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CHAPTER XX. 



Seventh Florida Episode : The Wreckers. 



ONG before I reached the lovely islets that 

 border the south-eastern shores of the Floridas, 

 the accounts I had heard of ' The Wreckers ' 

 had deeply prejudiced me against them. Often had I 

 been informed of the cruel and cowardly methods which 

 it was alleged they employed to allure vessels of all na- 

 tions to the dreaded reefs, that they might plunder their 

 cargoes, and rob their crews and passengers of their 

 effects. I therefore could have little desire to meet with 

 such men under any circumstances, much less to become 

 liable to receive their aid ; and with the name of ' wrecker ' 

 there were associated in my mind ideas of piratical dep- 

 redation, barbarous usage, and even murder. One fair 

 afternoon, while I was standing on the polished deck 

 of the United States revenue cutter, the Marion, a sail 

 hove in sight, bearing in an opposite course, close-hauled 

 to the wind. The gentle sway of her masts, as she rocked 

 to and fro in the breeze, brought to my mind the wavings 

 of the reeds On the fertile banks of the Mississippi. By 

 and by the vessel, altering her course, approached us. 

 The Marion, like a sea-bird with extended wings, swept 

 through the waters, gently inclining to either side, while 

 the unknown vessel leaped as it were from wave to wave, 

 like the dolphin in eager pursuit of his prey. In a short 

 time we were gliding side by side, and the commander 

 of the strange schooner saluted our captain, who promptly 

 returned the compliment. What a beautiful vessel, we 

 all thought, how trim, how clean rigged, and how well 

 manned. She swims like a duck, and now, with a broad 

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