The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-07-09
The Adn|Q|S F|QQ R0iSinQ.

| The warships Of the Pacific Squad
ron were riding at anchor in the har-
Dor of Port Angeles, Wash. Admiral
Beardslee, in command of the feet,
which had assembled for the summers
drills, had rented a cottage on the
bluff overlooking the bay, and was
settling his wife for two months
housekeeping. ....--..
OF course, the whole neighborhood
was agog with the business, but,
above all, the boys, rid Of school in
midsummer, were ever on hand to see
and note everything going on. !
They already knew that the Ad-
miral was great fisherman; that he
had caught in lake near the town
the biggest and rarest trout, had even
discovered new species called by
his name. They also knew Mrs.
Beardslee to be q judge Of jellies,
jams, preserves and cake; for they.
had tasted the same at her cottage.
What wonder that there was always
boy somewhere In sight, either dodg-
Ing you as you went in at the gate,
or lying on the grass looking up ut
the sky and dreaming his dreams
such dreams as only boys dream Of
ships and guns, with the Stars and
Stripes floating over all.
The last touch to the house had been
the purchase of some hens with
broods and the building of chicken
coop. The Admiral was in the
grounds inspecting-for you know an
Admiral will have everything ship
shape-when the boys, who had gath
cred in force, approached him, and
one said, pointing to stick nailed to
the corner Of small house just over
the fence: Admiral. will you put a
Gag for us on my flag pole?"
The Admiral looked at the stick,
shook his head slowly, and replied:
mo, cannot do that. But I'll tell
you what will do; If you boys will
get a good flag pole I'll set it up for
YOU and furnish the flag"
Within a week a slender, shapely
tree lay on the ground quite near the
Admirars gate. Astride Of 1t sat a
fine lad, with knife which he
grasped firmly by its two handles and
passed swiftly to and fro along the
surface. People said: what can the
boys be about" But the boys had
their secret and they kept It.
One fine bright morning, when Mrs.
Beardslee sat In her little parlor chat
ting with n friend, "Taka," the jap
anese steward, entered the room with
quick step, approached her and said,
in tone suppressed with excitement:
IAN weady hois' flag"
At once Mrs. Beardslee arose, her
face animated, her eye kindled, and,
turning to her friend mystifed her by
saying, Come, and put on your hat, I
shall put on one Of the Admiral's,"
placing on her head a soft gray felt
which lay at hand. Both ladies'
stepped into the small yard at the
rear Of the cottage.
There stood a dozen boys, ranging |
from eight to twelve years old. The
who was unavoidably alb
sent, had been as good as his word. |
The flag lay there, and the carpenter
with his gang from the flagship had
already raised the pole-as fine pole
rs you ever saw, the boys had done
their part SO well. 1t was firmly
planted In the ground, and securely
stayed with strong ropes, called, In
sea language, guys.
The carpenter saluted Mrs. Boards
lee and reported, "All ready, madam"
With another touch of the cap he
said: II promised the boys that the
Dne who could tell the number of
stars In the flag should have the honor
Of hosting 1t; but they all know, so
they must all have hand In it. Two
made a list Of their names for the Ad-
miral."
"very WELL" she replied.
The eyes of the boys were intent
lpon her. Turning to them, she said,
"Boys, take off your
,aps; nsver hoist the flag with the
read covered. Mrs. W. and I, you
zee, take off ours" Sulting the action
o the word, both ladies' stood, hat In
land.
At once every cap was on the ground
md every boys hand again grasped
he halliards. At a nod from Mrs.
3eardslee the carpenter called out,