The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1896-10-01


is-I over it's contents,
~~~ the placid serenity
of his couutenance
gave way to look of excitement.
Jumping up, he shouted to his lazier
mess-mates who had not yet emerged
from their state-roons: Boys, the war
Ia on"
In q second, heads were thrust out.
some of the possessors even venturing
into the ward-room considerably more
en- deshabille than custom regulations
permitted. But Dclafield's' telegram
was of so much interest and Importance
that such trifling conventionalties were
forgotten, and his curious brother-ofti-
GERS crowded around him, clamoring
loudly for the news.
"Listen," said the lieutenant, I'll
read it to you:
"Washington d. c.. Oct. 20. 1Ss-. To
Lieut.. John I'elafeld. U. S. NJ. U. 8.
s. Idaho, San Francisco Harbor: Regard
yourself detached from Idaho. Proceed
Immediately to Mare island navy yard.
Take command Of the Bainbridge. and
prepare for active service at earliest pos
ssible moment Commandant ordered to
place at your disposal every available
means to hasten work. : ACLbEK.
what do you fellows think of that?''
said Jack.
Lucky dog"
"Wish were in your place"
They all seemed pleased at Delatield's
stroke of luck. Fortune was truly smil-
- e., l1oh ol
this hazardous and important duty out
of half a hundred other officers of his
own rank, each one as eager as himself
to command the little craft, the Balm
bridge, of which wonders were ex-
3ected.
lie had been chosen by the secretary
of the navy and had received his prcpar-
,;,tory orders, which were to the effect
that he would he retained on board the
Idaho until hostilities were imminent,
when he would be given his new COM
qnand. Meanwhile the work of fitting
her for sea had been pushed at the navy
yard with all dispatch. The Bainbri'lge
was the first of our new semi-submarine
magnetic torpedo-boats, those narvels
of American ingenuity and skill.
Jack started for the maynard at
once, and ON arriving reported to the
commandant, Admiral Dana. who toll
him in his bluff, kindly way to go aheEd
and fit out his craft as rapidly as posi-.
bile, taking whatever was necessary for
:her equipment without the usual for
,malities. adding cheerily: 1--WE can at
tend to all that after you come back,
Delafield."
As he stands there before the admiral,
receiving his instructions, let us glance
ut the officer upon whom. perhaps, will
hang the result Of the battle very soon
to be fought outside the Heads. Tall.
erect and finely formed. Lieut.. Dela1ield
ilnpresses one instantly as man of no
mean physical strength. His eace
gives evidence of courage, firmnesS and
great will power-just the attributes,
in fact, which should most properly be-
long to the man ordered to command an
unknown quantity like the Bainbrisge,
yet to be tried by the test of actual hat
tile. When he leaves the Office of the
admiral. his elastic step and easy car
riage show that his task has not over
burdened him with anxiety. but. on the
contrary. indicates confidence in him
self and assurance of his ability to car
ry the work before him to a successful
issue.
On his way down to the wharf where
the cambridge lay, he passed groups Of
officers eagerly discussing the latest
news. All had some friendly or cen
gratulatory remark for him: but,
scarcely stopping to reply. he hurried
.on board his new command. The Balm
bridge was one of the latest additions
to our fleet, and while it was anticipated
that she would accomplish great things.
the only real test had come sooner than
anyone would have prophesied. Work
men were swarming over her in such
numbers that she resembled a human