Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1896-11-19
ra,nst such Overwhelming ODDS.

As night 1ell, Del8nelu, from the
Bainbridge, and the officers on the
coast defense vessels inside the bar
sighted the remnant of our feet
standing in, still stubbornly fighting
and protecting the weaker or more
disabled ships. Shortly the enemy
was uncovered, and the monitors
opened fire, compelling an abandon
mont of the harassing pursuit. The
enemy remained just out of range,
while the fearful wreck of what re-
manned of Admiral Woodbridge s
forces orawled slowly into the har-
Dor.
AS tho Oregon, guarding the rear,
passed the cambridge, the admiral
signalod briefly, but significantly,
do your duty!
The night is dark and windy. An
ominous stiffness in tho air presages
an oncoming gale. No moon or stars
are shining to aid the enemy, but
instead the sky is covered with
hard, leaden gray clouds, and low
bank of fog is sweeping in from the
westward.
The conditions are propitious, and
Delatield prepares for his dash. He
takes the cambridge close inshore
through Bonita channel and barely
escapes being caught by one of the
enemy's gunboats; but, turning on
more current ho rushes silently
ahead and clear of danger. When
almost within hearing of the break
ers on DuXbury reef, he makes q
wide detour in order to approach
from seaward, for from this direo-
ton an attack is hardly to be ex-
peoted. Nevertheless, he has to go
n considerable distance out to reach
n favorable position.
He reaches his station at q quarter
past IL O'Clock, and in another quar-
ter of an hour the monitors will
open fire toward that flank of the
enemy opposite TO which is Della
field. They will keep up this can
nonade for ten minutes to effect a
diversion. AS soon as this firing has
ceased jacks work will begin.
Boom, bang go the great 10 inch
and II inoh guns. 1t is trying time
for Jack, but he sees the effect of
the ruse and is again oongratulating
himself on his LUCK. The search
lights are all playing inshore of him,
the enemy entirely oblivious of the
fact that danger Is lurking in their
rear. Half-past IL! AS suddenly
as it began the firing ceases, and
Delafield, taking his stand in the lit.
tie coming tower, orders the crew
to their stations.
Slowly the Bainbridge starts
ahead; then faster and faster she
goes, until, fairly flying, she brings
into view the weaker vessels form.
ing the outer line. But Jack dis
dams such pigmy prey. Safely he
flies past the gunboats, but not
quickly enough to avoid discovery
On he goes, fearlessly taking the
cambridge straight toward the bat,
tleships.
Stand byw he sings out down
the voice tubes to the torpedo DOM.
partments, and back comes the hear
ty answer, "All ready, sir"
Now he is but a short distance
from the nearest ship. He turns
two electric switches and sees the
torpedo guns elevated and trained
Then, amid shower of shells, he
| nraSSnS N fr;nu Lax, owl tla fc,.,, -
torpedo is launched and speeds OIL
its errand of destruction. No need
to watch the effect. The magnet is
as sure rs fate.
Meantime the Bainbridge's course
is changed, so that she may rur
parallel to the column of battleships
and the empty gun is lowered. A
second later the after torpedo is or
it's way for the next battleship, and
Delatield has done half his work.
Long ere this the brave little craft
has been the center of a smother OF
foaming water, dashed into impotent
fury by the crashing, bursting shells
But her great speed saves her from
humiliation. She tears along, with
searchlights flashing on her like an
aurora and with the waves dashine
wildly over her.
Two more of the enemy's most
powerful ships sent to the bottom
complete her errand. The only dam.
age on the cambridge has happened
to Delafield himself. A piece OF
shell has inflicted an ugly wound in
his shoulder, and, though exhausted
by the intense strain and weak from
loss of blood, he steers his victorious
vessel into the protection of the har
Dor, then falls senseless to the deck
Not long after, while recovering
his strength, Jack received very
official looking document covered
with formidable seals. 1t contained
the information that he had received
the thanks of congress and that he
had been promoted to the rank OF
captain for his gallantry in sinking
four Of the enemy's ships, thereby
causing withdrawal of their fee
and preventing the bonn bardment O.
the city of San Francisco. -Sa1
Francisco Argonaut.
The Jury Soon Agreed.
The late Judge Amasa j. Parker
of Albany was as waggish as he wa!
learned. Having had five days
| trial of n breach of proOniSa coSa III,