The South Seaman, George Lewis Becke [best novels to read TXT] 📗

did not want a bribe to ensure his performance of his duty. He promptly seized the _Indefatigable_, and the Chilenos were taken ashore and marched to the fort under guard. Then the Alcalde and Governor, with much formality, held a court, and took the mate's evidence; the result of which was the mutineers were placed in heavy irons, and the almost heart-broken Loftgreen was received in the Governor's house as an honoured guest and supplied with every comfort.

Soon afterwards the _Rainbow_, a British frigate commanded by Captain Rous, put into San Luis d'Apra. The _Rainbow_ had made many important discoveries in Australian waters, more particularly on the northern coast, but the name of her gallant commander will probably be longer remembered as Admiral Rous, the famous turf patron, than as Captain Rous the explorer and navigator.

Mr. Loftgreen was received on board the _Rainbow_ as English naval officers always receive a brave and distressed merchant seaman. The mutineers were handed over to the British captain for conveyance to Manila for trial. The frigate arrived at Manila on January 19th, and there the Chilenos had short shrift, for within three days they were brought to trial and duly garrotted.

Mr. Loftgreen, who made many friends in Manila, was afforded a passage to Sydney, and the _Indefatigable_ was condemned as a prize to the Spanish Government She was afterwards lost in a typhoon in the China Sea.

Such is one of the many incidents of the sea story of Australia.
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Publication Date: 08-12-2010

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