The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1874-07-04
threatened. 1t was impossible to see before

one four oars length.
While the crew were repairing summar-
lily and in haste the ravages of the gun
deck, stopping the leaks and putting back
into position the guns which had escaped
the disaster, the old passenger had gone on
deck.
He stood with his back against the main
mast.
He had paid no attention to a proceed
ing which had taken place on the vessel.
The Chevalier La Vieuvile had drawn up
the marines in line on either side of the
mainmast, and at the whistle of the boat
swain the sailors busy in the rigging stood
upright on the yards.
Count du Boisberthelot advanced toward
the passenger. Behind the captain march
ed man haggard, breathless, his dress in
disorder, yet wearing satisfied look under
it all. 1t was the gunner who had just
now so opportunity shown himself tanner
of monsters, and who had got the better of
the cannon.
The count made military salute to the
unknown in peasant garb, and said to him
d" General here is the man."
The gunner held himself erect, his eyes
downcast, standing in a soldierly attitude.
Count du Boisberthelot continued:
General, taking into consideration
what this man has done, do you think
there is something for his commanders to
do?"
az think there is" said the old man.
"Be good enough to give the orders, :"
returned Boisberthelot.
cit is for you to give them. You are
the captain"
"But you are the General" answered
Boisberthelot.
The old man looked at the gunner
"Approach," said he.
The gunner moved forward step. The
man turned toward Count du Boisberthe-
lot, detached the cross Of Saint Louis from
the captains uniform, and fastened it on
the jacket of the gunner.
"Hurrah ~ cried the sailors.
The marines presented arms. The old
passenger, pointing with his finger toward
the bewildered gunner, added, "Now let
that man be shot"
Stupor succeeded the applause.
Then, in the midst of silence like that
of the tomb, the old man raised his voice.
He said:
GA negligence has endangered this ship.
At this moment she is perhaps lost. To
be at sea is to face the enemy. A vessel
at open sea is an army which gives battle.
The tempest conceals, but does not alb
sent itself. The whole sea is an ambus-
cade. Death is the penalty of any fault
committed in the face of the enemy. No
fault is reparable. Courage ought to be
rewarded, and negligence punished"
These words fell one after the other
slowly, soemnly, with sort of memorable
measure, like the blows of an ak upon an
oak
And the old man, turning to the soldiers
added, edo your duty"
The man upon whose breast shone the
cross of Saint Louis bowed his head.
At sign from Count du Boisberthelot
two sailors descended between deck, then
returned, bringing the hammock winding
sheet. The ships chaplain, who, since
the time of sailing had been at prayer in
the officers quarters, accompanied the two
sailors; sergeant detached from the line,
twelve marines whom he arranged in two
ranks, six by six, the gunner without
uttering word, placed himself between
the two files. The chaplain, crucifix in
hand, advanced and stood near him.
"March ~ said the sergeant.
The platoon moved with slow steps to-
ward the bow. The two sailors who car
ried the shroud followed.
A gloomy silence fell upon the corvette.
\ hurricane moaned in the distance.
A few instants later there was flash; a
report followed, echoing among the shad-
ows; then all was silent; then came the
thud of body falling into the sea.
The old passenger still leaned back
against the mainmast with folded arms,
thinking silently.
Boisberthelot pointed towards him with
the fore finger of his left hand, and said in
low voice to La Vieuville.
"The Vendee has found head ~