The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1897-03-02
ABSOLUTELY PURE

the connecticut" which seemed de-
termined to continue to make US do our
best. Three or four shots she fred at us,
but they fell so far a.stern she con-
cluded to waste no more powder and
gave up the chase. And q happy man
was our captain, for in the most genial
manner he told stories, sang songs ;
one of which was something about
"McGinegaw," and we were expected
to join In the chorus.
Well, no doubt, the captain felt
greatly relieved he might have had
an interest in the cargo, and while
the connecticut" seemed to be
getting uncomfortably close there vas
anything but the assurance Of getting
safely into port. But we distanced
there was not one to be seen. This
gave yourl correspondent a nice time
to look over the steamer, become &C
quainted with the engineers and other
officers, and to find out what a large
cargo we had on board for such q ship.
True, we were not overloaded, espe-
cially on such a business as we we're
bound, but a deck cargo is always in
the way, and never more evident than
when chased by a number Of fast
cruisers, and all the space Is necessary
for quick movements and prompt exc.
cution of orders. The steamer was a
new vessel built on the Clyde in Scot
land and had all the appliances for
quick running, and steady movement
in a sea-way.
Well, we found that instead of sha-
ping our course for Nassau, Bahamas,
it would be safer to bear up TO-. ST.
Georges, Bermuda, and in all probable
ity we should fine fewer vessels from
whose company it would be desirable
to get away. True, we were always
ON the outlook and everything in sight
was reported, large or small, sailing
vessel or steamer, and everything was
always in readiness for immediate
flight should the necessity arise. But
while we had 80 far made an excellent
trip, and were only about a hundred
miles from Bermuda, we came very
near having TO give up our. pretty
steamer and our cotton after all by
perhaps being too confident that al
danger was passed, and that we should
none of us see the inside of q northern
poison. 1t happened in this way. The
navy department of the United States
had just sent ont q number of new
ships that we e called 'double-enders,'
which were full rugged like sailing
vessels, and had a funnel that was
something on the telescope order, en-
aiding the ship to put it out of sight
entirely when she vas not using steam,
so h a from a distance the appearance
was a merchant ship going on a peace,
FIJI mission.
One day one Of these ships was seen
to windward OF us aud with all canva:
set and a fair wind was making good
head way, and going in the same direc
ton with Us. After awhile the pilo,
came to the captain and told him tina,
he did not like the appearance Of the
strange vessel. "She looks, | know,
like a merchant ship, but there is toe
great a distance between the main and
mizzen masts. | am afraid there is q
funnel there somewhere" The captain
did not think so, but as q precautionary
measure, ordered the helmsman to put
the ship of four points. This was done
n the apparent "merchantman' took
no notice of it. Put her off fou,
points MORE" said our captain, anG
hardly had the ship answered her helm
and changed her course before GU
peaceful friend" ran up a funnel sure
enough, and in a little while was doing
everything possible to catch US. BY the
use of a good glass we could SEQ the
water leaping from her bows, and We
were busily holding our own. But
night soon began to settle about us, and
our captain, by skillful movements
went completely round,heI in the dark,
ness, and camo NICE more on the
straight course for Bermuda. Abour
4 O'Clock tho next morning the fash
from the friendly lighthouse Of ST
Georges told us that in a little Will,
we would be safe in port. About 8 O'Clock
in the morning we anchored in the
harbor OF ST. Georges, Bermuda, ant
found about ten BLOCKADE runner
loaded and waiting fer the dark ant
murky night to make the run to Will
mington.
We must not forget to mention tina