Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1878-03-26

them lies the open ses. As they rount
the point, the English cabin-boy--s lac
after Captain Msryatps own heart
springs up on the bulwarks. and, putting
his thumb to bis nose in vulgar bat eI-
pressive gesture. shouts to the baffied
assistants:
Good bye, Johnny! Any message for
Constsntinople ?"
And the daring band, echoing the
taunt with a shout o, laughter, sweep by
towards the point where. opening out
broad and bright between the receding
shores. lies the smooth surface of the
Sea Of Msrmora.
Night overtakes them as they enter II ;
but Captain Elphinstone is not here for
the first time; he holds his course un-
swervingly through the darkness, with
but one thought In his mind-to reach
Constantinople. All night the brave
souhwesterly wind fills their sails, as il
cheering them on; and with the first
gleam of sunrise they pass the green
curviug shores OF Princes Islands" and
see before them, outspread Tor many
miles along the blue shining sea. the
serried roots and tall white minsre,s and
stately mosques. and countless palaces
of imuerial ConstantinoDIa
At this early hour but few persons are
yet abroad. but the sight OF the terrible
Russian fsg ,uffices TO arouse the whole
capital. Not gun mounted on the sea-
ward bstteries-not a register In lighting
order-ihe enemy's first ship alresdy in
sight, and the rest doubtless close behind
We'll may Constsntinople tremble
Within less than half ar hour every
street leading down 10 the harbor is one
roaring swarm OF struggling hgures and
convulsed faces. livid with fear or black
with rage; and mingled uprosr Of
nries Of dismay. savage curses OF the
"Moscov," wild prayers 10 Allah and the
Prophet, and bloodlhirsty yells for the
heads OF the Grand Vizier and his officers
rend the very air.
Aud then. in the midst OF sill the mad
dening din. are heard the quick, stern
tones of Captain Elphinstone's voice:
"Nikolai! bring me up bottle OF rum
and some sugar and hot wster-sharp ~
The Greek steward. himself an old
privateersmsu, obeys with grin Of un-
ieigned delight on bis SCARED face; and
the crew, clustered on the iorecsstle.
bend forward 10 see their leader drink
his toast in the teeth of all Constantine
pie. The grog is mixed with au unfsl-
tering hand; the Captain rises from his
seat. and turning towards the raging
thousands that line tho shore, shouts, s..
the full pitch of his mighty voice
Success to Old England and her navy.
and may every Turkish lubboE 20 straight
10 the bottom "
He drains the tumbler as he speaks,
and. flinging it scornfully towards the
infuriated Turks. calls TO his Lieutenant
Now, Mr.. Dugdale. put hei heada-
bout, and of we go again"
"What! without giving 'em even one
broad side. sir" says the surprised off,
GER
Whats the good OF killing poor beg
gars who can't resist ?" answers the
stout-hearted sailor; "besides 'ye think
I'm going to do the Russians work for
'em, If they haven't the pluck to do it
themselyesP The minute see that old
porpoise of an Admiral again, I'll just
chuck nv commission In bis face; I'm
not going to serve any longer with a
pack OF lubbers who daren't take good
chance when it's offered thsml'
Captain Elphinstone kept his word.
aud the Russian navy saw him no more.
-CdSsePS Magazine.