick + twice their number of muddle-headed Dutchmen any day.” + </p> + <p> + In those days, British ships were manned by British seaman, and Captain + Foster could talk like this without saying anything offensive to the + British merchant service. Nowadays such an observation about “Dutchmen” + would be a personal insult to four-fifths of the crew of a British + merchant ship. + </p> + <p> + The men, including the mate, received the speech with a cheer, and one of + them sang out “Haul down the Stars and Stripes. We don't want to fight + under that.” + </p> + <p> + To which Captain Foster, who knew what he was about, merely replied, “I am + not a fool!” + </p> + <p> + Towards the close of the afternoon the ships were within gunshot of each + other, and the Dutchman ran up his colours. As they drew closer, the + foreign skipper's glass showed him the nationality of the <i>Policy</i> + and he at once opened fire upon her with one of his six eighteen-pounders. + </p> + <p> + As the shot hummed overhead between the <i>Policy's</i> fore and main + masts, down came the American colours and up went the British ensign, and + at the same moment Foster fired such of his guns as bore upon the enemy. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the report of the guns had died away, Foster sprang into one of + his quarter-boats and hailed the other ship. + </p> + <p> + “Ship ahoy!” he roared “why do you fire at me?” + </p> + <p> + “Ha, ha! I know you,” came back in mocking tones. “Now vill I sendt you to + der tuyvel, you greasy valer mans. I am Captain Portveldt, und dis is der + <i>Swift</i>. Vill you surrunder, or vill I smash you to beices?” + </p> + <p> + For answer, Foster, who had now come very close to his enemy, fired his + tiny broadside, his men, sick as they were running cheerfully from the + guns to the braces to manoeuvre the Polity clear of the privateer's fire, + and then back again to the guns. + </p> + <p> + The sun had now set, but far into the darkness of the tropical night the + running fight continued, Foster always out-manouvring the Dutchman, and + the crews of both vessels, when they closed near enough to be heard, + cursing and mocking at each other. Owing to the darkness and the extremely + bad gunnery on both sides, little blood was spilt, and the damage done was + mostly confined to the sails and rigging. Now and then a eighteen-pound + shot hulled the <i>Policy</i>, and one went clean through her amidships. + Suddenly, for some cause or other, about midnight, a light was shown in + the privateer's stern, and Foster's second mate at once sent a lucky shot + at it, with the result that the six-pound ball so damaged the <i>Swift's</i> + rudder that she became unmanageable. And then, a few minutes later, + another shot dismounted one of her guns by striking it on the muzzle, and + ere the Dutchman's crew knew what was happening, a final broadside from + the whaler brought down her two topsails and did other damage aloft. That + practically ended the battle. + </p> + <p> + So thought Captain Portveldt, who now hailed the <i>Policy</i> in not + quite so boastful a voice as when the vessels met earlier in the day. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Voster, I haf hauled down mein flag. Mein grew will vight no + more, and I must surrender.” + </p> + <p> + A cheer broke from the whaler's crew. + </p> + <p> + “Very well, Captain Portveldt,” called out Foster; “lower a boat, and come + on board with half your crew. But don't try on any boarding tricks, or you + will be the worse for it.” + </p> + <p> + The meeting between the two skippers, notwithstanding the cause, was + good-humoured enough, for Portveldt, apart from his boastfulness, was not + a bad fellow. + </p> + <p> + “Veil, Captain Voster,” he said as he stepped on board the <i>Policy's</i> + deck, followed by his big boatswain (who was wounded in the face by a + splinter) and half his crew, “you haf broved der besd mans; und now I + suppose you vill lead me like a liddle dog mit a sdring, und dake me to + Sydney und make vun mit der young lady about me.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” answered Foster, “I am not so bad as all that Come below and + have a glass of grog.” + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + At daylight one morning some weeks later two ships appeared in sight off + Sydney Heads. Those who were on the look-out were alarmed, for it was seen + that both vessels were armed, and it was conjectured that the ships must + be part of an enemy's squadron which had determined to make an attack upon + the settlement of Port Jackson. + </p> + <p> + In a very short time an excited crowd gathered together along the line of + cliffs of the outer South Head, each one asking his fellow what was to be + done. Horsemen carried the news into Sydney, and every moment fresh + numbers arrived to swell the crowd of spectators on the cliffs. A strange + sight they must have presented, comprising, as they did, all sorts and + conditions of men—settlers, naval and military officers, soldiers of + the New South Wales Regiment, and a number of the better class of + convicts. + </p> + <p> + Of course the Deputy Acting Assistant Commissary-General was among the + officers anxiously watching the ships from the heights that overlooked the + harbour, and with him were Dolly and her mother. + </p> + <p> + Presently Dolly, catching sight of her father's anxious face, began to + cry, and turned to her mother. “Ah!” she said “it has all come true, and + he has come to destroy the settlement!” + </p> + <p> + “What has come true, and who is going to destroy the settlement?” said her + father sharply. And then Dolly, feeling very frightened and miserable, + told him of Portveldt's letter, the receipt of which she had concealed + from every one but Foster. The D.A.A.C.G. laughed at first, but then + added, “but all the same, though 'twas but empty bluster, I had better + tell his Excellency about it; it is just possible that the Dutch have + planned an expedition against us.” + </p> + <p> + At half-past ten, in response to a signal made from the look-out at South + Head by the officer in charge there, his Excellency Governor King sent + Lieutenant Houston, of his Majesty's ship <i>Investigator,</i> then + anchored in Sydney Cove, to the naval officer in command at South Head. + </p> + <p> + The <i>Investigator</i> was Flinders' ship, the gallant old tub of 334 + tons which surveyed a great part of the northern coast, and was at the + time of which we write lying rotting in Sydney, condemned after completing + her second voyage of discovery in June, 1803. + </p> + <p> + Then the Governor was told of Dolly's letter, but he was not the man to + take fright at the approach of the enemy, although he had no defence force + as it is now understood in New South Wales, nor had he a gold-laced staff + of officers with elaborate “defence schemes” against possible raids of + Japanese or Russians by way of Exmouth Gulf or Port Darwin. + </p> + <p> + In that year Governer King's force did not take long to be marshalled. The + drums beat to arms, and the New South Wales Corps and the Loyal + Association immediately formed into line on the shores of the Cove. + </p> + <p> + At eleven o'clock a trooper arrived at Government House with intelligence + that one of the vessels appeared under British colours, and the other was + flying a Union Jack triumphant over a Dutch Jack. Following this message + there soon came another, bringing the certain intelligence that one of the + ships was an English whaler bringing into port her Batavian prize. So on + receipt of this news, and just as the word to march was about to be given, + the officer in command ordered his force to return to barracks. + </p> + <p> + At two in the afternoon, with the whole of the settlement agog with + excitement, the two vessels sailed slowly up the harbour before a light + northeast breeze, and came to anchor in Sydney Cove, close to the <i>Investigator,</i> + on board of which ship the Governor and a number of naval officers awaited + their arrival. For once discipline was relaxed, and Captain King had + good-naturedly permitted the townspeople to throng on board to learn all + the news about the <i>Policy's</i> prize. As Captain Foster made his way + to the quarter-deck, he saw that behind the Governor and his staff were + Dolly and her parents and several ladies. + </p> + <p> + In a very few minutes he made his report, and the Governor again shook his + hand warmly; but the look in Dolly's eyes and the pressure of her hand + were the young seaman's sweetest reward, for it told him that she had + surrendered. + </p> + <p> + Then, returning to his own ship, he was warmly greeted by Sergeant Burt, + and for a few moments the two remained talking in the whaler's cabin. + Then, just as Foster was ready to go ashore, Mr. Scarsbrook, who had been + inspecting the captured privateer, came on board, bringing Dolly with him. + </p> + <p> + Whilst they were all chatting merrily together Captain Portveldt made his + appearance, and with the most perfect <i>sang-froid</i> saluted Dolly and + her father. + </p> + <p> + “Veil, Mees Dorotee, you see I have gome back, at der bressing invidadion + of mein goot friendt, Captain Voster here, und I do vish him mit you + blendy of habbiness.” + </p> + <p> + And Dolly, who at first meant to meet him with a sarcastic little speech, + felt her eyes fill with tears at the manly way in which he bore his + misfortune, and could only falter out some few words of consolation. Then + there was a Prize Court, and— + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Charles Sparrow Foster, commander of the whaler and letter of marque + called the <i>Policy</i>, presented to the Court a memorial stating his + capture of the <i>Swift</i> on the 12th day of September, off the island + of Flores, she being under Dutch colours... and the property of subjects + of a Power at war with his Britannic Majesty, and praying also that the + Court would be pleased to grant an award of condemnation in his favour in + order that the said prize should be for the advantage of himself, his + owners, and his ship's company.” + </p> + <p> + and the Court having heard confirmatory evidence from Richard Portveldt, a + subject of the Batavian Republic, to the effect— + </p> + <p> + “That he commanded the <i>Swift</i>; that everything on board of her was + Dutch property, and she belonged to Messrs. Winy and Talman, of Batavia, + and himself, all of whom were residents of Batavia, who purchased her for + the sum of 18,000 dols.: that she was taken up by the Dutch East India + Company at Batavia; and was on her way thither when she was captured by + the <i>Policy</i>, &c.”— + </p> + <p> + accordingly condemned the prize, which was advertised in the <i>Sydney + Gazette</i> for sale by auction, Mr. Lord, the auctioneer, setting forth + that he would sell— + </p> + <p> + “At his warehouse, Sydney, at noon precisely, the 3rd of November, the + good ship <i>Swift</i>, prize to <i>Policy</i>, Charles Foster, commander. + French built in the year 1800. Was condemned a prize to his Majesty's ship + <i>La Minerva</i>, and sold in 1801 to the Americans, as appears by the + bill of sale, and by them sold to the Dutch at Batavia, where she was + examined, copper-bolted, and new coppered in August, 1802. It is + unnecessary to say anything respecting the properties of the <i>Swift</i> + further than that she was the companion of <i>La Brave</i> and <i>La + Mouche</i>, which so very much harassed the British in Europe, and set all + our cruisers at defiance until her capture, prior to which she was justly + celebrated as the fastest sailing-vessel the French Republic had.” + </p> + <p> + The prize was knocked down for £3,000, and Captain Foster's share was + spent in a handsome wedding present for Dolly, which, at her particular + request, took the form of a passage to Batavia and a hundred guineas + delivered to Captain Portveldt immediately after the marriage ceremony. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Foster's Letter Of Marque, by Louis Becke + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FOSTER'S LETTER OF MARQUE *** + +***** This file should be named 25058-h.htm or 25058-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/5/0/5/25058/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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