The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1854-02-16

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steadily fixed on the compass, until he
knew if the vessel remained in the posi-
ton she was in at sunset, that he must be
very near her. But he looked in vain to
see her dark figure looming up in the
gloom. AT this moment, when he was
completely at a loss which way to steer,
The dark clouds which had been gathering
round them burst with long vivid flash
of lightning, and peal Of deafening
thunder. lie heard not the thunder, he
needed not the rising storm. That fash
Of lightning has showed him that the vessel
at short distance from him.
STEADY, my men, steudy,' he whisper.
ed, when the thunder ceased, Il shall pull
directly under her stern At this in.
stant, another flash of Lightning illumina.
ted sky and water, and then, as he glanced
up where the flag had been hoisted du.
ring the day he saw that it was no longer
there, it had been removed. He paused
for moment to think what was to be
done, and then formed his resolution.
Il shall go on board alone, said he
Keep the boat where she is, exactly. II
the flag is where think it is, in the cap.
lain's cabin, will have it. If am not
back in five minutes, and you should hear
any alarm, make The best oil your way to
the ship and tell the sonora and my mas
ter that | died like man. You must be
cautious. Take in the sail, for the storm
will be upon us in few minutes.
These hasty commands were whispered
to the men, who leant forward in the boat
to catch the orders they dared not disc.
bey. much as they wished to share their
leaders perilS.
Springing lightly form the boat, the
young man caught the nettings which
were within reach, and noiselessly ascen.
ded to the bulworks. He could hear the
regular tramp OF the officer on deck, who,
having everything arranged for the com
ing storm, had but little active business
to occupy him. See him he could moi,
on account of the impenetrable darkness
of the night, and the care which was ta-
ken 10 prevent light being used on the
ship that might be the means Of betray-
ing the position Of the vessel TO their enc.
mics on shore.
For a SECOND he listened with throb,
bing heart to The steps as they approach
him. The officer turned once more, and
in that instant the gallant young sailor
was down on the deck and at the cabin
door, which stood slightly ajar. He
peeped in through the narrow crack, and
saw red faced old captain seated al his
round table, with two Of his officers by
hls side, engaged over the contents Of
various bottles. A glance at a settee just
to the left of this table, showed the object
of the enterprise-the flag for which he
had perlled his life lay there--where it
had been carelessly thrown after it was
hauled down.
The young officer did not pause long
to consider what to do, but quietly walk
ed into the cabin, and, taking off his cap,
bowed very politely to the officers, and as
he stepped towards the flag, said in a
calm and corteous manner TO the cap
tain.
Il have come TO borrow this banner,
sir, 10 wear tomorrow, if you have not
the slightest objection.
WHO the devil are your
what does this meanl' cried the cap.
tain, as he and his officers sprang upon
their feet, astonished at the extraordinary
proceeding.
Il am an officer, sir, Of the vessel
which is in yonder harbor,' said the
young man, who had now seized the flag,
and mean 10 carry this 10 my commo'
dore.'
AS he said this he bounded TO the cabin
door, followed closely by a bullet from the
captains pistol, and ere the alarm be.
came general, he stood upon the tatfrail
of the vessel.
Look out for me below he shouted.
and flung himself into the sea without
moments hesitation. His boats crew
recognized his voice; he was caught in
moment and dargged into the boat, while
a volley OF pistol balls was sent down at
random by those who were above. The
storm had now broken and the wind be-
gan TO come in with itful and fierce gusts.
up with the sail; be in hurry, lads,
cried the young hero, as soon as ne could
recover his breath after his ducking.
The crew promptly obeyed his orders,
and the next moment the little boat was
flying in towards the harbor before the
blast, like glad sea.bird, winging its way
TO its nest.
The enemy opened harmless random
fire of grape shot in their direction, but ii
only served to tell the anxious watchers
on board their vessel that something had
occurred, and they therefore at once
showed lights and enabled the boat TO be
kept straight for her.
Ii was about half.an.hour after the gun
had been fired by the ship at sea that the
boat OF the young adventurer rounded to
alongside OF his own craft.
Have you captured the flag cried the
young sonora, as Bennett bounded over
the side.
The only answer she received was the
banner wet as it was from the water and
cut into pieces by the balls which had
been fred at its captor. The light OF the
vessel beamed not half SO brightly as did
that lady's eyes when she caught the no.
ble youth to her arms and kissied him
again and again.
-k%~~%A-
rWANrEp..-"Please, Mr.. Smith, pappy wants
to know il you won't lend him the model Of your
hat?"