The morning call., 1894-03-18

got mile or two from shore not even the
lightning CLEAN could pierce the whole of
the awful darkness.
Brydell's sensations as he stood by the
wheel, occasionally leaving it to mount the
| bridge for minute or two, could not be
described. He was simply doing what
| any other officer could do or would have
done. but no Young officer in the world,
havl for his first command the safety of
flagship in a furious gale and the lives
of 400 souls, could feel anything but awed
and solemn. The quickness with which
! ne had seized the situation and had
signaled the course 10 pursue had inspired
the men with confidence. and he was well
supported by the coolness and steadiness
| OF the young mldshipmen. Presently,
while walking forward 10 see how things
were going. he was met by the cabin
orderly, who, in attempting to salute, lost
bis cap in the shrieking wind.
Mr.. Verderv, sir. has come to-" he
| yelled in BrydelPs ear, above the roaring
| OF wind and water, land the cabin steward
IS helDIn' him on deck-but he can't see,
Cause both his ewes were hurt by that ere
port BLOWN out"
In the half-darkness that the ships lights
could only pierce like star points, Brydell
saw Verdery, with his eyes handaged,
being helped up the companion way.
Brydeil hurried TO him.
You have done admirably, Mr.. Bry-
dell" was Verdery's generous greeting,
'and it shall be known to your credit My
first dread when l recovered nv senses
was that you bad not grasped the situa-
ton. but when l asked l found out that
yon had put TO sea as promptly as any
fficer could"
And l Immediately signaled the other
ships 10 go to sea, aIsn," re lied BrvdeH
Al that sudden change came over Yer
dery,s rale and anxious face. which was
visible below the handages. In the midst
nf the horrors and dangers of the hour he
suddenly burst out laughing.
Quite right, you WERE" said he, "bu'
your ia'her was in commend of the Spit
IRE. l worder how he would have felt If
he had know it was you who ordered him
10 90 Outsidp?"
He did krOw it. sir" answered Brydell
smiling iaInly. They passed quite close
o us. and a great flash Of light came, and
saw my father as plainly as / see YOU
now. and OF course. he saw / was in CON-
mand. he waved his cap to me and
waved mine back at him."
NeTdery, in spite of his dangerous hurt
ana helpless condition, remained on deck.
bni he gave no orders. nor did he find .
necessary 10 make anv suggestions. and his
presence was onv from the feeling that
he wished to be found at his post even if
h uld not do duty.
The fury of the storm continued but the
Naiad, with her engines revolving quickly.
was better abe to Withstand II. They had
now worked their way well out to sea, and
were IN larry good condition TO weather
the gale. Brydpll, although absorbed in
trying to save thR ship, had vet noticed
Back, the seaman, whom h. knew to be
E>dalle. There was little for the men to
~ O, so they gathered forward on the fore
castle, ready for any emergency.
Not so Black, who stood as far aft a IS
discipline would allow, and apart from his
mates. Just then the fury If tie gale blew
a part of the main staysail out of the bolt
hrhs e.
ragged sail. II was Blacks duty to go and
he went, but Brydell, watching him in the
half light. saw Dat he Shirked his work
de was the last man aOft and he was so
cirPlesS in what he was doing hat the
captain of the maintop, pushing m aside
secured the sail himself. Back dr1pped
to the deck unconcernedly, lose by Bry-
del.
my man," said Brydel sharply, won
must be smarter at your duty than that"
Without a WORD Black rushed at Brydall
and with one blow felled him 20 the deck ::
tn n. as if maddeped. he jumped on him
aud hogan kicking him furiously. In an
instant dozen brawny arms had seized
the Insub0rdinate sailor, and he was
dragged below: fighting and resisting vio-
lentlv. Neither the blow nor the kicks
had seriously hurt Brydell. He was daZad
bv the suddenness of il, but in half
minute he was or his feet none the worse
ut for few bruises. The men. seeing
his escape. and KIN wing how much the
safety of all on board depended on the
young ensign, with one accord gave him
three laundering cheers that echoed above
the roa ing of the storm.
All night the tempest ragged and when a
CHASTITY dawn followed the ship was still
fighting for her life. Brydell did not once
leave the deck, but toward noon the wind
calmed, and although the sea still ran
high the fury of The storm was over
About o'clock in the day the Spitfre
was sighted. Brydell, knowing her SUI
perinr speed, signaled. Report us all
right and we will be in some tine to-day"
The Spiifre sigDaled back, "Congratula-
ions. Who commands ," The answer
came, 'E sign Brvdell. Verdery hurt, hut
not seriously" With this good report the
Spitfre steamed awav for the anchorage,
no BE CONCLUDED.
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