The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1896-10-01


permitted. But Dclafield's telegram
was of so much interest and Importance
that such trifling conventionalties were
forgotten, and his curious brother-Offi-
GERS crowded around him, clamoring
loudly for the news.
LISTEN said the lieutenant, "I'll
read it to you:
washington, D. c., Oct 20, 1S9-. To
Lieut.. John Delafield, U. S. NJ, u. s.
S. Idaho, San Francisco Harbor: Regard
yourself detached from Idaho Proceed
Immediately to Mare island navy yard.
Take command of the cambridge, and
prepare for active service at earliest pos
sible moment. Commandant ordered to
place at your disposal every available
means to hasten work. HUBERT.
Secretary
What do you fellows think of that?''
said Jack.
Lucky dog"
"Wish | were in your place"
They all seemed pleased at Dclafield's
stroke of luck. Fortune was truly smil-
ing on him, for he had been selected for
this hazardous and important duty out
of half hundred other officers of his
own rank, each one as eager as himself
10 command the little craft, the Balm
bridge, of which wonders were eX-
pected.
He had been chosen by the secretary
of the navy and had received his pFepar-
atory orders, which were to the effect
that he would be retained on board the
Idaho until hostilities were imminent,
when he would be given his new com
mand. Meanwhile the work of fitting
her for sea had been pushed at the navy
ward with all dispatch. The cambridge
was the first of our new semi-submarine
magnetic torpedo-boats, those marvels
of American ingenuity and skill.
Jack started for the navy-yard at
once, and on arriving reported to the
commandment, Admiral Dana, who told
him in his bluff, kindly way to go ahead
and fit out his craft as rapidly as posi-
BILE, taking whatever was necessary for
her equipment without the usual for
malities, adding cheerily: eve can at
s5&d 10 all that after you come back
Delatield."
As he stands there before the admiral
receiving his instructions, let us glance
at 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.. Delafeld
impresses one instantly as a man of nc
mean physical strength. His face
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 Bainbridge
yet to be tried by the test of actual bat
tie. 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 successful
issue.
On his way down to the wharf where
the cambridge lay, he passed groups IF
officers eagerly discussing the late st
news. All had some friendly or con
gratlhatory 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 swarmiug over her in such
numbers that she resem bled a human