Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1899-06-09

OF THE BRUSH WITH THE BLACK
SHIP.
I plunged off to the forecastle, seiz-
ing a handspike as 1 went. Thunder
ing on the hatch, and then opening it,
1 roared down:
''All hands ahoy! Look alive!" In
an instant there was bouncing out
of hunks and hammocks, and rush up
the hatch. The fellows popped out
in quick succession, and in flash the
entire crew was ranged on deck.
'"To the braces!" shouted the cap
tain through the trumpet. ''All ready
to slack and haul! Some of you for
ward to tend spritsaiI!''
These orders, taken up by the mate
as the yelling of the wind drowned in
part even the believing of the trum-
pet, were rapidly obeyed. and the crew
scrambled to their stations and stood
ready.
Down helm!" was shouted back to
the two fellows at the tiIIer. The ships
head began to fall Off, and as it did so
the orders to handle the braces fol-
lowed. In mere matter of moments,
so fast did the men work-urged on,
indeed, by the knowledge that there
was some unusual stress, though as
yet they understood imperfectly the
cause-in that few moments the last
order was carried out. and the ships
head now pointed due north. | had
kept an eye on the strangers move
ments while we were fetching the In
dustry upon the new course, and was
not greatly surprised, on casting my
eye that way, to see the broad bows
Su61on1xy fol fro ho nj II
the long black side begin to show. At
the same moment her yards flew round.
and thus she, too, was pointed north.
There could be but one explanation
of this last action-the stranger meant
to Overhaul us. I was now burning to
get speech with the captain or Sell
finger, that l might resolve something
more certain out of this stirring bust
ness; but for the present they were
busted with other matters, so that
did not like to seek them. The readiest
answer TO be come 1T was that she was
Dutch, and was making 4 flying cruise
of it in the channel. If so. she should
be both faster and stronger than she
looked, for it would be IL bold thing
indeed, for mere wagon of n mer-
chant rigger, without broadside guns
and having no near friendly port for
refuge, thus to seek prizes in our mar
row seas. While | was turning these
matters over in my mind taking care
to keep an eye out aft tho while. to be
in readiness for sudden orders. the
companion opened and the supercargo
again appeared. The mate was stand
ing near by, and Mr.. lynn NJ once went
over to him, and. by his expression and
some words which the wind took to
me, desired to know what had hap
pened. This was the very thing
would have, for now. without pushing
myself into their counSc;s. | could slip
a little nearer. and be made acquaint-
ed with the whole matter.
cay, Dutchman. fast enough the
supercargo was saying. ~ daring fell
low, too, and not to be lightly shaken
off, l fancy. VIII it do to set q Lit more
.sail?"
1T would not be profitable" the
mate answered. SHE is doing what
she can with this strength of wind by
the breaking of the clouds Wonder. it
will presently quiet bit. and then we
will see what can be done Yon OBJ
serve that we hold our own with the
fellow at present. and carry as much
as he does"
Yes" said the supercargo. u per-
ceive that"
I'VE will make race with him for
the coast" pursued the mate. land il
will go hard with US ii we do not give
him a shrewd brush.''
How far might it be? Surely twenty
miles,
Call it bit more Say five-and-
twenty. He could make that by night
fall.''
True" said Mr.. Tym. with a sat
listed nod, "and if he should overhaul
JUS on this course we could try bow
aline."