The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1891-03-04

still floating over their earthworks, and
at each glance OF those folds they felt
their hearts becoming strengthened with
hope and patriotism.
America, the land Of the free and homo
of the brave-the republic which is des-
tined to stand thousand years, was as
sailed by the same monarchy from which
it had cut loose thirty eight years before.
No one need blame our hero if he al
lowed his feelings of patriotism to over
come his personal emotion. He wished
that he was in that far off contest where
men were battling for the true right.
He would willingly have fastened to
Baltimore and helped raise the siege,
could he have done so.
This heavy cannonading explained tho
peculiar movements of Major Bridges.
All night long Captain Atoms thoughts
we're divided between Manoa, the man-of-
war, and Baltimore.
What will be the result OF all this
how is it to end?" he asked himself again
and again. Would not that cannonading
poltend victory or defeat to their coun-
try.
The young commander saw that every
boat was drawn upon the shore, and the
caulking commenced as soon as 1t was
daylight.
'One night more of work and we will
be ready" said the deserter Of the Keno
phon.
Can We not get readyto make the at
tack the coming night3"
mo, am afraid not" the deserter an
swered. I'VE hardly dare use the forges
in daylight, as the smoke would indicate
what we we're doing. But think we can
safely wait"
will not the man-of- war lombard usq"
NO, not to-day"
why do you think soP"
Because the result OF last nights
Commandment is not known. Baltimore
NAV be in the hands of the British, or
Gen. Ross may be defeated and on the
retleat. They would like to know how
that conflict has gone before they begin
bombardment. I would advise you now
10 &C to your tent and try and get some
sleep while this work is going on. You
will have need for all your strength IN the
struggle that is coming"
Others came to urge our hero, and the
result was that he retired to his couch.
Even in his slumbers his mind was on
the condition of affairs. He never Tor q
single moment lost the idea that Ola was
in danger.
He saw her standing in the midst of her
foes upon the ship, and he powerless to
20 to her. Suddenly there was great
commotion, and oh, horror of horrors! the
| man-of-war was on fire. It was all alive
with fame and smoke, and he saw the
blazes leaping up toward the sky. Then
all of q sudden the scene changed. A
storm was raging and the ship was q
! merchantman. Ola was aboard the
plunging, staggering vessel, and black
| clouds swept over the scene. He strove
to 90 to her, but was unable to do SO.
God in heaven, help her!" Ls ejacu-
lated. He seemed to be lashed to a mast
and unable to move.
The storm ragged wrathsully and loud,
and the waves beat over him. He saw
his adored one on the doomed vessel
holding her arms extended to him. and
imploring him to come to her aid.
At this moment man darted by
through the waters in long, SLIM boat,
which seemed to skim over the waves.
He reached the wreck just as it was going
down, and suatched the beautiful being
from destruction. There was a thunder
peal and binding fash, and he saw the
rescaer and the rescued standing safe
upon shore. The rescued was his beloved
Ola, and the rescuer was one of those de-
serters of the Xenophon.
Captain Alton, wake up"
Griffith started from his couch, and saw
the sailor Burnett at his bedside.
What is the matter?" the young COM
mander asked, for the face Of Burnett
indicated that something strange had
transpired.
The enemy have lowered boat and
are sending it into port"
Griffith rubbed his eyes, dashed on his
hat, and hurried ou. to the works. The
boat, propelled by six stout oarsmen, was
standing in to the bay.
What does that mean?" Griffith asked.
1--WE will know in few minutes" the
sailor answered.
At this moment the officer in the bow
of the boat held aloft white flag.
AHA, it is q flag Of truce" said the
deserter of the Xenophon. "They have
some proposition 10 make"
The flag being respected by the Ameri-
cans, the boat containing it pulled rap.
idly in TO shore.
ITO DE CONTINUED