She was, evidently, an English woman.
This was seen in her rich complexion, sweet blue eyes, fair hair, and quiet dignity of manner.

Among the many probable and improbable rumors as to her first meeting with Captain Allen, this one had currency.

A sailor, who had seen a good deal of service in the West Indies, told the following story: An English vessel from Jamaica, richly freighted, had on board a merchant with his family, returning from a residence of a few years on the island, to the mother country.
They had been out only a day, when a pirate bore down upon them, and made an easy capture of the ship.

The usual bloody scenes of that day followed.

Death, in terrible forms, met the passengers and crew, and the vessel, after being robbed of its costliest treasures, was scuttled and sent down into the far depths of the ocean, from whence no sign could ever come.
But one living soul was spared--so the story went.