Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1884-04-18
he SURRENDERED.
How the Gallant Avenger Captured
Black Mike, the Ter.
rible Pirate
[Chicago Tribune Lakeside Musing."l

[Chicago Tribune Lakeside Musing.nl
@Avast heaving"
Capt. Foamcrest turned quickly on his heel
after giving this order in the sharp, decisive
tone habitual to seafaring men an continued
to pace the quarter deck of the Avenger with
regular tread. With hands behind him and
eyes steadily fixed on the oaken planks which
upheld him he did not look like man On
whose mind was pressing the weight Of gre at
responsibilities responsibility that ere the
sun sank to rest beneath the waters might ne
cessitate the shedding of human blood. For
five minutes he paced the deck in silence. and
then, turning with show of impatience and
speaking in tone that betrayed irritation, il
not anger, he again said "Avast heaviug."
The man to whom the command was ad-
dressed, fine, brawny fellow, with clear
eye and honest face-in fact, the very model
OF first-class sailor, drew in his head from
over the bulwarks and replied: ~ cannot,n
How long have you been in the American
navy, my man." asked the captain, in not un
kind tones
"Ten years, sir" was the reply.
"And is this your first experience on the
water!n
| ayes, SIR"
VERY well: avast heavirg as soon as it is
| convenient"
| AYE, aye, sir" replied the man, hitchInp
up his pants respectfully.
The captain walked slowly aft and ad.
dressed the man at the wheel-"Old Tom.n a
grizzled sea dog, who had sailed the Wabash
under Secretary Thompson, and seen service
of the rock-bound coast Of Lemont when a
hostile constabulary endeavored to attach a
canal boat.
"How does she headw asked the captain.
| looking into the binnacle
"West by south" replied Old Tom. giving
the wheel a turn and glancing aloft to SEE
that the topsails were drawing. II think we
shall have cupful Of wind from the north
tonight" he added. "Yon cloud has a wicked
| look"
"Very we'll, said the captain. u will tell
the cook to lash the beafsteak to the galley
and make fast the toothpicks, in case any.
thing should happen"
Night has come
The Avenger is cleaving the water In gal.
liant style, the white foam curling from her
bow as she comes in stays and stands awav
| on the starboard tack. The Quarterback i
deserted by all save by Lieut. Alltaut, whose
| watch 1t is. The captain has gone below, and
the steady, strident snore that Is waited I'D
ward tells that he is asleep. Suddenly one OF
the lookouts comes aft and touches his cap to
the lieutenant
@There's sail on the port bow, sir, be
says
Lieut. Alltaut takes his glass and looks in
| the direction indicated.
1T Is the pirate, he Gays, speaking calmly,
| as do all naval oificers-in books. "Send a
man below to put clothes-pin on the cap.
tain's nose And while you are there bring up
| my cutlass and piece Of pie"
The man disappeared.
In the meantime preparations had been
made for the approaching conflict Tho men
were stationed behind the bulwarks and
their faces wore a determined look. Nearer
and nearer drew the Avenger to her prey,
until at last she lay alongside the dreaded
oyster pirate Of Chesapeake bay. Not sign
OF life was visible on. the craft. From the
mixzenmast weeks washing tapped dismally
In the night wind. Lieut. Alltaut reached
over the Avengers side and grasped q shirt,
thereby being enabled to hold his vessel
steady. The mon witnessed this maneuvrs
In silent admiration. Brilliant seamanship
always commands respect
"Ship ahoy" called the lieutenant.
A noise was heard aboard the craft, and
An instant later Black Mike, tho pirate, ap-
| peared on deck. He comprehended the situ.
alton in an instant, and drawing huge knife
from his boot sprang forward to cut the
tail from the shirt to which Lieut.. All.
taut was holding, thereby allowing the
| Avenger to drift into the darkness. The
officer was on the nlert, however, and felled
the pirate to the deck with o piece Of the
| government pie which he had not had time to
eat. The man rose quickly, but thoroughly
humbled.
~Well," hc said, sullenly, @you have caught
me at last"
"Do you surren ier!" askel the lieutenant
NO." answered the pirate, with terrible
oath; II will sell my life dearly"
"Refect on what you are doing" and Lieut..
All:aut's voice trembled as he spoke. "You
are at our mercy. At a signal from me 100
copies Of Secretary Chandler's report will be
hurled on your deck"
my God" said the pirate; 1arc you, then,
devoid Of all humanityr
"Yes," replied the lieutenant; "no quarter
will be given if the battle is begun"
The pi ate looked into the portfolios OF the
Avenger AMI saw the muxzles Of the docu-
ments frowning at him. as this report the
usual lengthr he asked.
"Yes"
"And you have really got 100 copies
aboardr
"Yes"
"Then surrender. A brave defense Is ono
thing, but suicide is another From the
vInpnl1iebuul rGy -
Photngraphinx on Linen and Silk.