The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1891-01-21
TIE MYSTERIOUS GUNNER
An Exciting Story Of the War
of 1912.
Bx JOHN r. MUsIcK.
CHAPTER vI.-(Continued).

Griffith, who still remained on the
parapet, resolved to sight the gun the
next time himself. But he was mex
perienced, and his shot struck but little
nearer than the other two.
The man-of-war was in the meanwhile
sending shot and shell at the fort with
precision which spoke of experience. 1t is
useless to say that our hero's hopes sank
within him. A shell was thrown into the
fort, and, exploding, killed one man and
wounded three more. The Americans
had grown grim and determined. There
was little fear Of q panic now. Those
works tremble and scattered dirt, sand
and gravel all over the defenders, seemed
10 frighten them no longer.
A grim despair had settled down over
every one. Even Zeke Gross became
sullen and silent.
Wen fight 'em as long as there's an
ounce Of powder, but they'll have the
yoke on our necks after all, he declared.
They'll nsver git it on mine," the
blacksmith retorted.
aBooml whiz! bang!" came shell eI-
ploding above the works beneath which
keke and the blacksmith were lying.
Wonder if them blasted things would
hurt feller?" said the blacksmith.
II don't keer to try EN-" answered
Simon, who had lain down afew m moments
to rest
The sun was we'll up, and the day bade
fair to be exceedingly hot. About ten
o'clock in the forenoon the British land
forces under Bridges come to Belfast, and
planting their artillery on the hill, began
pounding on the west line of works.
Leaving the east line under the manage
ment of Simon, our hero had the guns at
the west manned. and, deploying fifty
sharpshooters among the rocks and
stumps, drove the forces under Major
Bridges back over the hill.
In the meanwhile the man-of-war had
been firing away at the fort with such
remarkable precision that the coolest
defenders became alarmed.
Despite the fact that the Americans
were using the long twenty-four to the
best of their ability, the British actually
got out a warp under fire, and bega an
slowly coming into the harbor to make
their fire more effective.
Noon came, and the Americans had rot
touched the ship. The women and chill
~dren of the village had been sent to q
omb-proof building dug in the side OF
the hill, among them Ola and her foster
father.
Jest let old sea-dog manage the long
TOM" came q voice from behind Griffith.
he turned about, and, to his astonish-
msnt, saw Captain Gatreli, the old sea
captain. ,o
What, you here. Captain Gatrell?
B.. G ct back to safety. Why are YOU expos
ing yourself to danger?" cried Griffith.
SD'ye see that, shipmate, and that, and
that2" asked the sailor, pointing to three
or four dead and wounded Americans who
lay within the works. why did they ez-
pose theirselves?"
They were strong; you are old and
feeble" answered our hero.
That's no proof agin iron an lead,
shipmate. We've got to all lend hand.
an I'm an old hand at the gun, though
I've handled the reef riggin' ofterer than
the boardin'- pike. I know how to pint
her. Let me hev chance"
Griffith was almost in despair. The
old sailor pointed the gal at the ship,
and, aiming it with an experienced eye,
gave tie command. Simon applied the
match.
Griffith watched the path Of the ball,
and to his infinite satisfaction saw the
splinters fly from the fore cross-tree.
which was cut in twain, 30 that part of
: the rigging hung down loosely by the
mast.
A shout Of joy went up from the fort.
! told ye that an old sea-dog could
= stop 'em!" exclaimed Captain Gatrell.
EFF she don't scud afore the wind I'll
give her a shot that'll rake her from stem
to stern"
The next shot pierced the mainsal and
sent the cordage flying in every direction:
The man-of-war now cast anchor and
ceased warpins in.
After few more shots the firing ceased
for the day, ant the Americans buried
their dead, cared for the wounded, drilled
their raw recruits and mended the works.
Capt. Alton" said a voice at our hero's
side. He turned and saw it was Burnett,
the deseref Of the Xenophon. Captain,
the conflict will become warmer to-mor-
row. Can you not consent for me to
handle that gun?'
The Captain shook his head.
Captain, with you it is only matter
OF short captivity" said the sailor, while
with me it is to hang at the yard arm"
Captain Gatren has displayed excel
lent skill"
Let me try one shot.
We have no shots to spare" said
Captain Alton, and he turned away from
the sailor, who for moment gazed sorrow.
fully at the great gun, and then walked
away to the guard house:
The Americans we're little more hopo-
ful, for the night had closed in, leaving
them with the belief that Captain Gatrell
could point the long tom successfully.
Morning was ushered in by fearful
cannonading from ship and shcre.
The American gunIers returned the
Ere with great spirit. Captain Gatrell
directed the loading and firing of the
long tom.
During the night the Xenophon had
come closer to shore, and now lay broad
side to the American works. A dozen
cannon from her side continually belched
forth o shower of iron hail, shot, and
shell. The sand and gravel few in every
direction from the works
Captain Gatrell was sighting the gun
for the ninth shot, when q shell exploded
near him, and he fell, sense!ess and
bleeding.
oh, father, father" cried Ola, nn-
ming to where the soldiers were raising
the limp and apparently lifeless form
from the ground.
Go back. Ola! For heavens sake,
aon't come out In this storm OF death,
cried her lover.
The weeping girl followed the wound
ed man to the bomb-proof retreat. Cap
tain Gat.ell had been struck in The side
snd on the head, and the village doctor
thought his wound fatal.
There WAS no one now 10 sight the
gun, and the consequences were that the
next half dozen shots missed.
Captain Alton" again came calm,
cool voice at the young officers side.