Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-04-27

bright" "The Bee Man of orn." ''The
Christmas Wreck The Lady or tho
Tiger" 1.-THE Late Mrs. Nnll," 1.-THE
Hundredth Man THE Casting Away
of Mrs. Lcciss and Mrs. Aleshine," THE
Dusantcs," etc.
Copyrighted ly p. F Collier, of Golfers Once
Week and published by special arrangement
with him through the American Press Associa
ton AL rights reserved
CONTINUED from Yesterday
1t was aIlncsc au the same time tina.
the commanders Of the two ships sepa-
ratelv came to the conclusion that the
proper way to protect the feet behind
the breahwater was for his vessel TO
boldly steam cut to SCH and attack the
British cruiser. II this vessel carried
long range gun. what was 10 hinder her
from suddenly running in closer and
sending few shells into the midst Of
the defenseless merchantmen? IN fact,
to go out and fight her was the only way
to protect the lives and property in the
harbor.
1t was true that one of those beastly
repellers was sneaking about off the
cape, accompanied, probably, by an
under water tongs boat. But as neither
of these had done anything or seemed
likely to do anything, the British cruiser
should be attacked without loss Of time
When the commander of the Lenox
came to this decision, his ship was well
abreast of Cape Henlopen, and he there
fors proceeded directly out to sea. There
was a little fear in his mind that the
English cruiser, which was now bearing
to the southeast, might sail Off and get
away from him. The Stockbridge was
detained by the arrival of a dispatch
boat from the shore with q message.from
the naval department But as this mes
sage related only to the measurements Of
a certain deck gun, her commander in
tended as soon as an answer could be
sent off, to sail out and give battle to the
British vessel.
Every soul on board the Lenox was
now filled with fiery ardor. The ship
was already in good fighting trim, but
every possible preparation was made for
Il Contest WHICH ollOuiu SlIpN t4IGli
try and the world what American sailors
were made of.
The Lenox had not proceeded more
than mile out to sea when she per-
eeived Repeller No 6 coming toward her
from seaward, and in u direction which
indicated that it intended to run across
her course. The Lcnox, however, went
straight on, and in short time the two
vessels were quite near each other. Upon
the deck Of the repeller now appeared
the director in charge, who, with q
speaking trumpet, hailed the Lenox and
requested her TO lay to, as he had some
thing to communicate. The commander
of the Lenox, through his trumpet, an
swered that he wanted no communica-
tons, and advised the other vessel to
keep out of his way.
The Lenox now put on q greater head
of steam, and as she was i'll any case a
much faster vessel than the repeller, she
rapidly increased the distance between
herself and the syndicate $ vessel, SO that
in q few moments hailing was impossible.
Quick signals now shot up in Jets Of black
smoke from the repeller, and in very
short time afterward the speed Of the
LenoX slackened so much that the repel-
Ter was able to come Up with her.
When the two vessels were abreast of
each other, and ct q safe mailing distance
apart, another signal went up from the
repeller, and then both vessels almost
ceased to move through the water, al
though the enginesDf the Lenox were
working at high speed, with her propel.
Ter blades stirring up a whirlpool at her
stern.
For minute or two the officers of the
LenoX could not comprehend what had
happened. 1t was first supposed that by
mistake the engines had been slackened
but almost at the same moment that ii
was found that this was not the case, the
discovery was made that the crab &C
companying the repeller had laid hold OF
the strength of her powerful engines was
holding her back.
Now burst forth in the Lenox storm
of frenzied rage, such as was never seer
perhaps upon any vessel since vessels
were first built. From the commander
to the stokers every heart was filled with
fury at the insult which was put upon
them. The commander .roared through
his trumpet that if that internal sea
beetle were not immediately lposed from
his ship he would firstsink,h and Their
the repeller.
To these remarks the director of the
syndicate's vessels paid no attention, but
proceeded to state as briefly and forclbly
as possible that the Lenox had been de
tanned in order that he might have al
opportunity of speaking with her com
mander and of informing him that hi;
action in coming out of the harbor fol
the purpose of attacking q British vessel
was in direct violation of the contract
between the United States and the syn
dictate having charge Of the war, arc
that such action could,not be allowed.
The commander of the Lenox paid nC
more attention to these words than tlt
syndcate's director had given to thost
he had spoken, but Immediately com
menced violent attack upon the crab