Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-06-26

inspiring dance. The other vessels of the squadron were brilliantly illuminated and, as may we'll be imagined, there was not a British officer in Dunkirk by nine o'clock. About that time, too, various landlords became very generous towards bottles of gin for those of their comrades who were on guard at the citadel.
 Around the church all was life, yet grave-like silence reigned. Some, by the aid of the booms brought from their fishing boats, rigged derricks upon the broad platform of the stone tower, others tempered the mortar, and the old Sanctu- ary resembled an ant hill. The priest was on his knees before the altar and the women Kept watch and ward round about. To cheer them in their toll, came the enlivening strains of music from the squadron. Nor did they cease until the cottage was entirely rebuilt, a fire burned ir it's kitchen. and Catherine had her coffee kettle on. It was sunrise, and when the ropes and accessories were taken down, and the cottage stood there-the highest dwelling house in Dunkirk, and higher than any other building in the city-then they called out the old priest, and the assemblage, falling on their knees, sang the "matin hymn"
 On board the flagship, meanwhile, all was hllarity and gayety, though unlike everyone else, Monsieur Wostyn ap- peared uneasy. Occasionally he would steal out into the stern gallery (which all frigates then had, and cast an anx- ious glance towards the church tower. Tho Count d d'Estuades noticed he did not dance, and after supper he introduced him to the English commissioner.
 Neither of you dance, messieurs," said the count; "and you may like game of cards, chess, or dominoes."
 Both bowed assent.
 ''What shall it be? Chess!" said the Englishman.
 Wostyn said yes, though it was with difficulty that he could bring his mind to bear upon the game, and he conse- quently lost several times. His antago- mist became elated with success. and, just as daylight shone in through the flags, he made 0 bold move and ex- claimed in a boastful tone:
 "Ha ha your castle is in danger, and fear that it will fare no better than your old church tower. 'Tis pity, by the way, that I must have that tower pulled down today"
 At that moment the almost .despairing merchant heard the hymn of praise and he knew that all was safe. Rising from the table he went out into stean gallery, and requested his opponent to follow him. They found Count d'Estrades already there, and the poop of the ves- sel was already lined with curious ob- servers-French and English. Plainly visible. in the glowing rays of of the rising sun, was Bart's cottage, and through the open door all could see the honest fisherman and his family quietly eating breakfast. From the chimney waived French flag.
 ''Check to your move" said Woestyn to the English commissioner, signifi. cantly pointing to the cottage. Be hold the highest dwelling-houses in Dunkirk, nor Is there even weather vane above it's level!'
 II give up the game," the English man said, good-naturedly. Then turning { towards the count, he con tinued: "We , may contend with you upon the battle field, but when wit and invention are at stake we surrender. Gentlemen, we will evacuate the city today!"