CHAPTER XXXVII. 



Sixth Ploeida Episode: The Wreckers op Florida. 



" Long before I reached the lovely islets that border the south- 

 eastern shores of the Floridas, the acconnts 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 nations 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 depredation, 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 mastSj 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 tho 

 vessel, altering her course, approached us. The Marion, like a 

 sea bird with extended wings, swept through the waters, gently 

 inclining to either side, white 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, 



