Bedford inquirer and chronicle. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1854-1857, 1857-04-17
The FRIGlTES TENDER,
TIE RUsE.


teution drawn to group Of persons earn
eslly engaged in watching two vessels that
were just visible down The battery.
sWhat Is it my friendss' he asked, in a
frank, hearty tone as he joined them.
The tender, again, chasing shooner,
sir, answered an old tar, touching the
| point Of his hat, as he noticed the anchor
button on the gentleman's coat.
Here's a spy glass, SIR said masters
mate who stood near, and at the same time
respectfully banding it to him.
Thank you, my man. answered the lieu
tenant with smile, as he took the instru-
ment and placed it to his eye.
By its aid hc could clearly distinguish an
armed schooner of about ninety ions, crowd
ing sail in chase Of Sore and after that
that was making every exertion to escape,
both BY towing aud we:ting her sails.
The chase is about half mile ahead,
SIR SAID the masters mate; 'but tie tender
sails like shark in chase of dolphin
Tie fore aad after don't stand any chance
Of getting in past the fort
THAT tender can sail, aud am the one
that ought to know it, said stout, wheath-
or beaten man. 'She was pilot boat, and
was the fastest craft that ever danced over
4 the water Three weeks ago, aud my
crew were cut in her, when Jon English
i frigate suddenly made Ler appearances out
Of feg bank, and brought US 10. But !
took my yawl, aad pulled for The land a
1 league away, and escaped; for the fog was
| 50 thick that the Englishmen could not get
a glimpse of me. 1t is my schooner they
have turned into a tender sir, and that's
made SO many captures the last three weeks
| of our small coasters
She carries forty men, and long thirty
two-so / hear" observed sailer in the
group.
And Is commanded BY luf and REFER,
added the mastery's mater.
1t would be blessing observed man
of-war's man, who had not yet spoken, 81
that craft could be taken. l. aiut safe for
sioop to put her nose out of the harbor
beyond the cape. While the frigate was
there alone they could slip the coast
in light water, and show 'heir heels; bu; new
everything that ventures out is brought tc
/ by the long tender
| There's fact, Ben,' responded another
seaman. She has taken or driven back ia.
to port noless than twenty SIX crafts in the
last three weeks. shall be glad, for one
when our frigate lying of there gets hen
armament aboard, for then | think vel
swallow the English frigate outside, and
pick our teeth with the tender
All these remarks were heard by the
young officer wko all the while continued tt
look through the spy-glass at the tender and
her chase.
There goes a gum cried several of the
spectators, as fash and jet of smoke came
from the tenders bows.
That is bold e.ough,' observed the young
officer, as If speaking his thoughts aloud
that impudent tender is almost up with the
fort, and dares to FIRE at the chase in the
very face of the batteries
'It's only to try and do her mischief sir,
said the masters mate; 'for she finds tbs
fore and after viii escape her, so she fires $
gun to cut somtbing away
'You are right, my man. responded :ht
man for she has put about and stands sea
ward again
lie continued to watch the retiring ten
der for some length of time in composed 81,
lence
Its pity that we hadn't an armed cut
ter in port that would sail faster than sht
can, so that We might give her chase out,
said a lad approaching the group. Hi
dress was that of midshipHan, and BIZ
air singulsrly free and careless.
'Ab, Frank you are heres' said the lieu
tenant. When did you get back from your
father'ss'
Last night was in hopes TO End th,
ship ready for sea, Mr.. Percisal; but au
told that it viii be three weeks before ",
csn get away. want to have brush witt
John Bulls frigate, that hoyers of and .,
the hafbor with such brayadoing. Wher
/ did you getinto town sira'
Yesterday morning. Have you been
witnessing the pretty chase down the bay
this morning Frankp
sYes- | would give years pay if
could only have hand in capturing thc
rogue-'
| 'Come with me, said the officer, putting
lis arm in that Of the midsbipmau. your
words but express my own wishes. | have