Omaha daily bee., 1898-08-07

fail to adduce proof that Mr.. Vansittart is
a French citizen. Third, If he were, and on
board this ship, it would, under the circum-
stances, require the whole German navy to
take him off It,"
The German was ready to burst with rage.
Full well he knew that he had been triCSed
by a specious a%rtiice, arising from wholly
unexpected conditions. Yet he dared not
and would not return to Bremerhaven with
out attempting to serve his country in this
ticklish affair. Why not strive, at the sacri-
flee of his life, to rid Germany Of one potent
enemy?
He Involuntary made a half step for
ward, and his right arm crossed to his
sword, but Captain Hamilton and another
officer sprang in front of him, and Arizona
Jim's hand fell TO his hip. There are times
/ when a six-shootcr is more convenient than
| even a 6-inch gun.
The incident passed so quickly that 1t
might have been imaginary were it not
accumulated by Evelyn's slight cry Of
alarm.
Won Grudenau, with a frigid bow, said:
Further conversation is useless. I must
obey my orders. With your permission, sir,
l will return to my vessel
AS he spoke his eyes wandered along the
lines of the Hawke. He could not fail to
see that she was in fighting trim. [
Captain Hamilton followed his glance andt
smiled: will you not do me the honor OF
prolonging your visit and inspecting the
ship? She will bear scrutiny, | can assure
you"
The other politely waived the offer aside.
Il have no option but to try what force
can do" he said.
ANY course you may see fit to adopt will
afford me equal pleasure. But this is not
a personal matter, sir. ! am in duty bound
You are rashly risking a useful vessel and
the lives Of your crew in striving to carry
to tell you that your ship is overmatched.
out your unreasonable instructions"
Again Won Grudenau bowed, and without
further speech quilted the Hawke. Not until
he was well clear of her did he notice that
the British man-of-war was now interposed
between the Seafarer and Das Rheinland.
Captain Hamilton at once turned to Je-
rome: NJ Vansittart, all on-combatants
The millionaire had expected some such
must be taken to safer quarters
The British commander was not mistaken
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lu5malIoxo p5ssoIddns qlIM qoIql OF pauu9as
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request. well" he said, "if i turn my back
on the Germans this time II Is only that l
may have a better look at them afterwards"
The Seafarer now made off as fast as her
screw could revolve. BY the time Won Cru
denau reached his own ship she was out OF
as to the enemy's intent, There was no
nonsense about firing preliminary shells as
range-finders. Trusting to possible forget
fitness, the first German projectile fairly
struck the companionway near which Van
sittaTt had stood. Iron s~plinters and shat
tered woodwork kicked up a rare commotion
in the locality, but Hamilton's nice caicula-
ton of Won Grudenau's objective was equally
successful in averting loss of life or limb
among his officers and men.
Thereafter-for two minutes that seemed
like hours-the listeners in an oil-lit cabin
near the engine room heard a series OF vio-
lent explosions, erratic snorts of steam, a
din OF electric bells and an indescribablo
rattle of machinery. whilst five times in
rapid succession came a clang OF battered
iron, accompanied by a staggering thud.
Evelyn chung desperately to her husband.
The French maid, huddled up in a corner.
sobbed Historically, and the three men each
confessed afterward that they expected the
top of the cylinder to blow off.
Suddenly the door opened and Lieutenant
Bloomfield entered.
Captain Hamilton wishes you to come on
deck" he said.
From the calmness of his tone he might
have been conducting them TO witness a re-
gatta. The people on the Hawke had just
passed through an extremely sensational
and diyerting performance.
Events soon became Ineligible.
The third shell from the Hawke had
smashed Das Rhelnland's rudder and when
Captain Hamilton discovered his opponents
helplessness he ordered cease fire"
The Hawkes. casualties amounted 10 three
men killed and ten wounded. together with