ted a greater concern for the preservation of his life than that
of her own; but she could not entertain the idea that he could refuse to
fight, and so be esteemed a coward. Accordingly she quarrelled with the
man who challenged her lover, and called him to the field two hours
before his appointment with her lover, engaged him with sword and
pistol, and laid him dead at her feet.

Though no esteem or love had formerly existed, this action was
sufficient to have kindled the most violent flame. But this was not
necessary, for the lover's attachment was equal, if not stronger than
her own; they pledged their faith, which was esteemed as binding as if
the ceremony had been performed by a clergyman.

Captain Rackam one day, before he knew that she was a woman, asked her
why she followed a line of life that exposed her to so much danger, and
at last to the certainty of being hanged. She replied, that, "As to
hanging, she thought it no great hardship, for were it not for that,
every cowardly fellow would turn pirate, and so infest the seas; and men
of courage would starve. That if it was put to her choice, she would not
have the punishment less than death, the fear of which kept some
dastardly rogues honest; that many of those who are now cheating the
widows and orphans, and oppressing their poor neighbors who have no
money to obtain justice, would then rob at sea, and the ocean would be
as crowded with rogues as the land: so that no merchants would venture
out, and the trade in a little time would not be worth following."

Being with child at the time of her trial, her execution was delayed;
and it is probable that she would have found favor, but in the mean time
she fell sick and died.

Mary Read was of a strong and robust constitution, capable of enduring
much exertion and fatigue. She was vain and bold in her disposition, but
susceptible of the tenderest emotions, and of the most melting
affections. Her conduct was generally directed by virtuous principles,
while at the same time, she was violent in her attachments. Though she
was inadvertently drawn into that dishonorable mode of life which has
stained her character, and given her a place among the criminals noticed
in this work, yet she possessed a rectitude of principle and of conduct,
far superior to many who have not been exposed to such temptations to
swerve from the path of female virtue and honor.

[Illustration: _Mary Read kills her antagonist._]

THE