The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1899-06-06

started as if surprised, then. as the
litter said something to him in low
voice, he accompanied him into the
cabin
Meanwhile Mr.. Marker proceeded
to describe 10 the officer OF the deck
what he was pleased TO term his cox
swain disobedience of orders, when
the officer At once ordered Granger to
be arrested and put in the brig--a
place between two guns forward
where delinquents were confined.
Sad and d;sconsolatc, Granger now
anticipated the punishment inflicted
on mutineer-deaih at the yard
| arm, or by the bullets Of the marines.
And yet he had performed a gallant
action-the only one that had saved
the man-o'-war's men aud given them
the victory.
When he took upon himself the
command and made his bold dash at
the pirates he had known that Mr..
Marker, who had opposed the move
ment was too much dazed and be
wlldered TO clearly realize what he
was about; but was there any hope
that the members of the court mar
tial would believe him when he said so ?
The long day and night passed.
Several times Granger had seen
groups of men near him, aud heard
them conversing in low voices. while
they glanced ominously toward him
Next morning, just after daybreak,
the boatswain was heard piping all
hands on deck. Then followed the
roll OF tho drum, after which was
heard the harsh voice of the Lieuten
ant of Marines. The Gathering of
muskets succeeded, then the master
alarms made his appearance in the
brig"
whats up, Thompson?" inquired
Granger, sadly.
You're to 80 on deck with me. -
answered Thompson, with n gloomy
face. Good only knows what they
are going 20 do with you, but there's
file of marines in the gan gway with
loaded muskets."
The luaster-at-arms now led the
prisoner on deck. The file of ma.
rines stood like statues in the gang
way. Near them was the captain.
and close to him the stranger who had
been taken from the rock. The crew
| were ranged further forward.
''AIr. Marker" said the stranger.
turning to the midshipman, who stood
few PAGES OF, ''you think that few
shots would serve this fellow right?"
| pointing to Granger as he spoke.
eyes, for his mutiny, his disobedi-
ence of ORDERS" answered Marker,
fiercely.
Marines" continued the stranger,
"do your duty. Give the coxswain a
volley-a volley in his honor. IRE
over his headr
The crew stared in wonder. Mr..
Marker started The marines did not
bulge, but looked in surprise at the
speaker, whom neither they nor any
OF the sailors had never seen before
he was sighted on the rock, and yet
who orderei them so peremptoriIy.
But now, quickly divesting himself of
his surtout the stranger disclosed the
uniform of commodore, while at the
same time the captain shouted
do as You are bid, marines! He is
the commodore of the squadron
In an instant the muskets were
raised, and the volley of honor roared
over Changers head.
''Now off with his irons!" cried IL G
commodore
The handouts were quickly whipped
of by the delighted master-at- arms
then the commodore, addressing the
crew, eulogiZed Granger's conduct in
taking command OF, and in maneuvr.
ing, the cutter as he had done. after
Midshipman Marker was dazed by the
shot which struck him, and which,
from first to last, untitled him for Civ.
ing proper orders.
'Ay, he continued, ''and am now
| glad that ] remained on the rock to
take n view Of the channels and reel
near it, while / sent my ships barge
to explore some OF the Iabyrinths OF
the isles am even glad that the men
OF the barge, for some reason or other,
could not find their way back TO me, as
II has enabled me to be a witness tc
this brave coxswain's behavior, oil
which | fully approve, and for which
he deserves reward instead of punish
ment. Therefore. rs soon as possible
! shall see that he be promoted by re
ceiving n midshipman's warrant. which
was never more worthily earned OF
better deserved"
Words could not describe Granger's
Joy and the modification of Mr.
Marker. Many a cordial shake of the
hand did the gratifej coxswain re-
ceivc from his shipmates and chums
young and old, while all hands Joined
applauding the conduct of the noble
! and lust hearted commodore